FITT - Moving on to GT6!

[CSLACR]

Maybe no overlap of tuning times and driving times. So when the tuning section finishes, launch the next challenge. When the testers are due to finish, the next testing starts. If tester numbers drop right off then re-asses.

Yes, this.
I had even recommended it to C-Zeta if he wanted to start a little earlier, that while testing for the Indy shootout was going on, his could be started.

 

[zero_speed]

Maybe no overlap of tuning times and driving times. So when the tuning section finishes, launch the next challenge. When the testers are due to finish, the next testing starts. If tester numbers drop right off then re-asses.

Great idea Milldrum. I think what would also help your idea work would be to use and enforce cut off dates for: sign ups, tune submission, testing, etc.

 

[ACSR421]

Add me to the list of members, I have a new PS3 so I'm ready to get back to the shootouts. I have an idea that may help with organization. You could assign each tuner a number then if you wanted to limit the # of entrants to say 10 tuners per event and had say 30 tuners registered just do a random lottery style pick of the numbers that would allow 3 events of 10 tuners to take place all at once. I know it would take more planning and organizing to make something like this work but it is just an idea.
Edit : Tuners could also be testers in the other events since the official testing doesn't begin until after the tunes are submitted meaning less downtime for everyone between events.

 

[CSLACR]

I am considering pulling the trigger on CKR's event early to see how it goes with all the rules I have planned. TBH all this waiting is pretty pointless it seems, overlapping events should be ok and once again the decision should be up to the event organiser. I think the purpose of FITT should be more of like a social network, to aid in the organization of events. Not some virtual governing body or a virtual Hitler either.
My last comment may be a bit extreme, but hopefully it gets my point across that no one should have to get a virtual permit to host an event. If a event sponsor has all his bassis covered and is ready to go, there should be no reason for them to wait BUT only if they choose to.

That's exactly what it is. 👍

there is no "need" for a virtual permit or anything of the sort, it's a collaboration to do what can be done to improve the quality of events, and give people direction when they need/ask for it.

The schedule isn't made to be set in stone, it's more a matter of trying to keep to many events cropping up at once, and to keep 2-3 events with similar timelines from happening at the same time, plus letting people know what's coming up, etc.

Quite frankly the only issue that can arise from anyone just throwing one out there regardless of schedule is a potential lack of participation from people being busy, but if your event is ready and you can fill your slots with participants (which you mostly have already) I don't see an issue with starting it soon and running it "around" so to speak, other competitions.

The catch only comes in if to many come in at once, (example) maybe TimberW sees this and says "Eff it, I waited 2 months already, etc" and then we have 6 "shootouts" trying to be run at once.

But no, FITT is not for dictating what people can/can't do at all, it's basically a "help desk" for shootouts, with FAQ (not sure if that's up yet though), a list of already scheduled events, ideas, potential rules, options, etc.

 

[tris_73]

Maybe no overlap of tuning times and driving times. So when the tuning section finishes, launch the next challenge. When the testers are due to finish, the next testing starts. If tester numbers drop right off then re-asses.

Yes. Great idea. I think this might keep all involved interested. Tuners and testers could just roll from one event to the next if they so desire. Only problem might be with folk who wish to both test and tune.

Sorry for an extended absence. A couple of weeks of 14 hour days at work has taken it out of me.

 

[XDesperado67]

@ACSR421 welcome back glad to hear you've got a new PS3. What all do you want me to list you for in the OP?

@tris_73 welcome back as well and I hear you about extended work and other real life things getting in the way of GT5. Hope things have settled down for you there.

 

[ACSR421]

Thanks Dee, it's great to be back. You can list me as a car host, test driver/car reviewer.

 

[XDesperado67]

Thanks Dee, it's great to be back. You can list me as a car host, test driver/car reviewer.

Consider it done.

Oh and check your Bob I think he's feeling lonely and in need of some company.

 

[Milldrum]

Only problem might be with folk who wish to both test and tune.

I haven't tested in any events yet as I know I'm too busy at the moment. So a tuner/tester could decide to drop one in an event for a break. Or tune for a few days then test.

 

[TimberW]

Maybe no overlap of tuning times and driving times. So when the tuning section finishes, launch the next challenge. When the testers are due to finish, the next testing starts. If tester numbers drop right off then re-asses.

So, what's the call? Should I post the shootout soon? I haven't exactly got everything nice and neat. but I've got the bulk of it sorted out.

The catch only comes in if to many come in at once, (example) maybe TimberW sees this and says "Eff it, I waited 2 months already, etc" and then we have 6 "shootouts" trying to be run at once.

nah, it doesn't really bother me. 👍

Having multiple shootouts at a time I think it's not such a great idea. Deadlines are good to push the shootout event through. Also having multiple shootout doesn't force a tuner/test driver out of their comfort zone. Because they have 'choices' to do those which they like.

Having it being open ended, like no end date, people tend to procasinate and thus the event will never really take off.

 

[CSLACR]

So, what's the call? Should I post the shootout soon? I haven't exactly got everything nice and neat. but I've got the bulk of it sorted out.



nah, it doesn't really bother me. 👍

Having multiple shootouts at a time I think it's not such a great idea. Deadlines are good to push the shootout event through. Also having multiple shootout doesn't force a tuner/test driver out of their comfort zone. Because they have 'choices' to do those which they like.

Having it being open ended, like no end date, people tend to procasinate and thus the event will never really take off.

True facts.
As for your event, I would recommend getting it sorted first, the less changes or things you find to add afterwards the better.👍

TBH, having known of CKR's coming shootout before the introduction of FITT, combined with limits on entrants, and 3 of 4 test drivers spots open would be the main reasons I see no failure in starting it alongside other events, because it's participation has been as much bulletproofed as possible in advance.
Under different circumstances, I may be saying very different things, but these are the circumstances.

So just to be clear, I'm not saying, the hell with it let this go, just that in these exact circumstances, it won't negatively affect other shootouts, which I believe is one of the main goals and purposes of FITT.
Also as I said before, the only really negative thing that can happen from starting one up aside others, is lower participation for that event, for example it certainly won't affect C-ZETA's, and it shouldn't affect yours.

If I thought at all it would affect anyone else's shootout, I'd be asking whomever the host was to wait, or I wouldn't participate in their event for that very reason.

 

[XDesperado67]

Updated the rules post.

Next rule up for review is the following;
12)Arrangements for payouts to the event winner and all test drivers will start on the MM/DD, or the first day following the final time posting whichever is later.

Let's here what you want to do with this.

Also if any of you creative writing types have suggestions for improving the OP I want to see them.👍👍

 

[CSLACR]

12)Arrangements for prize payouts will start at the completion of the event.

Basically a good start date always, if you're hosting an event there's no good reason to not have sends cleared up to start immediately following the event.

I'll admit I dropped the ball myself on this one, having "lost" (somehow) my 24 ticket, which was of course the first thing requested.
But there was no excuse for that, I had 3 weeks to sort the prize end of the competition out, and that's plenty of time, no need for a later date specified in any case IMO.

Obviously uncontrollable circumstances happen, but they're rare.

 

[Milldrum]

12)Arrangements for prize payouts will start at the completion of the event.

This works for me. ^

As for sponsorship. I would recommend that co-sponsors like myself need information from the main sponsor. The first 2 events that I have co-sponsored have been easy for me as the main sponsor has supplied me with the information required.

An organized schedule sent by PM would be a good idea. Something like-

24th : Rally Base - CSLACR
25th : 21 - Praiano
26th : 17 - Milldrum

Just facts so that both sponsors are working together. Then send an updated schedule when required.

Also, I will be sitting out the next event. So if a co-sponsor is needed then it will need to be arranged. But I should be available for the one after that.

Edit: XDesperado gave me an idea. Would FITT like to fatten up it's tuner schedule? Would the FITT tuners like to put up tunes for racing series, when requested?

For example, a racing series organizer approaches FITT with the specifications for it's series. If it's a 1 make then tuners could do a tune for that series and post as a possible tune for the entrants.

A multiple car series, the cars could be split between the tuners and then posted.

 

[Johnnypenso]

Copied from an earlier post:


I believe the payouts are part of the contest parameters and don't need separate mention as we've already mentioned above that the SO determines the contest parameters so I'd leave it out altogether. If you feel you have to include it I'd word it as follows:

Prizes, if any, to be established before the contest begins by the SO, along with all relevant parameters regarding qualification, payout dates, etc.

 

[Johnnypenso]

Also if any of you creative writing types have suggestions for improving the OP I want to see them.👍👍

Thank you for taking a look at F.I.I.T, the Federation of Internationaly Tuners and Test drivers. At FIIT we feel that tuning competitions and test driving provide invaluable feedback to the tuning and racing community.

Tuners use these competitions to test and refine their skills against some of the best GT5 tuners from around the globe. There are no borders in a FIIT Tuning Shootout.

Test drivers also compete in with each other, sometimes formally and sometimes just for bragging rights, but also provide valuable feedback to the individual tuners and to those following the competition.

Interested fans can use the tunes provided to make their own racing and driving experience more enjoyable and competitive.

Everyone has fun and everyone benefits from a well run Tuning Shootout.

At FIIT our goals are as follows:

1. Provide a standardized format for Tuning Shootouts that enables tuners, test drivers and observers to participate under the umbrella of a consistent, equitable and limited set of guidelines. When you see the FIIT banner sanctioning a Tuning Shootout, you can be certain the event will be well organized, time efficient and of course, fun.

2. Promote awareness of all officially sanctioned FIIT events, both past and present, and be a historical reference point for anyone researching previous tuning competitions.

3. Be a resource centre and provide ongoing training and support for past and future Shootout Organizers.

4. Extend an invitation and actively encourage participation in FIIT sanctioned events by all members of the GTPlanet Community, regardless of their level of tuning and/or driving skill and experience.

5. The FITT Council and Competition Committee (FITTCCC?) will always be open to constructive feedback, and will continue to explore and test new contest formats and guidelines to make Tuning Shootouts more enjoyable and competitive for everyone.


Once again, I would strongly suggest that someone design a standardized format/layout for tuning competitions. When someone opens up a FITT sanctioned event, they should all look very similar in layout. I can and have walked into Tim Horton's donut shops for example, from coast to coast in Canada, and they all look basically the same. You'd never walk into a Timmy's in Alberta and think it was McDonalds.

FIIT events should be the same. The details can be different of course, but the basic rules and guidelines should be the same. The headers, what's bolded or italicized, the print type etc should all be standardized. The cool logo you guys designed should be prominent in the first post of every shootout, that is a must.

You only need do this once, and then the Organizers can copy and paste it over to their own thread and make changes as necessary.

It's also important, if you truly want to be a "sanctioning" body, that the layout for the contest be sent to a FIITCCC member and subject to revision and approval, before the contest ever sees the light of day. This is as opposed to someone posting a contest and then FIIT having to step in and say, "Oh sorry, you can't do this, or change that rule etc." That looks very unprofessional. Contests should hit the ground running, not be a work in progress.

 

[CSLACR]

It's also important, if you truly want to be a "sanctioning" body, that the layout for the contest be sent to a FIITCCC member and subject to revision and approval, before the contest ever sees the light of day. This is as opposed to someone posting a contest and then FIIT having to step in and say, "Oh sorry, you can't do this, or change that rule etc." That looks very unprofessional. Contests should hit the ground running, not be a work in progress.

This is where it gets difficult. (I like the ideas of everything above it)
FITT (Two T's not two I's ) isn't here to tell people what they can and can't do, we don't have that power, and we're not trying to make it, that power lies with the administration of the site.
The thing we can do, is say, "FITT's name isn't going on this shootout because of...(reason here)" or something along that line.

So an event host can send a PM out, or post in here with their full event when they're ready, and then FITT can decide to give the ok for the FITT banner. (if that's the decision) I can't think of many reasons to say no, but I'm sure something could crop up.

I do love the idea of a standard layout, we just need to decide what that layout would be, it needs to remain clean, efficient, and not to difficult to work with as an editor.
I'm not suggesting my layout was great, but for example, mine was very easy to edit, and update, something which is key to helping hosts keep up with every little detail and update they make promptly.

Another thing would be for the host to immediately grab post #2, 3, and any more they would need, and as a general courtesy, people to not post in the shootout until they see the host has taken all the spots they want for the event in the first posts.
Using myself as example again, after posting the first portion, I grabbed 2 extra posts just simply typing "mine" until I was ready to edit them later. (it takes 30 seconds a post, waiting period)

But surely we can work something up as a standard layout which is agreed to be good by everyone, perhaps just "image here" etc for those liking to post pictures, etc to enhance detail. But again, most important is easy to read and understand, along with easy to update and edit for the host.

 

[zero_speed]

This is where it gets difficult. (I like the ideas of everything above it)
FITT (Two T's not two I's ) isn't here to tell people what they can and can't do, we don't have that power, and we're not trying to make it, that power lies with the administration of the site.

Agreed 100%. The moment this happens the crap will hit the fan.

The thing we can do, is say, "FITT's name isn't going on this shootout because of...(reason here)" or something along that line.

Even that is right on the very edge, but I can work with that.

 

[CSLACR]

Agreed 100%. The moment this happens the crap will hit the fan.

I really don't think that was ever anyone's intent, just a misunderstanding.

Even that is right on the very edge, but I can work with that.

Well, like I said, I can think of very few reasons to have to take that action.

There hasn't been an exact system set into place yet, but I imagine it would come down to a vote of everyone listed as part of FITT, which is free to join, and you're more than welcome too. (hint)

I'm not a real big fan of forum politics myself, but I think FITT can (and will) serve a good purpose overall for the tuning community. (and anyone that wishes to pop in) Which can have tendencies to squabble quite a bit. (FF shootout, anyone?)

 

[zero_speed]

There hasn't been an exact system set into place yet, but I imagine it would come down to a vote of everyone listed as part of FITT, which is free to join, and you're more than welcome too. (hint)

Wait I thought I did join, they do have me down as a driver/sponsor. Is that seperate from being on the panel?

 

[CSLACR]

Wait I thought I did join, they do have me down as a driver/sponsor. Is that seperate from being on the panel?

Sorry, my bad. I missed your name, thought it seemed weird.

 

[XDesperado67]

Just to clarify a some things...

1)F.I.T.T. was never intended as some form of sanctioning body that told everyone how, what and when they could do things. My basic premise in setting it up was to try and generate a minimum amount of organization amongst those wanting to Sponsor a shootout or other event so that we could get maximum community participation and not end up with a half dozen poorly attended shootouts all trying to take place at the same time. Additionally it could act as a place for people to Exchange information on what worked and what didn't work for an event. Last it could act as a fixed reference point for upcoming events and current events, and provide a historical archive link for those interested.

2)Way I see it everyone on GTPlanet is a potential member of F.I.T.T. The listing in the OP is for those members who take on the responsibilities listed there. So a lack of listing won't prevent you from participating and having your comments and ideas heard. The "Competition Committee" is those listed in the OP since they are taking an active part in helping make the various events happen and trying to improve them.

3) About the only things I could see cause for not wanting the F.I.T.T. name/logo on an event for would be...A; Taking an abusive attitude towards people in the GTP community (in which case the site moderators will most likely handle it.) and...B) Someone just throwing up an event without informing us first here in this thread, in effect using our name/logo without regard to the minimal amounts of scheduling and organization we are attempting to provide. (This situation should be easily fixed simply by talking to the Event Sponsor.)

Hope the above helps clarify my position on these issues, and remember I'm not the person running this Organization, I'm simply the person maintaining its "official" thread. All of you listed in the OP and the GTPlanet community are the ones running this show, so pitch in and help make this a great thing for everyone!

 

[CSLACR]

You just had to go and say it better then me, eh?
Well put.👍

But we can still vote on something, right? I enjoy voting.

 

[Milldrum]

But we can still vote on something, right? I enjoy voting.

Can we vote on whether to vote on something?

 

[XDesperado67]

Okay you voting types...here's a couple for you.

1) We've had suggestions for how to reword rule #12 as well as a suggestion to drop it altogether. So what's it going to be?

2) How about a yes/no vote on adopting a standardized format for event OP posts in regards to the F.I.T.T. logo, rules and basic layout.

3) I like most of what Johnnypenso wrote posted as a rewrite of the F.I.T.T. introduction. So how about a discussion/vote on what parts of it to use and what needs changed or removed from it.

 

[CSLACR]

I'd say yes for a standard format, we'll just have to come up with something good, that leaves room for a hosts creativity, obviously we can't make people use it, but for lazy folk like myself it would be super.

I'll read through the others in a bit.

 

[tris_73]

Okay you voting types...here's a couple for you.

1) We've had suggestions for how to reword rule #12 as well as a suggestion to drop it altogether. So what's it going to be?

Another suggestion?
"Distribution of awards/prizes to tuners and/or drivers will commence at the conclusion of the event."

2) How about a yes/no vote on adopting a standardized format for event OP posts in regards to the F.I.T.T. logo, rules and basic layout.

Yes. This would make it easier to find relevant info during an event (every thing in the same place as the prior events).

3) I like most of what Johnnypenso wrote posted as a rewrite of the F.I.T.T. introduction. So how about a discussion/vote on what parts of it to use and what needs changed or removed from it.

This looks good and seems easy to read/use. The only thing that I would change is -

3. Be a resource centre and provide ongoing training and support for past and future Shootout Organisers.

 

[CSLACR]

Another suggestion?
"Distribution of awards/prizes to tuners and/or drivers will commence at the conclusion of the event."



Yes. This would make it easier to find relevant info during an event (every thing in the same place as the prior events).



This looks good and seems easy to read/use. The only thing that I would change is -

3. Be a resource centre and provide ongoing training and support for past and future Shootout Organisers.

Oh my god I finally learned how to cross out words, look out everybody!
I was trying to tell if those in Tris post were crossed or not, and realized, "I can quote that and see how the hell it's done!". 💡
Man am I computer savvy.

And agreed with Tris. 👍

 

[Johnnypenso]

Just to clarify a some things...

1)F.I.T.T. was never intended as some form of sanctioning body that told everyone how, what and when they could do things. My basic premise in setting it up was to try and generate a minimum amount of organization amongst those wanting to Sponsor a shootout or other event so that we could get maximum community participation and not end up with a half dozen poorly attended shootouts all trying to take place at the same time. Additionally it could act as a place for people to Exchange information on what worked and what didn't work for an event. Last it could act as a fixed reference point for upcoming events and current events, and provide a historical archive link for those interested.

3) About the only things I could see cause for not wanting the F.I.T.T. name/logo on an event for would be...A; Taking an abusive attitude towards people in the GTP community (in which case the site moderators will most likely handle it.) and...B) Someone just throwing up an event without informing us first here in this thread, in effect using our name/logo without regard to the minimal amounts of scheduling and organization we are attempting to provide. (This situation should be easily fixed simply by talking to the Event Sponsor.)

Crap, look how many time I misspelled FITT...lol...sorry fellas...typing too fast.

About the "training" issue, I assume if someone come's to you guys and says, "Hey guys I want to do a shootout and I have a few questions and need some help can you give me a hand?"...that you'll answer his questions and help him out. Correct? Well that's kind of what I was referring to. How about changing the word "training" to "guidance"?

As you mentioned Desperado, everyone has to vote on this, but you guys really need to determine who and what you want this to be. If you just want to put up some links to old shootouts and new shootouts and kind of be the cheerleader for shootouts, that's cool if that's what you want. But if you want to be a leader in this, if you want the FITT name to mean something when it's attached to a competition then you have to take it a step further and have a rather limited set of guidelines, which will qualify for FITT sponsorship.

Of course you can't fully control what anyone does during a shootout, but if anyone carrying the FITT logo must consult with the FITTCCC first before starting the contest and bounce some ideas back and forth and then submit a draft of their contest to the FITTCCC, then you'll pretty much know ahead of time what you're getting and you won't need to worry about sanctions and withdrawing sponsorship. It's kind of like dating hot chicks. Great to look at, great on your arm when you go to the club or walk down the street, but it usually comes at a cost...they need a lot of attention. The more you want FITT to stand for, the more cred you want with the name, the more attention to detail you must pay.

I can think of a number of reasons why you would not want to support an event.

1. A really poorly written, gramatically weak OP. How much would it suck to have a FITT sanctioned event and have a Mod step in and shoot the guy in the face because he cant speel, his sucks grammar, and he dont right good.

2. Poor contest paramaters involving things like way too many cars/tuners/test drivers in too short a time and nothing on share.

3. Overly complicated and difficult to understand testing procedures. "Testing for car A needs to be done Tuesday and Wednesday of this week only and results submitted Thursday morning by 6 am EST. Testing for car B...".

4. A poorly laid out OP. To me a standard contest layout is a key in promoting the FITT organization and standardizing the look and feel of a shootout. Poorly laid out anything, contest or post, is difficult to read and follow. I know I would not want my name associated with anything that wasn't well written and professional looking. Headers, bold underlined type, paragraphs, point form lists as needed...etc.

5. Someone who is known to be cantankerous, obtuse, and difficult to work with, who doesn't take feedback well and flames and trolls on the boards.

6. You guys have been around this for a while so you have a good idea of what might work and what might not. I'd want anyone desiring a FITT sponsorship to cooperate in guaging interest in contests you may think have limited interest. For example, someone comes along and says, "I'd like to have a contest with the FGT on Comfort Hard tires. We'll do Sarthe and Tsukuba and Daytona Oval all with one single tune".

Who knows, maybe it'll fly. Maybe not. There isn't a lot of interest in the FGT to begin with and on CS tires it'll be near impossible to control so you may get no interest at all. Such a person coming to me at FITT I'd say, "Let's do an interest check and see who might be interested". Perhaps you could have the PM's of many of the active tuners that regularly participate in shootouts and send them off a message and see what comes back.

What I would not want, is to just sanction any event that comes along, because a series of sanctioned events that don't work and may never get off the ground because of lack of interest, sullies the name of FITT. I think you have to be choosy or discriminating. Someone could still run such a contest, you just might not want your name associated with it.

That's it that's all...

 

[krenkme]

Sorry, I've been gone for awhile, still will be . Just wanted to chime in
1). The logo and OP look great. My two year-old told me last night in the phone "I help". Thanks for using it!
2). I would think that if F.I.T.T. Would back a shootout and help with rules and guidance that we should offer the host something in return (I have a couple of spoon FIT(T) race cars I can tune and offer to the host for using FITT sanctions)
3). More time for testing would help for people like me that have a weird schedule to be a tester and not just a tuner. (Example- one week for tuners, two/three for testing) just my opinion.

Hope to be back at is sooner then latter.