Future of Build Offs Voting Thread

[Max Bogosity]

But I think you worded it wrong. It now says "an 8 month build" which isn't what @Max Bogosity meant.

Oh, you’re right. Yes, my intent was that that the starting dates would be at an interval of 8 months (or 9, or anything not a factor of 12) so that over time they would occur at different times of the year. That would eventually accommodate everyone’s seasonal preferences. But would also admittedly be kind of weird.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

And tagging a second list of previous entrants for their thoughts and votes... apologies for any double-tags.

@/\/\3phist0 @41hzthunder @5tring @AK4570 @ARandGenUsrName @Barticus @bas_anton @BelmontBiker @Bent77 @Big B. @boxerrider @brocket @cholyoke @Chuck Chill-Out @ctmullins @dmarino @dwizum @instrumentalist @Flying B @G Giroir @GMC @HaMMerHeD @JParsons @Level5wizard @Marc DLarosa @MPU @MynameisMe @neddyrow @Panada @Piranha @RichterScale @rickwrench @ronknor @Slidlow @SlingBlader @subtlestew @Sushi Box FX @Tali33 @TerribleTim68 @TFM94 @TheEmptyCell @thisSNsucks @truand85 @WRM

No way I’m getting anything done anytime soon. Just got moved into the house on 21St.

 

[Alex Xander]

Oh, you’re right. Yes, my intent was that that the starting dates would be at an interval of 8 months (or 9, or anything not a factor of 12) so that over time they would occur at different times of the year. That would eventually accommodate everyone’s seasonal preferences. But would also admittedly be kind of weird.

I think I have added an option that is consistent with your suggestion.

Side note, it’s interesting that after @Beej tagged so many people, so few have voted.

 

[Clark W]

Ok folks,

Vote away for the future formats. If you can’t add options, please say so and I will add them.

I’ve just added a few as a starting point. I like @Gary_M ’s idea of an extended WBO.

Let democracy do its thing.

I voted Same as Usual, 2 per year, but...

I don't build, I just admire everyone's work and enjoy seeing what gets built. But twice a year, maybe 6 months isn't enough for some folks.

And because of that I also voted for 8 months on a rolling cycle. Apparently I'm the only one who voted for that so far

 

[Slidlow]

I think I have added an option that is consistent with your suggestion.

Side note, it’s interesting that after @Beej tagged so many people, so few have voted.

I voted before being tagged. I was absent for a while and on return (couple of weeks now) I’ve noticed a severe reduction in traffic on LC.

 

[boxerrider]

I've been busy outside and haven't been checking in regularly. I just voted for the revolving 8 month build.
It's tough to choose - they all have their advantages. I like extending the time a little and having two per year (well, almost). Bruce's build of the year idea is cool too.

Enjoy!

 

[AK4570]

Tagged and voted.

Venturing a SWAG based on what we know about human nature, it would seem that some of our past participants have experienced the inevitable pull of "life change" Put another way, their responsibilities, living situation, job requirements, or relationships have changed in such a way that they have moved on from the wonderful world of instrument building.

Speaking only for myself, I have moved 3 times since my first completed build, finished and defended a dissertation, and have changed jobs twice while adding a second. That said, I have well and truly caught the bug and currently have 6 builds in various stages of completion.

This community at the LC has a core of regulars who keep the ship on course while the folks along the edges come and go... But sometimes returns as well. I truly believe that if we remain true to what we do (regardless of the build-off format) and our passion for building basses, we will remain the epitome of what on online builder's community looks like.

Happy Thanksgiving, All, and best regards,
John

 

[2groggy]

Side note, it’s interesting that after @Beej tagged so many people, so few have voted.

I was tagged but didn't see a notification. Perhaps it got mixed in with the Black Friday spam. I just found the thread on my own and voted now.

I'd probably join any build off, regardless of timing, as long as the theme doesn't restrict me to an instrument that I don't want.

 

[Max Bogosity]

I was tagged but didn't see a notification.

Me neither. I just happened to wander back in here at the right time.

 

[boxerrider]

Tagged and voted.

Venturing a SWAG based on what we know about human nature, it would seem that some of our past participants have experienced the inevitable pull of "life change" Put another way, their responsibilities, living situation, job requirements, or relationships have changed in such a way that they have moved on from the wonderful world of instrument building.

Speaking only for myself, I have moved 3 times since my first completed build, finished and defended a dissertation, and have changed jobs twice while adding a second. That said, I have well and truly caught the bug and currently have 6 builds in various stages of completion.

This community at the LC has a core of regulars who keep the ship on course while the folks along the edges come and go... But sometimes returns as well. I truly believe that if we remain true to what we do (regardless of the build-off format) and our passion for building basses, we will remain the epitome of what on online builder's community looks like.

Happy Thanksgiving, All, and best regards,
John

I don't think the exact build-off format is as important as continuing to have build-offs. Moderating them takes time and effort, so I'm in favor of whatever format those folks find works best for them!
I bet this is fairly accurate. Also, some folks don't have the time, space, finances, or interest in building a dozen or more basses. An instrument or three, and their stable is full.
I retired from teaching, restarted my furniture building, and have been working on house/property stuff that I had been ignoring for too many years. I have been refining my setup skills on my personal instruments and a couple of rehabs. Building a couple more basses, along with a few cigar box guitars and telecasters are still on my list, although it might take me a year or two to work through the items ahead of them.

 

[41hzthunder]

I like seeing projects throughout the year. That said, I seem to have less time for hobbies now that I'm retired. Didn't see that coming! So, one a year probably for me. Its been a while, so I'm about due for a build.

 

[BishopJP]

I like the idea of a 4 month build-off; I find 3 months to be a bit short. As evidenced by several of my past entries!
I also like the "Bass Build of the Year" idea.
Changing the WBO to start in January could mean the voting for Bass of the Year could be done before the WBO starts?

 

[Markshan]

I went ahead and voted even though I don't know that I'll ever participate in another one. Lots of Life changes coming up. Anyway, I chose what I thought would be the most beneficial to me were I to do one in the future.

 

[AbnormalForms]

I agree with the added month for a build off, but am also in the seasonal boat. Waiting for epoxy and paint to dry takes forever in the winter (or just forever period). For me personally, I'd prefer an extended summer build off.

 

[Quills]

My initial reaction was 'the more, the merrier' (not least as it might give me a chance of finishing one) but I appreciate that hosting / convening these things can be a PITA / task in itself and having too many different build-offs risks diluting participation in any single event.

I found the time-constrained aspect of the 3-month build-offs useful for helping me get into the shop (and to focus on luthiery stuff instead of the distractions of other projects while I was out there), but I also felt that three months is too tight for people doing scratch builds who also have multiple real-life obligations. Of course, if you're doing partials or assemblies / have more free time on your hands / do this professionally, then any longer may seem like way too long. It's a difficult balance to strike.

I might suggest one shorter build-off (three/four-month?)and one year-long build-off (maybe running solstice to solstice). That way, if you know you're not going to get it finished, you can register for the longer one. They should probably start at around the same time, so people can mentally bookmark it in their calendar (doing it on the solstices was kinda genius in this respect, as it was easy to remember). I also think that at least one of them (probably the short one) should have a 1-instrument-per-person-per-category rule (somewhat difficult to enforce?). Watching people banging out multiple builds in the same build-off when you're struggling to find a moment to plane a blank turns it into more of a competition for "who's got more available time / fewer distractions".

 

[Flamingo21]

I also think that at least one of them (...) should have a 1-instrument-per-person-per-category rule (...) Watching people banging out multiple builds in the same build-off (...) turns it into more of a competition

As far as I'm aware it is rare for one person to submit two or more basses into one Buildoff. And when it happened, I myself haven't felt that it increased the competitive element.
So I don't think there's a need for such a rule.

 

[rickwrench]

Sooo.... is Jan 1 to April 30 the winner???
What's the theme?

 

[smart51]

Are we on then? I've got an idea for a build. Let's do a build off.

 

[2groggy]

Cue the Jeopardy thinking music. Ding ding ding ding, Ding ding ding ding....

 

[postalflunkie]