Several other forums I belong too have a POTM. It's a photo of the month contest. Several pics are sent in by members up until the 15th of the month. Then on the 16th of the month until the end-o-month there is a vote for the best by other members. The winner normally recieves something small. Normally a gift card to a LFS provided my sponsers and such. What do you think?

Well, we all know I can't compete but I like the idea. I'm not sure what we would do for a prize though. What are your thoughts? Maybe an archive of previous winners and the photo credits?
regards
mike

Love the idea.

Here's the question though - prizes.

Should we make a pool? Do I put a PayPal "Donations" button on & ask people to add a buck or two here and there to it to fund a "prize" -- or do we just start a WINNERS ARCHIVE?

Interested to hear your thoughts....

I think donations from active members is a great answer. If we do a buck a month from everyone or even .50 cents. That should be a good idea. Then maybe we can get a plaque so show each name and type of fish for each month's winner to house in our sponser's store.


POTM Plaque at Pet World??????????

Make it kinda like monthly dues just like we had in cub scouts

I like Mike's idea. We could set a prerequisite that in order to participate in the POTM, an entrant would pay a buck and perhaps guarantee 60% of the proceeds to the winner until we have built up enough money in the kitty to have a standing prize like a 25 or 50 dollar GC to visit Haley. I like the dues idea but there's a catch. I think dues may dissuade other potential members from joining, participating etc etc. We would have to reconcile recruiting efforts with fund raising. I would offer up some of my ancistrus as a potential prize or perhaps a forum auction with a certain percentage kept by Gary to fund the prizes for POTM. He's already paying to keep this site up and running so I wouldn't mind a small percentage going to defray that cost. Just some ideas. I think this larger idea needs further exploration. I have some small experience in the area of managing efforts like these and would assist. I'm just thinking that when it comes to money, organization and clear goals are critical to the eventual success. I know that I would want an accounting of how money is spent if I were contributing X dollars to the effort. I'm willing but should we do this, I think we'll need to figure out a few things before we begin. Any and all thoughts on this matter gratefully accepted and considered!
all the best
mike

I think an accountant is a great idea on that matter.

Either way a prize or not, I think we should do it. I do like the plaque idea and hanging it at Pet World at the very least.

I am always happy to put the store out there and I will speak to the owner about a monthly gift card, but in return, for her to belive me and start supporting us, I need to see your faces in the store, Not Paradise Cove?! I don't care if you spend money or what, but she needs to know that you like and care about the store. I am very generous, Gary knows, but I need your help to get her to help us! I will do my best!!!

Haley and Chris

Well I hate the Cove. You know me Haley. I've purchased several things from the store

I know, I think that we should set up accounts at the store to show you are a loyal customer and that you have shopped in the store. Then she would definatly say yes!

Haley

I'm up for that too. Paradise pets is close which is why I visit but bear no loyalty to them. I think I need to visit you guys again!
regards
mike

I stopped in there a long time ago since I work 12 seconds from them in Bellevue

Thanks guys! I work morn. noon and night for that store and it is really sad to hear people say that they can get a better deal at PC or AP. I do anything in my power to make people happy and get things and prices that are reasonable. I have made major improvements to the new store and I am not done yet... It just takes time and money. I don't have the money to do and get cool crap if people are shopping on line and at "box" stores. I appreciate all of you supporting me and my job that I love. In turn I do my best to help you with your hobby that you love. Thanks again!

Haley

P.S. I might shoot for a tank instead of a gift card? Any objections?

I sure could use another tank. Sounds good to me!