The 2014 Challenge - suggestions please

[Spindle]

Hi

With regard to the judging of the entries: why not allow forum users one vote per challenge, to be submitted within a specified time frame and then rank the entries per votes received? - Sort of a poll but with the current status hidden.

Regards Mick

 

[nev]

You'll be fine Mike - If in doubt, make it up (thats what I've been doing )

 

[Blister]

Hello people

Since my demise from the forum some years ago I have from time to time had a quick look at the turning section and am very pleased to see the challenge I started is continuing

However I have noticed a drift away form basic challenges to far more complicated turnings , This in itself is good for the more experienced turned but daunting for the new turner

I always had the std bowl ( not decorated ) and the anything goes bowl , same with the platter

Even though a bowl is basic they can and have been simply beautiful by way of design wood selection and finish standard

So my 2p worth would be to go back to basics with the easier to turn items and the occasional more complicated item

Also a small award for the winner gives a massive boost in confidence not only for the winner but also the award is something to aim for for all entrants , much more fun than just points on a scoreboard

Congratulations are in order to Nev and all the entrants for keeping the challenge alive and I do hope it continues into 2014 with a new leader

Best wishes to you all ,

I would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and new year :ho2

 

[spinks]

Congratulations on your new task Henton!!! Good luck judging some of the superb entries next year!!

 

[Grahamshed]

Hello people

Since my demise from the forum some years ago I have from time to time had a quick look at the turning section and am very pleased to see the challenge I started is continuing

However I have noticed a drift away form basic challenges to far more complicated turnings , This in itself is good for the more experienced turned but daunting for the new turner

I always had the std bowl ( not decorated ) and the anything goes bowl , same with the platter

Even though a bowl is basic they can and have been simply beautiful by way of design wood selection and finish standard

So my 2p worth would be to go back to basics with the easier to turn items and the occasional more complicated item

Also a small award for the winner gives a massive boost in confidence not only for the winner but also the award is something to aim for for all entrants , much more fun than just points on a scoreboard

Congratulations are in order to Nev and all the entrants for keeping the challenge alive and I do hope it continues into 2014 with a new leader

Best wishes to you all ,

I would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and new year :ho2

Nice to see you post again Blister. And I fully agree with your 'back to basics' view for at least some of the challenges.

 

[tekno.mage]

Congratuations Mike on taking over running the challenge for 2014. I'm sure you'll do just fine.

I've only taken part rarely in the past (due to lack of time mostly), but I always enjoy seeing the entries and watching various entrant's turning improve over time. As to the actual items to be made each month I tend to agree with Blister that perhaps more basic items would attract more entrants and beginners to take part. Having said that, I know some of the entrants have said that doing the challenge has "pushed" them more as turners and improved their skills, so at least a couple of more complex items could be included. I'd like to see a challenge that involved making a pair of matching items (I think there were egg cups and candlesticks in the past) as this really shows a turner's accuracy.

 

[Sheptonphil]

I don't think having more demanding projects is a bad thing.

This year has led me to try segmented, inside out, matching, spherical, box, finial and multi piece projects. Some involved both spindle and face work, and with not all the kit as many have, I had to improvise techniques. I have taken enormous pleasure from outfoxing myself in some of the challenges to produce work I would never have attempted, using techniques I would not have dreamt of trying.

Several podiums and some non placed, makes no difference, this really is about the entering not the winning.

Good luck to Mike, but a very big thanks to Nev and the judges for this year. =D>

Broad subjects, with some criteria, opens the way for all levels of ability to interpret and produce entries.

Phil

 

[heatherw]

I don't mind what form the Challenge takes so long as it continues, it has helped me so much with my turning.

The idea of having more Themed months isn't a bad one, I'm not sure about the idea of not having points, what I do and would like is criticism every month from someone who knows a lot more than I do, this is the most helpful for improving. It's very hard to stand back from something you've made and look at it objectively.

I do like the possibility of not having to spend too much time on it each month, some projects are much more time consuming than others, could they be kept to 50% please?

I'd echo what Phil said, good luck to Mike, and very many thanks to Nev and the judges for their participation.

 

[sammo]

The monthly challenge has really helped me with my turning skills, I have only entered a couple but intend to enter more in 2014.
Suggestions for the format -
Can the system handle better resolution pictures - that would be useful.
Can the submission date be a little longer - perhaps the time to enter photos doesn't need to be fixed, simply open the 'topic' from day one, then we can enter as and when the project is complete - there was one competition when i was away for the submission date.
Perhaps having two / three categories - amateur & professional & perhaps newbie... that may encourage more people to enter, especially as the standard is very high. Set's the tone, use the simple rule of thumb, if you sell your turnings then you are a professional - Newbie can enter for 6 months in this category... or something like...


MOST of all - KEEP up the excellent work thanks Nev and the judges....

Sammo

 

[nicguthrie]

I'd like to add my thanks to the judges and participants for the last year, it's helped me to develop more "discernment" as to what is good, what to look out for, and kept me stocked on ideas to aspire to for the future!

I'd have entered for a couple of the challenges myself, but four weeks or less from knowing the challenge, to trying to get it completed is very difficult in my circumstances. I'd also suggest that for those like myself that are not experienced turners, a second "tier" for more basic projects, to guide us through learning the tricks of the trade would certainly encourage me to enter. As long as the challenges continue to showcase good work, plenty ideas and Judges that show where the projects could be improved, and where they've done especially well, then it will stay as a fantastic resource to all of us.

There's no better way to share ideas for shapes and designs, finishes and flourishes, than through photos. And the Judges comments (and others) help those of us that are new, to understand more fully what we are looking at.

Nic.

 

[CHJ]

...Can the system handle better resolution pictures - that would be useful.

I don't think upping the size of the image files accepted would help that much.
This image is only a fraction over half the file size of that currently accepted by the UKW server and compressed to 80% in quality resolution, but it clearly shows tooling marks, blemishes and poor joints.
What would help is if members adhered to the challenge request regarding required views and format and if at all possible use something better than a hand held 'phone with a budget low pixel count camera in poor lighting conditions to take the images.

Images with a maximum resolution of 1024 pixels on the long side should fall within the currently set server file size limits with a not too severe compression factor.

One of the problems I see with going too far in the image quality stakes is that you are putting folks who do not have the equipment or photo. skills off from entering, this does not of course excuse the submission of images of such poor quality that it is hard to determine the detail and finish of an item. They must look reasonable when viewed on the average modern office computer monitor, not just on a hand held 'phone.