What did you think of the Start8 mini-contest?
Wednesday, September 4, 2013 by Island Dog | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I've gotten lots of good response, some in public and some in private about how much they enjoyed both creating for the contest, and just being part of the community around it.
I like the smaller, focused contest because well...it's a lot easier to manage than a contest where anything is submitted. Also, I like to encourage skinners to do something outside of what they normally might work on. We got lots of entries to the contest, but we also have been getting more submissions in general to there as well. I can't say exactly for sure it's because of contests like this, but I like to think it made people aware.
I'd like to do more of these, and I would also like to get some outside prizes for an even better incentive.
For now, I'd like your feedback on what you thought about this mini-contest, and any suggestions for the future. 
Reply #2 Wednesday, September 4, 2013 5:50 PM
I believe you received many more entries because of the contest. I can think of at least 4 people that sent in a few entries that without the contest may never have happened. I didn't win but sent in several buttons and was glad to be part of it. Winning is secondary to participation in my eyes.
Something like a start 8 button is a rather easy task. It allowed many people to enter which was great. Saying that it also helps to sharpen up ones graphic skills. It may help some people that didn't think they had graphic skills get to the point that they may try their hand at something more difficult.
The contest also gave us something different to look at for 2 weeks which was fun. I know there are more graphic people here and hopefully this has brought more out.
The other thing I feel is that it was a quick contest and kept the attention of the members. OK, now you all get skinning and thank you for the contest.
Reply #3 Wednesday, September 4, 2013 8:12 PM
Summer is always slow in the skinning community.
I think the contest probably doubled or even tripled the activity in the Start8 gallery, contest entries, and non contest uploads as well.
As Dave said, it didn't go on and on, it was a quick little contest that came full circle before the community lost interest.
I don't think I saw even one forum comment like "When will we know who won?" or the like. Usually, there's a lot of that in a long, drawn out contest.
I would love to see more of this kind of thing. it's good for the community, and for the site.
Also, the first person to PM me needing a key for Start8 has it. If you have Windows 8, you can't be without Start8.
Reply #4 Wednesday, September 4, 2013 8:29 PM
Man if I didn't insert dumb stuff here buttons would every which way but loose.
Reply #5 Wednesday, September 4, 2013 8:39 PM
If I had to guess, I'd say you left out a word there, Ross... 
Reply #6 Wednesday, September 4, 2013 10:53 PM
I didn't expect to win anything (the entries that did were awesome though) but submitted a fair number of uploads to help increase the numbers. I did it for the community.
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Reply #1 Wednesday, September 4, 2013 5:37 PM
I think I was cheated, I should win next time, my suggestion for the future, vote for me!
Just kidding ID and viewers. I think it was a great little community learning experience for some and fun for all.
I would try skinning something different again, that was cool, just wish I had windows 8 now.
So, yeah , good call on the mini contest ID and I look forward to more fun.Maybe a task bar competition, but for the vert , make it challenging.Thanks for the fun and great submissions all.