Right, we're committing to an experiment for XXVI with the contest format to see if we can't add a twist to things and change the perception of the contest by most outsiders that it's too complicated/too unfair/whatever. So, the options before you are:

 

1 - Adding a four-day second chance round, whereby the top ten of each semi go straight to the final as before, but positions 11-16 or whatever go through to a second chance round, and the top eight go to the final, giving a chance to those songs that might have ended up in an unfavourable semi or whatnot, as well as keeping more people involved in the contest for longer.

2 - Scrapping semi-finals and just having one big two-week long final, eliminating the problems of having semi-finals and simplifying the whole process for the host and for newcomers. To accommodate having 40+ songs to vote for, the voting system will also be expanded so you can vote for a top fifteen.

 

And also, as it's an experiment for this contest, I've specifically not put in a 'no' option. If you don't think it'll work, let it be attempted and then say afterwards if you didn't like it, as we've learned so far with every single change to this contest that there's been a huge uproar against it before it's been tried, but afterwards people don't actually mind it and the vast majority of the problems never actually occur.

 

Also, for the record, any if it ain't broke, don't fix it comments will be ignored. That isn't a proper argument, and there have been sufficient grumbles about the contest to show that it's at least worth trying out a method to see if it can't improve the contest. If you don't like it, then say afterwards!

Both are decent ideas with some obvious advantages and disadvantages, but I prefer the one big final idea myself, it will certainly simplify the whole process making it more relaxing to vote and enjoy. I fear the more stages that are added the less interest people will have. We'd all end up voting three times for a start, instead of one which is obviously surely more time consuming than just listening to an extra 10 songs?

 

That said, ignoring the simplification issues and everything else - I do really like the MF idea and think it could make for an incredibly strong final, but ultimately I slightly prefer the one big final idea for reasons listed, plus the other advantages of getting to hear everything, being able to vote for more songs etc, no DNQ's, people able to take more risks knowing that a song will definitely get to the final where its likely 'fans' can vote for it regardless...

I'm all for the one big final change. No DNQ's, far more risks (not that semifinals would stop me from sending them btw :P ) and no more moaning from Phil :kink: I guess people will get onto moaning about low positions in the final instead :kink:

I imagine the possibility of nul pointers would increase dramatically in a big final as well!

i like the sound of a second chance round

OH, I misunderstood the new idea :kink:

 

Yeah I prefer the first one but I think it's perfectly fne the way it is.

I'm going for #2 and the one big final and it's not just because I've had 10 DNQs :kink:.

 

However, I don't mind the format we have atm.

 

And I'm not overly against a second chance round, I just think that format works better in contests with fewer songs and smaller semis, which is why it works so well in MGP, MF etc

Edited April 9, 201015 yr by nickthenoodle

Option A, having one big final is a headache for the host, and it will end up as a all nighter if you end up with internet problems on the night, you might as well host the final over 2 days.

 

or have an option C if it ain't broken don't fix it :heehee: [/joking]

Option A, having one big final is a headache for the host, and it will end up as a all nighter if you end up with internet problems on the night, you might as well host the final over 2 days.

There's still going to be the same number of votes sent to the host :lol: I don't see why it's expanding the results announcement time.

There's still going to be the same number of votes sent to the host :lol: I don't see why it's expanding the results announcement time.

 

 

o dear :doh:

I think that maybe both ideas could be tried out (not in the same edition, of course), but I went for the second chance round as I'm not so keen on having one big final

Out of them 2 $h!t ideas, I'd go with the first, although nothing needs changing anyway. -_-

Ooo I quite like the idea of the second option. Voted for that. Something like 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 and 15.

I HATE the idea of an extended final and probably wouldn't take part as I would find it too much to listen to and score.

 

I honestly don't see why we need to do anything, surely both of these are more complex than the simple SF/F?!

I HATE the idea of an extended final and probably wouldn't take part as I would find it too much to listen to and score.

 

I honestly don't see why we need to do anything, surely both of these are more complex than the simple SF/F?!

 

I'd be quite happy to do nothing with the current format but it seems an experiment will be taking place this month either way. Having said that I don't see how it would be more complex to get rid of a stage, it would be much easier! And how many songs did you not hear in the last contest - the 5 DNQ's from the opposite semi? You have an extra week to listen to 5 more songs :kink: (ok I know it would be more if the number of participants increased - I'm just using an example had it been implemented last month).

 

Although I'm not against a second chance round - my loyalties towards the options are roughly split 55/45 - I'd be quite happy to try either - or neither!

Can I change my vote? From "second chance round" to "one big final"? :blush:

 

I was voting this morning before going to work when I wasn't fully awake yet and made the wrong decision. :P

Edited April 9, 201015 yr by zechhh

I voted for the second chance round.

 

I don't quite like having to vote for 15 countries. Too many votes to give imo :drama: And by having just one big final, the excluviness of actually qualifying wouldn't be there anyomore. Although I know that this will open up for more 'risks' being sent, but your chances of qualifying are still bigger with and AC. It feels special/greater to reach a final, and with everyone in it every time it sort of doesn't tbh. That's one aspect of/point with a contest, that someone doesn't reach the final, and that someone is proven to be $h!t.

The disadvantage of this is the time consuming bit. Would it take too long? Or is it worth it trying?

 

Then again I'm a bit like Rontvia on this. Although my loyalties are split about 40/60. I don't mind if we stay put with what we have, but I also wouldn't mind trying out both ideas.

 

 

$h!t...voted for big final mistakenly.

$h!t...voted for big final mistakenly.

 

Ah, so it adds up. I voted for "second chance" mistakenly. :lol:

Ah, so it adds up. I voted for "second chance" mistakenly. :lol:

 

Are you sure they already haven't fixed your error.