Is BOTM too elitist??

[24pouces]

Can't quite believe that nobody has linked to the BoTM rules yet.
Here they are for reference: --> http://www.retrobike.co.uk/wiki/BoTM_Rules

Should perhaps point out the most important rule number 13:

"Don't take it too seriously"

I really prefer to vote when there's a theme, but my choice, for showing a bike or for voting are usually subjective.
Since 2007 the quality of the pictures and of the built shown is growing. It's possible to say it about the PoTM too, and it's still a pleasure to have a look.

Perhaps my passion becomes elitist because years after years, days after days reading Retrobike, I learn something, I discover something I didn't know 20 years ago. I become more precise for building my bikes and what I loved a year ago could be different today. If there's an evolution, my passion is still alive.

I've got a lot of bikes, some are riden, some not. Some are very cheap, some are very expensive, quite elitist. My most expensive bike (the C26 project) is cheaper than some modern bikes (and it got stories behind it, friends who helped me in this project…)

Everyday, I say that I'm lucky and I know that it's not serious.

 

[drystonepaul]

Was Rumpfy Banned?

No. It's just been a while. He is selective about when, where and what he posts.



I should also highlight another BoTM rule that a few people seem to be disregarding:

2: Keep all comments and criticism constructive, avoid personal attacks.


For me BoTM usually highlights or even celebrates the time, effort, knowledge and dedication that members of the site have to offer. There are so many incredible bikes on show each month. The standards are very high.
But while competition can bring the best out in people, it can also bring out the worst.

As with so many things, choosing what to vote for is very subjective, and as such there will of course be differences in opinion.
All we ask is that everyone keeps things polite, civil, relevant and factual.
This months thread has seen so much bickering, chiding and biting that it's become difficult to even see the bikes.
Unfortunately a few negative comments can overshadow lots of positive ones.
But this is the internet...

Personally, I much prefer to see a great bike with a great build thread and back story, than just a couple of nice photos saved up for entry into a monthly competition.
There is often so much that is missed with just an image.


As to the original question: Perhaps elitist is the wrong word.

I think a comparison between exclusive and inclusive is perhaps more relevant.

 

[Russell]

Calling Mr. Chance and asking him to build you a C26 with an old FRO and some carbon tubes you bought on e-bay .....

The outcome of that conversation would be very interesting.....

I've just realised what I did.

Although..

I'll leave the mistake there for others amusement.

 

[player]

Dibs on the stays........

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

Radbmx.co.uk have a good way of doing it. Post a couple of pics and a link to your build thread (which should be mandatory to enter BOTM IMHO) in an entries thread, then have a seperate discussion thread. I think it's a neat idea.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Radbmx.co.uk have a good way of doing it. Post a couple of pics and a link to your build thread (which should be mandatory to enter BOTM IMHO) in an entries thread, then have a seperate discussion thread. I think it's a neat idea.

That is definitely the way forward. It would negate the need to collate all the pictures at the end as well.

 

[Bpool77]

Radbmx.co.uk have a good way of doing it. Post a couple of pics and a link to your build thread (which should be mandatory to enter BOTM IMHO) in an entries thread, then have a seperate discussion thread. I think it's a neat idea.

That is definitely the way forward. It would negate the need to collate all the pictures at the end as well.

+ 1

 

[Anthony]

Radbmx.co.uk have a good way of doing it. Post a couple of pics and a link to your build thread (which should be mandatory to enter BOTM IMHO) in an entries thread, then have a seperate discussion thread. I think it's a neat idea.

But wouldn't that imply that BOTM stands for build of the month, rather than bike of the month? You may well be right, but I just looked at the November BOTM and it was won by a very simple build, but it may well have resulted in the most desirable bike, owing to the quality of the frame. So I took it that it was the bike that won, rather than the build.

But if it's the bike that wins, does that mean that somebody with a perfectly original bike that he has done no work on at all can enter it and win? Would it beat a really brilliant restoration because the latter was only 99% 'correct'?

I think the answer is that John is a very liberal-minded host and he lets people vote for whatever they favour, based on their own criteria, whatever they might be. I am sure that is right, even though it may sometimes make for confusion in the minds of those who, as Paul wisely points out, are incapable of observing the rule not to take it too seriously.

 

[lrh]

By the standards of the internet this is all VERY tame. If we were all 20 years younger there'd be F bombs and questioning parentage all over

If people genuinely want to change BoTH then stop f*cking whinging about it and extolling all the reasons why you won't/don't vote, and just bl**dy do so

Quite right! BOTM specials simply follow what's hot on the forum. Loads of recent Fat/Yeti/Klein projects = Fat/Yeti/Klein Special. A few months ago, loads of British built projects = British Special. Loads of Saracen projects and so on... If people want that Tourney Special you know what to do

So in theory BOTM should promote recent finds/projects but it's not enforced and in this case people were probably sick of seeing high-end American metal (with Klein's love/hate at the best of times). Plenty of people also find wall-to-wall coverage of hand-built British stuff a dreadful bore at times.

If I do ever enter myself it'll be purely to inspire others, not expecting to appeal to the majority (my tastes are too left-field for that). Best to view it as a shop window for your work with the winner being almost immaterial.

 

[sylus]

I have an idea and I think it will resolve this situation..here goes

say we ask people if they want to show off their pride and joy, the hard work they have done and the methods behind their obsession

say we then organise something that is just for fun, keeps things light hearted and informative but mostly allowing people to show the pride in what they have

say we organise it..possibly monthly?..say as a monthly poll?

say we then ask people to vote on what bike they like the best..it doesn't matter wether it costs 12 grand or 12 pence..it's open to everyone..and let the members decide

and say.....wait a minute.....hollllllddd on a god dam minute....