UCP Awards 2009

[Rockefella]

Things are going to change this year, I think. Planning on only doing automotive/motorsport based awards this year and forgoing the forum member awards. I'll leave that up for discussion. If I/we decide to include member awards it will definitely be watered down to 4 or 5 awards and not the plethora we had last year.

As usual I want to announce winners before New Years Day 2010. Just realized we're about to embark on a new decade.

[henk4]

Things are going to change this year, I think. Planning on only doing automotive/motorsport based awards this year and forgoing the forum member awards. I'll leave that up for discussion. If I/we decide to include member awards it will definitely be watered down to 4 or 5 awards and not the plethora we had last year.

As usual I want to announce winners before New Years Day 2010. Just realized we're about to embark on a new decade.

I agree, concentrate on facts, not people.

[LTSmash]

Yes, I like having more focus on the cars as this is a car forum but why not only a few (3-4) member awards just for comical relief.

[aiasib]

That sounds good!
Perhaps Wouter can make the voting threads frontpage-sticky so that more attention is paid, after all the polls will be about cars (and not photography for example); it would be nice to have tons of voters.

[Ferrer]

I remember speaking to Fiset last year about it. For automotive awards I'd suggest that a panel of senior members choose the nominees and then the voting is made public.

Also if we'd like to get serious about them a feature on the main page could be nice.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I want a worst wind down or bankruptcy or of 2009 competition.
Including teams and makers pulling out of motorsports series, makers being closed and so on.

[Kitdy]

I already suggested to Rocke an engine of the year award as well as car of the decade award.

Ferrer's idea of having some senior members put together a list has its merits but some will feel it unfair I suppose, and how will we decide who the senior members are? Supporting members? Those here for X years? Or the people who are seen as regulars?

[Ferrer]

I already suggested to Rocke an engine of the year award as well as car of the decade award.

Ferrer's idea of having some senior members put together a list has its merits but some will feel it unfair I suppose, and how will we decide who the senior members are? Supporting members? Those here for X years? Or the people who are seen as regulars?
I'd suggest regulars or supporting memebers. Or supporting members that are regulars.

[clutch-monkey]

surely GO AMERICA!! rates a mention as best noob user

....

[whiteballz]

Hotly contested by G35coupe

[NSXType-R]

Try to narrow down the Car of the Year choices, I remember it was quite hectic last time we did it with multiple polls.

[wwgkd]

Hotly contested by G35coupe

This. Go america was kind of a flash in a pan, G35coupe hung around like fruit cake.


I agree that you should have senior members nominate the cars and then let the general population vote. Keeps things simpler that way, and I don't think any worthy cars would be left out.

Also, a few member or thread awards would be nice to have for lulz and recognition of excellence in contributions to the forum.

[Rockefella]

Will create some kind of system tonight -- might be difficult if this whole awards format gets restructured. Expect a clear direction with the 2009 categories in a few hours

[Rockefella]

Coming up with this off the cuff, had a lot of work this weekend and Monday/today plus the Jets game on Sunday. I'm pretty tired so my brain isn't functioning too well but here goes:

- Car of the Year (overall or can be split into North American/European/Asian/Australian?) I'm leaning towards overall
- Racecar/team of the Year - See above
- Car of the Decade (2000-Dec312009)
- Racecar/team of the Decade (2000-Dec312009)
- Best racetrack
- Country with best motoring heritage
- Race driver of the year/decade
- Race of the year/decade
-----------------------------------
UCP member awards
- Rookie poster of the year
- Most valuable poster [MVP] (take this as you will, most knowledgeable/likeable/helpful/dedicated -- all taken into consideration)
- Funniest
- Thread of the year
- Post of the year (refrain from zing posts or silly threads, I want this to be a more serious candidate... sure it can be funny but I dont want post of the year to go to 'Lol monarocountry go choke on a ****)

and I'm out of ideas

Feel free to chip in, everything is open to suggestion

[Rockefella]

Bump....

[Kitdy]

Yeah we need to (and since you are running them, you should probably have the final word) of making shortlists for the various awards.

I say forget best:
- Best racetrack
- Country with best motoring heritage

as frankly, they are dumb and not yearly. I think there should be one car of the year award as well. For thread of the year, maybe like last year, quality thread, and comedy thread of the year.

One thing we gotta hammer out for car of the year/decade is what cars are eligible. Does a car that started production in 1999 and went until 2005 count for car of the decade?

[NSXType-R]

Yeah we need to (and since you are running them, you should probably have the final word) of making shortlists for the various awards.

I say forget best:
- Best racetrack
- Country with best motoring heritage

as frankly, they are dumb and not yearly. I think there should be one car of the year award as well. For thread of the year, maybe like last year, quality thread, and comedy thread of the year.

One thing we gotta hammer out for car of the year/decade is what cars are eligible. Does a car that started production in 1999 and went until 2005 count for car of the decade?

Agreed on the best racetrack and country with best motoring heritage. Racetracks aren't made all that often, and the country with the best motoring heritage is so debatable that it'll probably come down to which country has the most members on UCP. :D

[Rockefella]

Good point(s), won't do those awards.

[clutch-monkey]

car of the decade will be hard imo, even if limited to sportscars. GTR could go for both this and car of the year, thanks to newness and tech etc etc; GT3 could go for car of decade for being the benchmark for so long.

[Ferrer]

Why should it be limited to sportscars? The Mitsubishi i, the Toyota iQ and the new (old) Mini would all be worthy of the award, possibly more than many sportscars.

Altough compilating all the cars made this last decade might turn into a bit of a nightmare...

[nota]

Why should it be limited to sportscars? The Mitsubishi i, the Toyota iQ and the new (old) Mini would all be worthy of the award, possibly more than many sportscars.

Indeed. Although its a bit premature to adjudge this particular vehicle just yet, but you'd have to suspect the little Tata Nano will by itself hold far more significance and impact towards motoring, than the largely irrelevant hi-po sportscar sector.

[Ferrer]

By the way, how will it be done? Nominations and voting threads? Just voting?

[Kitdy]

That being said Nota, the award may not be for the most signifigant car of the decade, but the best car of the decade. A lot of what the award means will rest on how it is defined by us (or Rocke); or if left open, how it is defined for by the voter. A car that does what it does best for what it is be the best car of the decade in which case a sportscar could be in the running.

I'm in favour of leaving it ambiguous and calling the award car of the decade and leaving it up to the voter to decide what that means.

What we need to work out though is the nomination process. With an award as important as car of the decade, maybe we could have multiple polls and take the winner from each, or by deliberation, knock down the list to 15 (or whatever the limit is in one poll) by consensus and then vote on that.

[Ferrer]

We need to get cracking then, because such thread are probably going to need a lot of discussion to decide the nominees. Without even checking with some database I can already think of ten worthy candidates, including everything from supercars to basic transportation.

[Rockefella]

We need to get cracking then, because such thread are probably going to need a lot of discussion to decide the nominees. Without even checking with some database I can already think of ten worthy candidates, including everything from supercars to basic transportation.

Yeah, car of the year is going to be a nightmare and I'm still not sure how it'll work out. I don't really like the way the nominations thread worked the past couple of years, seems to be a big mess. If anyone has ideas feel free to post them. I'll go pick up the recent Motor Trend Car of the Year issue and brainstorm by seeing what they did.

[Kitdy]

So what is the deal? We need some more people to bang ideas off of.

[Revo]

Well, I guess nobody cares about the awards.

[Man of Steel]

Awards suck. Bigtime.

[Kitdy]

Well, I guess nobody cares about the awards.

Very good point. That being said, the actual awards threads last year were reasonably popular. I guess if there isn't interest though this doesn't need to be done.

[Revo]

Awards suck. Bigtime.
Wish I had the way with words like Man of Steel has.

:D:D

[Rockefella]

I don't know if it's even worth doing it, no one seems to want them or care

[Ferrer]

I thought that at least they used to be the pretext for some interesting car discussion. Which isn't here anymore somehow.

I guess pretty much everyone else disagrees.

[henk4]

I thought that at least they used to be the pretext for some interesting car discussion. Which isn't here anymore somehow.

I guess pretty much everyone else disagrees.

I think the problem is that the awards discussion tended to quickly go off-topic, even if you would start off seriously. Perhaps if we would on the basis of the COTYs in the various parts of the world come up with 5 or 10 cars that could apply for the UCP COTY of the year it might be good enough. Selection of the cars would already be contentious, and so would be the ability to judge on all cars, since many are limited to certain parts of the world only. But may be we could try and see whether we have matured into a truly international group of car enthusiasts.

[LTSmash]

I think the problem is that the awards discussion tended to quickly go off-topic, even if you would start off seriously. Perhaps if we would on the basis of the COTYs in the various parts of the world come up with 5 or 10 cars that could apply for the UCP COTY of the year it might be good enough. Selection of the cars would already be contentious, and so would be the ability to judge on all cars, since many are limited to certain parts of the world only. But may be we could try and see whether we have matured into a truly international group of car enthusiasts.

Agreed. Let's at least do a COTY/COTD and some vote on the best cars of their classes.

[Rockefella]

Will do a COTY/COTD, sounds good enough. Not doing the other awards this year

[Ferrer]

Will do a COTY/COTD, sounds good enough. Not doing the other awards this year
I think that's the best idea. This is a forum to discuss cars, not people.

In my opinion COTD has the potential to be very interesting. There have been many worthy cars this decade.

[LTSmash]

How about doing elimination rounds for COTY/COTD. Such as:

Start with 10 cars and vote, then take top the 5 and vote on those, and then take the top 3 and vote for the number one car.

It could make the voting more involving for members and make participating more fun.

Just a thought.

[Ferrer]

It could also give some cars opportunities that otherwise wouldn't have.

[faksta]

Do you intend to start wth only 10 cars in both COTY and COTD, LTSmash? That would be very small number, I'd guess, until you suppose to divide voting by car class.

[LTSmash]

Do you intend to start wth only 10 cars in both COTY and COTD, LTSmash? That would be very small number, I'd guess, until you suppose to divide voting by car class.

It was just an example. We can start with any number.

Who is going to take lead in getting this going? I think a COTY and COTD is in order at least.

[Ferrer]

It was just an example. We can start with any number.

Who is going to take lead in getting this going? I think a COTY and COTD is in order at least.
I think we could just create the threads and start from there.

If we agree that it should be for cars introduced in 2009 and between 2000 and 2009 respectively lets just get on with it.

[Rockefella]

This is what I'm thinking

COTY/D: Start with 15 cars, then after voting we'll break it down to 5 cars, then 3, then the final poll where we'll have a winner

I guess we need some nomination threads

[Kitdy]

This is what I'm thinking

COTY/D: Start with 15 cars, then after voting we'll break it down to 5 cars, then 3, then the final poll where we'll have a winner

I guess we need some nomination threads

Bust 'em out.

I say we just go with whichever car has the most votes - no runoff. Because then what happens is people go with their second choices which isn't how it should be done. You should vote for the one car you think is best - choosing a car far down on your list could upset the natural order of what would finish first.

[Rockefella]

Bust 'em out.

I say we just go with whichever car has the most votes - no runoff. Because then what happens is people go with their second choices which isn't how it should be done. You should vote for the one car you think is best - choosing a car far down on your list could upset the natural order of what would finish first.

Disagree because in a vote like car of the decade people will see Bugatti Veyron in a list of 15 cars and the Veyron will win in an absolute landslide. But, if it comes down to Veyron, Prius, and BMW 3 series for example it will likely be a closer vote.

[henk4]

Would it be possible to collect the following.?
for the COTY: The nominations (shortlist) for the three main areas? (North America, Europe and Australia; if there is an Asian/Japanese COTY than those as well) That would give 10-15-20 cars to choose from.

For the COTD we could take the ten (nine?) winners from the same regions from 2000 to 2009 onwards.

This will save us an extensive selection procedure, whereby the first results can be expected by April 2011.

We will then most likely end up with a list of sensible cars. For the "fanboys" we may have to add a "supercar" category, of cars not suitable for every day operations.

[Ferrer]

Would it be possible to collect the following.?
for the COTY: The nominations (shortlist) for the three main areas? (North America, Europe and Australia; if there is an Asian/Japanese COTY than those as well) That would give 10-15-20 cars to choose from.

For the COTD we could take the ten (nine?) winners from the same regions from 2000 to 2009 onwards.

This will save us an extensive selection procedure, whereby the first results can be expected by April 2011.

We will then most likely end up with a list of sensible cars. For the "fanboys" we may have to add a "supercar" category, of cars not suitable for every day operations.
I already have a list for COTD of 10 or so candidates.

[Kitdy]

I don't think there should be an alternate supercar award. This is for the best car - if the best car happens to be a supercar, so be it.

One thing that has to be recognized is that this car is an enthusiast site, so there is a fair chance that cars of that nature will do well. So what? Evo doesn't give car of the year to a Prius. We, like they, have a bias. Maybe an everyperson car will win - great. I don't think it does justice to the award to have 2 awards. One car should stand out as the UCP car of the year or car of the decade. Giving two will just mean there is compromise.

[Rockefella]

Would it be possible to collect the following.?
for the COTY: The nominations (shortlist) for the three main areas? (North America, Europe and Australia; if there is an Asian/Japanese COTY than those as well) That would give 10-15-20 cars to choose from.

For the COTD we could take the ten (nine?) winners from the same regions from 2000 to 2009 onwards.

This will save us an extensive selection procedure, whereby the first results can be expected by April 2011.

We will then most likely end up with a list of sensible cars. For the "fanboys" we may have to add a "supercar" category, of cars not suitable for every day operations.

Not sure I follow exactly what you're saying. There is only UCP COTY/awards data for 2 or 3 years so the 2000-2009 onwards part confuses me a bit

[Ferrer]

I don't think there should be an alternate supercar award. This is for the best car - if the best car happens to be a supercar, so be it.

One thing that has to be recognized is that this car is an enthusiast site, so there is a fair chance that cars of that nature will do well. So what? Evo doesn't give car of the year to a Prius. We, like they, have a bias. Maybe an everyperson car will win - great. I don't think it does justice to the award to have 2 awards. One car should stand out as the UCP car of the year or car of the decade. Giving two will just mean there is compromise.
Agreed.

Still I think that we shouldn't only consider performance when nominating/voting. There's other very valid criteria that sadly tends to be overlooked and that it shouldn't.

[henk4]

Not sure I follow exactly what you're saying. There is only UCP COTY/awards data for 2 or 3 years so the 2000-2009 onwards part confuses me a bit
I was not talking about previous UCP awards, just about historic COTYs in various regions. and current COTY nominations in the same regions, organised by the most esteemed source.

[Rockefella]

Agreed.

Still I think that we shouldn't only consider performance when nominating/voting. There's other very valid criteria that sadly tends to be overlooked and that it shouldn't.

If it makes you feel better I'll include a pretty little write-up in the voting threads that will inform posters about the best not necessarily meaning the most expensive, fastest, and coolest looking car. Maybe the forum can come together and make a concise paragraph detailing what the UCP car of the Year is and should be.

[Rockefella]

I was not talking about previous UCP awards, just about historic COTYs in various regions.

As in magazines' COTY?

[henk4]

As in magazines' COTY?
correct

[Ferrer]

If it makes you feel better I'll include a pretty little write-up in the voting threads that will inform posters about the best not necessarily meaning the most expensive, fastest, and coolest looking car. Maybe the forum can come together and make a concise paragraph detailing what the UCP car of the Year is and should be.
I'm not against it, but I'd say that it shouldn't be necessary. I think we (or most of us,... :p) are mature enough to know what determines a good car.

[Kitdy]

If it makes you feel better I'll include a pretty little write-up in the voting threads that will inform posters about the best not necessarily meaning the most expensive, fastest, and coolest looking car. Maybe the forum can come together and make a concise paragraph detailing what the UCP car of the Year is and should be.

Car of the Decade and Car of the Year I think should be left undefined. What people think that means is part of the award - some people value different things more.

Autosport asked for "the greatest" driver from a poll of 200+ living F1 drivers and they didn't specify what "the greatest" meant.

Ayrton Senna won that poll.

[henk4]

Autosport asked for "the greatest" driver from a poll of 200+ living F1 drivers and they didn't specify what "the greatest" meant.

Ayrton Senna won that poll.
a thin edge between life and death.....

[LTSmash]

I think we are overdue a first round vote.

[thebrochureman]

I was looking at the award forums; UCP had many awards in 2008 and 2009 and some in 2010 like best car of the year, thread of the year and member of the year. UCP is a bit quite at the moment, i think it's because lately no new cars have come out or people are doing other thing. It would be nice if we had another UCP award thread.
Can we? Please.

[Ferrer]

Of course why not. Call them the UCP mid-2011 car of the semester award of the year, Award.

Or something.

I vote for the Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDi.

\end sub-forum.

Probably.

[Rockefella]

I was looking at the award forums; UCP had many awards in 2008 and 2009 and some in 2010 like best car of the year, thread of the year and member of the year. UCP is a bit quite at the moment, i think it's because lately no new cars have come out or people are doing other thing. It would be nice if we had another UCP award thread.
Can we? Please.

I suppose there could be an awards refresh. Can't remember if they were done last year.. they might have been limited to COTY or something.

[csl177]

Of course why not. Call them the UCP mid-2011 car of the semester award of the year, Award.

Or something.

I vote for the Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDi.

\end sub-forum.

Probably.

Seconded. Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDi FTW.

Include categories for "Most Obtuse New Thread", "Most Pointless Posts" and "Spambots with Character".

[Ferrer]

Let's include "Stylish Trolling" as well and make it the best awards ever.

[thebrochureman]

I suppose there could be an awards refresh. Can't remember if they were done last year.. they might have been limited to COTY or something.

That what i mean, we need a award refresh.

[Commodore GS/E]

Seconded. Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDi FTW.

Include categories for "Most Obtuse New Thread", "Most Pointless Posts" and "Spambots with Character".

The Spambot from Aland wins this.