The 2014 Challenge - suggestions please

[nev]

Hello All,

As this years monthly challenge draws to a close one can't but help notice that numbers of entries have dwindled a tad, so time for a rethink.

The original idea was put forward as a way to get more people turning, to give the stumped (like me) something new to try on the lathe, have a bit of fun and hopefully improve ones skills along the way. Judging by the viewing numbers there is a desire to see the results of our labours which hopefully then give others some ideas or inspiration.

So...
Is there a general desire for a challenge at all?
and if so In what format? Changes to made to the existing or a whole new idea?

Both Paul and Richard have offered to continue judging the entries if required (many thanks for their past works =D> )
Personally, I shall be stepping aside and letting a fresh pair of hands take over the running, so any volunteers feel free to pm me and we'll take it from there. I shall still be taking part I hope, but as a challengee as opposed to the challenger.

So Ideas please! not on a postcard but below

 

[woodfarmer]

I think that sometimes people may not know what to turn. Outside of the staple diet of bowls, tea lights and pens. Perhaps if you haven't done it before maybe a competition for the best novelty item or new idea? with the focus more on the ingenuity of the items rather than the skill of the turner? The hope is some of the more skilled turners might be able to help the contestants improve or learn new skills and to provoke general discussion. Hopefully also some might want to try to incorporate the new ideas into their own turning?

Of course, lacking any real skill or finesse myself this is something of an "insider trade"

 

[MMUK]

I haven't used a woodworking lathe since high school :lol:

How about a Chess Set? Not only turning but also an amount of carving and inlay work.

 

[spinks]

I haven't used a woodworking lathe since high school :lol:

How about a Chess Set? Not only turning but also an amount of carving and inlay work.

Thats a big ask for a monthly challenge!!!!

I Haven't entered a challenge as yet as my turning isnt up to scratch....but I watch it avidly and enjoy the format as it is.

 

[MMUK]

Ah. monthly! The thread title just says 2014 challenge....

OK then, how about something like a spectacle case?

 

[Dalboy]

Something as a pair ie candles salt and pepper I think a pair of candles would be better as you do not need any hardware to make or if you do they are cheap enough to buy. A decorated bowl, a turned toy, something for christmas (again) goblet or a pair of, multi centre turning.
Thats just off the top of my head for the moment

I will try and have a go at as many as possible next year That is my new years resolution I am sure some one will remind me :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Dalboy]

Hollow form, something arty, simple segmented turning, time piece. Well there are another 4

 

[nev]

Thanks for the suggestions gents, but what i was actually after was suggestions for a new and improved format for the monthly challenge, as opposed to suggestions for the projects contained therein.

Once it has been decided that there will be a challenge, the format it takes - whether new or as it is, and who wants to run it, then we can sort out project ideas.

Sorry if my explanation fooled some of you, I failed English. (well failed school really )

so, what would get more people interested and out into the shed on a cold wet winters day?

is it just the project choices that have help reduce the entry numbers?

Is more feedback /discussion required before/ after the results?

would there be more entries if it were split into newbies and more practiced turners?

does the challenge interest newbies?
does the challenge interest the more seasoned chipmonger?

etc etc

 

[hazel]

I don't do turning so have never been ale to enter, if it was stuff other than turning I would do though, and I do love looking through the entries even if I never enter any and don't do turning myself lol

 

[pip1954]

hi i always watch but up till now have not joined in but would like to, i think splitting it would be a good idea as i feel concerned about being up against some of our pro's. :lol:
how about longer to produce the items so we can fit it in with other things, maybe announce ie jan 1st then run comp 1st feb to end of feb same again 1st feb for march and so on .
anyway would be good to keep it running.
i would like to say thanks for running till now =D> =D>
pip

 

[Sheptonphil]

I really do enjoy the challenges, and although only been turning since January, have entered 8 times with a modicum of success . The last six weeks have been a work comes first time of year, but back in the challenge for December.

I think the best ones were the types where there was a theme rather than an item. It really surprises me the differing concepts people think of. Take the space, animal, and delicate themes. Totally different thoughts on each subject. So perhaps a year of themes not items,

Phil

 

[Silverbirch]

I wonder if more people would take part if the entries weren`t judged? There seems to bit of a contradiction between the idea that "anyone can take part, don`t be shy, it`s just a bit of fun" and the fact that entries are awarded points and ranked in order. I`m sure some people will be put off by this.
I also seem to recall, a couple of years ago, it being suggested to one entrant that he was too experienced/skillful. He subsequently withdrew.
"No judging" would also allow forum members to post their comments as entries were posted.
As things stand, once the month`s entries have been judged (albeit with useful feedback from the judges), there is little further interest, or comment, other than "well done!" etc.
Just my thoughts.....
Ian

 

[Grahamshed]

I have always wanted to take part in this and will do when a... O get a lathe. and b.... have time to use it
As a suggestion, how about a handicap system ? newbies get extra points ( or more lenient judging ) which reduces when they get into the top 3.... or something like that.

 

[monkeybiter]

Handicapping seems like a good idea, or judgement by co-competitors maybe.

What about the winner picks next month's challenge?

 

[CHJ]

The one thing that stands out to me when viewing any threads and subsequent posts, whether for a competition or just a show and tell is the lack of any reasoned critique behind the majority of comments.

The one advantage of having 'professional' judges who earn their living producing similar work is that they look at a piece with a critical eye but are in most cases able to express their opinions in the form of a reasoned critique.

A reasoned critique should encourage and point the way to trying a different approach or guide towards a possible development of a theme and of course point out a possible reason for avoiding certain aspects.

Of course it is up to the originator of the piece to be able to likewise do a bit of lateral thinking and take notice of the advise or reject it if they have a personal conviction to go in a different direction, neither path is wrong as long as it's all done as a reasoned choice and not just blind "soap box" reaction to something seen as criticism.

Personally I think the setting of a specific task, incorporating a different skill or causing the development of holding or tooling methods has an advantage in that it forces a move away from a persons comfort zone and results in the person adding a new skill to their repertoire.

I can't at the moment see how it is possible to grade the entrants based on skill and experience, a significant factor which must be off putting to someone doing their best but who have not managed to hone their skills as much as others.
In light of the last paragraph is there any millage in trying to make the results thread once posted with judges decisions into a longer discussion by members based on Critique and advise covering all entries, This can develop in to choice of wood style/shape, photographic limitations, satisfying rules including judges photographic requirements.

This would not only help point those with the nerve to post their 'first efforts' so to speak to possible improvements and even help others develop a Critique technique so that they can express WHY they LIKE or do not Prefer a particular item.

 

[Dalboy]

When judging a piece is the judge aware of who made the item being shown. Why not have it so that whom ever is organising the competition(whatever you wish to call it)is the only person to know who's piece is being displayed and only are the names put to a piece after the judging has taken place. The idea of beginners and expert(whatever you want to call the categories) is a good one but is only feasible if there are enough entrants to make it work.
Just my thoughts

 

[henton49er]

Hi nev,

First time on the forum for a while. I was unable to support the Challenge beyond March this year due to family responsibilities, but will try and do better for 2014.

I would like to see the Challenge continue and it might be worthwhile some of the "better" Challenge turners re-posting some of their earlier Challenge pieces to show newbies how much they have progressed, partly as a result of doing the monthly challenge. I know that I have turned things I would never have dreamed of doing were it not for the Challenge and that my tool control and techniques have improved in the time I have been submitting items. I also thought the idea of a "prize" each month was a good one (I am very proud of my medal for the Christmas Cracker a year ago!!).

Mike.

 

[Grahamshed]

One other thing I would suggest.... reading the results and then having to find the entries thread to see what each was is just a tiny bit of a pita. Could the pictures not be pasted in with the judges comments and points ?

 

[CHJ]

One other thing I would suggest.... reading the results and then having to find the entries thread to see what each was is just a tiny bit of a pita. Could the pictures not be pasted in with the judges comments and points ?

They are when time allows but some of us have other lives to try and lead.

And there is always the The Results Roundup or is that a waste of time?

 

[monkeybiter]

Re. Chas' comments, I for one would relish the opportunity for unrestrained full-spectrum critisism, the easiest way to improve is by being told which aspects of your efforts are the poorest. I do however think that a lot of people can be a little too sensitive for complete honesty. The judge could easily draw a lot of flak.