Sorry, it's too late here for me to figure out multi-quotes even with the help I was given. But just a couple of comments, thank you for correcting my summarization. I knew that I was being extremely general so I appreciate the enhancement on my effort. Second, I agree that this would mean more time for hosts that I have no right to suggest. What I should have added is that I think that the participants could suggest movies (including with where they are available) and suggest them to the hosts. The hosts are definitely already putting in a lot of work on these Challenges. The participants that are interested in helping should definitely help with some of the heavy lifting, which also helps meet some of Trevor's goals and I believe also addresses some of your concerns.

I will also add that, with reference to comments, discussion, participation and recommendation, I get more out of Person X saying "I liked this film" after enjoying other things I've seen/enjoyed, than Person Y going in-depth about why they enjoyed something.

To clarify and elaborate on that - I like BOTH. I enjoy, appreciate and try to digest a well-written (or poorly-written*) critique/write-up. But I feel as much kinship for the briefer comments that part me with my money in greater security.

For instance, very brief comments in Criterion have pushed "Silent Ozu" up my Must Buy in November list.



*I think - i.e. know personally, extrapolate freely - that some antipathy towards commentry/discussion stems from feelings of concern that we might not seem as intelligent or knowledgable as others do. I can think up things to write, but in writing them down and reading them back tend to fear that they seem insignificant and pointless - particularly when compared to some others' focused and interesting thoughts. If all I have to say about a Film is "I liked it," even after just saying that those comments are helpful to me when written by others, I sometimes feel that it just doesn't add anything. (Moreso in October, where unknowledgable me is facing down a well-versed crowd of apparent experts..)

Oh, absolutely. So-called "crowd sourcing" seems like a necessity in inspiring participation - having input directly also fosters the ethereal sense of community and belonging.

Forgot to comment on these two points. Firstly, I certainly agree with the suggestion that requirements/suggestions can easily tip over into becoming a chore rather than fun. Secondly, the theme nights & checklists broadly provide this function anyway. Thirdly, personally, I have a GREAT interest in the (horror/comedy) theme nights and checklist... just not the time to see that interest become reality.

Last year, it took several weeks of on-off planning to try and work out a horror schedule that would get me watching what I had on the 'right' nights. Which, while "homework" was also an ENJOYABLE CHALLENGE. But... time did what time does, and plans fall by the wayside. By November, my days were busier and I just didn't have the time to even try to do the same.

However, November... 2014(?), I had a particularly great time matching choices to days and remember that enhancing my enjoyment of the month many times over.

Exactly. It's vital to remember that there are different reasons and approaches.

I like re-watching things - but I prefer to watch new things, in the forlorn hope that one day I can catch-up...! ;)


Right. And getting busy/behind throws everything off...

While that's "part of the Challenge" (particularly in October), it can also be punishing and difficult... or completely impossible. For instance, a whole week in October is going to be so packed for me that I doubt I'll watch anything for five+ days. Which means some goals are necessarily unattainable, even if I can stay awake to try (and I often can't).

Yes. Here, too.

Agreed, but:
Agreed a bit more!

That's another reason a week of Romance within (and without) Oscars seems like a good idea: short enough that there's an end in sight and that it doesn't get old. But long enough for a good dozen(+) films.

I think I'm finally caught up on all the links for the Challenge history in the first few posts of this thread. Not everything is in tables yet, but plan to do that eventually.

I agree as well but I use the discussions for those to possibly pick up something new that falls within my general interests. It's one of those things that I've been alive long enough to *absolutely know* I do *not* care for certain sub-genres or types so I now just avoid them. Those subsets have too much that's outside my interest areas for me to try for completion so I don't bother, though I still follow the discussions and contribute on films I've seen.

pacaway's challenge participation list...

2025: Horror | Indie/Art-House | MYOC: The Canadian Screen Awards | DriveIn | Oscars
2024: DriveIn | Action | Oscars
2023: Oscars
2022: DriveIn | Oscars
2021: Horror | Indie/Art-House | Oscars
2020: Horror | History | MYOC: Spies Like Chuck! | DriveIn | Oscars
2019: Horror | History | MYOC: Oh, Canada! 2 | DriveIn | Oscars
2018: Horror | Criterion | History | MYOC: Oh, Canada! | DriveIn | Oscars
2017: Horror | Criterion | Animation | Sci-Fi/Fantasy | History | MYOC: Remembering Bill Paxton | DriveIn | Oscars
2016: Comedy | Horror | Criterion | Animation | Sci-Fi/Fantasy | History | MYOC: The Full Monty | DriveIn | Oscars
2015: Horror | Criterion | Sci-Fi/Fantasy | History | MYOC: One Degree of Gyllenhaal | DriveIn | Action | Oscars | TV
2014: Comedy | Horror | Criterion | Animation | Sci-Fi/Fantasy | MYOC: Floor & Drawer | DriveIn | Action | Oscars | TV
2013: Comedy | Horror | Criterion | Animation | Sci-Fi/Fantasy | MYOC: My Month With Marilyn! | DriveIn | Oscars

I second the vote for Lisa. And I remember there being talk of officially starting the Challenge with the announcement of the nominations. I vote for that option.

As I posted in last year's Oscar thread, I'm happy to host this year's Challenge. The nominees are announced on the 24th and the telecast is February 26th. If no one else wants to host, I'll start a discussion thread next week.

LISA-DORIS [clap clap clapclapclap]
LISA-DORIS [clap clap clapclapclap]

[/chant]

I'll third it! Though, I don't care when it starts...I probably wouldn't start until after the TV on DVD challenge ends. But I don't care if others would want to start with the announcement either.

I like the announcement to show dates.

Are you planning to run next month's A/A/C/M Challenge, Trevor? I'm only asking, as it is only a little over a week till the beginning of the Challenge, and no thread had been posted.

Doh! Totally missed this bump (DVDTalk new post notifications seem wonky lately), and almost forgot about this Challenge again. Thanks shado.

Discussion thread
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/63...ch-2017-a.html

List thread
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/63...ch-2017-a.html

Just a heads up for those subscribing, The Drive-in/Exploitation challenge is active.

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/63...30-2017-a.html

Any new-to-Challenge-running volunteers for the June Historical Appreciation Challenge?

Hate to see this one die out. I'm available to run this one.

Sweet, thanks Malcolm!

Is anyone doing the science fiction challenge this year? Really don't want to see this end but I have very little time so won't be able to run it.

Yup. I run that one and the animation one, for the last few years at least. I will put the threads up closer to the end of the month. Those two are my favorites.

Looking forward to the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Challenge!

So am I! I'll get the threads up about a week or so before the first.