photo competitions - your thoughts and feedback please

[andygolfer]

over recent months (really since we re-introduced POTM post lockdown) we have noticed a decline in the interest in the photo competitions and are looking for feedback as to why people no longer post including a few who were regular contributors prior to covid.

We get far fewer entries now in both competitions and even more strangely very few votes. From the stats (simple maths) we can see that some of the entrants don't even participate in the voting polls.

Re entries, the subject of the pre-posting rule always comes up and although it's a bit quicker really the upload of a photo to Flickr etc probably takes longer and we don't really feel it needs to be a factor. The downside of not pre-posting is that the originator of the photo does not get feedback due to the no comments rule in the photo competition topics and we feel that comments are a worthwhile feature of the photo section, therefore we are reluctant to change that rule but would be interested in your thoughts on it please.

we would appreciate some feedback please as to why the interest is declining and any suggestions as to how we could get the interest back please

One last thought re those that seem to have disappeared, hopefully all are okay but of course COVID has taken it's toll and it's just possible that some members may sadly have succumbed to the virus so it would be re-assuring to know that the members are still out there, even by a PM rather than a general post please or if you know of a member who has passed away please drop us a PM, it has been sad times and we do hope that people have got through it, unfortunately I do know of a couple of casualties on other groups etc that I'm involved with.

thanks
Andy

[LondonEye]

Personally, been a little pre-occupied other events, but just done my contribution.
Not been out and about so much since covid era. Still getting back to some normality.

Perhaps some take competition too seriously. It's great to get recognition, but there is something about just sharing our hobby with others.
There are some excellent photographers on forum.
Some, like me, are pleased if I get a great shot, but as much as anything, getting a record of the day is the purpose.
Maybe the great quality of some entrants, puts off others showing what they achieve.
Regard SPOTM - we all have different ways of cataloguing our collection. Maybe some find it hard to find the subject.
Competitions in general - I sometimes wonder what makes folks vote for certain things.
Is it the rarity? Is it a well composed picture? Is it the more technical aspects of image? etc

A few jumbled thoughts, it might help others to respond.
Pete.

[waghorn41]

I've noticed a decline in entries too. maybe it's because people are not out and about as much and possibly not capturing the subject well that they want, or that is needed for SPOTM.
I'm one of those that doesn't have a decent camera, could borrow my daughter's but then again I don't go out much these days. Obviously I can't enter the POTM because of this.
I will, whenever possible, enter the SPOTM competition if I have something in my archives. That said the quality isn't great but it does add to the number of entries.
I'll always try and remember to vote though I might miss some especially if I haven't put something in or if it's POTM - I blame old age!

Often I'll plan my entries for SPOTM at the announcement of the calender as I need to see if I have anything that fits the subject and if it's clear enough. That said I have to admit that the latest subject 'Flexwings' had me stumped never having heard the term. Just shows how out of the loop I am these days

[acw367]

I don't have a car, and post lockdowns just seem to be reprioritising getting reconnected with friends at the weekends. As such I have only physically visited aerodromes on two days this year so far, once in January and once in May. Meaning those are the only POTMs I have entered this year.

However, it is slowing picking back up over the summer and I do finally have some overseas flights planned (for the first time since Jan 2020) which will get me back to airport departure lounge windows.

I rarely miss a SPOTM.

Thanks - keep it up
ACW367

[Paul Zietsman]

Andy, I am one of those who disappeared during the Covid period and now that more aircraft are flying, I should be back on a more permanent basis. I hope that others are coming back in the same way now that things are getting back to normal.

As an "old timer" myself, I found it encouraging to see a number of younger people out with cameras a couple of weeks ago when my wife and I took our dogs for a walk round Manchester airport. It would be nice to see some of them join us and participate in competition.

Paul

[wiggy]

I generally try to put in an entry to the POTM competition each month although there are months where there is nothing new to shoot or life gets in the way and I don't get out. SPOTM is a bit more hit and miss for me as I only shoot Airliners so on months such as this last one I don't have anything in my collection to submit.

Denis.

[wiggy]

Any chance on extending the deadline on the April POTM competition to 23.59 tonight? I missed the deadline on the 7th with all the trips to Stansted for the Coronation traffic!

Denis.

[andygolfer]

Any chance on extending the deadline on the April POTM competition to 23.59 tonight? I missed the deadline on the 7th with all the trips to Stansted for the Coronation traffic!

Denis.

Yer shouldn't spend so much time interloping on my territory
Yes, will do Denis (I'm busy today anyway, going through my photos from the last week!).
nice to see you last week (Thursday and Friday wasn't it - all such a blur now).
Andy