In SX Microcontrollers, SX/B Compiler and SX-Key Tool, Peter Van der Zee wrote:

Hello Ken;

While I agree with Bean that it's always nice to have more time for more features (really, software is NEVER "finished"), I believe his 12 month suggestion is one I would not choose.

I believe 6 months should be enough to do any small, and many lager projects. If the time provided is too long, interest will fade, and that's not useful for those who choose smaller projects and have their work finished earlier.

Also, if you have much time available, the projects chosen will likely tend toward the larger size, and that may preclude newer/beginner users from making an entry.

If I had my way, I would suggest two simultaneous contest segments, each judged separately; one with a 3 or 4 month window, and the other with a 6 month window. That way newer participants will have more of an opportunity of making a decent showing, as the more experienced are more likely to chew off something bigger.

As an even better idea, although it will be more up-front administrative work, perhaps you would consider a multi-catagory annual event with minimum requirements per category, and every year a participant enters, they are forced to move up one level of difficulty. That way you are not pitting experienced users against newbies, and still keep the whole thing challenging and informative (presumably the principal purpose) for every one.

Perhaps the judges could set the expextations and standards, and manage this effort for you.

Anyhow, just my thoughts.

Peter (pjv)

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