Member of the month?

[James]

I'd like to recognise people's contributions more, so starting this month, I'd like to have a member of the month...

This is just a trial to see how it goes. I fear starting a popularity contest but the fact is some people contribute hugely and it seem right to recognise that fact.

What do you think?

[Djembe-nerd]

Just wondering what would the criteria be though, more posts, nature of information, content, recordings, you tube links

OR MAYBE :

has most drums

[Carl]

I would not do it if I was running things... but that's just me.

I have no problem calling people out on a job well done, especially when I see that someone put a lot of thought and work into a post (recording, lesson).

My fear is that having a "member of the month" as an official "reward" would add an unnecessary motivation for posts.

I doubt that it would affect most of our current "start posters". Unfortunately I've see far to many discussion groups attract members looking for ego gratification and other unknown and rather confusing (to me) motivations...

However, if you did add this, I wouldn't complain (basically, I don't care all that much... Just barely enough to say anything...)

C

[Rhythm House Drums]

I think it's a great idea... especially if I win... if not.. eeehh.. not such a great idea.

I think we should definitely have a sexy drummer of the month... this way I know I'll win We can upload pics and vote..

[e2c]

Not sure about this, James... I understand the reasons you're stating, but I'm thinking that it's not a good idea.

Relatively few people post here; I think the "member of the month" thing is going to look too self-congratulatory and is potentially quite divisive.

[michi]

Relatively few people post here; I think the "member of the month" thing is going to look too self-congratulatory and is potentially quite divisive.

I have similar feelings. What would be the point? I don't think this would attract new members, or make existing members contribute more. And people who contribute a lot to this forum do so because they want to and enjoy the discussions. I don't think they need a "Member of the Month" badge to be happy.

A simple "thank you" from you or other board members for contributions is all it takes (and that is happening already anyway).

Which reminds me: James and Bubudi, thanks heaps for continuing to maintain this website and the forum! To the best of my knowledge, this is the best resource on the entire Internet for West African drumming. I wouldn't know what to do with my day without it

Cheers,

Michi.

[BobF]

Ditto what Michi said and thanks to all of you that contribute to this forum. If any of you are ever in Charlotte, NC the first round of drinks are on me.

[bubudi]

michi, thanks for your kind words. thanks also to you and the other regulars who contribute here, and to all the members who read and contribute occasionally as well.

personally i think a small reward for field recordings or workshop recordings (including video) would be helpful, but i really doubt it's productive to make an incentive for people to post more messages, or to hold anything vaguely like a popularity contest.

[e2c]

About field recordings, etc.: very few people have the opportunity to do that.

I think a simple "thank you" can go pretty far.

[bubudi]

i think a small reward would not be out of line for those that are able to and decide to share their recordings, but i'm not suggesting to make them member of month or give them any special status! at the end of the day i think the best motivation for contributing (whether you are sharing recordings, knowledge, thoughts, or whatever) is knowing you have benefited others. it's nice to have that fact recognised by others, but it's not the reason to do it. those who reach out from the joy of helping do so regardless of any recognition might receive.

[Waraba]

If I won, I'd want a series of djembes made with an image of my face carved into the stem.

[e2c]

i think a small reward would not be out of line for those that are able to and decide to share their recordings, but i'm not suggesting to make them member of month or give them any special status! at the end of the day i think the best motivation for contributing (whether you are sharing recordings, knowledge, thoughts, or whatever) is knowing you have benefited others. it's nice to have that fact recognised by others, but it's not the reason to do it. those who reach out from the joy of helping do so regardless of any recognition might receive.

The thing is, it's going to always be the same 3-4 (or so) people doing workshop and field recordings, for the most part.

Now, if i win some kind of big lottery jackpot and can stock up on video and audio recording hardware and plane tickets (etc.) to and from Mali, I'll be sure to let everyone know!

[James]

Well at first I thought it would be a good idea to have a "video of the month". My reasoning being that it would motivate people to find great videos on youtube / vimeo etc and post them here.

I think this would work very well...

Then I thought wait a minute there's a lot more going on then just people posting videos here, so why not try to recognise that....

It seems like this isn't a popular idea though so perhaps it should be forgotten about...

What about the video idea? Do you disagree and think it wouldn't work?