Doc Sniper - Forum » Doc Sniper Video Competitions

1. 

   didjbusker
   Member

   I just read the latest docsniper forum posts. In trying to strengthen the site, I have some input.

   There are some points that need attention. Firstly, the clock. I remember that you said in an earlier forum post that you had switched from an Australian time zone to New York time zone. This is not how the site is acting. Make some noise contest did NOT end at midnight New York time. It was earlier. This month’s contest - well, I’m not really sure what the heck happened. I checked into Docsniper on Feb. 28. The site said Apple ipad was the winner, and my entry The Bus was runner -up. I figured it was just Australian time zone. I posted to all my supporters that I made runner-up, and thanks for the support. Today, the results are completely different.

   I have a theory. I THINK that there may be a couple different places within the site that are acting on different clocks. (I’m not a computer programmer in ANY way, but that seems like it could explain some of the inconsistencies.) Maybe one clock is posting results when Australia hits the voting deadline, but voting still continues until New York hits the voting deadline? I don’t really know. But something is absolutely wrong here. I can only point it out to you to make sure you are aware of it.

   I also have a suggestion. I absolutely do not want to tell you how to run your site, but if the site was updated quicker with contest results, I believe it would only help add to the faith in the site. I realize that there may be reasons to not post results until they go through any confirmation process, but a more timely update to announce winners as well an e-mail note to the winner and runner-up might be nice. Even if you don’t announce the next contest theme right away, a clear and timely posting of winner and runner-up would really be nice.

   As far as confusion over star ratings and voting, I think just changing the word on the star system to “rate” may help to differentiate. Adding a sentence or two to the contest page that you will not receive confirmation of your vote other than the highlighted tabs of first second and third, would do wonders in clearing up confusion.

   I missed the uncivil comments you referred to (probably to my fortune), so I don’t know if my writing this to you is then redundant.

   Like I said last month, I love the idea of the site. I would love to see it flourish. When I have something appropriate for the month’s contest, for now I’m still in, despite the kinks that still need attention.

   Best,

   Tim Whittemore
   Didjiridu and Tuba
   www.didjbusker.com
   www.bigblow-bushwackers.com
   to hear some clips:
   www.cdbaby.com/bigblow

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   applelover
   Member

   Yeah, you missed a heated convo in Doc's post. The submitter of the ipad video was complaining because he says that the site picked the winner not according to the votes. I can see his point though... I mean, the ipad one has a ton of views... and the winning one has so much less. Plus, I voted for the ipad one. So... it's a little crazy that the guitar video won the contest. I wouldn't be shocked to hear that the website made a mistake.

   I couldn't imagine why the site would change it anyway. So I don't know. It's weird. But I do wish the ipad video would have won the contest... the music video is really bland. What do you think about this whole thing? Do you think it's odd that the music video won the contest?

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   Cords
   Member

   I don't think the music video is bland at all, but I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I actually think it was the best one in the contest, certainly had a lot of hard work put into it.

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   didjbusker
   Member

   I can tell you that the music video had a few hundred views the week before voting started. Unfortunately, I have trouble getting the vids to play smoothly on my computer, but I did listen to it play all choppy and jerky. I was really impressed with the music. Even though its not my favorite genre, it was masterfully played. I debated with myself about entering the contest.... mostly because I didn't think I'd have enough community and family following me to match just the views the music vid already had. And I figured if he already had that many views a week before voting, the band probably has a good following built up that will vote. I decided to go for it anyway. Partly because its fun to see how you fare in the competition, and partly because I love the idea of this site. I'd like to see it survive and flourish. Obviously, it hasn't taken off like it should have by now. Just look at how the jackpot has dropped. Neither this month or last month did it even pay for itself!

   Frankly, I was surprised that the music vid was behind my Bus entry when I checked in on Feb. 28. Of course, I was even more surprised to see those results being completely different a couple days later... especially since I may have stopped some of my friends from voting at the last minute by posting that I made runner-up again. I doubt that would have made enough difference to make me the winner... but still. It is a kink that needs fixing. I addressed that pretty well in the original post here. Despite the oddities to be worked out, I honestly do not believe there is any foul play... just technical glitches that need addressing.

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   DocSniper
   Member

   Yes, the dwindling prize money is a reflection of how the site is doing. We are getting a lot of new members sign up everyday, which is great! But the same low numbers are entering the comps so unfortunately, in an attempt to avoid resorting to advertising on the site we were forced to drop the prize money.

   Even so, we're not going anywhere and are still determined to get this community flourishing. We would welcome suggestions from any members as to what would entice them to enter, preferably in keeping with the same structure/site concept.

   We really appreciate dedicated members like you Tim who have stuck around, enter our comps and contribute to the community!

   Posted 4 months ago #

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