I would like to suggest that a special badge be made for the category winners who don't place in best of show or first in category (they already get one). So the second and third place winners in each category could each have one that's different from the others already being given.

Just thinking it would be very nice.

Not sure if I understand what you're suggesting but think I do. So do you have a particular design in mind?

tx_flower_child said:Not sure if I understand what you're suggesting but think I do. So do you have a particular design in mind?

Anything! Maybe just a camera icon, or a multistar. Or a multistar with a camera icon!

My two cents: keep it as is. I'm not sure exactly who gets the blue ribbon badges, but my thought is they have earned them. Awarding similar badges for lesser prizes is akin to the 'participation trophies' of youth sports these days. We get the pleasure of enjoying all the lovely lovely photographs, then we vote on which ones we like the best (difficult task), then the winners get the distinction of displaying (or not) their blue ribbon award. I'd like to not see that get watered down.

Bonehead said:My two cents: keep it as is. I'm not sure exactly who gets the blue ribbon badges, but my thought is they have earned them. Awarding similar badges for lesser prizes is akin to the 'participation trophies' of youth sports these days. We get the pleasure of enjoying all the lovely lovely photographs, then we vote on which ones we like the best (difficult task), then the winners get the distinction of displaying (or not) their blue ribbon award. I'd like to not see that get watered down.

All contests have something that acknowledges the first, second and third place winners. Doesn't water down a thing.

Just went to check how many categories we had this year, appears to be 17 (if I counted correctly). That seems to be enough blue ribbons to me. If, as I think you are suggesting, the 2nd and 3rd place folks would also get some sort of recognition that would water it down for me.

I guess I also have to question your statement that "All contests have something that acknowledges the first, second and third place winners." On what do you base this? I'm really not trying to pick a fight. I just think it is fine as it is. The top dogs get a ribbon, the rest don't. Easy.

Bonehead said:
I guess I also have to question your statement that "All contests have something that acknowledges the first, second and third place winners." On what do you base this?

On my years as a competitive gymnastics coach among other things.

Well, OK. That has about nothing to do with photography or gardening. Again, not trying to pick a fight, but...? Confused.

Perhaps it would be helpful if I tried to restate my thoughts: With 17 major categories, I think acknowledging the top vote in each category is enough of an accolade. I am also a proponent of expanding the categories, which would increase the blue ribbons but also focus the photos to more specific categories. Where that goes is obviously not my call.

And perhaps I'm just further confused - what would be the point of acknowledging 2nd and 3rd place winners? A feather in the cap? Since we are limited to 12 visible badges, my inclination is to focus on my personal interests. But, that's me.

I'm not saying you don't have a valid point. I just don't agree with it. Peace.

Bonehead said:Well, OK. That has about nothing to do with photography or gardening. Again, not trying to pick a fight, but...? Confused.

No, but it has everything to do with contests and competitions. I've entered other photography contests too, even won one some years ago. Like the gymnastics competitions, they gave something to each of the first place winners in each category, and to the two runners up. Appropriately, the larger prizes went to the "best of show" (which I'm pretty sure is a term adopted from horse and dog competitions). So sorry that you're confused. However, the fact that other contests and competitions do it shouldn't really be a consideration. This isn't a professional contest (even though many of the photos look like they were taken by professionals and may, indeed, have been.) Unless I'm totally missing something, it's all for fun and pleasure, and just one more thing that Dave and others do to make this community a really friendly place for all of us. Almost 4,000 photos submitted! Wow!

Bonehead said:And perhaps I'm just further confused - what would be the point of acknowledging 2nd and 3rd place winners? A feather in the cap? Since we are limited to 12 visible badges, my inclination is to focus on my personal interests. But, that's me.

Yup, got that. But thanks for pointing it out.

I am only new to this blog and I like it, and its members/contributors very much. Can barely wait for new postings through my cold winter months. However, in my humble opinion, I do not think that second and third place finishers should receive a special symbol! I won a first place, and I didn't even get an acorn. LOL. I'm not complaining! (not sure how you get acorns anyway). LOL. Look, as we are now doing, let's continue to submit photos judged by our membership on the photo merits, including second and third place. I think the present system will make us try harder! I know I certainly am going to do so for the next contest! Personally, I don't even think the "Best in Show" awards should be granted. It is a little too "Dog Show" style (and I have been there done that many times in the past)! Great photos submitted!!! Even contacted a bunch of submitters to congratulate same, and ask questions about various plants/places in their pictures. Also had a member, quite rudely ask me if my submission was "the same one that had been shopped around on various sites?" Hey, still a great photo contest, great membership, great blog! Don't change anything! Cameras at the ready, hello 2018! Cheers from Nova Scotia.

fwmosher said:I am only new to this blog and I like it, and its members/contributors very much. Can barely wait for new postings through my cold winter months. However, in my humble opinion, I do not think that second and third place finishers should receive a special symbol! I won a first place, and I didn't even get an acorn. LOL. I'm not complaining! (not sure how you get acorns anyway). LOL. Look, as we are now doing, let's continue to submit photos judged by our membership on the photo merits, including second and third place. I think the present system will make us try harder! I know I certainly am going to do so for the next contest! Personally, I don't even think the "Best in Show" awards should be granted. It is a little too "Dog Show" style (and I have been there done that many times in the past)! Great photos submitted!!! Even contacted a bunch of submitters to congratulate same, and ask questions about various plants/places in their pictures. Also had a member, quite rudely ask me if my submission was "the same one that had been shopped around on various sites?" Hey, still a great photo contest, great membership, great blog! Don't change anything! Cameras at the ready, hello 2018! Cheers from Nova Scotia.

You may not have received an acorn, but you, obviously, did receive a blue ribbon.

Since you're new and would like to know more about acorns, here's a page that you might enjoy:
https://garden.org/ideas/view/...

The part about articles doesn't apply any longer, but there is a great Ideas Forum where you can post your original ideas, long or short.

I personally love the way the site is run and also the way that the photo contest is run including the prizes. I still feel that some type of badge for first, second and third place category winners would be a very nice thing to do. Kudos go out to @dave, @trish, @Calif_Sue and all the moderators and others who contribute to make this site such a great place to be a part of.

I'm in the 'no badges for 2nd and 3rd place winners' category. Just saying. Not really posting to debate. I'm posting because I want to toss an acorn or two to get @fwmosher started gathering some.

Hmm. Now I'll have to see if there's a more direct route for tossing acorns.

tx_flower_child said:I'm in the 'no badges for 2nd and 3rd place winners' category. Just saying. Not really posting to debate. I'm posting because I want to toss an acorn or two to get @fwmosher started gathering some.

Hmm. Now I'll have to see if there's a more direct route for tossing acorns.

Just click on the acorn at the bottom of her post and Bob's your uncle! Couldn't be quicker, easier or more direct!

Actually Bob's my brother.

What I meant by directly tossing an acorn was if one could be tossed without attaching it to a post. Just aim it at the intended recipient and throw. I'll have to read the instructions. Might help!

tx_flower_child said:Actually Bob's my brother.

What I meant by directly tossing an acorn was if one could be tossed without attaching it to a post. Just aim it at the intended recipient and throw. I'll have to read the instructions. Might help!

Yup, you can do that too. Just click the username in the upper left corner of the post, then "give acorns to X" and Bob's your brother!