SANParks.org Forums

Congrats OWN!!!

Thank you, IB, Philip, and Oddesy. The quizzes wouldn't be much without the input of all the regulars, though, and I commend and appreciate every one of you that takes the time to research and post Q's and A's. The quizzes have helped me a great deal over the years to broaden my knowledge base and, in fact, enjoy a trip to a national park that much more. Many times, while watching an animal behaving in a certain way, I think back to something that I learned on the quizzes, and it enriches the experience. We have so many people who have specialist knowledge on various subjects and it is wonderful interacting with them on a regular basis too. May each quizzer grow in stature as we progress along this great learning medium together!

Hi OWN, hope you had a wonderful time. Nice to see you on the Forum again.

Thanks Philip; nice to be back. Missed the family.

Been
Time for a revamp – less is more!! Need to know what all the quizzers think!

There are far too many similar quizzes IMO . To start off with the “Where” type quizzes - we have “Where In Kruger”, “ Where is this tree in Kruger”, “ Where is this in Kruger”, Where is this Bridge in Kruger” etc, etc. (There are 25 “Where in Kruger” type quizzes!!) My thoughts are – let’s have one “Where in Kruger (with pictures)”. One “Where in Kruger (without pictures)” perhaps, for those that just want to give clues and not post pictures?? One “Where in SANParks - other than Kruger (with pictures)” and one perhaps, without pictures to cover all the other parks? Please your thoughts on this and anything else concerning the quizzes will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

RosemaryH, i think it is a good idea. Talking for myself, if i do not know the answer and the "Quiz" starts to move to the "Archives", it is forgotten.

I think 'tis a great idea RosemaryH Will simplify things a lot, make it all easier to work with and the quizzes should flow better too

Thanks for your comments Ranred and Philip1

As was once said


Any other comments here mites?

Oh yes, Rose, I'm most certainly regular. (And well-formed and efficient bowel movements is how we define a regular guy amongst the medical fraternity. )

Rose, I think you have a valid point, although it must be borne in mind that, if it is working well in the format it currently is, it may be better not to tamper with the selections. I say this mindful that the quizzes of the last couple of years have not been as frequented as they once were (the first three years after I joined). For some reason, there was a generally more enthusiastic crowd of participants then, and a smoother run of questions and answers. I'm not quite sure why the train slowed, but I see no reason why it cannot get up its speed again. There are some quizzes that have never slacked and it is probably because these are simpler ones that require less research and less specialisation. However, it is the specialised quizzes where the greatest learning often takes place - definitely so with myself - but that requires a band of at least half a dozen enthusiasts to move the quiz forward. I have also realised that there are still many forumites who don't know much about the quizzes and, if they did, would probably get involved. Perhaps someone can come up with a bright idea how we could promote more browsing of the quizzes in general and how we can involve more mites.

I, for one, am a great fan of the quizzes as I have learned so much from them; knowledge that enhances my enjoyment of a visit to a national park.

Well am I relieved we have cleared that up!!!

Thanks for your input OWN - appreciated. Yip, if it's working leave it - but I don't think it's working at the moment... as well as we would like it to be. I think a little bit of cleaning up and some simplifying, as Ranred has said, might help - I am wanting to clear out duplicates, too many are getting lost/forgotten along the way (as has also been mentioned by Philip 1) We have: True or False(RV); Fact or Myth(RV); If not, why not (RV) and True or False or Kinda?? - all the same idea really don't you think? All were popular when they started but some have got lost - I'm saying why not have one that remains active and popular?

I too am not sure what slowed the train down - but I think it's up to us to do what we can to stoke the coals. I agree there is no reason why it can't run like it used to. I like your ideas of trying to promote more browsing of the quizzes in general and to involve more mites. There has to be a way, I am sure we will come up with something.

Do you think a revolving quizz makes some mites reluctant to participate?

I have also learnt so much from the quizzes - there are some mites here that have shared an enormous amount of knowledge, secrets and passion with us. Lets keep it going.

As the incumbent moderator on quizzes, Rose, I'd say go ahead and streamline as you feel necessary. If a quiz is dormant for a protracted time, it makes sense to merge it with another more active one. It is certainly worth stoking the fires until the raging heat revivifies the quest for knowledge.

There has been an ongoing debate since I can remember regarding the value of RV versus OQ and QM quizzes. My opinion is that it depends on the type of quiz as well as the enthusiasm and confidence of the participants. Some quizzes, like "I'm thinking of" and some of the specialised quizzes seem to work well as RVs. Some mites in the past indicated that they were nervous of asking questions on an RV, mainly because they felt they weren't up to the perceived standard; however, a little encouragement goes a long way and they soon realise they can spar with the best.

OQs seem sometimes to be better than RVs, but they can also stall when no-one wants to a pose the next question; at least an RV "forces" the winner to move the quiz onwards. A quiz can also be changed at any time from one format to another, so it may be better to begin with an OQ quiz and then, based on progress, either retain the OQ status or move it up to a RV.

QMs only work when the quiz masters/mistresses do not become too technical and self-absorbed in their subjects, to the point that interested participants find the subject material arcane or unrelated to their interests. Hence, QMs should only be reserved for those who know what they're doing with them.

Despite all the technicalities discussed above, it must be remembered that the prime reason, in my opinion, that determines whether a quiz is successful or not is not only its learning content, but above all its capacity to create fun and amusement. When participants ENJOY being a part of the process, the train will bellow its joy and forge ahead at great speed, irrespective of what anyone says to the contrary. So, lets keep the FUN in the forefront, fellow mites. Serious fun, that is.

Thanks OWN

Serious fun it must be!