Mentioned this idea in the Shoutbox, but wanted to make it a bit clearer here. This thread is for discussion, and opinions on the idea before dismissing or commencing with it 

Basically we have a variety of awards awarded to members by the Forum, at the end of each year. Some of us thought that there was too much to do at our upcoming events to award physical prizes, but we could always award virtual ones - such as a golden badge next to winning members, visible across the entire site. I think that I can handle handing out a little prize to any winners at an event, anyway  End of the World one would be simpler maybe, as we have less to organize there than at Twixmas. 

What kinds of awards? Well, the main coveted one would be Member of the Year - a thread for nominating members, and then after a given amount of time we can have an online secret ballot on the site... With the winner not to be revealed until an event, or if not at an event on a given date eg 31st December. Admins can not be nominated for this award, but Moderators and regular members can, as long as they've made at least 1 post on the forum.

Other awards could be "Best Photo-Geographer" (Most correct Where in the World guesses) and, well..... Why not suggest more ideas for awards below (I think 3-5, including Member of the Year, is a good amount, to keep it simple and a smaller number of them will make winning an award more special )

I think the awards would be a good way to promote and encourage use on the forum, and CacheWalker   

Thoughts, rants, opinions, suggestions below 

Most interesting Geocaching Thread

Most interesting Off Topic Thread

Problem is, have forum members got the interest for this or are people just to busy at the moment, as things have gone quiet recently here (and on another certain forum)

Added a poll to see what peoples thoughts are... Get voting, the results will be announced on Thursday and if the vote is to go ahead, then Nominations will open for Friday 

Remember to keep discussing here, and please don't be afraid to post your opinion, good or bad 

Let's keep discussing possible awards too!  Are all happy with the three walktall and I discussed? 

Thanks to all six of you that voted  The Poll is locked, and the results are in 

We had 16.7%, 1 member, saying that they believed it wasn't the right time to hold a CacheWalker forum awards.

Then, we had 2 members, 33.3%, agreeing that they don't mind either way if the awards take place.

Next, we had 3 members, 50%, who were interested in the awards taking place. 2 of them thought an on-the-site award was better, whereas one believed an on-the-site award and a physical one at an event would be the best option.

Taking all the results into consideration, you have decided that the CacheWalker Forum awards WILL go ahead  ... Including those who didn't mind what the outcome was, 5/6 members, and 3 specifically, felt that this was the right time for the awards. This has now been decided, and votes cannot be reversed 

So what next? Nominations for awards will open TOMORROW and close on Friday December 21st....

More details to be posted later on TONIGHT. These include details on the nomination and voting process, and the finalized list of Awards and categories. Watch this space!