I saw the idea for member awards or something of the nature back in 2005 where a board community would vote for members of the community for awards such as a "friendly member" or have the "best fanart" or things like that. The GOF didn't do things like this at the time, and we didn't do a lot of exciting community activities either (no projects section). This would be one way in which the community would work together to create something that could bond and include all users.
There isn't much to say on the process....I hardly remember how it all worked being quite a few years ago, but I was so excited to do this that I made people vote for awards in April instead of December, yet they would have that year on the award. Doesn't make much sense, I know, but the idea was concocted in March and by April we were running with it. The only award that was ever debated back and forth time and time was the "New Member Award" given to someone who had recently joined and been productive and proactive on the GOF, but may still have a low post count. I never fully agreed with the award while others did. We finally dumped this award in 2008. I would almost say this award was a jinx to the member who received it--both winners dropped off the face of the earth (though Littlefoot Fan is showing activity around here again as of late).
During this event, its been difficult for members to defend, or win the same award the following year because since 2006, the GOF has grown expondentially and we're much larger now than we were then. I enjoy seeing new members win and earn recognition for their achievements as well as past winners continuing to provide for the GOF community as we continue to grow larger.
