LogFAQs > #931986410

Typically, at least during my tenure as host, VGMC nominations have opened at the beginning of March. That means we're actually only about two months away. Ergo, it may be time to actually start putting some thought into this thing. Therefore, this topic is for two purposes.

1. To discuss VGMC14.
2. To announce a ranking thread.

I'll start with the first one. VGMC nominations should open in ~70 days. This is your opportunity to discuss what, if anything, we should change or do differently. The most significant alteration to the format last year came in the form of expanding the bracket from 128 to 192, as a stepping stone toward 256. This meant that 128 songs played in round 1, and 64 had a bye. After seeing it in action, I'm not really sure how I feel about having byes, regardless of how they're determined, but I'm going to give the floor to the group to discuss. One thing I will state up front is that I have zero interest in running the contest by myself if we move to 256. I think everyone appreciated expanding the field from 128, but personally I was just weary. Maybe that's me as an individual. Maybe that's me as host. I don't really know. But that does segue into the other important nugget I want to announce.

As of right now, I intend for this to be my final year hosting VGMC. I figure five years is a pretty good run, and it's time to give someone else a turn. Plus, I just haven't been very motivated to do much of anything VGM-related. I was actively involved in the guessing games for about a year and a half, at least in designing survival games, but right now I just don't have any drive. Maybe I need to infuse my interest with some new songs, or maybe it's simply time to let someone else take over. Regardless, I do want to put out feelers to anyone who thinks they may be interested in taking on at least a partial role in administering the contest. I have no problem running nominations. That's the fun part. However, the daily grind of posting topics at precisely the right time, of counting votes, of trying to remember everything that's going on and updating the bracket and making up poll topics and managing ties and all the other stuff that goes with the running of the actual contest itself for possibly as long as five straight months...it's draining. Or at least it is for me. If anyone is interested in handling the day-to-day of the bracket, in part or in full, please let me know. It's possible I might feel rejuvenated down the road. I do enjoy the idea of managing the contest, and I probably would just pull a slow fade if I weren't the person everyone is depending on. However, as of right now, I think that at the very least asking for some help is definitely something I need to do.

Okay, so there's that. Now...

I'd like to also announce a ranking topic. Nominate any 5 VGM tracks you want, with the intent that I will attempt to evaluate these songs for purposes of their potential for the VGMC bracket. I'll give my personal, subjective thoughts, but I'll also add in where I think my opinion differs from the board's...which is not a guarantee I'll get it right, of course. After all, it's become a running joke that I hate Amusement Park not because I do, but simply because I still don't see what there is that other people legitimately like about it. So yeah, I might miss wildly on the objective end of things. The ranking itself will be according to my preferences, but the important part is you'll get feedback. And, I'm hoping, people will be following along, too. Maybe a couple other folks jump in and rank with me -- if anyone wants to do that, I'll give you five songs to replace your own with -- or maybe we just get a lively discussion going on each of the tracks. Either way, it's a chance for you to test drive some songs for this year's contest, or announce your intent, or warm up the board to some potential contenders.

• Nominate any 5 VGM tracks, with links. VGMC eligible preferred.
• There is no limit to how many songs are in the ranking, so don't worry about rushing to get your songs in first.
• I will begin to listen to tracks on January 1st. Once I get to the end of what's been posted in the thread, I will close nominations.
• You may swap tracks up until I evaluate your songs. If you think you're likely to hedge, please say so in your post and I'll save yours for last.

I hope that should cover everything. You guys know how ranking topics work.

Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gRAHwzLZduGVWYPILF5wyiTAvtI3PUG3O_s4MgV9Zwo/edit?folder=0AIS8GGHS9FDGUk9PVA#gid=0

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VGMC13 champion: Ar Nosurge - Class::EXSPHERE_NOSURGE;