Thanks Brian.. hey, just for dignifying my comments with a reply. I was getting ready to delete the thread today and save BF the dead space, as no interest was shown.. and that's fine too.
I agree with all your comments, which don't rule the idea positively "in" or "out." Quite a bit more thought would be needed, and I didn't want to flesh out dozens of ideas (perhaps), but rather wanted to throw the idea out and let others put in all the various twists. There are so many possibilities.. but then maybe we don't need another competitive-type element on BF.
After working on "My Favorites," I just realized how much wonderful material is here, that could still be brought to light and featured. You know if a visitor or prospective Member comes on board, it'd be really cool to see some of the all-time favorites of others, organized by year posted, I suppose. What I had in mind might be a nomination system. We have the Favorites-link Forum, but it's not in thumbnail or any concise well organized display. I have to add, that's how the other day I discovered POHSP's fabulous gallery, so thanks BF for that Forum. Then too, Richard commented on my contest entry: "I wish these could stay on the main gallery longer." So these are some of the things that spurred my prompting Members for their thoughts about another way to feature some of the really fine shots, and not have to spend hrs, just to get a small number of great shots.
Here- just a couple possible ideas: 1) Take nominations from Members limited to one nomination per month per Member, your own shot not allowed nominated by you; 2) The nominations must be from each Member's own "My Favorites" Gallery; 3) You have until the end of the third month after the shot's posting date to nominate it (i.e. Jan. 1-31 posted shot can be nominated until April 30th. This can all be honor system.. all you have to do is ask that Members strictly adhere to the Rules of the Members' Choice Gallery.
Now if in theory, that were to be done.. all we need now is to figure out HOW and IF we should limit the number of nominations for each photo-posting month; and decide if an annual voting for the top three or (they don't have to have place awards) from each month should be kept permanently as thumbnails by month and year; and whether to hold a Member vote for overall top three or ten (can be ranked or not) of the entire year. It could be a real nice feature for Members to get involved with.. or it could be an Administrative nightmare - I don't know which! But if there's not much additional interest in this, then just let it die, for what it was worth! This is such a great site that one naturally wants to be a part, and make it keep getting better.. we see this in so many Forums. (Hope that makes it a little better Charles.)