With COLIN XIX now behind us (and the stat file getting updated as we speak) it's time to look toward next year... and there's a lot to look forward to.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
The pre-drinks
As I announced at the end of the weekend, next year's COLIN will be the first ever co-event triple header. There'll be an event on the Friday evening as well as the traditional Saturday main event and Sunday hangover. The name 'pre-drinks' is one I've had in mind for about 5 years now and the format is going to be simple- 2 rounds and a final straight through in one sitting with minimal break, which should take at most 2 hours and 45 minutes. As such, I want to know what the earliest start time would be for everyone, hence the poll at the top. I want to host an event for as many people as possible (though I'm banking on a maximum of 18) while also allowing myself enough time to update things that I need to for the following day, such as badges. Speaking of...
Badges
These have been a thing at COLIN for absolutely years now, and I'm still not really sure exactly how appealing they are as prizes. They're intended to be silly little spot prizes but with something tangible to take home, but whether or not people actually like them? I'm not sure. So your feedback would be welcome, including any suggestions for other types of badges (especially ones that can be won by anyone up and down the table). This includes the big 'badges of honour'/'lifetime achievement' award ones, which I'm concerned may be a little elitist.
COLIN XX- how you can contribute
For next year, I'm finally pulling the trigger on a 'big prize' (such as mugs, t-shirts, calendars etc) I've been thinking of for years, namely the 'Big Book of COLIN'. What this will include is all manner of stuff like photos, stats, records, old (and some new) puzzles, quizzes... but I also want to include something to reflect the community. So things like memories of past COLINs, photos of people with all the trophies/badges/misc crap they've won over the years, even more esoteric things like recipes. All of these will be collated into a pdf, printed out and given out as prizes next January. But that takes time, hence why I'm starting my planning 51 weeks in advance. So if you can think of anything that'd be appropriate and printable, you can expect to see it in the book next January.
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
Cheers
Ben W