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DPChallenge Forums >> Web Site Suggestions >> New Challenge Categories
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08/27/2011 05:23:24 PM · #1
I would like to see the introduction of new challenge categories. Basically each new challenge would be assigned a category chosen by the person who suggests the challenge. For example, suppose we had this list available:

- General (no focus)
- Technical (technique focus)
- Commercial (commercial appeal focus)
- Art (form & content focus)
- Documentary (recording & fact focus)
- Experimental (pushing the boundaries / innovation focus)

Think of the possibilities? Take for example, the Stopped Motion challenge. There has been 15 ribbon winning photos in this challenge to date and all of them with the exception of maybe 1 or 2 would fall under the commercial category. What if we ran this challenge under Art or Experimental instead? Would we get different results? What if we ran a Posthumous challenge under Commercial?

I know this has been brought up before but I think it's time it was suggested again. If we care at all about improving our craft and getting more active participation then we need to encourage fresh new ideas in these challenges. We can still run existing challenges under the General category if we want the same type of results or choose a different one to give it a new spin. Thoughts?
08/27/2011 05:26:03 PM · #2
where's the like button?

I think this is a great concept
08/27/2011 05:26:03 PM · #3
oops double post

Message edited by author 2011-08-27 17:26:20.
08/27/2011 05:38:26 PM · #4
I think this is a great idea, especially for the repeated topics.
08/27/2011 05:41:24 PM · #5
So a sample suggestion:

Theme: Stopped Motion
Ruleset: Advanced
Category: Art
08/27/2011 05:43:02 PM · #6
Great idea to get people thinking out of the box and give a new twist on things here!
08/27/2011 05:44:59 PM · #7
+1
08/27/2011 05:45:23 PM · #8
Which would present the problem of getting people to vote according to additional constraints. I'm not sure the result would change that much if people continue giving high scores to good photos which DNMC.
08/27/2011 05:46:08 PM · #9
Great idea to add another dimension to the challenges which are getting repetitive and a bit monotonous.

...also adds another meaning to DNMC (Does Not Meet Category) ;-)
08/27/2011 05:47:03 PM · #10
Yakeo, I also think this is an exceptionally good idea.

I even like the categories you listed, with one minor suggestion.

Instead of General (no focus)
perhaps just General. Otherwise, I can see a complete Challenge full of blurry photographs.

:)
08/27/2011 05:48:17 PM · #11
Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Which would present the problem of getting people to vote according to additional constraints.


Another good reason in favor of this suggestion.
08/27/2011 05:54:30 PM · #12
Great idea, Richard!

You're so smart!
08/27/2011 06:39:01 PM · #13
Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Which would present the problem of getting people to vote according to additional constraints. I'm not sure the result would change that much if people continue giving high scores to good photos which DNMC.


Ben is right. It probably would help in that regard but that wasn't my goal. I find that the best photographs are the ones that are open to multiple interpretations. How else can a photograph achieve a thousand words if it didn't do that? These are more susceptible to DNMC, so I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Besides, we already have challenges that add additional constraints such as the Macro but no bugs or flowers challenge. Most people seem to follow that pretty well. The categories would not add any restriction on what you can shoot or how to shoot it. If the challenge is to walk straight ahead then the category is meant to point you in a different direction before you take that first step. That's all.

Message edited by author 2011-08-27 18:42:27.
08/27/2011 06:47:22 PM · #14
I think the +1 thingie indicates a nod of the head, a "uh huh", or an "I agree with that!"

So...

+1
08/27/2011 07:30:00 PM · #15
I guess I am one of the only people who disagrees.
I get why its good, but I also think that challenges tend to already be too much of a cookie cutter approach. If the challenge is "Jewelry" I like the current challenges where there are a few commercial, some creative, some abstract, and some product shots. I wouldn't want 100 product shots because that has been defined in the challenge. Boooooring
08/27/2011 09:02:45 PM · #16
I agree 100% here. Great idea.
08/27/2011 10:03:12 PM · #17
Originally posted by Fiora:

I guess I am one of the only people who disagrees.
I get why its good, but I also think that challenges tend to already be too much of a cookie cutter approach. If the challenge is "Jewelry" I like the current challenges where there are a few commercial, some creative, some abstract, and some product shots. I wouldn't want 100 product shots because that has been defined in the challenge. Boooooring


I have the same worry, but realistically there are some uninspiring topics that could get a boost from this idea. I think if we go half and half, it will only improve things.
08/27/2011 10:43:43 PM · #18
Great suggestion
08/27/2011 10:48:30 PM · #19
I think it would complicate things.....like someone mentioned, difficult to get people to vote according to the "new" category.

I don't necessarily like restricting the challenges either.
08/27/2011 10:50:02 PM · #20
+5

(i've gained weight...)
08/28/2011 01:23:45 AM · #21
Originally posted by KarenNfld:

I think it would complicate things.....like someone mentioned, difficult to get people to vote according to the "new" category.

I don't necessarily like restricting the challenges either.


Except that we do it all the time. We just use wordy challenge titles or descriptions. The macro challenge I mentioned earlier being a prime example of this. If anything the categories would simplify it. Besides, if it's not for you then don't use it. You would still be able to choose whine glass III and choose the general category if you want people to treat it the same like last time. Easy peasy.
08/28/2011 06:10:58 AM · #22
I like the idea of running them TOGETHER, i.e the same challenge topic, run in two (or more) different categories.

I think it could be interesting to see the difference in approach that having same subject but shooting for a different audience/purpose would make.
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