Mini-Challenge Musings

To start, I want to say that this kind of discussion is valuable; I think that it is helpful to think about what a challenge is and how they should be run. Here's my opinion on the subject:

Should entries for the MC be limited to images taken with PowerShot cameras?

There are already claims the our participation is too low; restricting entries even further seems counterproductive. Most people here have at least an interest in PowerShot cameras. (I have both a G5X and an 80D; I've entered 80D pictures here and G5X pictures in the XXD forum.)

Is the 3-entry limit typically seen appropriate? I think so, but what do I know?

I don't really see a need for expanding the entry limit; I'm not sure that would produce any more participation than we already have.

What about a suggestion that entries should be captured after the start of the MC in order to encourage more photo taking and less library searching? This thought won't be popular at all, I know.

If you are going to restrict challenge entries just to pictures that are taken during the challenge period, you're going to have increase the length of the challenge. Not everyone can go out shooting every week for a specific topic. I fear that this will drive participation way down.

How do you feel about deliberately encouraging fellow participants to use the "Thumbs-Up" button rather than posting numerous "nice shot" replies? This would seem like it would be helpful to the host and may present an opportunity for some sort of People's Choice honors.

Interesting idea - I don't know if it would work out in practice.

The big one: exhibit submissions -- I said it out loud. I've seen hosts try to forbid them and get smacked down over the years, often somewhat rudely. I've seen forum participants, including some who are quite active on the forum, posting large volumes of photos as exhibits with no intention of ever submitting entries.

We have, in the past, had some trouble having the winner start the next MC. I think that it is reasonable to for people to enter photos as exhibits if, for some reason, they do not wish to or are unable to host the next challenge. I think that there is a place for exhibits here. While I would like to see more entries and fewer exhibits, I don't know any productive way to do this.

I hope that more people would run a challenge; it isn't hard - but you should pay attention to what's happening in your challenge and post the winners promptly.