Possible problem: A competition that ignores the lesser capable...
I see a "possible" rift in this competition... Some questions for all of us to think about.
It is quite probable that only the advanced elite electronics extrordanaire will win anything, let alone participate. That eliminates me
Doesn't having a competion on one level "advanced electronics" alienates 95% of the people who belong to this forum. I am slightly above beginner, so would I stand a chance at participating??? I know I can't be the only "slightly more than novice" person here.
Will 5% participate and 95% spectate, because they are not advanced enough to compete???
Will people lose interest if they can't participate on a higher level of expertise?
Will you lose people's interest if the competition exceeds the average person's attention span for a forum??? I belive the majority of all those who join a forum get caught up in their own lives and participate for less than a month, though they do not quit, they just do not attend as frequantly. Less and Less as time goes on.
Is there a way to have several levels of competition so more people can get in on the action??? Who cares about the prizes.... Just being able to have a benchmark to measure yourself against (competition) would be enought for me to enjoy. Something to push my limits and then some.
Even if you do manage to have multiple levels, how would we be able to size people up in the right category of competition? Though I believe that we are all honest people, is it not beyond us as humans to defalt to a lesser category to ensure status (Big swan in small lake syndrome) or fear of to much competition or losing if we were to enter the correct level of competition?
Please understand, I am not trying to rain on anyone's parade. These are just a few concerns we need to acknowlege and stay aware of.
As for me, there is no way that I could compete in solar power or Fuel cell advancement let alone understand those who can compete on such a level.
It's kinda like 8th grade gym all over again... Just sit on the bench and watch the older, stronger girls (or boys) play field hockey....
Can someone please point me in the direction of the sideline benches????
Though I might not be able to compete on such a level, I hope to remain involved enough to further my knowlegebase.
JUST A THOUGHT: Maybe it should be a prerequisite for competitors keep a public journal so we all can learn from their expertise. Just an idea.
Alexandra
From Pittsburgh, Pa.