Contests are events where people compete for supremacy over a particular activity. Extrinsic motivators of these activities are rewards and recognitions. Intrinsic motivators are self-improvement and excellence in that particular activity.
There are hundreds of contest hosted in steemit. For me, contests are one of the ways to engage the community and at the same time, bring out the hidden talents of steemians. In almost all fields of expertise you can think of, there's someone here who allocated their effort to host a contest for those fields. It's a sign that the platform is very accepting of any community that wished to thrive and grow.
Contests here on steemit are usually designed for minnows. Meaning, the host of the contest have a specific minnows in mind to discover. Also, I observed that the hosts have higher reputations or being funded by generous sponsors. This is true because there is a lingering question if the contest will be sustained or not.
Starting a contest is easy. I have tons of contests and projects in mind, but I haven't started them. First reason: I could not sustain the project. Second reason: I could not commit to a particular schedule of posting as contests need constant updates.
Here comes @josejirafa's Clay Art Contest.
I would be honest to say that I haven't paid any attention to this contest before. First reason: I thought that this is one of the most ridiculous contests I've seen. I thought that he could not sustain the contest. He doesn't have any funding for the prizes of the winners because he is still a minnow. Second reason: I thought that only a few will accept the challenge and partake in the contest.
I just go on with my usual habit of reading posts, including the comments of those posts. I was amazed by the number of people who expressed their desire to join the contest. Well, I guess this contest was not bad after all. Still my question holds true about the funding and sustaining the project. But one comment struck me and made me change my decision 180°. Allow me to include @girlbeforemirror's comment here:
Let me also add this to make a point as to why I decided to support this initiative:
I must also add @smaeunabs' comment. She's last week's sponsor.
What's In It For Me?
I have been an art enthusiast. I don't have any artistic blood in me, but I was always amazed by how art transforms dull and mundane things in objects full of color and teeming with expression. I couldn't contain my excitement when I see how a mere clay was transformed into works of passion and dedication.
Just like @thegaillery's The Confidence Project, I will always support projects that bring value to the community. Due to my limited power and reach, I will first support projects that are closer to me - projects from dear friends and colleagues.
I believe that this initiative brings value to the community, so I wanted it to continue. When I approached @josejirafa about this, he said that he might stop the contest because he can't sustain it anymore. My first reason really holds true. But since the man is full of enthusiasm, I don't want that to stop. Now, I am making this post to reach out people who love art and wish to help others. I hope that you can help @josejirafa continue with his contest.
All SBD rewards from this post will be sent to @josejirafa for the his sole usage and discretion. I hope that this project will continue.
Let's band together as a community and help one another. As all of you might be aware of, the drama in the trending page of this platform is so immense that it brings my enthusiasm about this platform down. With abuses everywhere, I hope that more projects like this will emerge to combat selfishness. Projects like this helps mitigate the damage done by those who have power and used them for their gain.
Remarkable Clay Art Contest Contenders
With the contest running in its 5th round, there are artworks that captured my attention. I would like to highlight them here:
I couldn't image how people gets so creative when posed with the limited amount of resources. It's one of the marvels I'm trying to figure out.
What Now?
Please support @josejirafa's Clay Art Contest in any way you can. Please. Just contact him directly. Let's keep his contest running.
Thank you @girlbeforemirror for changing my view about this contest. @josejirafa told me about your situation and I have nothing but respect for you. Your strength is amazing!
I would like to call the attention of my two masters: @themanualbot and @jassennessaj. Masters, I know you have plans which will bring good to the Cebu community, but please check this contest out. I'm humbly asking for your consideration.
As an art enthusiast,
Kim, @ybanezkim26
Thank so much for posting this. It is indeed heartwarming. I too would like the contest to continue seeing how many of the participants love what they are doing. It is true, the clay art is therapeutic. I wish more would join and support this initiative. I have resteemed this post in hopes of reaching more audience.
Thank you @guri-gure for your undying support!
go go @josejirafa! I really enjoyed watching the entries of this unique contest :D
Thank you @ybanezkim26 for being the greatest cheerer of great projects like this :D May God bless you both :*
Ikaw man sad she. God bless natong tanan! Haha
OMG gitinuod jd haha
It warms my heart to see others feel the same sentiments towards #clayartcontest. I didn't really think it would reach this far as well. I guess more than my efforts, the sponsors have played such a big part in making this a success.
Contests were my bread and butter back then and I would have quit steemit if it wasnt for the contests that kept me going. These initiatives have alway encouraged people to stay on the platform. I do hope it remains that way. Thanks for your support kim and to everyone who made it possible.
You're always welcome!
Nalata na akong bubbles. Hahaha. I'll post it soon!
Thank you for featuring some of our work... We will continue to support this contest!
Thank you @tonie! I'm sure @josejirafa will be glad to know that.
go @josejirafa. This is so nice of you @ybanezkim26. You got this big heart to help .. keep motivating everyone around! You're great! Aja!
Thank you girl, @jenesa! I just want steemit to be a conducive place for everyone, regardless of what they want to do as long as they're not abusing their freedom. I really want to motivate those who have the heart to help.
I was struck by the idea of Tragedy of the Commons. I made a post about it last December. It means that selfishness will only bring destruction and demise to everyone in the long run, including those who are selfish. So let's avoid that. Everyone will grow and thrive if we are not just thinking of ourselves.
Absolutely @ybanezkim26. Selfishness causes no good at all. Simply, let's help each other and grow together.
P.s. I really love the way you fight for things.. Keep the spirit!
This is really a great project. Thank you @joserifa for your way of helping others. It overwhelms me witnessing how others work hard to help others! Thumbs up to you too @ybanezkim26.
Thank you @ayingroxie! Let's help each other. That's the only way to survive in this platform.
I couldn't agree to you more. 👍
I would also like to thank @girlbeforemirror for helping me promote my 30 day haiku challenge! I will always be thankful to her. To @josejirafa, may he continue with his contest and promote art and creativity.
Thank you @brokemancode for pointing that out. Truly, @girlbeforemirror is an inspiration to us all.
Thank you for your support! It is a nice contest indeed 😃
Hi @hiddenblade! I hope you can join.
wow very nice art, keep it up!