I know in the past there have some issues with directory contests, where it seemed there were "campaigns" to try to win, etc. I am about to start the phpLD July DOTM contest, and I was wondering your thoughts on what I can do to insure the best directory wins.
Give the vote to someone totally independant of phpld and DP, someone like me. I'd make my decision based on hard FACTS based on features, design including w3c validation and cross browser compatability blah blah blah. The list of criteria would be strict and totally impartial in the fact I actively promote phpLynx not yours. Sounds whacky to have an opponent of your script to be the Judge but it actually makes sense to have someone everyone knows is gonna be impartial. Would certainly give credability to the competition. Just a thought.
Winning by votes is flawed, those who market more aggressively by asking people to vote for them have a distinct advantage over those who just submit their site. Why not just have a neutral panel to decide the winners.
make it so that only paid members of phplds forum can vote for there site of the month all though not perfect it would prevent a lot of people who cannot access it from voting if they are contacted to do so
I think nominations should be screened properly, before they go for final voting.. Second, voting should be allowed to people with certain # of posts only. Third, if possible voting should be anonymous.
But it would still make it open to paid members to tout for votes which is what the OP was looking to avoid? Paid members are probably more clicky than the free members so you'd still get foul cried. Besides, it would also look like a ploy to get people to pay to join just to vote, and whilst it isnt' not everyone would think that way.
I believe the winner of the June contest is one of the top phpLD contibutors, and I'm glad that he won. He may have promoted himself, but you can be sure that marketing played a role in other contenders as well, and hence, this thread. I like these ideas offered so far: 1. Private voting 2. Post count must be at least X posts I also am considering the idea of completely private voting among the phpLD staff.
www.DirJournal.com was the clear case winner. Hands down. Hasan has it all in that directory, hands down and spent a small fortune on promotion and MODs and everything that goes into a great directory. I didn't think the contest was about 'top contributors' I thought it was about 'Directories'. In that case, maybe you should run TWO contests. SOTM(site) and COTM(contributor) Like I said, It was just another case of a flawed contest and your inability to run them.
yeah. people bribe others to vote. "i will submit to your directory if you go to phplinkdirectory.com/forum and vote for me"
I believe in any contest there will be multiple parties that did great work, and choosing a winner is not always clear cut. For example, who should be the next President of the United States? It may be clear to some, but certainly there are many good (or bad!) choices. It is difficult for popularity not to play a role. dirjournal may certainly have a chance again in July to win. Now let's figure out what we can do to improve the fairness of the contest.
This is how an independant sees it, 'one of the 'top' contributors won! Say's it all really. Can't say I did offer an independant solution but there ya go. I do kind of think that you already know exactly what your plan to do just drumming up some extra publicity which is all good, we all do it. Giving a decent prize would be better though. Good luck anyways.
Well, then lets first see who the cadidates are, and see who bribes the most lets replace 'popularity' with 'bribery' dirjournal is a winner regardless. it's moot. Why don't *you* figure something out, and present it. Do something on your own for once. Show and put some effort forth.
Awsome, I think I'm done with this thread, as it is sinking fast. Thanks for helping try to figure out the best solution. I'll check back later.
It seems the democratic system is flawed. What's new? But isn't democracy the best form of government we've got?
perhaps if people vote, and give a reason for it then all the votes that say "its a great directory" get discounted, then those who say, for example "i vote dirjournal.com, as its got a unique design, great content, great prices, unique features" do get counted....
It's not sinking. Concerns are being expressed, and you are just being called out/asked to provide an effort to instill a more sound methodology to the 'contest' If you *run*(like you normally do) from the thread, you will not resolve anything, and things will remain flawed. Since you mentioned presidents and politics, let me break it down with simplicity for you. you are the president we are the politicians/congress make your presidential plan, present it to the politicians/congress, if we veto, you revise your plan, but for gods sake, make a fricken plan first! Ok, i won't be around for a bit, because i in fact do have someone's wifes' panties to get into hahaha. I'm 2 for 2 today! gooo me! Enjoy the Sunday, bbiab (hr or two)
Ok, that makes more sense, an0n. Thanks for clarifying. Here is one more idea I will throw out is to have "registered voters". Digg sort of has a system like this. I might start a thread that is simultaneous with the nomination thread that allows people to become "registered voters", and we will have certain minimum requirements to have the priviledge to vote. (Back in the old days the contests were smaller. But now they get more attention, so I really do hope I can indeed improve the contest so that people believe in it)