Let's discuss the 2011 BYOAC Tokens. Opinions solicited.

[Santoro]

Looking for opinions on the 2011 BYOAC tokens and associated process. 

1) Do you think it's too early to start a new design contest? 
2) Are there any changes you would make to the design contest and its rules?
3) What works well with the current process?
4) What bugs you about the current process?

My thoughts in no particular order:

*I am thinking it would be nice to have the 2011 tokens available on Jan 1 2011.  Experience tells us 4-5 months is the right lead time.

*I have always been mildly uneasy about the way we sometimes wind up with a superb front candidates and superb back candidates, but the best fronts/backs clash stylistically.  To date the voting has wound up picking compatible designs, but I am worried that one day we will have a 'retro' front with a modern/abstract back or something.  Technically the designs might both be awesome, but paired together might make a 'weird' token that no one would want to buy.  Might we require that each entrant submits design pairs that we subsequently vote on? Or do we just deal with it adhoc later if it happens?

The process certainly doesn't need that much changing as we have consistently turned out the best tokens on earth IMHO, but there is always room for honing a bit.

[MameMaster!]

So far I've loved 'em all. I don't have issue with front/back clashing. This is a hobby, so it's fun to see what these talented guys come up with year after year.

I would say my biggest problem is that I now have thousands of tokens-- something to consider when doing your next orders.  Personally I will only be ordering....wait for it.....here it comes......TOKEN AMOUNTS!!! 

I would love to see some "reproduction" tokens from arcades past....just a thought. 

http://neatocoolville.blogspot.com/2007/07/1980s-arcade-tokens.html This is a site with a bunch featured. Here's my favorite...I dig the retro Star Wars vibe.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Looking for opinions on the 2011 BYOAC tokens and associated process.  

1) Do you think it's too early to start a new design contest?  

It's never too early.

2) Are there any changes you would make to the design contest and its rules?

If there are any slogans, or themes suggested, then I would like to see a pre-design deadline for the text. Otherwise, it should be open-season with designs.

3) What works well with the current process?

User comments and suggestions help designers refine their designs for wider appeal. I like the ongoing dialog during the design phase.

4) What bugs you about the current process?

I like your suggestion that each token submission should require a BACK and FRONT design. I'm big on unified themes, and I see a two-sided design as a function of having a two-sided object. Maybe there can be an option to 'vote' for combining two separate designs if the community really, really feels differently? Or maybe the entrants can stipulate whether or not their design can be 'separated' or not?

Or maybe it should really just be all or nothing?

[Dr Zero]

So far I've loved 'em all. I don't have issue with front/back clashing. This is a hobby, so it's fun to see what these talented guys come up with year after year.

I would say my biggest problem is that I now have thousands of tokens-- something to consider when doing your next orders.  Personally I will only be ordering....wait for it.....here it comes......TOKEN AMOUNTS!!! 

I would love to see some "reproduction" tokens from arcades past....just a thought. 

http://neatocoolville.blogspot.com/2007/07/1980s-arcade-tokens.html This is a site with a bunch featured. Here's my favorite...I dig the retro Star Wars vibe.

A +1 to this

I like the idea of the retro look and mixed design is fine as long as they are not the same pic everyone will know there is a front and back

[leapinlew]

Some suggestions for 2011 tokens. It's a big anniversary year.

30 year anniversary for some huge titles:
Donkey Kong
Ms. Pacman
Galaga
Frogger

[mr.Curmudgeon]

30 year anniversary for some huge titles:
Donkey Kong
Ms. Pacman
Galaga
Frogger

But due to copyright issues, the tokens will have to feature:

Donkey King
Ms. Pacmeister
Galagan
Frogster

[vorghagen]

1) Do you think it's too early to start a new design contest?

No. Our track record suggests the earlier we get started the better.

2) Are there any changes you would make to the design contest and its rules?

Perhaps suggestions for slogans be seperate from the designs. The slogan is rarely linked only to the design itself so mix and matching works well.

3) What works well with the current process?

Discussion and feedback allowing artists to tweak and improve their designs. This is a VITAL part of the process and why we've consistently ended up with top quality tokens.

4) What bugs you about the current process?

The risk that the winning front side and the winning back side won't match each other. You summed it up perfectly in your original post. I wouldn't require entries to have both sides as it may discourage people from putting forward a design if they only have 1 brilliant idea. We'll be able to deal with it if/when it happens.

The process certainly doesn't need that much changing as we have consistently turned out the best tokens on earth

100% TRUTH

[stan2323]

I say we start now.  (track record)
We deal with clashing sides when it happens.

[rytel]

Yes! Start the design competition earlier, so the tokens are ready for January 1.

[gaffner]

I'm much more likely to convince the boss of the house to get them for me if they are ready for January 1... it would be an awesome Christmas present.

I'm super bummed, because I wanted the 2010 token, but it sold out before I could convince her to give up the cash!!! 

[mmb]

Quick question on these tokens.  Are they close enough in size to quarters to be used in vending machines such as gumball machines? 

Looking for a decent solution to use in place of quarters in a few dispensers in my gameroom.

Thanks.

[Santoro]

Nope, they are a hair larger than a quarter and are rejected by most quarter mechanisms. If they fit, I would probably go to jail

Most arcade coin mechs can be modified to accept these tokens, see the sticky thread at the top of this forum.

[Havok]

Flynn's arcade theme this year!

(Or should I say Flann's)

Scratch that - Flinn's arcade!

 

[JONTHEBOMB]

I would like to see the design contest start up again.  The current process works very well.  I suggest we vote on an entire coin design instead of separate front and back designs.  Anyone could still create a front design and that front design could be paired with each of the back designs for voting.

[Marsupial]

Flynn's arcade theme this year!

(Or should I say Flann's)

Scratch that - Flinn's arcade!

 

I'd like to get my hand on a bunch of those promotional tron ones....

[Havok]

You and me both!

[Veeb0rg]

Flynn's arcade theme this year!

(Or should I say Flann's)

Scratch that - Flinn's arcade!

 

I'd like to get my hand on a bunch of those promotional tron ones....

I managed to win a purse with the 7 of em for 10$ off ebay.

[XNIF]

a quote from the 2010 series:

Here are the renderings I came up with.  These are approximate, I don't have the graphic skills that Pixelhugger does

When you ask Pixelhugger you probably end up with his cabinet on the side of the token ;P

I would go for a pixelixed donkey kong like one out of the movie Pixels at 1:34:

[goldenageofarcade]

Can someone give me a URL for previous years tokens?  I'm new around here, I'd like to check out the past designs.

When these become available, how much do they go for?

[Santoro]

All remaining inventory and associated pricing is at my web store (click the link in my signature.)  There are no 2010 tokens left unfortunately.  I expect to start the design contest for the 2011 tokens this weekend.  My goal is for them to be available by Thanksgiving so people can ask for them as holiday gifts

[Pixelhugger]

January availability would be awesome. Current process for submitting and voting seems fine. I think it's better to have two people involved in the final token than only one. 

[drventure]

I had no idea those 2007 tokens had a totally steampunk motif going!

I'd order a pile if my cab had coin slots!

Very nice!

[Havok]

Nice - let's get the ball rolling. No more steampunk designs! (sorry dr v) 2007 is the only year I didn't purchase...

[Santoro]

I am putting up the new design threads tonight. 

[Santoro]

Done.

[saint]

Stickied.