So I have to make a few decisions about how I spend funds for the next event I am organising. I am not sure about prize money. I think that prize money does not really encourage anyone to compete so might be better spent elsewhere.

I do think it looks good from a marketing perspective to say there is $XXX for prizes but I really don't think this has encouraged anyone to compete in the past.

Most of our prize money comes directly from entry fees. So there is a few options here. What does everyone think?

I have my own opinion and possibly am leaning a certain way but can be convinced.
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Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

That is a hard question.

At the last Nationals, I built the other robots specifically to try for prize money. So the prize money did encourage me to compete more than I would otherwise.

I would hate to have anyone unable to enter an event because of the entry fee. I know what it is like to be short of money. Perhaps we could waive the fees for anyone who is doing it tough.

I wonder if trophies rather than money might be a good incentive for competitors. We could cut some of the old arena panels into a shape and mount it as a trophy.

Your idea about smaller amounts of prize money spread more broadly is good.
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So even the rain that falls isn't actually going to fill our dams and our river systems

Large trophies + everyone who makes it to the finals gets prize money > their entry fee?
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Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

Prizes in the form of BotBitz Dollarz would be fine with me
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<Patrician|Away> what does your robot do, sam
<bovril> it collects data about the surrounding environment, then discards it and drives into walls

I'd rather get a cool looking trophy - prize money is spent fast, while I can keep the trophy for ever. Another cheap incentive is a copy of the event poster; I have several laminated posters from past events hanging up to keep me motivated.

quote:

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Originally posted by Nick:
I'd rather get a cool looking trophy - prize money is spent fast, while I can keep the trophy for ever. Another cheap incentive is a copy of the event poster; I have several laminated posters from past events hanging up to keep me motivated.

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Another low cost incentive is a printout of the elimination tree - I stole the one from Robogames 2008 and its got real significance! The video display of the tree was a great feature for both competitors and audience last year and should definitely be repeated this year!

Thanks for feedback guys, will take this onboard.

Steve
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Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

I know i would enter more bots if there was no entry fee......you could print up an epic trophy.

M
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Miles Blow - Julie Pitts
www.mulesfilm.com.au
www.wombokforest.com.au

-Pickasso- Vivid Sportsman champion 2015

I think the entry fee should be kept but not go as prize money but to improving say the arenas, making of trophy etc?.

But i guess in saying that we are always short of money and sometimes it does limit us to how many we enter, but after last time i don't want any more than one in each class!
Like the idea of a copy of posters (we have two stolen ones as well) maybe for all entrants.
But for 1sr 2nd or third and fourth I would rather receive some kind of trophy than prize money and the trophy hand made not manufactured by a company. J
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Miles Blow - Julie Pitts
www.mulesfilm.com.au
www.wombokforest.com.au

-Pickasso- Vivid Sportsman champion 2015

Thanks everyone again for your input. I have a few ideas.

Steve
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Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

Um. You're welcome?
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<Patrician|Away> what does your robot do, sam
<bovril> it collects data about the surrounding environment, then discards it and drives into walls