03-28-2007, 04:26 PM
Let me preface my idea for a great contest by saying that, in my opinion, what makes BFT great are all the detailed reports of wonderful fishing adventures posted by our members. When I click on a report offered by a BFTer and see that he or she has taken the time to list a lot of interesting details, noting times and temps and mentioning lures, baits, and techniques used--it makes me very grateful for that someone who has taken so much time to share his or her experience. It often teaches me and gets me excited to hit the water.
With that in mind, here is my idea for a great contest:
Name of contest: Best Report
Simple rules: The contest will run for a two- or three-week period, spanning at least two, or possibly three, full weekends. During the running of the contest, each contestant is allowed to submit only one report of only one fishing outing. It should be his or her very best work. It should be well-written; have a great beginning, middle, and ending; and should be highly imaginative and creative. Things like spelling, grammar, and punctuation SHOULD NOT be the main focus. It should be most about providing a very entertaining and creative work for fellow BFTers to read and enjoy. Also, the destination shouldn't be all that important either, because a day spent at a community pond with kids in tow can be just as fun as a striper-fest at Lake Powell with a bunch of buddies.
Contestants should keep very detailed notes (or at least possess a good memory) of their fishing experience for the particular fishing outing he or she wishes to report on. Appreciated details in the report may include: what time the angler arose in the morning; what fishing, personal comfort, and protective gear was brought along for the trip; the type of food and beverages consumed; the condition of the water and weather upon arrival and throughout the day at the fishing destination; what lures and/or baits were used and the methods and techniques used to fish them; the species, sizes, and numbers of fish caught; how long the angler remained and fished on the water; and MOST IMPORTANTLY the amount and type of fun, enjoyment, and pleasure the angler derived during his or her trip. Again, personal reflection and a retelling of how wonderful the trip was with family and friends, how beautiful the scenery was, and how much the adventure brought enjoyment are certainly the most important ingredients. Finally, pictures of the event are always a huge bonus, but should not be requried.
After the two-week period is complete, a list of each of the individual reports should be provided and BFT members should be allowed to vote on their favorite report.
I envision a great post filled with dozens of highly detailed and creative reports where it is evident that the posters have put a lot of thought into retelling their adventure the best they knew how. The end result should be much better than any ol' copy of Field & Stream around.
Types of prizes: I'm a big fan of gift certificates to Cabela's or Sportsman's Warehouse.
Well, there it is. (Sorry, Pat, that my rules are so long, but in theory I believe they're very simple to understand.)
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With that in mind, here is my idea for a great contest:
Name of contest: Best Report
Simple rules: The contest will run for a two- or three-week period, spanning at least two, or possibly three, full weekends. During the running of the contest, each contestant is allowed to submit only one report of only one fishing outing. It should be his or her very best work. It should be well-written; have a great beginning, middle, and ending; and should be highly imaginative and creative. Things like spelling, grammar, and punctuation SHOULD NOT be the main focus. It should be most about providing a very entertaining and creative work for fellow BFTers to read and enjoy. Also, the destination shouldn't be all that important either, because a day spent at a community pond with kids in tow can be just as fun as a striper-fest at Lake Powell with a bunch of buddies.
Contestants should keep very detailed notes (or at least possess a good memory) of their fishing experience for the particular fishing outing he or she wishes to report on. Appreciated details in the report may include: what time the angler arose in the morning; what fishing, personal comfort, and protective gear was brought along for the trip; the type of food and beverages consumed; the condition of the water and weather upon arrival and throughout the day at the fishing destination; what lures and/or baits were used and the methods and techniques used to fish them; the species, sizes, and numbers of fish caught; how long the angler remained and fished on the water; and MOST IMPORTANTLY the amount and type of fun, enjoyment, and pleasure the angler derived during his or her trip. Again, personal reflection and a retelling of how wonderful the trip was with family and friends, how beautiful the scenery was, and how much the adventure brought enjoyment are certainly the most important ingredients. Finally, pictures of the event are always a huge bonus, but should not be requried.
After the two-week period is complete, a list of each of the individual reports should be provided and BFT members should be allowed to vote on their favorite report.
I envision a great post filled with dozens of highly detailed and creative reports where it is evident that the posters have put a lot of thought into retelling their adventure the best they knew how. The end result should be much better than any ol' copy of Field & Stream around.
Types of prizes: I'm a big fan of gift certificates to Cabela's or Sportsman's Warehouse.
Well, there it is. (Sorry, Pat, that my rules are so long, but in theory I believe they're very simple to understand.)
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