What is the Main Deterrent to Participation?

Feels like the community is turning more into a top member hang out then the wider community it used to be. Just my 2c

Sometimes this is the case. Initiatives like the recent Bit by the Bug generate a lot of fresh member activity, but how do we motivate new members to stick around and enjoy other benefits?

Good point about the radios. Ordering parts such as custom PCBs just needs to be from a place that ships worldwide.

We should all just get together somewhere and have a drink and discuss design challenges. I hear New Zealand is nice.

Scott

dougw you don't need to really have two complete projects at the end just enough of everything for the two people to work together. For example i may have just a protoboard and lots of messy wires because I'm working on software while you may have clean PCBs and a nice housing because you're working on hardware and the enclosure.

Its more collaboration than duplication.

That could work. I wonder if it would be considered unfair for a team to compete in a design challenge? I personally think doubling the talent is more than offset by the extra issues and work associated with collaborating.

Hey, there's an idea!

Perhaps it is a little theoretical....

Has anybody invented a Skype pub yet?

Also as a side note, I stopped entering design competitions when I see some of the "Top Members" have applied because I know it is not possible for me to rank anywhere close to the top with the time I have and the skill level I am currently at. If I were allowed a partner I would definitely reconsider this thought.

Kas

That is an important point. Maybe collaboration would help. One area I think might work is to make a successful proposal - it might be useful for members who are keen to participate to have a brainstorming session with a member who is good at proposals on how to improve their chances. Once members get over the hurdle of writing a successful proposal, they may not win at the end of the project, but they will be having fun building with the kit and learning how to make better projects. In my first project, I didn't win the proposal phase but I bought the kit and built with it anyway.

A note to why I stopped entering Design Challenges:

Looking at the most recent challenge "Safe & Sound Wearables" there at least 3 contenders that are Top Members or are very well qualified making the chances of most other competitors of ranking in the top 3 very low.

Kas

I can definitely emphasize with the feeling of looking at the 15 challengers and seeing at least 3 being Top Members competing for only 2 prizes.  A little disheartening, a little discouraging, but not enough that I wouldn't still try.  I enjoy doing this for my ideas and own growth, winning would be incredible, but participating and actually having my idea make it from concept to actuality is what I am looking forward to.  Plus I look forward to sharing ideas and information with others.  But I can emphasize with the potential of a drop in participation in regards to concern of the high quality of competitors.

Maybe someday I will be one of the Top Members, maybe I won't.  Maybe I will win one of the Design Challenges, maybe I won't.  But I will have fun!

Out of curiosity, you had mentioned that you stopped entering when you see Top Members applying, how do you see this before the chosen 15 are publicized?  Or is it more that you guess due to comments/posts made be people?

Thanks for sharing your point on this, while I hope people will still want to participate just for the personal challenge and the participation,I can see where some would be discouraged and would not enter.

Good point Kas, but all members, including Top Members have the same sentiments - the competition can be daunting and it is rare for anyone to win the grand prize. I wasn't any kind of Top Member when I won my first challenge and I've enjoyed putting extensive efforts into design challenges where I didn't even get an honorable mention. Some members can compete effectively while they are still in school, others. like me, took decades to get to this level. I'm just tremendously enjoying the journey working in technology - the only thing that would make it better is being able to spend more time on challenging designs.

Good point Kas, but all members, including Top Members have the same sentiments - the competition can be daunting and it is rare for anyone to win the grand prize. I wasn't any kind of Top Member when I won my first challenge and I've enjoyed putting extensive efforts into design challenges where I didn't even get an honorable mention. Some members can compete effectively while they are still in school, others. like me, took decades to get to this level. I'm just tremendously enjoying the journey working in technology - the only thing that would make it better is being able to spend more time on challenging designs.

Douglas Wong wrote:

 

Good point Kas, ...

not a good point at all I think.