Section59
From: Wlg/Chc
Since: Apr 2011
Posts: 96
Binding my Lawful Neutral helm, I feel compelled to enter the fray.
Nimlin, welcome back etc. All that needs to be said about your second coming, has been.
It seems to me that 48 Hours is maturing in its lifecycle, and the organisers might want to take heed of this. It is natural for organisations to develop and change as they grow and this should be managed, not ignored.
Firstly though, let me say this: Ant Timpson and the others behind 48 Hours must always be held in awe and respect because they started it all, they worked their butts off to make it a succeess, and they are here today still - despite probably having much better things to do or opportunities to chase. Big ups to you.
So with sincere respect let me agree in principle with the previous posters in this thread and offer my opinion that for 48 Hours to continue for another 12 years it really needs an overhaul. Here are my suggestions:
1. Review the rules. Consult with the participants in the process, much the same way Parliament uses select committees to create/amend laws. Ultimately it is the organiser's decision on what the rules are, but giving everyone a say in the process produces a lot of extra buy-in and ideas;
2. Create a simple system that means the rules are adhered to. Perhaps have an appeal process. Or maybe not. I mean, so long as the rules are clear (and I think they always have been) then people will say "yup, fair cop" if they are DQ'd;
3. Democratise the organisation - maybe set up an incorporated society that operates alongside the company (Two Brothers Ltd) running the competition, that has a membership made up of two people nominated by each team manager of the previous year's competition. That organisation can then elect itself some officials and have a structure representing the regions. This would bring fresh thinking into the competition, give a little bit of ownership (but not too much!) to the participants, and allow for a semi-organised workforce to be tapped by the competition owners;
4. Communicate. For example, I really REALLY want to set up a Summer Film School this year. Can you imagine the fun of a Friday - Sunday camp out in the whop-whops, with workshops and the oldies helping the newbies and pigs sizzling on a spit? I wanted to do this last year as well and contacted the 48 Hour management with my idea, simply to ask for their blessing (not that I needed it - my wife and I have two successful companies and we were willing to fund the whole thing). But. Nobody. Got. Back. To. Me. OMG, there are those of us who frikken LOVE 48 Hours and want to help... let us!
That is all. Peace be with you.