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. There are a lot of reasons why clubs work. It should be possible to figure out the reasons and see if any can be incorporated into this forum. Some similarities already exist, but what else might be appropriate?

Along the lines of clubs, what about competitions that require collaboration between team members. So you find a partner and work on a project together whether that be across national or international boundaries. This would increase learning, engagement and all around community. Doing a project with you Douglas I think would be interesting and really increase my knowledge. I could say the same for a few other members here I would love to work on a project with, even if it is over skype or what have you.

The benefit to sponsoring companies, even if they may need to supply double or 1.5 times the gear (need to ensure some collaboration), is that teams these days are across borders what a way to encourage this type of collaboration and have others learn more about it. Heck some of these companies may even find people they want on their teams...

Kas

I think there is significant interest in collaboration, but the logistics can be a nightmare. It is fairly easy to exchange software but hardware is problematic. For example, I often build with miscellaneous stuff I have lying around, and a collaborator would have a different set. I like designing PCBs to keep wiring clean in challenge projects. It is not hard to have a duplicate set of PCBs delivered to a collaborator, but in may be difficult or expensive for them to build, since I design with parts I have in stock. It also imposes a lot more documentation requirements on a project.

On the mechanical side, transferring 3D printable designs is not hard, but it means both parties need 3D printing facilities.

As tough as the hardware is, the biggest hurdle is scheduling and timing.

I expect it would be a very rare collaboration that would end up with a successful project at both ends, completed on time.

One part of me is enthusiastic about collaboration, but another part has lots of reservations. None-the-less I am willing to give it a shot if the project is interesting enough.

I would have to imagine that unless the partners are at a minimum in the same country, simply shipping can be a nightmare.  Some Challenges have Radio specific equipment that are limited per the area the participant is in. 

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

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.

Kas Lewis wrote:

 

... making the chances of most other competitors of ranking in the top 3 very low.

 

Kas

not on my watch!

Douglas Wong wrote:

 

Good point Kas, ...

not a good point at all I think.

John Kutzschebauch wrote:

 

...

 

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?

 

....

You can see participants for a road test, not for a design challenge. It doesn't even show a counter of how many have enrolled.

Winning a challenge is not about being a top member or not, it's about a combination of factors like time invested in the project, end result, usefulness, etc ... Being a top member doesn't mean you get a free pass on these criteria.

You cannot see who, but can see how many. Look at Safe & Sound: 41 applications.

Not so many in my opinion...