NEW: $1000 Most Valuable Poster Drawing

NEW: $1000 Most Valuable Poster Drawing

Great discussions on here recently about the direction of the Pregame Forums! Growing pains will be inevitable for our community - but the key is you speaking out about ways we can improve, AND you doing your part to contribute.

One project which helped along those lines was our "Forums Rewards" drawing, which has given away over $10,000 cash to top Pregame Forums contributors.

We had to put that program on hold due to the budgetary reality of the current recession . . . but I'VE RECONSIDERED THAT . . .

One of the most important elements of Pregame.com is our community - it being a place where everyone gets back more than they give from the many others giving. We've done A LOT of things right building the Forums, and some things wrong - and I believe the main way we can grow the community is by teaching each other the types of contributions that are the most valuable - and by supporting each other's efforts.

So I am announcing the $1000 Most Valuable Poster Drawing!

To be frank, this money is not in the budget, and is coming straight out of my pocket - but I think this is too important not to do.

Most Valuable Poster Drawing Concept:

Entries into the drawing are granted for:

Top 20 posters by number of posts (measuring effort)
Top 20 by thread views generated (measuring popularity)
Posts that are designated as "gold star" - measuring quality

At the end of May a random drawing will be held with $1000 cash given to the winner!

Our four great moderators (Goodfella, sawastea, Joe Straguzzi, FloridaChad) will be recognizing gold star posts along with a number of Pregame.com staff.

Here are the qualities we are especially looking for in posts:

1) Analysis with picks
2) More than just "good luck" when responding to other's picks, but rather constructive insight into why you like or don't like the picks
3) Regular (ideally daily) threads that cover a certain subject - like a weather report thread for baseball, or a bullpen fatigue report, or SportsbookSpy.com analysis of the betting percentages, any information that will help others handicap.
4) Any projects which require collaboration between posters - we are much sharper when working together
5) Replies pointing out the highest quality posts from others. If you read something you think is very helpful, draw attention to it, and say thanks by replying.

I think the Pregame.com community does an amazing job of recognizing and showing appreciation for contribution - the purpose of the new $1000 Most Valuable Poster Drawing is to FORMALLY recognize the top contributors, and to give them a real chance at $1000 in cash.

Thoughts?

I'd especially like to hear what other types of posts we'd like to encourage . . .

Great idea RJ & I will be doing my part to make this a great success!

RJ I think this is a great idea. However, I might break down the $1000.00 down a little. Here is my suggestion for the $1000.00.

$500.00 cash random drawing for the poster who contributes to the forum.

$300.00 - Monthly contest. I would offer forum members a monthly handicapping contest for the sports being played. You could have one for the upcoming hockey, basketball playoffs. You might even have a month where you have a golf handicapping contest!

$200.00 - You, Marco, VR, Goodfella, Joe S, Floridachad & Sawastea select a forum member who you think contributed the most to the forum for the current month.

I like random drawing but they are just that, random. You could post a bunch of good info and not win a dime. However, if you lose the monthly random drawing you still have two more chances to win some cash. I also wouldn't hesitate to make one or two of your prizes coupons toward picks. You shouldn't have to go into your own pocket all the time. Thanks for listening to our ideas and good luck with your new contest.

Altham - you have a point, but I like the idea of the $1000 cash being a substantial amount of money.

Each entry increases your chances, so a poster is always motivated . . . and over the long term chances are all top posters will win at least once :)

I agree top posters will eventually win. If you are trying to get 12-15 solid posters than the one giveaway will be great. However, you are only giving out 12 winners per year. You may want to try another monthly handicapping contest in addition to this one. I am thinking about putting together a golf contest for the masters in a few weeks.

But then you are going to have guys going into every thread wishing good luck just for the posts? Don't know how to do it, but it should be quality posts only.

altham

I agree top posters will eventually win. If you are trying to get 12-15 solid posters than the one giveaway will be great. However, you are only giving out 12 winners per year. You may want to try another monthly handicapping contest in addition to this one. I am thinking about putting together a golf contest for the masters in a few weeks.

Actually, with the OLD system.....if you were in the top 3 (total entries) that gave you LESS of a chance of winning....as I was in the top 3 most months & never one the cash........but I did notice that the people who were in the upper middle of the pack (total entries wise) USUALLY & almost always won........thats a fact jack!! LOL

Do all the views I got yesterday when I started all this crazyness count??? LOL

I make 1 little post and the whole forum goes nuts! I love the power!!!!!!!!!! Now everyone send me money!

GoodFella

altham

I agree top posters will eventually win. If you are trying to get 12-15 solid posters than the one giveaway will be great. However, you are only giving out 12 winners per year. You may want to try another monthly handicapping contest in addition to this one. I am thinking about putting together a golf contest for the masters in a few weeks.

Actually, with the OLD system.....if you were in the top 3 (total entries) that gave you LESS of a chance of winning....as I was in the top 3 most months & never one the cash........but I did notice that the people who were in the upper middle of the pack (total entries wise) USUALLY & almost always won........thats a fact jack!! LOL

You are right GF. The middle guys did win but I think you deserved to win the $1000.00. IMO, you always gave the forum the most content.