Thanks for your input on the major grins, big grins, etc. I figured something must be triggering the changes and number of posts makes sense. On my way to New Zealand now....

Big Grins at 10; Major Grins at 100.

Originally Posted by Richard Big Grins at 10; Major Grins at 100.

Mildly bemused at 10,000+....

I miss LPS.

DSS not challenging enough for you?

Originally Posted by indiegirl I miss LPS.

I second that but let me explain. I think
the challenges you come up with are awesome
I just don't like the new voting style.

Just my two cents.

peace, gail

PS. I was wondering about all the titles having the challenge name in them to.
Glad you brought it up Joyce.

When I tested the voting style that we are using now, the majority of feedback was all for it. In fact the main reason it was even changed was because it was requested several times by several people.
Everyone seemed to want:
1. The ability to vote for more than one person.
2. To be part of the decision making process and not only be given 10 out of the group to vote for.
3. Give all participants a way to receive feedback.

With the new public vote we have achieved all three and more. I personally feel there is a lot of merit in a public forum allowing that same userbase to give it's peers feedback via a vote from everyone.

We always have had a public voting component. Even back in the days of LPS. What we have now is just an expanded version of it. Popularity contest? Maybe to a point, but personally all I see are the images that should win, being recognized for what they are. Winners!

Originally Posted by sherstone When I tested the voting style that we are using now, the majority of feedback was all for it. In fact the main reason it was even changed was because it was requested several times by several people. Everyone seemed to want: 1. The ability to vote for more than one person. 2. To be part of the decision making process and not only be given 10 out of the group to vote for. 3. Give all participants a way to receive feedback. With the new public vote we have achieved all three and more. I personally feel there is a lot of merit in a public forum allowing that same userbase to give it's peers feedback via a vote from everyone. We always have had a public voting component. Even back in the days of LPS. What we have now is just an expanded version of it. Popularity contest? Maybe to a point, but personally all I see are the images that should win, being recognized for what they are. Winners!

There isn't one thing wrong with the new voting, I just preferred the other. If that's what everybody wants that's fine it's just a change and sometimes change is harder for some than for others.

You do a fantastic job as moderator and your ideas are brilliant. I am just old and use to old voting. That's all. Not
trying to make it more than it is.

I do however agree about the titles. My brother always told me that an image should stand on it's own. :)

Peace, gail

I wasn't here in the old days, so I can't say how I liked the old way. But one of the things I really like about the public voting for all the images is that I can get feedback from others on my stuff. The C&C discussions are invaluable, but lots of people don't post there yet still vote. It's a nice way to gauge the broader appeal of my photos, and serves as useful feedback.

Originally Posted by sherstone DSS not challenging enough for you?

That's certainly not it. I'm not a "contender" by any stretch.

I don't know what I miss. The excitement? The newness? The prizes? The judge's critique?

LPS was not sustainable for all of the above reasons and I really like DSS. It's just . . . different.

And that's okay, too!

Sean, you're a rockstar. I hope my comment didn't offend.

Originally Posted by indiegirl I'm not a "contender" by any stretch.

I thought this one was definitely a contender: :)

Originally Posted by JamesVernacotola I thought this one was definitely a contender: :)

Ahhh, thanks...

I really enjoy playing even if my stuff doesn't get in to the top ten. It's good fun and I learn a lot.

Originally Posted by indiegirl Sean, you're a rockstar. I hope my comment didn't offend.

Not at all - but I wondered where you were coming from with it.

BTW I too totally disagree with your evaluation of your contend-ability.

Originally Posted by jeffreaux2 Mildly bemused at 10,000+....

"Need to get a life" at 15,000+

Originally Posted by indiegirl i miss lps.

+1

Being relatively new here & newer to the challenges, excuse my ignorance, but what are the differences between the DSS & LPS?

Also, on the subject of challenge etiquette, it would be nice to have a sticky setting out what's cool & what's not. Not rules - just suggestions, recommendations or guidelines for participating in the challenges. You can't not do what you don't know.* Reasons behind them would be really nice (if it's not obvious - like apparently fish photo etiquette is that you are only supposed to display the left side of a fish, unless it is asymetrical - but I have no idea why & I'm pretty sure I need to go flip some of my photos to comply - flipping is okay). For me, it's easier to remember a guideline if I know the reason for it.

*Sorry for the grammar, but it seemed appropriate.

Originally Posted by lkbart Being relatively new here & newer to the challenges, excuse my ignorance, but what are the differences between the DSS & LPS?

There are many similarities between both. LPS was a 1 year long challenge that had photographers competing for the top 40 spots available at the very end to shoot it out for the top big prize. SmugMug, being very generous had put up some amazing prizes. One of the prizes that I personally was after was the lifetime Pro SmugMug membership. I was ecstatic when it was decided that in DSS (the new incarnation of LPS), each quarter there would be a Lifetime SmugMug membership available to be won.

We were very lucky to have been given a second chance as there were several things that happened during LPS that gave the volunteer organizers a feeling of distaste. The new DSS was devised to be similar and has now evolved into what you see today, largely community driven, with the guidance of a moderator.

Originally Posted by lkbart ... Also, on the subject of challenge etiquette, it would be nice to have a sticky setting out what's cool & what's not. Not rules - just suggestions, recommendations or guidelines for participating in the challenges.

There is such a thread located as a sticky called: The DGRIN SHARP SHOOTERS (DSS) Challenges (Quick links to all things official)
Here you will find many tidbits of information and guidelines, as well as the rules. You can also search The Dgrin Challenges forum for years of drama and discussion on almost all of the subjects that come up on a regular basis. Things such as captions, voting for yourself, composites etc.

Originally Posted by sherstone ...... a title that enhances your image is part of what makes a good image an even greater one.............

Agreed!

**I love 'a good title' because it's sometimes the additional moment of discovery. The ah-ha moment.

I have updated the rules to include this guideline. (not a rule)

Under number 10. Name Your Entry:
(Please try to be imaginative with your choice of caption. It is suggested not to use any of the words from a theme in your caption, to give it some spice and individuality. You should also keep your title as short as possible, if you can enhance your image with one to three words it will leave a lasting impression on the person viewing your work.)

Originally Posted by sherstone .............(Please try to be imaginative with your choice of caption. It is suggested not to use any of the words from a theme in your caption, to give it some spice and individuality. You should also keep your title as short as possible, if you can enhance your image with one to three words it will leave a lasting impression on the person viewing your work.)

the mark of 'a good title'.......