For this month's contest /challenge

[CC]

I am thinking of using the theme "strength". And do we call this months contest just that or would it be a Sept.-Oct or Oct? I don't think it fair to have less then 2 weeks for people to shoot, specially with a major event this weekend that people need to be at. (I will be in DC.)

Why strength...I love the creative way people go about shooting the theme each month and there are so many different ways of showing strength. Plus that is something we need for so many reason. To stand strong during rebuilding of the gulf coast, to stand strong against this administration,to stand strong against the neo-cons, to stand strong for peace and the list can goes on.

So what do you think?

[RagingInMiami]

1. I like it

Strength is a great theme.

I think we should just call this the October contest, which means we will have plenty of time to take photos and submit them because we normally run the contests towards the end of the respective month

The August/September contest was an exception.

[regnaD kciN]

13. I think we'll have to call it the October contest...

...whether this is the topic or not, because I suspect Rita will be knocking us back into "features disabled" mode for the rest of the month.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. I like it, too.

There's not only human strength, as you mention, but natural strength, as well. I think of the stunted, wind-blown 100-year-old black spruce trees in the interior of Alaska that withstand -50 degree temperatures every winter and keep on keeping on -- not to mention the tiny delicate arctic flowers that come back every spring. This is a great topic with lots of possibilities.

And, yes, I think skip September, because I'm going to be in DC also, as are Raging and InTheFlow, among others.

[regnaD kciN]

3. It's your call...

...but I think it would be a shame if we went through this year without an autumn theme, as it's one of the most photogenic times of the year.

[Blue_In_AK]

4. Maybe one of F. Gordon's "challenges" would be in order

for that if CC does "strength." Our autumn's been kind of a bust here this year -- too much rain -- but I've got some pretty good ones from years past.

[regnaD kciN]

12. Maybe it would...

...but someone else would have to run it, because I would expect to be making a submission.

And I agree with what someone has posted below, that the prime autumn picture-taking time could run through the end of October. However, I can't see it being the topic for a November contest...it would be too much a case of "been there, done that."

Maybe...we should consider the possibility of having a "seasonal challenge" four times a year, distinct from the monthly contest/challenge. That would free the latter from predictable topics (spring flowers, autumn foliage, winter snowscapes) coming up on a regular basis, and allow for more thought-requiring topics like the proposed one for next month. Perhaps the moderaters could run such a seasonal challenge, so that everyone else would be free to enter each time?

:shrug:

[RagingInMiami]

5. But some of us live in areas where the seasons don't change

Well, we have hurricane season, but that might be more suited to the "strength" theme.

[CC]

6. It crossed my mind

but didn't stay because it is about 90 and humid here. Fall isn't happening yet and really won't until the end of October beginning of Nov. Though I do like the Gordon type challenge to go with it. I don't think it hurt the last contest at all and added to the group.

[TahitiNut]

9. Well, "fall" could indicate a lack of strength..

:eyes:

[intheflow]

7. Well, this one's got me a-thinkin'.

Strength... Hmmm... I'm trying to imagine the possibilities, not sure I'm creative enough for this one. But it's still a new idea. But I have a long time to go before the submission date. It'll probably grow on me. (I'm a little slow that way. ;) )

[RagingInMiami]

14. Your reflections photo was very creative

[smurfygirl]

8. I like it

and will be on the lookout for opportunity on this one.

[Mutley]

10. I like it.

I'll start thinking about what to do. For everyone going to DC on Saturday (me! and my dad - who lurks on DU but I don't think he has an active handle anymore), I'll bet there will be a lot of possibilities at the rally.

[bvar22]

11. I'm game!!!

Still processing all the creative possibilities!

I like the idea of extending through October.
I also like the idea of having our contest every two months (or quarterly?).

By the time submissions are posted, the semi-finals voted, the Finals voted in the Lounge, the winner decided and a new theme chosen, there is very little time left in the month to develop an idea and shoot for the new contest.

[BamaGirl]

15. Sounds good to me

I'll have to think this one over.