A Question for the Group

["David A. Youngker" <nestor10@mindspring.com>]

I've been diligently following the recent conversations regarding the
"return to roots" movement and its effects on prize structures, budgeting,
etc.. It seems to me as if quite a bit of what we have yet to decide
revolves not only on the expected degree of participation but the breakdown
of categories to fit the entries. Which brings me to a question that's both
been nagging me personally and affecting a rational decision as to the
budgeting concerns.

I've seen a couple of figures bounced around for the all-important
categorical breakdowns, some even saying that as many as 20 may not cover
the possible entry pool. Try as I might, I just cannot envision an overly
large structure. So my question is:

Can anyone break down the category possibilities? And actually attach a name
to them?

I can picture things like "Dutch" vs "Biotope", fresh vs brackish, even
large tanks vs "desktop" systems. Much beyond that and I'd have to admit
that my lack of experience in aquatic contests would rear its head. Unless
we intend to break down entries to such minutiae as

Biotope/Brackish/Mangrove Swamp/Non-Planted/Low Tech/Available
Light/Invertebrate Only/10-gallon and under...

Since this *is* our first year, does the category development *have* to be
based on whatever the contestants decide *they* want to create? Could we not
set up the contest and showcase along what most would consider "traditional"
categories, allowing a more concrete structure for determining prizes and
outside (e.g. manufacturers and publishers) sponsorship? OR how about
letting the "Showcase" portion of the event and any entries into it help
determine the possibilities for *future* categories?

Before I can make some "real" suggestions on reigning in the costs or
determining the true involvment level of the organizing committee, I have to
get a better handle on the structure itself. It seems to me that we should
be able to firm this part up among ourselves before throwing it out to the
world at large. After all, shouldn't *we* be able to control *some* of the
variables involved?

-Y-

David A. Youngker
nestor10@mindspring.com
http://www.mindspring.com/~nestor10


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