Sponsor/Donation Discussion for Comp's

[Royale Ranch]

Well, i really don't have too much to say - and no one in particular to say it to - so I'm just addressing anyone and everyone, i guess.

First up - It's great to see some more competitions popping up in the forum.. especially some that are quite creative.

Secondly- its amazing to see so many people willing to donate and sponsor said competitions...

***BUT:***

It's a bit sad to see the lack of entries that they're all getting.....

yes, we're getting some, but how can we all: a) encourage more entires and b) encourage people that don't participate *as much* to join in as well?

just putting it out there....

[MintySugarHorse2]

Well, i really don't have too much to say - and no one in particular to say it to - so I'm just addressing anyone and everyone, i guess.

First up - It's great to see some more competitions popping up in the forum.. especially some that are quite creative.

Secondly- its amazing to see so many people willing to donate and sponsor said competitions...

***BUT:***

It's a bit sad to see the lack of entries that they're all getting.....

yes, we're getting some, but how can we all: a) encourage more entires and b) encourage people that don't participate *as much* to join in as well?

just putting it out there....

This is well said

[panka33]

Hi Royale Ranch,

I am not sure why others are reluctant to participate such competitions, but I can tell why I am:

1.Judging has not valid explanation or mostly no explanation at all, prizes go to best friends.
2 If somehow manage to win, I have to beg long for the prize or a never get it
3. Some competitions are never been judged.

Probably I entered the wrong competitions but this is my experience.

[BlackOak2]

It's a difficult and possibly long uphill climb to boost entries in a PERMANENT manner. We can boost participation by running contests, but these are short-lived.

I have an idea that I'm going to run through the newspaper soon, so I can't offer descriptions on it just yet. But I'm not sure how to boost participation in a permanent manner with what we have now on the game (regular players, breeders versus competitors, etc.)

So I'll have to dwell on it for awhile and see if an idea hits me OTHER than a style of contest... or outright paying players to enter horses into competitions just to force-boost participation.

[Royale Ranch]

Hi Royale Ranch,

I am not sure why others are reluctant to participate such competitions, but I can tell why I am:

1.Judging has not valid explanation or mostly no explanation at all, prizes go to best friends.
2 If somehow manage to win, I have to beg long for the prize or a never get it
3. Some competitions are never been judged.

Probably I entered the wrong competitions but this is my experience.

thanks for your response, panka, i appreciate it.

I'm also sorry to hear of your experience - but can also see where you are coming from.

unfortunately, i don't see any quick answer to any of your points.. but it does expose the obvious need for:

a) a clear criteria for the winning - and more umm, perhaps mathematical criteria in comparison to personal opioion. obviously, with some comp's, such as "tack/dress/wearables" this isnt going to be possible.
b) and perhaps a "panel" of people could host competitions in comparison to just one person.. that way, more than one would be accountable. however, it could cause friction. perhaps... just perhaps.. we could very kindly - and nicely ask the admins to host more competitions? Or even - to judge the competition. or perhaps, there could be a user voting system - but that could cause people to spam vote one entry i suppose.
c) regarding the issue of "friends" receiving the prize..... It's hard to address this. a "judging panel" may help.

the core reason for me trying to bring this whole thing to the fore is because when i was a beginner, i won a competition. It had a great prize, and really (for me) changed the game from good to great. plus - i cant count how much it helped me to get ahead.

I suppose you could target beginner users in some comps.. but again, many are underage or dont use the forums. Then, you get the opposite issue... for the more experienced players - we're not going to be interested in who can get the highest GP horse... or etc... you get what i am saying. Not sure if that rambling helps - or hinders - or if its just waffle.

[Royale Ranch]

It's a difficult and possibly long uphill climb to boost entries in a PERMANENT manner. We can boost participation by running contests, but these are short-lived.

I have an idea that I'm going to run through the newspaper soon, so I can't offer descriptions on it just yet. But I'm not sure how to boost participation in a permanent manner with what we have now on the game (regular players, breeders versus competitors, etc.)

So I'll have to dwell on it for awhile and see if an idea hits me OTHER than a style of contest... or outright paying players to enter horses into competitions just to force-boost participation.

Thanks for your imput. Perhaps the core issue - or whatever you would like to call it - is trying to get more players to participate on the forum. looking through the players list... there is a huge percentage that doesn't contribute to the forums etc at all. sure, i can understand that everyone has their reasons - and not everyone want's to become involved in a game community (myself, i feel like i'm dominating far to much as it is) But still - (not that there is anything wrong with the consistent players - its great to see them ) but some new ones would be awesome too.

I look forward to seeing your idea via the newsletter.

[Elaina Brewster]

Well, i really don't have too much to say - and no one in particular to say it to - so I'm just addressing anyone and everyone, i guess.

First up - It's great to see some more competitions popping up in the forum.. especially some that are quite creative.

Secondly- its amazing to see so many people willing to donate and sponsor said competitions...

***BUT:***

It's a bit sad to see the lack of entries that they're all getting.....

yes, we're getting some, but how can we all: a) encourage more entires and b) encourage people that don't participate *as much* to join in as well?

just putting it out there....

For myself, if the prize is a cash amount, breedings or a horse, I'd rather allow a newer player to win. Exception being like my Triple Crown/Tiara events where the game decides the winner, and I can enter and go against the very best of the best for bragging rights.

If anyone knows of other triple crown events beside the TB racing and Standardbred Harness Racing ones , I'm all ears (or I guess really eyes). I model the entry fee and prizes after the real ones, as well as offer an incentive to the winner of all three.

Another possibility is an Olympic themed event, I participated in one on another game. It was a massive undertaking for the organizers. Including Admin who removed unregistered horses from the events.

[Elaina Brewster]

It's a difficult and possibly long uphill climb to boost entries in a PERMANENT manner. We can boost participation by running contests, but these are short-lived.

I have an idea that I'm going to run through the newspaper soon, so I can't offer descriptions on it just yet. But I'm not sure how to boost participation in a permanent manner with what we have now on the game (regular players, breeders versus competitors, etc.)

So I'll have to dwell on it for awhile and see if an idea hits me OTHER than a style of contest... or outright paying players to enter horses into competitions just to force-boost participation.

Thanks for your imput. Perhaps the core issue - or whatever you would like to call it - is trying to get more players to participate on the forum. looking through the players list... there is a huge percentage that doesn't contribute to the forums etc at all. sure, i can understand that everyone has their reasons - and not everyone want's to become involved in a game community (myself, i feel like i'm dominating far to much as it is) But still - (not that there is anything wrong with the consistent players - its great to see them ) but some new ones would be awesome too.

I look forward to seeing your idea via the newsletter.

I suspect to more permanently boost participation is to make a contest run in parts over a period of time and regularly. This builds anticipation and people can make goals, this mostly will be geared towards the more advanced players.

The suggestion of having a panel of judges is a good one. Not sure if the forums has an in built voting system, but I know there are ones that could be utilized in game, as long as the admins are agreeable.