[Admin edit - various posts re themes from Nov SotM & @snwcmpr theme suggestion post merged] I've quit trying until categories return. In fact, I'd suggest we bring back categories for a while....
"Themes" may be the better word. For example, the Stove of the Month theme for February 2023 was alcohol stoves, for March 2023 discus stoves with tins. One month was 1-pinters with tins. And so on. More room for examples from smaller and more more 'eccentric' collections. The open category tends to bring out 'museum quality' examples, and that category has become the norm. Other examples from the past that come to mind are certain types unfired, and certain types in use. Etc.
The 'theme' method was standard for quite a while. But Ross had to keep dreaming up new categories-- not an easy task! We could recycle some of the older ones from years back.
I personally agree with @Pharael ...I do have a good recollection of film dialogue hahahaha And agree...I like the idea ..rusty but running...or stoves from Germany... something like that!
“Why Johnny Ringo. You look like somebody just walked over your grave.” I can do that one pretty good..,
@Jon Vara I think that's a great idea! I have quite a collection of 123's and all of them are nothing special other than one that had the box soaked in a big bottle of old amway dish soap that must have exploded all over it on a shelf for years. No matter how much I clean it...it still smells like soap. I would enter that right along with yours
Aye, categories (themes) & requirement for the stove to also be listed in the Stove Reference Gallery were dropped following complaints I maybe gave too much heed to. Going forward a mix of themes & open months will be used. There will inevitably be some repetition with themes.
That's a good plan, I think. But why should you have to bear the burden of figuring out all the themes? I suggest that we start a thread for members to suggest possible themes, which you can than use or reject based on your considered judgement. A couple of possibilities off the top of my head (not necessarily saying these are GOOD ideas, just the first ones that come to mind): Stoves with dents Stoves handed down from family members A "perfect patina" category Otherwise wonderful stoves with irreparable defects Etc., etc.
Rule changes to SotM will therefore be applied as required by Ross, but what should still remain is the requirement the stove must be presently owned by the member. Pharael.
@Pharael Agree there...stove presently owned is a must. No matter if running or not, etc...incomplete or complete. @Jon Vara @Pharael maybe a list of suggestions would work, that way it takes the work of @Spiritburner (unless thats not too much). Maybe all 12 months can be done at the beginning of the year so that can be done in one list. All suggestions on my end. I think everyone should be able to put in their ideas!
