Given a bit of a tempest in the October 2011 KotM poll, I will try to elaborate on the spirit and the intent of the Kitbash of the Month, as set out by the author.
In it's earlier years of existence, OSW has run contests which included prizes, sponsored by various dealers/distributors. A sufficient number of those concluded badly, and although the prizes were usually awarded (albeit with some delays, and even by money out of individuals' pockets), staff concluded that the problems far outweighed the enjoyment.
The conception of Kitbash of the Month as a recognition of outstanding works, nominated by fellow members, and having as it's "prize" if any, so-called "bragging rights", was intended to counter commercialized competitions. It was intended to be enjoyable, and as a showcase for all nominated.
Some tweaks and fixes were necessary. Misinterpretations had to be addressed early-on. One request which seemed harmless enough, was for an image attachment, a virtual medallion. That was done, and graciously generated by a member.
Even then, some believed that any "popularity contest" had more adverse results than good. Valid enough, given how it might be approached or seen, but as the original intent was representative, rather than some form of aggrandizement, the KotM was continued.
Since that time, a Kitbash of the Year has been included. The Kitbash of the Month has marched on, sometimes a few nominations, other times a large number. I believe that every time, genuinely good works do not get nominated, for reasons, none of which are spiteful or judgemental.
So the "rules of engagement" have been kept to a minimum:
RULES OF NOMINATION
_ One nomination per member nominating
_ Must have a good link to the nominated figure thread, not a pic
_ No self-noms
_ No nomination of figures previously nominated
_ No second-party works
Self-noms were tossed out, as those were liable to manipulation, and not truly a recognition by fellow members.
Note that works which were missed in the past nominations are NOT disallowed. That one took some thinking over, but seemed within the spirit and intent.
Second-party works nominations were denied, after non-members' bashes were imported. Fine works, but not member works. Not such a draconian thing, as membership is open here.
With those few rules, the KotM has continued pretty fluidly, and in the original author's (not me) vision.
With the poll for October 2011, a new issue arose. One nominee (ironically the one I nominated) lobbied to numbers of members, for their votes. There were no posted rules against this, and yet it was the cause (rightfully so, I believe) of consternation and complaint. The reason for that reaction seems fairly straightforward, that is, a matter of "fairness".
I personally am inclined to believe that this was not an act of malice, but perhaps stemming from other reasons, including possible misinterpretation. As a result, to assuage the heated discussion, the figure has been removed from the poll. The running commentary was also edited out, although a complete version is in staff files.
It is perhaps not the first time such an incident has occurred, but the scale, and reaction to it, make it stand out. A new addition to the rules will address this.
And now that this has been related, I advocate that no further punitive actions be carried out, nor posted barbs be unleashed. The experience itself is, I trust, enough. The member body has, by and large, been a most reasonable and forgiving one.
Imperfect tho we may be, and we all are, in the end this is only a hobby. Sometimes learning that is uncomfortable for all parties.
"
How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it."
Marcus Aurelius
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