Getting the Word out on the Ennies products

[JoeGKushner]

Well, one of the things I mentioned that I'd like to do if elected judge, is as I have in the past, do reviews on some of the products received and up for nomination.

What else could be done though to help get the word out about these products before the final round of voting is cast?

I'd really rather avoid the cries of "I've never heard of these products" that seem so common.

One thing I've thought about is a blogg. To be honest, I'd like to take some conversations between the judges where we discuss the finer points of the books and post that in a seperate forum for public consumption and feedback but that has yet to happen. A personal blogg of my own feebdback on the items as I read them, might be a different route to go.

Board discussions are always another rotue, but they can get lost in the shuffle, unless we have a public "Ennies" board.

Anyone have any other ideas on keeping the Ennies products fresh in the minds? One option would probably be to have more links to reviews, previews, and expansions, but sad to say, many companies, even the ones I'd consider good, don't have the amount of web support that they once did, so I don't know how viable that would be.

Anything else?

 

[nakia]

Here are some brainstorming ideas/thoughts. Take them and do as you will

Reviews, be they formal reviews or mini reviews via blog, are a good idea. Just having a list of products "currently under consideration", with links to reviews already written, would be a way to go. Put the link in a prominent place. Have the list updated by the submission coordinator (not that he/she needs more to do).

I'd be a little hesitant, however, about making my deliberations on products as a judge while the judging is going on too public. While you want to be able to discuss the materials with other judges, one gets picked as a judge because of a trust that you'll be able to evaulate products fairly and accurately. I wouldn't want to spend my time as a judge constantly justifying my decisions via blog post or whatnot.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

I'd be a little hesitant, however, about making my deliberations on products as a judge while the judging is going on too public. While you want to be able to discuss the materials with other judges, one gets picked as a judge because of a trust that you'll be able to evaulate products fairly and accurately. I wouldn't want to spend my time as a judge constantly justifying my decisions via blog post or whatnot.

I agree, this is a bad idea on many levels.

In a perfect world, this would be a nice thing to do. But I think you're just inviting trouble.

 

[JoeGKushner]

I'd be a little hesitant, however, about making my deliberations on products as a judge while the judging is going on too public. While you want to be able to discuss the materials with other judges, one gets picked as a judge because of a trust that you'll be able to evaulate products fairly and accurately. I wouldn't want to spend my time as a judge constantly justifying my decisions via blog post or whatnot.

That's a good point and something I hadn't considered in terms of "justifying" opinions.

 

[nakia]

If there was some way you could keep a blog and not open things up for feedback, then it may be okay. Something like "I got product X yesterday. The cover is cool and there are some good ideas in there, but I'm not so sure about the mechanics" without worrying you'd get flamed/"called out" by people who really like that product.

Maybe mini-reviews/reviews are the way to go, even if you don't do them all yourself. Partner with someone whose not a judge; you could suggest things for them to review. This may even be a good way for a candidate who did not get elected to participate and contribute to the Ennies process. Everybody wins -- candidate gets reviews up there, more people know about the Ennies products, judges could still keep on judging. As someone who (barring a Supreme Court vote challenge situation) isn't going to be elected to the Ennies bench, I'd be willing to do something like this. I guess the only issue is getting the reviewer said materials, which maybe a big hurdle.

Regardless, I strongly suggest having an "Ennies submitted" section or tag for reviews and makign sure everything nominated has been reviewed by at least one person. That may be hard to do for brand new items, but I think it would help get the word out.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Maybe mini-reviews/reviews are the way to go, even if you don't do them all yourself. Partner with someone whose not a judge; you could suggest things for them to review. This may even be a good way for a candidate who did not get elected to participate and contribute to the Ennies process.

I tried this, with several people, and if failed misearbly. With Corithian's review project, I have respect for those who declared that they couldn't do it after trying it, or those who noted that it took longer than they thought it would or for those still doing it.

I wouldn't mind trying it again, but I expect nothing from it. either the gamer's I know are all lazy, or it's far more work that they initially though. Probably a little of both.

 

[Hairy Minotaur]

I'd be a little hesitant, however, about making my deliberations on products as a judge while the judging is going on too public. While you want to be able to discuss the materials with other judges, one gets picked as a judge because of a trust that you'll be able to evaulate products fairly and accurately. I wouldn't want to spend my time as a judge constantly justifying my decisions via blog post or whatnot.

What if you posted them anonymously under pseudonyms?

Maybe Judge Green,Judge Red, Judge Orange, Judge Yellow, Judge Blue? How willing would Morrus be to grant each judge this new moniker for posting under an unique thread/forum here?

I'd be fascinated with reading the thought processes of the judges and maybe this way it could be done without the constant threat of flamers?

As far as showcasing the "unheard of" products I think a constant ad on the front page of ENWorld under the middle news section, with a picture of said product and maybe what award it's up for? Most tiny 3rd-party companies are not going to have the money to spend on an ad campaign or even fancy additions to their websites (assuming they even have one).

And since they're the Gencon/ENWorld awards maybe Gencon would be willing to put in a link on their website under the ENnies write-up to the voting page here?

 

[JoeGKushner]

Those are both interesting ideas.

I don't know how willing Russ would be give up ad space, but the "hidden" factors of the judges could be interesting if the posts were edited a bit. I think that my "voice" and the other judges would still be fairly obvious without some... additional measures.

 

[Hairy Minotaur]

I think that my "voice" and the other judges would still be fairly obvious without some... additional measures.

Sure, maybe clean up/out the personal banter a little so you're only left with the technical component.

Since you (not you personally) assume that all the judges are going to treat each product fairly. Then you're really nominating people who have opinions you respect or are close to your own opinions. All that's needed is the technical part of the "discussion".

Here's what I was thinking... fast forward to next year's nominations:

"Ya know, that Judge Yellow must've been reading my mind, I agreed with nearly all of his/her assessments. That must've been Joe G K, I'm glad I voted for him he'll get my vote again. Now that Judge Blue, what a hack, I think that was probably Curly. There's no way I'm voting for Curly this year."

I personally think this makes for an informed voter for next year.

 

[Justin D. Jacobson]

Those are both interesting ideas.

I don't know how willing Russ would be give up ad space, but the "hidden" factors of the judges could be interesting if the posts were edited a bit. I think that my "voice" and the other judges would still be fairly obvious without some... additional measures.

Giving more presence to the ENnies during the year is a good idea. Something as simple as a sticky "Submitted for ENnies Consideration" thread, where products received for consideration are listed with links to product pages, would certainly help. Asking Russ to post it on the front page is a bit much, but a sticky thread should suffice and not require the expenditure of any limited site resources. Phil's d20 Future product thread is a good example of how this could work.