Okay, I'm stumped. What is the point of this feature?
The nature of the challenge is not at all defined. Is it a photography challenge, where we decide on the best composition of a photo? Is it a contest to see if people who prefer a "tinplate" or "toylike" layout will vote more than people who prefer a "Hi-Rail" (i.e. "Realistic") layout? Is it a contest to see if people like Lionel rolling stock better than Marx or American Flyer rolling stock?
The whole thing is so subjective and without rules as to make the the voter wonder "what am I voting on, exactly" and make the "winner" wonder, "what,exactly have I won?"
This all reminds me of some bad Si-Fi of the '50s where the "plebes" vote electronicaly "Like" or "Don't Like" in a modern day version of Roman 'bread and circuses".
I've gotta be missing something. Please help me see what I am not getting.
Little Tommy
"I am intrigued by your ideas and wish to subscribe to your newsletter"
-Homer Simpson
In all seriousness, yes, you are right. I do enjoy this feature, however, as I like the photos. You are correct that it is more or less a competition of photography rather than layouts. There are many variables not factored in. Era, tinplate vs highrail, guage. My taste is postwar O/S but I do enjoy highrail modeled in the prewar/postwar era, at least looking at layouts modeled as such. Therefore I will vote for a picture with steam and first generation desieils over a CSX Dash 8 (or something like that.) If these variables were taken away and different categories put into effect, it would still just be a competition of photography as only one scene is shown, rather than layout as a whole.
My suggestion, don't worry about it. Many competitions in life are "unfair" and full of variables. Work on your layout and enjoy.
I vote for the best use of photography. The best Photograph.
I have a photography business and went to school for it so thats why I pick the best "photo".
I just enjoy seeing the great layouts and nice pictures. I vote for one or the other just to pay respects to the person taking the time to set up the challange. Like Sunday photo fun, it gives me something to look at and get some ideas from. I'm way behind most of you guys in the scenery department, and I need all of the help I can get.
Wes
Since one does not have to 'login to anything or put up cash' to see the photos entered in this contest, it's a way for all to see what we are enjoying and to see what's possible in the world of toy trains --- all without any commitment beyond some browsing time.
Recruitment of new members into the hobby through participation has always been a business strategy of success. When I hit that vote button, I feel a sense of participation and one can't miss the hyperlinks navigating to back-issues for sale.
If the hook gets set and the bug bites, then a new subscription may follow with a full scale plunge into the hobby. It's capitalism and marketing at it's finest --- and everyone wins.
The photos have already been published in CTT so there is no loser... just more publicity for the artists of the photos previously published.
If CTT baselines back-issue sales prior to the layout challenge, then one would expect to see increased back-issue sales after implementing the challenge --- and I'll bet that is the case?
Business is in business for many reasons but for two in particular...to promote their product and create profit margins from sales and advertisment. If that happens, then the business model takes flight. That means we all get fatter magazines to read and more STUFF to play with.
thor wrote:You're not alone in this query. Several of us have voiced similar questions since the feature first appeared. I guess the guy responsible has a bee in his bonnet about it since he apparently ignores us!I dislike the whole idea of asking people to say which they prefer, even if there was a huge difference in quality it doesn't tell the whole story nor in my opinon, is it either kind or polite to judge someone elses creative output especially when you don't know anything about their income, skill levels and/or any other possible handicaps. Even if it was a level playing field in all respects I still wouldnt publicly say I prefer A over B.
I have to agree with Thor on this, though Perry does have some valid points. I have never been a fan of pitting one layout against another, even if it is more a matter of photography vs. actual layout concept/scenery. I have seen very detailed layouts that when one steps back or sees the track plan is on the poor side, while that one photo looks great. I have also seen some less than spectacular photos of a layout that would make one think it was not done well, but when seeing the whole layout, it is very well done. I don't vote on the "challenge of the week", but I do open it up to see the photos.
dennis
TCA#09-63805
The photos are all I really want to see as well...
Wes Whitmore wrote: The photos are all I really want to see as well...
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Buckeye Riveter wrote: Wes Whitmore wrote: The photos are all I really want to see as well...
Thanks, John
The photos inspire me to try and make my layout better.
Gary
For me it comes down to best photo especially since it says:
"Which layout photo do you like better?"
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