Board of the Month?

[The Chief]

I think we should have a board of the month contest over here on vb.org as the one on vb.com is somewhat not popular and we would get alot more better critism here and fair rating then on vb.com.

I would also find it would be more of a pride winning here then on vb.com.

Let me know what you people think?

Thanks :)

[Ntfu2]

Which leads to the age old questions...

Who picks candiates, what do they base their votes on, what makes board A better then board B that it deserves a award for the month.

I agree it would be pretty popular and fun, but the headache might outweigh all that slightly.

on a side note, anyone ever notice how the featured board on vb.com their main page only shows large vBulletins? And that of staff members related to vBulletin products?

[The Chief]

Which leads to the age old questions...

Who picks candiates, what do they base their votes on, what makes board A better then board B that it deserves a award for the month.

I agree it would be pretty popular and fun, but the headache might outweigh all that slightly.


on a side note, anyone ever notice how the featured board on their main page only shows large vBulletins? And that of staff members related to vBulletin products?
I think it would go with the effort the owner puts in as some people might be able to tell and see changes that have been happening.

[Dan]

Actually they have one of these going already at vBulletin.com

[Ntfu2]

I think it would go with the effort the owner puts in as some people might be able to tell and see changes that have been happening.


Maybe you could start a thread "the unoffical board of the month at vBulletin.org", Let people submit their boards, list any modifications done, hacks installed, if they have a unique style or just a plain one, that sorta stuff. Then you/who ever can go check it out, rate it based on some factors, and then make a descision?

I think that would work, if you could find 3-5 other members who are interested in picking such things out :D

[Boofo]

Ooooh! Ooooh! Pick mine! Pick mine! ;)

[Ntfu2]

Ooooh! Ooooh! Pick mine! Pick mine! ;)

I'd tell you No, but vBulletin.org says i have to do it in four characters :D

[Boofo]

I see how you are now. ;)

[Blazeman2006]

That would really be a cool idea :)

[Chris M]

Instead of running parallel competitions on .com and .org, why not merge them into one competition on this forum??

Chris

[The Chief]

Instead of running parallel competitions on .com and .org, why not merge them into one competition on this forum??

Chris
Yup, that would be something to consider and Monthly competitions here at vb.org work better then the vb.com competitions :D

[Freesteyelz]

I think it's a good idea. :)

When the UBB modding community was active the board of the month was popular. From stock to fully modified boards, any customer could enter. To be fair people could not re-enter their (winning) domain or design within a 3 month period following their win. They could, however, submit a new design from another domain. An optional benefit: 3-time winners are rewarded with a owned license (or renewal). The criteria to win was something like: Design, content, originality...


Ooooh! Ooooh! Pick mine! Pick mine! ;)

Not yet. ;)

[The Chief]

I think it's a good idea. :)

When the UBB modding community was active the board of the month was popular. From stock to fully modified boards, any customer could enter. To be fair people could not re-enter their (winning) domain or design within a 3 month period following their win. They could, however, submit a new design from another domain. An optional benefit: 3-time winners are rewarded with a owned license (or renewal). The criteria to win was something like: Design, content, originality...




Not yet. ;)
Yeah, we don't really need to win a prize really, just like a tag or something or else we would have to start giving prizes for the Hack of the Month :D

[Ntfu2]

I think just having the honor of being selected board of the month out of every one who submits it would be good enough. Maybe we could get the vB.org guys to create a title for the winners?

[Freesteyelz]

Designer Staff! :banana:

[The Chief]

Designer Staff! :banana:
umm, why staff? lol

[Freesteyelz]

True.

The Chief! :D

[Ntfu2]

:lol: Lets start one

[Freesteyelz]

Hmm...Several options: Titles, certificates or ribbons.

[The Chief]

:lol: Lets start one
I'm not sure it would work that well without the approbation of the staff?

[Ntfu2]

it just wouldnt be "offical" :o

[The Chief]

it just wouldnt be "offical" :o
I think if we really want this to work we would need the collaboration of the staff here on vb.org or else I am assuming it would die rather fast...

[Ntfu2]

I think if we really want this to work we would need the collaboration of the staff here on vb.org or else I am assuming it would die rather fast...


Yep it would :-p 3


that and we cant really give out cool ribbons or anything :D:banana:

[Paul M]

Sounds a good idea to me. :)


(that's just my personal view before you ask).

[peterska2]

I'd prefer to see style of the month than board of the month as vB.com already has that.


(my own view too)

[Roms]

I'd prefer to see style of the month than board of the month as vB.com already has that.


(my own view too)

* Roms agrees

[The Chief]

I'd prefer to see style of the month than board of the month as vB.com already has that.


(my own view too)
Actually what vb.com has is a Style of the month, well they mostly base theirself on styles anyways, for this we could more focus on overall effort put in and so on...

[Ntfu2]

I think we should brainstorm on how it would be judged and by whom, and then present the offer to the staff here :)

[The Chief]

I think we should brainstorm on how it would be judged and by whom, and then present the offer to the staff here :)
Yup, that's a good idea, what do you suggest Ntfu to start with?

[Freesteyelz]

With UBB, it was the modding community staff who chose the winners. The staff (admin, moderators, support) consisted of coders and designers. If this is to be an official contest then the community staff should be the ones to judge or at least play a larger role in the process.

Another way of judging is by peers. Everyone has their preference and it gives general users a voice. Though, there are problems with peer voting such as knowing and understanding how much work entrants put into their forum/site design.

Along with the judging criteria: Design, originality and content, another criterion should be integration. How well did the web-designer integrate their forum with the overall site.

[The Chief]

With UBB, it was the modding community staff who chose the winners. The staff (admin, moderators, support) consisted of coders and designers. If this is to be an official contest then the community staff should be the ones to judge or at least play a larger role in the process.

Another way of judging is by peers. Everyone has their preference and it gives general users a voice. Though, there are problems with peer voting such as knowing and understanding how much work entrants put into their forum/site design.

Along with the judging criteria: Design, originality and content, another criterion should be integration. How well did the web-designer integrate their forum with the overall site.
I second your suggestions.

To nominate, we should use the same process as vb.com is using, and I am sure nominations would definaetly be a big part in the whole monthly contest as people will be able to second others.

[Freesteyelz]

Nice forum you got there, The Chief. :)

[The Chief]

Nice forum you got there, The Chief. :)
Thank you, haha :D

[Freesteyelz]

It was supposed to be site/forum. :)

As for the nomination process, the web-designer has to approve his/her site/forum's submission if another person nominated it. This is one of the reasons why I prefer self-nominations. Also, I'm not sure about random draws (to a 5 selection contest). To me the more nominations the better.

[The Chief]

It was supposed to be site/forum. :)

As for the nomination process, the web-designer has to approve his/her site/forum's submission if another person nominated it. This is one of the reasons why I prefer self-nominations. Also, I'm not sure about random draws (to a 5 selection contest). To me the more nominations the better.
Yeah, we could make something like 10 nominations :D

[Freesteyelz]

Dunno.

Now I see kall's board up there in the running along with yours in this months vB.com contest. :)

[The Chief]

Dunno.

Now I see kall's board up there in the running along with yours in this months vB.com contest. :)
Yup, but there's what, like 20 votes?

Over here we could get a more accurate voting, and more chances of winning I guess...

[Freesteyelz]

I think it'll liven up vB.org and .com and give users something to look forward to. I see it something as a positive. O and yes, I agree that the contest should be held here at vB.org. :)

[The Chief]

I think it'll liven up vB.org and .com and give users something to look forward to. I see it something as a positive. O and yes, I agree that the contest should be held here at vB.org. :)
Let's just see what the staff says about this, I also agree :D

[Xenon]

hmm, a bit more contests would be good for vb.org yes.

But i am not sure of how to do it. If the staff decides who would be the winner, some could say we are biased and such, so i'd say it should be the users who decide the winning board.

The boardowner could get a image in his Profile or such, to show he is the owner of a board of a month, maybe with link and everything....


that are just idea from myself, not sure what the rest of the staff thinks about :)

[The Chief]

hmm, a bit more contests would be good for vb.org yes.

But i am not sure of how to do it. If the staff decides who would be the winner, some could say we are biased and such, so i'd say it should be the users who decide the winning board.

The boardowner could get a image in his Profile or such, to show he is the owner of a board of a month, maybe with link and everything....


that are just idea from myself, not sure what the rest of the staff thinks about :)
Yup, that would be interesting Xenon, I just thought about this (would require alot of effort I think) but would be even more interesting, adding a Board link directory, like hacks, but then people could nominate them with links like they are currently doing with the hacks..

What do you think about this?

[Ntfu2]

:rockwoot: I am back from a nice sleep :D


Along with the judging criteria: Design, originality and content, another criterion should be integration. How well did the web-designer integrate their forum with the overall site.


I agree those would/should be the main parts to the judging of the contest, and that the people of vBulletin.org should make up most of the voting(2/3rds) and the final 1/3rd should be left to the contest organizers.

[Xenon]

Well, i have no problems with setting up a contest usergroup for that, if you want it that way, but those will have to do the work then as well and organize the contests and such.

again just a suggestion, i and the rest of the staff will surely support you with things needed, but it should be a user contest itself, so you should come up with the rules and such :)

[The Chief]

Well, i have no problems with setting up a contest usergroup for that, if you want it that way, but those will have to do the work then as well and organize the contests and such.

again just a suggestion, i and the rest of the staff will surely support you with things needed, but it should be a user contest itself, so you should come up with the rules and such :)
If you make a usergroup for that Xenon, and get us at least on a track to ge these set-up I would be glad to be part of this usergroup.

Some front page poll help would also help ;)

[Xenon]

such things can be set up, once that you have decided on who should be in that group, and all terms and such.

if you want to clarify a few things or have more suggestions and need an admin, contact Danny, as he'll be responsible for such things with his Customer team :)

I just post my opinions here :)

[Ntfu2]

I see, what forum would the group hold the contest in? Would they just use the Forum Commenting section, or maybe a whole new forum :shock:

[Xenon]

I'd say that Mod of the Month Forum can be used for that contest as well.

We'll just move it out of announce ments and hold all contests in there in future

[The Chief]

I'd say that Mod of the Month Forum can be used for that contest as well.

We'll just move it out of announce ments and hold all contests in there in future
Okay, I have contacted Ntfu2 and Freestylez, both of them have some skills in Designing and I think would be a good addition to the team.

Let's make it me, Freestylez and Ntfu2 for the Board of the month.

Give us the details and I will set up the first one and make arrangements with the others. :)

[Xenon]

as said, talk to Danny about such things, it is not my responsibility ;)

[The Chief]

as said, talk to Danny about such things, it is not my responsibility ;)
Sure, PM sent to Danny.VBT ;)

[Guest210212002]

/me likes this idea

[Freesteyelz]

If the staff decides who would be the winner, some could say we are biased and such, so i'd say it should be the users who decide the winning board.


Voting is subjective so there will always be a chance of biasness occuring. Because the (current) staff is made up of Coders and Designers they'll be able to stick with the judging criteria more than the general population. Plus, we're looking for voting consistency. The general population come and go and people who voted for month A may not vote for month B. The staff, unless you're expected to make changes monthly, will be the constant and give the contest more reliability and credibility. :)

[GamerzWorld]

Im unsure if you mean making a whole new contest or merging with current one. My own view is that the contest currently on vbulletin.com needs to stay where it is. Firstly the winner recieves a space on the vbulletin site, a very nice prize for any board. Secondly it makes it more offical than having it on here. Finally its a reason for users to go to the offical forums, and in my eyes should be there rather than here

[smacklan]

Im unsure if you mean making a whole new contest or merging with current one. My own view is that the contest currently on vbulletin.com needs to stay where it is. Firstly the winner recieves a space on the vbulletin site, a very nice prize for any board. Secondly it makes it more offical than having it on here. Finally its a reason for users to go to the offical forums, and in my eyes should be there rather than here
I agree...I wouldn't support moving/merging it to here.

[The Chief]

Im unsure if you mean making a whole new contest or merging with current one. My own view is that the contest currently on vbulletin.com needs to stay where it is. Firstly the winner recieves a space on the vbulletin site, a very nice prize for any board. Secondly it makes it more offical than having it on here. Finally its a reason for users to go to the offical forums, and in my eyes should be there rather than here
The reason why we are going to make one here will be because here we can actually feel that people will get involved. Over there, it's just because old members are used to vote, usually nobody has an idea that there is one.

Here we will list you the prizes that will be won, and we will be making a new system for forum links, where you will be able to nominate boards by clicking on a link, like for the HOTM.

[The Chief]

Just to let all of you know, we are working on implementing this soon. We might have one for June, but we can't confirm it yet.

Sit tight and look for more news about this!

[GamerzWorld]

The reason why we are going to make one here will be because here we can actually feel that people will get involved. Over there, it's just because old members are used to vote, usually nobody has an idea that there is one.

Here we will list you the prizes that will be won, and we will be making a new system for forum links, where you will be able to nominate boards by clicking on a link, like for the HOTM.

I just worry with you creating a similar event it may kill the offical one, while yours will offer nothing more than an unoffical award. Winning it on vbulletin.com was offical, this wont be

[Freesteyelz]

It has the potential to, if it's organized well.

[Xenon]

well, it depends on how this work out at all, but it may become official, so that the contest is holded here because more people participate, but the result is submitted to vb.com to do what they always did with the winner ;)

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Will share some of my personal views on this.

- Let's first get the competition that really belongs to vb.org (HOTM/MOTM) running good again.
- Once that runs good, think about expansion.
- Keeping close to what vb.org is about, a design of the monh would be first to add. Like that we can serve both our coders & designers.
- Maybe add a different type of BOTM. Nominate & vote for boards based on how well they made changes to improve themself above standard vB.
- If doing a "normal" BOTM, i think it should stay where it is now, on vb.com. If w really want to have a similar contest, maybe merging the 2 might be a good idea: Nominate on both vb.com & vb.org., addup the nominees and create 1 list of boards that will enter the current month competition, and start a vote on that list on both sites. In the end, total the votes, and declare a global winner. Or some variation on this.

[peterska2]

I think a variation like Style of the Month would be more appropraite for this site. A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into designing and implementing their styles and do not release them as they wish to keep them unique. Others may have commercial styles, but have also heavily modified them (mine changes every time I go into my ACP and it started out as a standard commercial one).

I think it is something that is more judgeable (if there even is such a word) as it can be rated on things such as ease of navigation, use of color, loading speed, and such like.

[Dean C]

I fail to see the point of having this competition here as it stands. It's identicaly to vBulletin.com's.

[Freesteyelz]

It's not supposed to be identical as far as I'm aware. The BOTM is in its pioneering stages so I say give it time to develop.


- Keeping close to what vb.org is about, a design of the monh would be first to add. Like that we can serve both our coders & designers.
- Maybe add a different type of BOTM. Nominate & vote for boards based on how well they made changes to improve themself above standard vB.
- If doing a "normal" BOTM, i think it should stay where it is now, on vb.com. If w really want to have a similar contest, maybe merging the 2 might be a good idea: Nominate on both vb.com & vb.org., addup the nominees and create 1 list of boards that will enter the current month competition, and start a vote on that list on both sites. In the end, total the votes, and declare a global winner. Or some variation on this.

I like these 3 suggestions. :)

[smacklan]

It's not supposed to be identical as far as I'm aware. The BOTM is in its pioneering stages so I say give it time to develop.



I like these 3 suggestions. :)
I do too, but apparently the descision was made to run a parallel contest to vb.com without a vote taken here by the general population to least make it somewhat democratic. Now we have the contest being led by someone who obviously has a biased interest in seeing their site win...very poor descision on the part of the org imho...and you folks know I'm not one to complain here.

I also want to say I have nothing personal against The Chief and I think it's great he is passionate about his site...there just needs to be some assurance the contest will be run in an unbiased fashion to make it legit since it's going to be held.

[Freesteyelz]

Wow. I didn't realize (he) nominated his own site. That is a conflict of interest. If there was an independent judging panel, as I had suggested earlier (in this thread) to do, provided by the staff then that would have been a different story.

All I can say again is 'Wow'.

[The Chief]

I do too, but apparently the descision was made to run a parallel contest to vb.com without a vote taken here by the general population to least make it somewhat democratic. Now we have the contest being led by someone who obviously has a biased interest in seeing their site win...very poor descision on the part of the org imho...and you folks know I'm not one to complain here.

I also want to say I have nothing personal against The Chief and I think it's great he is passionate about his site...there just needs to be some assurance the contest will be run in an unbiased fashion to make it legit since it's going to be held.
As mentionned in the BotM Guidelines: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=117841. Nominees will be chosen by two people: Me and Ntfu2. "If" one has made some misjudgements, or like you say has had a conflict of interest, the other person will discuss about this with them.

If some of you are thinking I have put all my time into this for the sake of winning the BotM you are completely wrong. It's pretty sad to see people actually thinking that...

[SaN-DeeP]

I think we should have a board of the month contest over here on vb.org as the one on vb.com is somewhat not popular and we would get alot more better critism here and fair rating then on vb.com.

I would also find it would be more of a pride winning here then on vb.com.

Let me know what you people think?

Thanks :)
A very good idea.

[The Chief]

A very good idea.
Thank you, it is already working and the nominations are open ;)

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=117842

[smacklan]

Nominees will be chosen by two people: Me and Ntfu2.
Okay, then why bother nominating your site...just award it...same thing and you obviously aren't seeing why that is a conflict of interest...have fun with your contest.

[Dan]

smacklan, did you even bother reading the rules yet? I've yet to see anyone second their nominations, and then they can't "rig" the votes as it will be done with a POLL.

[smacklan]

smacklan, did you even bother reading the rules yet? I've yet to see anyone second their nominations, and then they can't "rig" the votes as it will be done with a POLL.
Yes, I have.


* We will choose 5 of these numbered sites to be included in the voting for next month.


We, meaning The Chief and ntfu2 I assume. Too easy to allow bias in the descision if the judge has his site in the mix...please explain to me how this is not a conflict of interest and why I should just "trust" it will be run fairly.

[Dan]

ok... assuming you know how the poll system works, people will click on the forum they want to win... and when the time is up... it will display who has won? isn't that how it works? I'm not sure you understand how it works. I think it's okay that he is entering the contest. Do I think it is a conflict of intrests? Yes I do also. But anyone has a fair chance into getting into the contest, as long as no one seconds his nomination he won't even get on the poll.

[amykhar]

Dan, smacklan's complaint is that it is Chief and his friend who decide which sites are placed in the poll for users to vote on.

[Dan]

Well the rule is being changed it looks like, the 5 sites with the most nominations are going to be in the contest.

[The Chief]

Rules have now been changed but in no way is there a conflict of interest. :)

[smacklan]

Okay...I will let it go. I want you to know Chief, that I'm not trying to hammer you or give you grief just for fun. I just think that to avoid the appearance of impropriety the people running the contest should agree to bow out of the running...it is what I would expect with any contest. Seconded nominations can be padded as well...not saying you would...but thats why contests remove that possibility so that those entering don't have to wonder.

[The Chief]

Okay...I will let it go. I want you to know Chief, that I'm not trying to hammer you or give you grief just for fun. I just think that to avoid the appearance of impropriety the people running the contest should agree to bow out of the running...it is what I would expect with any contest. Seconded nominations can be padded as well...not saying you would...but thats why contests remove that possibility so that those entering don't have to wonder.
We will do our best to make it fair for everybody ;)

[GamerzWorld]

Why do it here? What benefit is there

[Dan]

More people will be involved in the contest here is the main reason, the one at vB.com I've noticed isn't highly publicized and right in the view of everyone, only people that know about it are the ones who are normally in it usually.

[GamerzWorld]

More people will be involved in the contest here is the main reason, the one at vB.com I've noticed isn't highly publicized and right in the view of everyone, only people that know about it are the ones who are normally in it usually.

Dont take this the wrong way but I just dont have the same trust here. I mean on vbulletin.com I have a belief that the best board will probably win (apart from the arabic instance). Here it to me anyway feels like personality wins, those forum users who are know here, those great coders, who dont get me wrong deserve recognition but its the wrong contest... Who the admin is should not matter and thats what I feel will determine the winner of this competition here, more than it did at vbulletin.com

[The Chief]

More people will be involved in the contest here is the main reason, the one at vB.com I've noticed isn't highly publicized and right in the view of everyone, only people that know about it are the ones who are normally in it usually.
Yes, it would also help if we get this actually publisized on front page. I'll try to talk with the admins to see if the BotM poll can be on front page.

[Gio~Logist]

Dont take this the wrong way but I just dont have the same trust here. I mean on vbulletin.com I have a belief that the best board will probably win (apart from the arabic instance). Here it to me anyway feels like personality wins, those forum users who are know here, those great coders, who dont get me wrong deserve recognition but its the wrong contest... Who the admin is should not matter and thats what I feel will determine the winner of this competition here, more than it did at vbulletin.com

People over here are more community oriented and will participate more than on vb.com As for it being a "popularity contest", that can happen anywhere. The only thing that could change this perhaps is making it so that they have to explain their reason.

[The Chief]

lol, we thought about that one ;)

[Brad]

Okay...I will let it go. I want you to know Chief, that I'm not trying to hammer you or give you grief just for fun. I just think that to avoid the appearance of impropriety the people running the contest should agree to bow out of the running...it is what I would expect with any contest. Seconded nominations can be padded as well...not saying you would...but thats why contests remove that possibility so that those entering don't have to wonder.
Your concerns are vaild and have made it to the admin levels. I see problems with the way this is currently begin done and will have to make sure some changes are made.

[smacklan]

Your concerns are vaild and have made it to the admin levels. I see problems with the way this is currently begin done and will have to make sure some changes are made.
Thanks Brad...very nice reply and it is appreciated ;)