As NVPS continues to grow, and more and more members participate in the monthly competitions, it becomes necessary to consider vital changes to the club rules to keep our competitions both fair and manageable. A committee has been formed to investigate additions or modifications to our club rules which might improve monthly competitions next year*. The committee will make recommendations to the board in January. These will be voted on by the membership in the spring. Please participate in our anonymous survey (click on the link below) and help guide us to make the correct recommendations.
A major committee goal is to look for ways to reduce the size of our larger class/categories. Too many entries in the competition, among other things, shorten the time for valuable image critiques and make judging more cumbersome and difficult. The key survey questions are:
1) Should we add a 3rd Class? The size of the advanced class has grown very large. Judging a large number of images makes it difficult for a judge to choose between too many entries. Also, there is a large spread in the skill level in the advanced class; this is frustrating to many intermediate level photographers who seldom receive awards. But what should we call this class and where should it go? Ideally we would want to split the advanced class near the middle. Should we create an intermediate class below advanced, or create a master class above it? How many advanced members would voluntarily move to an intermediate class? How many advanced members would want to compete at a “master” or “pro” level? Your survey answers will help us decide which way to go.
2) Should we change the number of entries per category from 2 to 1? Currently, members can enter up to 2 images per category but no more than 3 in multiple categories. If we lower the number to 1 image per category, but keep the total number equal to 3, this should lower the total number of entries. Note that this change would still permit a member to submit 3 entries, but they would have to be: 1 digital, 1 color print, and 1 monochrome print.
3) Should there be more “themed” competitions? Themed competitions are a double edged sword. Some members welcome them, others despise them. However, themed competitions make us think more and work harder as photographers. Should we add more or leave this alone?
Please take the survey by clicking on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WLZN59Z. Be sure to hit “Done” at the bottom of the survey when you are finished. Your input is extremely valuable to NVPS. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. Thank you for your participation.
Respectfully,
Mike Whalen (Co-VP of Competitions 2012-2013):
mikewhalen5@gmail.com
571-217-3964
* The competition committee members include: Bob Friedman, Sandi Croan, Georgette Grossman, Mike Kane, Beth Morris and Mike Whalen (chair).