Be a Forum MVP and win a $150 gift certificate

I've been talking with the moderators quite a bit over the past couple months about coming up with a "contest" that act similar to our member program - in that it helps with community interaction and boosts the overall number of quality posts.

So far, here are the details:

1. It's going to be a lot like American Idol.... sorta. A committee, consisting of myself, the three moderators and the previous months winner, will nominate ten members who we believe have helped develop the forum...... really, it's a matter of quality over quantity and it's a judgement call.... we're not looking for just people who answer everyone's questions... it's really a mix of helping others, posting new information, and generally helping boost the vibe we've got over here.

2. Those who are nominated will be picked based on the first 3 weeks of every month. Then a poll with the nominees names on it will post in a sticky for 1 week. Everyone has one vote and the winner will essentially be picked by your peers.

3. The winner will recieve a $150 PROPortable Gift Certificate Code to be used on anything, anytime.... saved and used in combination with other gift certs or member discounts, etc. There is no limit in how often you could be selected, however the same person can't win in consecutive months (because they're on the nominating committee for the following month). The winner will also hold a special title for the following month (Asus Forum MVP - most valuable poster).

4. Moderators, admins, and any dealer/system builder/reseller/etc can not be nominated.

This goes into effect starting next Saturday (April 1st) and that means we've got a week to get everyone on notice and finalize everything. As of right now, I've put plenty of thought into this, so I don't think it needs much tweeking, but I'd like to hear what people think. The monthly prize is most likely going to change from month to month... maybe not. We'll start with a gift certificate, but I'd really rather get lesser known Asus products up for grabs.... just to get those who know their notebooks to know other mobile things they have.... wifi, ppc's, lcd's, cell, etc. I'm also thinking at the end of the year there could be a showdown of sorts between the winner of each month.... that could be figured out later of course.

.... OK, taking into consideration that my intention is to boost the popularity and quality of this forum (certainly a good cause), I'd like to know what you think about it...... Although, since it's going to happen and it is for a good cause... and because we're giving things away..... so, if you don't like it, keep it to yourself . Suggestions are welcome, but I just want to let everyone know what's going down so they can prepare.

 

Stickied for now

 

Do we get a similar thing over at notebookforums?

 

This sounds very nice.

Im interested for sure

 

Note, ASUS forum only

 

What do you mean? Are you saying there is something similiar over there or as you asking if I'll help run something like that over there? Either way, my answers are below...

1. I just came up with this, so if they have something, that's odd, but I have refused to post there for a couple years... so it would be quite a coincidence.

2. If you're asking if I'll run something like that over there... the answer is a "hell no"..... I'm NBR proud and I don't think a forum should be owned and run by a company who sells laptops.... because they're you're "competition" and they delete posts and it's not really right... a true unbiased forum should be run by advertising.....

3. I guarentee within a month someone will take my idea and run it in another forum...... but remember where you saw it first..... if people copy and paste my posts from here and put them someplace else as their words, I'm sure they'll copy my contests too...

 

My thought is that this is a great idea. It has an incentive strategy for keeping up the quality of the forum, while at the same time encouraging people to post and not necessarily wait until they have a "Hemmingway moment" to post the greatest/funniest/most informative/coolest comment.

Schweet.

 

That goes without saying.... We're the best and the biggest.... we're the only one with a dedicated member discount program and now the only one with a monthly forum most valuable poster..... We could copy it in other forums on the site and then have a playoff at the end of the year, lol...

 

Aww, yeah! NBR 4 LIFE! *flashes gang sign*

Seriously, this is the best information source on the net. Bar none.

 

Very generous of you. I think it's a great idea.

 

Sounds like a good idea. I know there are some on this forum that have earned some sort of recognition for their contributions, and this seems like an appropriate way to give that recognition.

How about asking that winners review the item they purchase with their gift certificate? If you are trying to encourage purchases of items other than notebooks, it only makes sense for the winner to tell the rest of us how cool those item(s) are!

 

Actually no need to sticky, gonna be a popular thread maybe heh.

And I've talked to Justin for a bit on this, he's willing to ship, if needed, so everyone is welcomed!

 

Cool idea, so its like Member of the month then.

 

asus idol lol..

nifteh..

 

Yeap. Right now, I'm figuring out the voting system, I want it to be shown only to mods+, or at least the opening poster, but as of now, it can either but all secretive, or all public.

To prevent cheating of course.

 

Boy will the other forums be jeallous...Great idea, it'll be a lot of fun. I don't really think I personally have a chance of contributing with much new info atm or even understand half of what you're saying about resins and what not, but it don't matter.

Oh oh, Forum Idol? Aren't we going to have singing auditions then. My singing teacher, who is also my mum, says I have perfect pitch.

 

No dont worry Justin. i think he was wondering if you would be doing the same on the other forum. u know the other forum. Where i left, came back then left again. The other forum where resellers who actually know the product are NOT appreciated. Oh well their loss is someones gain.

 

I think It's a cool idea, It's a very subjective thing to judge though, I guess we'll see how it works out. You also have to be careful about offending people, maybe you should give out 3 rewards to 3 winners ranked from 1st to 3rd???

I know you said the reward is going to change monthly, and I don't want to sound unappreciative or ungrateful, or negative in any way...but I think the reward should be something specific, as opposed to a gift certificate. A gift certificate would help out with a laptop purchase or if you were planning on placing an order anyways...but many people might already have their Asus laptop and the accessories they need...giving away something whole that's useful with no purchase necessary that includes shipping would be a much better reward IN MY OPINION. I think giving away other asus products that don't get as much recognition but are very useful is an awesome idea...some of the things you hinted at like an LCD or cellphone would be amazing if you're willing to give away something valued that high...but any of their products that are useful and semi-related would be great.

In any case, thanks for taking the time to create such a contest/program to all that are involved...and thanks to Justin for being generous enough to donate the rewards/gifts...I'm sure I speak for everyone in here when I say It's most appreciated

 

Well, thanks everyone....... I've got a bunch of people to answer to here, so I'll call you out...

postmodernist: Good idea, but I don't think it's really needed... maybe if we gave out a specific product, and that product changed from month to month.. it would be cool..... everyone already gives a bit of a "review-like" post when they buy something...... even if we all know everything about the system and the newbies tell it to us like something new...

coriolis: What we're going to do is pick five people a piece..... me, the three mods, and (after the first month) the last months winner... we'll figure out a way to agree on 10 finalists... and then the forum judges.. everyone has one vote and the winner is the winner.... since the same person can't win in consecuative months.... they're should be change and even if the potential "winners" seem the same now, this contest may change how people act around here and may bring in new people who can really help.... so I think the final vote could really be live and for that last voting week, people can see where other people stand and those who haven't voted who want to see what the standings are - need to vote.... so I think that'd make it work rather well.

Mirla: Part of the beauty of this whole thing is that someone new with no posts could win it all...... haha... It's not about a post count and it's not about popularity (at first anyway).. it's not about post length... it's about quality..... Now if a newbie comes in and makes 6 posts in the 3 weeks..... lets say 2 posts a week that are really good... lets say that they are long informative posts that everyone could learn soemthing from and say it helps the previous poster or whatever.... then I'll nominate them..... It's not what you bring to the table in terms of Asus knowledge... or even notebook knowledge.... or heck.. even knowledge in general..... but if you're a quality person, with quality views, and you make this forum a better place, you're going to beat everyone else out because you're helping the forum and I want to reward that.... and I know that everyone else would like this utopia of a forum as well....

Eddie: Dude, I so dropped them probably coming up on three years ago.... After a customer said there was this Asus forum on the web where people were starving for information on the products, where to get them... they just didn't have a source. He asked me if I'd go over there because I guess some of the people were sick of calling and asking us questions just so they could post answers in the forum and try to help.... So when I went over there and presented myself as a connection for asus good (not all hiding out and shady).... I answered some questions and let it go. I went back to see if there were more and the posts were deleted. I posted again thinking I just made a mistake and didn't actually posts... and deleted again. I finally found out they deleted my posts because I was "competition"...... I know things have sort of changed there, but those people didn't or still don't sell Asus -- but they had a dedicated forum which was lacking to say the least.... I tried to help their forum which would no doubt help THEM as much as it may have helped us, but after that I refuse to even look at links to that site that people send me to try to get help on. I tell them to post it over here and I'll be happy to help.

Coma: OK, here's the problem... I've run many other contests over the years and there's always some problem. Either someone already has the product they won and want to trade it in for "cash value" or they won a computer and want you to ship it half way around the world on your bill, when it costs 5-10x more than if anyone in the US won it....... You can't keep getting new products that are around the same value, so the last person feels jaded.... it's a whirlwind of BS and I'm sure you can understand it if you look at it from that perspective...... With that said, I know what you're saying...... it's like giving a giftcard for a present... it's great to pick out your own thing, but you're not putting much thought into it (I know I nailed that one)... Anyway, like you said, people either have a computer or they're looking to buy one. So, I look at it this way... the gift cert isn't just for people buying a notebook, although when they can use that along with the member discount, every little bit counts. However, those with notebooks could also use that for an extra battery or some sort of accessory... or even those little things like a wireless router or something they may not have bought with their own money.... ahhh... see what I'm saying now? Cost wise, I can do a lot... but I can't give away $300-700 screens.. or $500-600 pocket pcs... or $1,500-2,500 laptops every month...... it'd be great, but there's just not that sort of audience here that could support that.... What I will say is that we've given away laptops before... we ran an awesome contest a little over a year ago which which the top 6 prizes were 1. an s5 laptop, 2. an a730w pocket pc with accessories, 3. an a730 bluetooth, 4 an Asus wireless router, 5 a $50 gift card, 6. a $25 gift card. For that contest we had people make up a mascot for us (what fun that was).... We got over 2,000 entries...... about 15 viruses (ones I purpose - who we disqualified)... and it was just a fun thing. In the end, I think the guy who won the pocket pc or maybe it was the $100 router..... he *****ed and said his was better than the winners...... yet the contest was judged not only by myself, but the people who ran the site.... a well known gamer developer... two PM's at Asus.. and another person.. Talk about being ungrateful! While I bring that up, I also remember that the person who took 3rd place actually died before the contest was over (lasted from Thanksgiving to New Years which judging taking a few weeks and winners being decided at the end of January).... That contest was ALL over the web and it increased page views on our site 10 fold.... it was totally worth it. Now, we'll see how this goes and it the marketing people for the site get this sort of news out to other sites and it becomes a great talking point.... I think, without a doubt, we'll be able to increase the awards which therefore will bring in even more people...


With that said, I was just thinking about an award we gave out a few months ago and didn't know if anyone on the site had seen it... I think the page for the winner just went out last week..... it's sort of self-explanatory:

http://www.proportable.com/denali.html

 

ahh, i didn't know of that interesting bit of history behind NBforums. What a waste, i posted a review and small photo album there too. There is a pretty good up-close shot of the IPS screen in action, if anyone wants to see it before they take away what may be the last V6Va.

 

Once again, I'm impressed by the quality and effort put into NBR by its moderators and supporters. I think this is an excellent idea, and a way to improve upon an already great resource. I've learned a lot from reading and participating in posts here, and I believe that furthering this cause can only add to the gem we've got. Kudos to all for this effort, and keep the innovative ideas coming - this is how we'll continue to forge ahead into new territory.

- Adam

 

Great idea, just like how Eddie was thinking about continuing his gift give aways.

Great idea to promote the site and your business.

I say go for it~!

It's a great thing to reward the many great contributors of the site and to put this site out there. I know a lot of people who still don't know how valuable this site can be.

Full of information I tell you, FULL. Jam packed.

Too bad mods can't be nominated, because I would have nominated Chazman421, since he's been of great help to everyone and seems to be only one of very few mods with gaming knowledge as well. He's well rounded.

Great idea Justin, Cheers,
Mike

Edit:: Wow I can't believe people who won items tried to have you ship it to them free. It's a gift, freakin' pay the dang shipping. Some people. If the item is something the person already has, maybe give it to the second person with the most votes if the winner is willing? Like I did with the aluminum case Eddie nominated me for, but was handed down to the next person because I have no need for a travelling case. Of course up to your discretion Justin and mods.

 

I'm trying to figure out exactly what is being restricted by this sentence.

 

My take - posts in other forums do not apply.

 

Pretty much, NBR ASUS forum regulars heh.

AKA. People with no life.

 

They were all shipped for free. I was just not going to pickup 2nd day to hawaii or overseas shipping.

 

i think it is a great idea. simply overwhelming for me to see a reseller so interested in helping out forum members..

pb,out.

 

Yeahhh Dogg! Nice idea ... but who's going to be Paula?

 

No no... Eddie, I think that comment was directed at me and yet I think I can speak for both of us when I say that for something like that, you figure in cheap shipping within the US..... With Canada, I had a case where we paid shipping for a laptop and they the customer didn't pay the tax on it and it goes back to the shipper for the value... (that also actually goes to one of the reasons we don't accept credit card orders for international orders - including Canada.... there's more ways to screw the shipper if they paid via credit card) ..... but basically, if you open it up to everyone around the world and you give away a product....... what might cost $20 to ship ground in the US might cost $200 to ship around the world...... and there's always a chance, like I said before where even a "gift" is taxed and there's a duty that gets kicked back to the shipper...... so imagine paying 10x the shipping and then getting charged 15-20% a month later in taxes...... it only compounds the cost of your generous gift..

 

great idea justin, if the quality of asus laptops isn't enough for them to own one, i'm sure this will convert them over.

 

What? Thats the most immature thing i have ever heard on these forums. ODB? old dirty bas%$&^ ?? Not sure where you going with that but that was very rude. We are not here to bribe or convert anyone. The simple fact is the dedicated audience helps here and we are trying to give back to them. I did the same thing on our forum on new years. We gave away almost 100 freebies to frequent posters and customers who registered. Spent almost 2k out of pocket just to give out free stuff. We dont have to do this. We dont get this money back. What we get back are knowledgeble people who offer their input and come back to do it on a regular basis instead of diks who make stupid comments like that above. If you got a personal problem with him duke it out elsewhere dont offend a bright idea becuase i did the same just a week a ago.

 

I took odb's statement completely the other way...I don't think he meant it malicously.

 

Really? Dunno about anyone else but that got under my skin.

 

i took it as 100% sarcasm..but i could be wrong.

pb,out.

 

Anything you decide to give away as a reward is great and I'm sure will be greatly appreciated by anyone and everyone. It was late when I questioned the gift card as a reward...besides you basically said it could change to something else next month.

I didn't know you gave away that laptop recently, that was a really cool thing to do, you made the applicants work for it, but it was a great thing to do none the less.

I also remember when you ran that contest just about a year ago for the mascot design...I had totally forgotten about it until you mentioned it...but now I recall it clearly...wasn't there something else as well??? Anyways, good luck with the final touches, I can't wait to see how things turn out!!!

PS, Shampoo, I've never heard of Chazman421...is he in the Asus forums often???

 

Chaster is everywhere ><;
Let's see how long it takes him to post in this thread

 

Hahaha, yes Chazman is EVERYWHERE, so you should know him, he's not in the Asus forums I totally forgot~!
hahahaha, oops.

He's a Sager man, I forgot that, I thought he was an Asus man. OOOOOPS.

N/m then.

 

sorry eddie and anyone if i offended you, it was meant as a joke. I never thought about what i wrote above as "bribing".

you may think, well this guy just joined in dec '05, he only has 22 posts to his name, but i have been reading this forums on a daily basis, in fact, with the suggestions of other members and those from your forum eddie, I purchased a z63a. not because someone bribed me but because i learned through all the members that these are really great laptops.

my thinking was, if you can't/won't get a asus for the quality/great looks/ and cheap price, what will? again, i guess you could see that as bribing but that wasn't my intention.

my appologies.

 

What an excellent idea Justin. You guys obviously care about the future of this forum. Keep up the good work.

 

Shampoo, that's what I thought, I only use the ASUS forum, infact I haven't made even one of my posts anywhere but in here...so when you said he's so helpful and "everywhere", I didn't get it because I don't think I've even seen him post once in here. That clears things up.

So when Is this "contest" officially starting boys???

 

Justin said at the beginning of the thread it should start next Saturday.

 

Justin,

This sounds like a fantastic idea. The posts here are mostly wonderful as is, I can't wait to see how much better they get.

I still can't believe how amazing my V6j is...

 

Stop making me jealous

Anyway, yes, this certainly is a great thing for the forum and its growth... kudos to Justin!

 

So, um. What's the restriction on voters? I mean, we don't want a bunch of ppl with only 5 post able to vote right? Or ppl will just make a ton of accounts and vote for themselves.

 

I can't help it AuroraS, its just too nice...sorry...

 

With this being the largest forum, I bet it would take a lot of work for someone to be able to sway the vote like that. If it became a problem, maybe they could set up an email account (I have lots of g-mail invites) where you have to send your forum handle and vote, then if something fishy is going on, they can check the handle for the IP and all that to verify. That might be a lot of work, though.

 

Yea, that was the thing that the mods, Justin and I were discussing.

As of now, I can only make a poll 'public' so everyone can see who vted for what, but we wanted it private and either only visible by opening poster, or mods. But we haven't gotten that yet.

 

Here's the thing... the "public" has no say in the 10 people who get nominated...... and those 10 people who get nominated should be people who aren't pathetic like that.... either they're too busy answering posts, or with real lives. For anyone who is nominated to waste their time making posts for themselves for a $150 prize, would honestly be a huge loser.

Everyone can and should vote because regardless if they have posted, they can certainly vote on who seemed helpful in the forum...... With that said, I think if one person has a massive victory and an exceptional amount of votes from new members within the voting period........ an eyebrow will be raised.... but that's why we're nominating people... if it was up to the forum, then I could certainly see someone doing that..... but of the top 10 posters, I really couldn't imagine.

 

Sheesh now i feel like a complete dik. I guess i took it out of context. It seemed like thats what you were saying. My mistake sorry fellas

 

Like the people above said, quality over quantity, I think that's obvious.

No one is going to vote for someone who has 9999 votes over someone who is helpful and has 100 votes.

The most HELPFUL person is going to get the votes.

Remember that before voting people, don't just vote because you recognize a name. That's the worst thing you could do.

Cheers,
Mike