Lots of feedback and great ideas brought up this year. But since I'm on another computer at the moment and too lazy to find those I wrote down, I'll let those who brought them up mention them or I'll eventually get around to posting them ...whatever comes first.

And before someone brings up the inevitable "Isn't it a bit early?" comment, well, not really. I always post this thread every year immediately before the results thread goes up. Otherwise the link at the end of that thread would be completely useless.

I think the checklist could use some revision. I'll post more later but

1. Merging the extraterrestial and space checklist items would balamce the sci-fi emphasis.
2. Delete the MPAA ratings item because NC17 and G ratings seem sparse.
3. For prize drawings I think, donations permitting, theme night and subset completion should both be separate eligibilities (both involve a but of effort).
4. Add a checklist item for a nation of origin rotating each year.

The first thing that comes to mind is this whole Thrillers issue. I think it would be easiest to add to the "What counts?" a line that goes something like: Qualifying Thrillers (ie, Jaws); use your best judgement.

It just seems like it comes up every year. I think some thrillers really are close enough to horror that people shouldn't have to ask.

I think my main suggestion was to give more user choice in the checklists that many of the other Challenges have implemented.

List all 15 decades of film history, but require just 10. List 20 actors but require 15. List 30 subgenres but require 25. Etc/etc

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i brought that up also which I believe the criterion challenge uses this? I know i had to force myself thru alot of movies to complete it.

i also think we should pick subsets based on what can be found streaming imo makes it easier and gives people a chance to be exposed to different films without having to buy them.

This. Many other challenges have moved to this type system and it seems to work rather well. It gives good variety but provides a way to avoid actors/directors/films/etc. you do not like or do not own.
Due to the somewhat flaky/unstable nature of what's available for streaming I'd go with this only if the streaming service(s) used are available free. Otherwise I'd rather just purchase a copy of a film if needed/available as I can't justify subscribing to services that, for me, provide little return.

I'd also agree with the checklist flexibility. I've never done the checklist for this challenge, but it's slightly more possible that I'd give it go if we made this change.

I forget what I sent you earlier but a horror bingo aspect to the checklist could be awesome.

Things like;

Sex with the dead or recently dead
Chainsaw fatality
Somebody says "I'll Be Right Back"

ect

Suggestion: Have Chad continue kicking ass with hosting the challenge! This one is unparalleled.

Loved the theme nights matching subset films. One of the most entertaining parts of the challenge. I still wished for a bit more participation in the individual film discussions, but it was thoroughly enjoyable.

Even though I didn't partake in any of the discussions, I agree. We all have our own preferences about how we like to do the challenge, but for me, it would more enjoyable if there was more of a focus on good discussions and analysis instead of simply seeing how many titles you can watch in a month.

Undeadcow did a terrific job with his inputs on the subsets. I really enjoyed reading those "intro" reviews. Good job.

Thanks. I do wish there was more subset discussion, those films are half the fun. I think we were nearly the only people to comment on Fascination.

How about a chat room or something for the subset nights? Some friends from college and I used to have a chat room during the Oscars and it was a blast.

Maybe there would be more discussion for those if everyone were around at the same time watching the same thing.

I just enjoy things how they are. I understand that with more and more technological advances develop other people will view horror movies in different ways. But for me I just like to watch movies the old fashioned way- DVD or what shows up on TV. I understand that in the upcoming years this will be a thing of the past also. But again, i'm just happy the way things are with the challenge and I enjoy it every year.

Eliminate Wild Cards completely... would elimated people arguing why they included something. Just rely on IMDB, AllMovies.com or similar as to determine if something is horror

Agreed.

I think wild cards are perfect - their usage minimizes arguments, instead of enlarging them.

I don't know about that, The Amazing Spiderman started a pretty big arguement

I'd vote against wild cards, mainly because of that film/issue.

If something really is borderline, it's not too hard to find it listed as horror somewhere, anywhere. Even going off what amazon.com lists something as would be fine and I think they really stretch it at times. If you can find a place listing something as horror, I think it's fine in most cases(not counting something like a blog).

I agree, wild cards seem essential to a smooth challenge... even if people use them for Spider-man. I think wildcards keep down the challenge police in check and allow people to watch some atypical choices if they prefer minor deviations.

this is basically my stance...watching spiderman seems ridiculous, but it doesn't bother me if someone does its theyre choice.

i figured wildcards would be phased out once tv got added as i only use them for shorts for the checklist...most of the halloween specials i watch on tv i don't bother listing

I like the way we do TV now. So many shows these days are better than theatrical offerings. Glad to be able to include horror tv in the mix.

I say the wild cards should stay. It keeps some genre arguments in check and gives you just a bit of needed flexibility. They are your wild cards, use them however you want to. Want to count Love Actually? Knock yourself out. Besides, it's not like we get 104 off them or anything.

I just like the Wild Cards because they increase my numbers, which makes me feel guilty, so I in-turn watch more legit movies to counter-act my guilty feeling. On another note, I feel I have to use Wild Cards because they're part of the challenge and I want to do as much of the challenge as I can (albeit I missed the checklist this year).

Yeah, that comment really doesn't further any dicussion... I say keep Wild Cards because they've been around forever (I think) and getting rid of them would mean you hate puppies.