Evolution of the Fossil Of The Month (FOTM)

[digit]

The Fossil Of The Month (FOTM) was an idea created by Founding Forum member/owner @Gatorman, back in August of 2009.

 

His post to kick off this concept started with the words, "Post your best finds from this month here!" And that's what we've been doing for over 15 years now! Initially, there was no standardized formatting and it was more free form allowing members to show off their trip-makers from fossils hunts that month.

 

The first contest contained a total of 6 entries (3 shark teeth, an echinoid, a fossil pearl, and a mammoth humerus). It is amazing how quickly the monthly contest evolved. By December of that year people were enjoying entering their best finds but were discovering that the most amazing echinoid or ammonite could easily be overshadowed by a large meg tooth since the contest is a bit of a popularity contest. Quite often, a truly rare find (even if not visually stunning) would pull a win for the month but often rarity was trumped by visual appeal.

 

Going into January, 2010 the contest had bifurcated into the Vertebrate Fossil Of The Month (VFOTM) and the Invertebrate/Plant Fossil Of The Month (IPFOTM). Not only did we then have dual contests running each month, but official rules were added to the contest  then -- it was a bit more free-format up till this time. We explicitly required that the fossil be found in the month of the contest but started allowing prepped fossils to be entered as well. Given that there is often a time lag between a fossil being discovered in the field and brought to life by the final prep to show it in its glory for the contest. We started asking for the scientific (or common) name of the specimen and the geologic age for formation where it was found. We knew we'd be creating a focal point for members on the forum and realized it would be a good way to spread knowledge among our membership.

 

We stated at that time that we wanted the contest to be fun and educational and requested only entries with clear photos that met the guidelines would be accepted for the month's contest. Adherence to these rules was often problematic for some members who wished to enter their finds but could not come up with a reasonable ID or were out of their depths in identifying the age/formation where it was found. This acted to suppress some entries that would likely have been well received by the membership.

 

Then there's the thing with the badges. For those relatively new to TFF, back in a previous version of the forum's software, we had little badges that would display under our member name and avatar image whenever we posted in a topic. Many forums use badges or levels to allow members who have a longer history on the forum to easily be identified in conversations. This was a useful place to hang one's accomplishments but for some members it became a measure by which they could "win the forum". Some found collecting FOTM badges more enjoyable than collecting fossils. It was all too easy to spot a "soft month" where there were few strong entries to finish off the preparations on a fossil that the preparation had started on months before. With the new forum software not working with the awards plug-in, we've had to improvise a method of adding award badges that are now only viewable in each member's profile page. This has put a damper on award accumulation through contests.

 

We've had to grow the number of rules for entry into the contest and start requiring dated photos throughout the prepping process so that we can try to judge if the member is playing fair with prepped fossils. This has led to staff having to inspect every entry each month to verify that it conforms to the rules in spirit and intent. Not only has this increased the effort each month by staff often having to request further clarification in personal message (PM) conversations before the entry is finally approved. We have to apply the rules evenly and without favor so we often spend a lot of time coming to a consensus that we are being fair and consistent.

 

We also believe this is sucking a lot of the fun out of the FOTM contest(s). We often try to coax entries from members when we see them in an obscure corner of the forum because we wish a wider segment of the membership to enjoy and appreciate the finds. Often, members don't bother entering the contest, due to a stellar find earlier in the month that has that month's contest "locked up".

 

We'd like to get back to the FOTM being a fun part of the forum where we can show off a great find that we've finally crossed off our "always wanted" list. Or, a museum quality fossil, better than previously found. We'd still like to encourage folks to provide an identification (as best as possible) of the find and the age/formation as well as the location where it was found. We'd like it to be more free-form so that members can share more about how the fossil was found. We needed to limit photos to 4/entry to fit in the contest format but that restriction could also be relaxed so that members wouldn't have to pick the best 4 images when more might be useful.

 

We've been kicking around thoughts for naming a de-contestified, less competitive "Fossil Of The Month" contest.

We want to get back to the initial spirit of this monthly event--showing off  the fossils that you are most proud of each month.

An initial concept for a renaming of this monthly showcase came up with a name something like:

 

Best Personal Finds Of The Month

 

Still kind of work-shopping a name going forward, but look for changes in 2025. We'll be wrapping up the FOTM contest run in early January with the final FOTM winners for December 2024 and then the annual Fossil Of The Year contest for the 12 monthly winners (in each category).

 

Cheers.

-Ken

[Jaybot]

On 12/23/2024 at 6:16 PM, digit said:

Often, members don't bother entering the contest, due to a stellar find earlier in the month that has that month's contest "locked up".

I have noticed that as well.  I mostly enter something just for the fun of it; I have never expected to win.  

 

Well written report Ken!

I like the new concept.  Curious, will it remain bifurcated into two groups (inverts and verts)?  

[DPS Ammonite]

Maybe add a runner up award for each month?

[Randyw]

I’ll admit that I vote for the one that I’d like to have in my collection. Thats sometimes the prettiest, sometimes not as pretty but on my bucket list ones. Sometimes I don't vote at all if they aren't something I'm interested in. Rarity etc doesnt influence my vote as I've always taken the comment “ Wich one would you like to have in your collection?” As my guide.

I've always been sad though that I’ll  never be able to enter one myself as I can’t go out and hunt anymore and things I collected years ago won’t qualify so no matter what I prep etc it'll never fit into the rules. 

Edited January 2 by Randyw
Spelling

[Kane]

10 hours ago, DPS Ammonite said:

Maybe add a runner up award for each month?

We are moving away from a contest-based format, so the prospect of awards/badges would be moot. It will be more of a showcase of personal finds. 

[Thomas1982]

IDK...

 

FOTM and FOTY is my favorite part of TFF after 'Fossil Hunting Trips.'

 

I love seeing what fellow collectors around the world are finding.  It is inspiring and educational.  

 

I'm not normally competitive, but FOTY is my Superbowl.   

 

[minnbuckeye]

1 hour ago, Thomas1982 said:

I'm not normally competitive

 

I am just the opposite, loving the thrill of competition! It would sadden me to see such a format disappear. Remember competition is what leads to evolution, which some believe is why we are here as Homo sapiens and not algae.

[Kane]

Collaboration may trump competition.

Competition can and has brought out some negative behaviours with respect to the FOTM, which perhaps is not the purpose of showing one's pride and joy find, the core intention of the erstwhile contest. 

[digit]

12 hours ago, Jaybot said:

I have noticed that as well.  I mostly enter something just for the fun of it; I have never expected to win.  

And that's what we hope to steer the monthly celebration of fossils finds back toward. The FOTM contests were a great focal point for displaying enviable fossils. Often, a member might find a nice fossil but not have the time to write-up a nice trip report as a means of sharing this find. We're hoping a "Best Personal Finds Of The Month" will function as a nice stop-and-drop area where drool-worthy finds might be shared with the other members. We usually tried to limit to an extent the side-chatter from the monthly submission topic when it was a contest. It added effort to sorting out the submissions each month to make the contests. I think a non-contest showcase of great finds each month should allow (and even encourage) some congratulatory replies.

 

8 hours ago, Randyw said:

I’ll admit that I vote for the one that I’d like to have in my collection.

Before I started managing the FOTM polls, that's how I voted as well. I stopped participating in the voting at that time.

 

55 minutes ago, Thomas1982 said:

FOTM and FOTY is my favorite part of TFF after 'Fossil Hunting Trips.'

 

I love seeing what fellow collectors around the world are finding.  It is inspiring and educational.  

 

I'm not normally competitive, but FOTY is my Superbowl.   

Indeed. When I have the free time I enjoy going on a virtual fossil hunt by reading a well written trip report (especially with great in-situ photos).

 

The monthly contests do provide a periodic rhythm to the forum. We like the idea of a section of the forum where folks can check-in to see some great fossils each month. It was the competition aspect than led to more and more rules and time and judgement calls behind the scenes by staff that was getting problematic.

 

I personally would like to see posts in a Best Personal Finds Of The Month topic become a place to post things members are truly proud of finding that month. I don't think it would necessarily be "inspiring and educational" to just see run-of-the-mill Florida shark teeth posted each month. However, someone joining the "Meg Club" for the first time might well be special to them and it would be nice to have a place for them to showcase their find.

 

The format for an evolved monthly topic is still open for discussion. I personally believe the scientific/common name and the formation and location info is of great educational value. Would like to hear what others think.

 

We'd like to encourage more members to post their monthly finds for us to see. I believe the competition aspect can suppress entries (especially late in a month with existing strong entries). It would be nice to see more posts each month. We usually only a handful or two.

 

 

Cheers.

 

-Ken

[Fossildude19]

One thing folks do not factor into the equation, is the amount WORK that is involved with producing this contest. 

We have to vet each entry, to make sure it follows the REQUESTED FORMAT.   SHOCKER, ... THEY RARELY DO!

Time spent editing these posts, to make the contest easier for us to create the contest, quickly and seamlessly, is getting out of hand, because people DO NOT READ INSTRUCTIONS!

(There have been months, when, if we did not make changes to entries, there WOULD HAVE BEEN NO FOSSIL OF THE MONTH CONTEST, according to the Rules.

Or the winner would be the ONE PERSON who DID actually follow the instructions correctly.) 

 

Then, with the added difficulty of vetting finds NOT FOUND IN THE MONTH OF THE CONTEST, and making sure MOST OF THE PREP was done DURING THE MONTH OF THE CONTEST, ... the whole contest has become a chore for the Admin/Mod team.  No one takes during prep pictures.  They enter the contest as an afterthought, when a prepped item comes back to them, ... looking good.

 

Folks, it isn't fun doing more work and then, ... have people disappointed due to our decisions made, ... following the RULES of the contest.

 

Everything is clearly stated, and NO ONE follows the rules to the letter.  Contests should be fun and engaging. This one may be fun for the Membership, but I have to tell you, ... for the Mods and Admins dealing with it,  quite frankly, is NOT worth the hassle. It has become a thankless chore.

 

The contest has become a headache, behind the scenes.

 

All over a potential INTERNET BADGE.      

 

 

In my 15 years here,  I have seen this contest bring out the worst in people.

Fudging dates of prep, ... trying to enter the contest late, ... doing very little prep in the month of the contest... you name it. I've seen it.

 

Also, it tends towards being the same people entering, month after month, and winning, as they have access to great fossil hunting locations, that offer up amazing fossils on a fairly consistent basis.

 

I think that a showcase topic of "Best personal find of the Month" is a good compromise.  I also think we should add a "Best Prep of the Month topic". 

But all without the competitive aspect and badges.

 

[doushantuo]

Eye-opening post.

Thanks Tim.

Excellent  thinking, casting a light on the behind-the-scenes toil and trouble, to put it all in perspective.

Ben

 

[Jaybot]

39 minutes ago, digit said:

And that's what we hope to steer the monthly celebration of fossils finds back toward. The FOTM contests were a great focal point for displaying enviable fossils. Often, a member might find a nice fossil but not have the time to write-up a nice trip report as a means of sharing this find. We're hoping a "Best Personal Finds Of The Month" will function as a nice stop-and-drop area where drool-worthy finds might be shared with the other members. We usually tried to limit to an extent the side-chatter from the monthly submission topic when it was a contest. It added effort to sorting out the submissions each month to make the contests. I think a non-contest showcase of great finds each month should allow (and even encourage) some congratulatory replies.

I will admit though; part of the excitement was in the thrill of casual competition. 

I've looked back on previous years of FOTM, and was interested to find that there used to be a ton of entries... granted, many did not have adequate info, but regardless... more engagement and entries.  Also, there seemed to be a higher level of community in those years past; more congrats comments, and more people posting their finds for the fun of it.

 

Having just a few fossils to vote from is disappointing, I will admit.

But, many of those people back then still posted their fossils because it was a light-hearted competition.  From Tim's latest post, I realize it was not the same for others as it was for me; perhaps it was taken too seriously.

 

I wonder if there is a way to still have a sense of friendly competition, but still encourage a more casual community showcase of everyone's best finds.  Maybe some sort of voting, without the badges, and less rules as you indicated in your original post Ken.

 

13 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

Everything is clearly stated, and NO ONE follows the rules to the letter.

Aw come on, at least a few did, right?

I will say, I didn't know so many people entered bad entries... thanks for all the work Mods!

[Fossildude19]

23 minutes ago, Jaybot said:

Aw come on, at least a few did, right?

 

Perhaps "No one" is a slight overstatement, but I'd say 97-99 % of the entries had SOME issue that needed to be corrected, be it in Formatting, spelling or other issues.

Formatting was the biggest issue, by far.  We wanted it formatted in such a way as to make it easy to copy and paste submissions into the actual contest poll. 

Fixing those issues took up too much of my time, in my opinion.

 

 

"... WAS a lighthearted competition."

 

Now it is an onerous, thankless chore. 

 

Also,  about 55 members (give or take a few) were staple voters in the poles.  Not sure that is enough engagement to warrant the amount of work done to support the contest.  

[Fin Lover]

I personally think there are already enough places to post someone's best finds of the month: trip reports, personal gallery (which is where I post mine), etc.  I understand that the administrative work was getting ridiculous, but I would like to see some way to still preserve the higher standards of the FOTM competition, so we aren't scrolling through 25 pictures of common teeth per person.  Maybe one best find from each member in a non competitive format?  Although I did personally enjoy the competition.

 

Edited January 2 by Fin Lover

[debivort]

1 minute ago, Fin Lover said:

  Maybe one best find from each member?  

It could be that each member is encouraged to post their "best fossil of the year" in the month of their Forum birthday or something.

[Fossildude19]

There is a current topic for last year.

 

 

 

And we are still planning the Fossil of the Year contests for 2024. 

But we are ditching the contest format going forward. New year, new contest. 

 

 

@Fin Lover

 

I think the idea behind the "Best Personal Find of the Month" is that only 1 fossil should be posted there.   

[Fin Lover]

 

 

10 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

 

@Fin Lover

 

I think the idea behind the "Best Personal Find of the Month" is that only 1 fossil should be posted there.   

Thanks, Tim.  I guess I was confused by the plural use of "finds" in some of the previous replies.  

[trilobites_are_awesome]

For me I have entered several times and each time I have become increasingly frustrated with rarity meaning nothing!

I think what we need a casual FOTM with no one submitting over and over as to let other people have a chance!

Thank you to the Mods I really really appreciate you guys and all your hard work, The TFF is my favorite website And I love how much work you guys put in to keep it a friendly positive site.

Edited January 2 by trilobites_are_awesome

[FranzBernhard]

17 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

I think the idea behind the "Best Personal Find of the Month" is that only 1 fossil should be posted there.

Two entries were possible for FOTM. Maybe lets start with 2 per month per person also and have a look how this turns out?

If there are too many entries, cut it down to one.

Btw, how many entries are expected per month?

[FranzBernhard]

And I always disliked the hard deadline for submitting for FOTM. Finding something spectacular at January 31st in the evening would have been a little of a pain...

Is there a possibility to make the deadline less strict?

[Jaybot]

Tim, don't get me wrong; I knew FOTM was a lot of work for y'all, but I had no idea it was that bad.

I now see the need for ''Personal Find Of The Month'', as it should mostly be self- operating, without the need of heavy moderation. 

While I will likely miss the excitement of the competition, and voting each month, I agree that as a whole FOTM needed a refresh. 

 

Since engagement with FOTM has been real bad (especially this last year) with so few entries, and as you said, with only about the same 50 people voting, maybe we ought to brainstorm a bit. Maybe try to find ways to make make the goal of PFOTM more about community and engagement. 

It needs to be something interesting and exciting for more TFF members.

 

 

Regarding this, I like the ideas Ken had in the original post.  But perhaps we could add some sort of dynamic that would make it more than a "show your favorite finds'' thread (of which there are many on TFF)?

 

I know how hard it is for inflection to be picked up in text, so please understand that I'm not criticizing, Tim - rather, I'm looking forward to seeing what TFF comes up with regarding this issue.  No hard feelings here 

 

As many did, I first joined the forum to have my first few fossils id'ed.  Pretty soon, I was very interested in learning more, and not just asking for help all the time.   Along with the vast amount of knowledge here, I will admit that FOTM was one of the main reasons I decided to stay; it seemed like a competition I could actually enter.  Hence why I'm so interested in this new PFOTM project

[DPS Ammonite]

I think that we all need to thank the staff members for their hard work running the Forum and the fossil of the month contests. Having to deal with the bureaucracy and behind-the-scenes drama can take the fun out of life sometimes.
 

Relatively few members do most of the work on the Forum. Maybe the staff members can remind other members how they can help out. For example, anyone can ask the poster of a fossil find to make sure that they give us the needed info that is properly formatted. We need such things as a clear photo, scale, geological info, locality etc. Other examples, when someone posts about a meteorite, fossil mushroom, embryo, egg etc. anyone can find a link to an appropriate post on the Forum (or outside) on that topic. Also, anyone can hit the report button on problematic posts.

 

[Fossildude19]

44 minutes ago, Jaybot said:

... maybe we ought to brainstorm a bit. Maybe try to find ways to make make the goal of PFOTM more about community and engagement. 

 

I think people would look at some of the amazing fossils posted, and not bother to post their brachiopods, shell,  or plant fossils, possibly feeling their items had no chance in the competition.

 

Less of a competition might encourage more engagement from other members.  

[Fossildude19]

1 hour ago, FranzBernhard said:

And I always disliked the hard deadline for submitting for FOTM. Finding something spectacular at January 31st in the evening would have been a little of a pain...

Is there a possibility to make the deadline less strict?

 

As a competition, the hard deadline was required.

 

There won't be a deadline, if we dimiss the competition part of it.    Just fossils found in THAT month.

[doushantuo]

If I got a nickel for every time Tim ""cropped and brightened"  an item, I'd be a trillionaire.