Bill Bartlett brought this up in another thread, and it was mentioned to me several times over the weekend. I think about other shows and Art Exhibits which I have attended where tehy give out ribbon's or prizes to the best of a particular category, and wonder if that would be something to look into for next year's event?

This doesn't have to be strictly artistic rods...I saw 3 rods from 2 builders which had teeny tiny guides, maybe it would really inspire more people to think outside of the box to come up with new and innovative ideas and components for their rods.

I also think that people who don't win will be heartbroken, but I think the majority would have a lot of fun with this type of a competition. I'm not looking for this to be run by teh ICRBE staff, tehy have more than enough things to worry about, but I'm sure a few rod racks can be placed somewhere with teh rods...in the least it would make for an impressive display of rods, and would be a lot of fun for those who participate.

I don't want to get involved with it personally, but anyone with a booth there could certainly undertake it. Why not the NERBS? You guys put on a nice in-booth wrapping demonstration anyway. We have a year to kick it around. I'm sure something can be done along these lines.

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Maybe have the attendees do ballots???? That would eliminate any claims of "partial" Judges.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike, I deleted that part of my post when I realized that someone migh thave to account for 500+ ballots. It was bad enough I counted book sales while sitting on the toilet after the show, I'd hate to have to keep track of ballots, lol. Unless the bar crew wanted to help, there were more than enough guys down there each night with nothing else to do except @#$%& & drink a few beers.

I agree it would be tough to find impartial judges. We'll worry abotu that if this actually takes off.

You could eliminate the favoritism from the contest by not having any names associated to the rods that are entered,, the rod has a ticket with a number on it , and the owner has the other 1/2 of the ticket with the same number on it,, the judge calls out the "number" of the winning rod. Almost like a raffle ticket type thing..


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Raffle...did someone say RAFFLE??? I finally won, yippee! lol.

Good idea, we just have to make sure that none of the rods are posted on the boards prior to the show. One thing I have noticed is I can kind of tell who built what rod just from looking at it. For example, Mark Crouse's rods are really easy to spot: his style, color selection and components are unique. But for someone who doesnt' spend hours studying the photo page for a Final Exam, this is a great idea, thanks.

Billy,I would love to count the votes and also enter a rod.Would that be possible???We got a year to work this out lets run with it.It will prompt builders to bring rods to the show.Sort of how you looked over the trolling rod the gentleman with the little girl had on Sunday.Just more to look at.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

You could have 2 catagories, PROFESSIONAL & NON-PROFESSIONAL !!!!!!!

There,, that should cover it all !~


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Well Billy,

Great idea!! My post was looking at trying to get the youngsters involved somehow, but whatever works!!

Bill in WV

Billy,
If your book doesn't get me where I need to be with wrapping, I guess I'll volunteer the 'bar crew' to at least count votes.

clyde

Yeah, that would be some count!!!

Billy, you would need a large number of anonymous wrap judges who might have lots of varied ideas of what is "best." What one likes might not be what another likes, therefore the need for lots of judges. The fact is one of you NERB will win because of your great skills (I'll subit an early vote for Mike Joyce's wrap, whatever it is). This is all said in jest.

Go for it if you think it'll work. Good to see you at the Big Show.

Stan

instead of needing to count votes why not do something like

if 10 rods are entered have 10 numbered sheets of paper and have everyone that votes sign thier name under the rod they like and at the end look at the last signature and see what number it is

just throwing around an idea ;)

Then the winner wouldnt be a surprise.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)