Erm ... I don't know. I hate "awards" shows for these various reasons. It's a bit strange to say X is better than Y especially when X and Y and, generally, covering different subject matter. While I can appreciate the value in rewarding the volume of some contributor's contributions, then you find yourself in gray areas where you question "was that contribution really meritorious?" b/c not everything said about each subject is really of value.

As I've postulated in another thread, I've always believed the best way to reward contributors is to have a mix of labels that genuinely reflect what it is the site is seeking to reward.  If Joe JoJo wants to post content exclusively at Lunch.com, then grant Joe JoJo an "Lunch Exclusive Contributor" logo or brand.  If Jill Jilly wants to be viewed as a subject matter contributor for fashion, then grant her the "Lunch.com Fashion Correspondent" logo.

The reason I say that it's increasingly difficult is that most formats essentially boil down to popularity contests.  If Smack Smackterson is everybody's best friend, then there's a strong inclination to reward Smack on the ground of social awareness.

I know it may sound silly, but, as someone who struggles off and on with being a professional writer, things like "theme" and "content" and "research" and "spelling" all matter to me, but most websites really couldn't give a scratch about those aspects.  A true contest which would bring a true award is a very difficult thing to manage, and it may take Lunch.com a few years to get it right.

Also as I've postulated, I'm far more interested in gaining recognition for what I say and not so much who I am.  If my provided content leads readers in the direction of seeing my "voice" or "contributions" as being demonstrative of "Lunch.com Cinema Correspondent" then that means far more to me than would any moniker claiming "Funniest Film Review".  You know what I mean?  I'm truly far more interested at my ripe old age (I'm 203) in getting props from the people who read my stuff, gaining that type of recognition, than I am for being known as "Lunch.com's Class Clown" or "Lunch.com's Most Likely To Succeed."

It's small differences of opinion that make our world so rich with layers.

I'd love an award for "Most Likely to Succeed as Class Clown". ; )

@Trek, I have actually proposed the rankings to be abolished before and I have asked for 'stamps' as to what this member does more. I don't believe in awards either, but it is their site so they can do what they wish and I do believe they have the right intentions in their hearts. Things like this are just so tricky.

@Orlok, I agree, but right now I don''t have any ideas to encourage participation. So I can just hope it is a success for them. Btw, I want that badge too. LOL!

I already suggested a number of changes that could be made to encourage more people to join the site and to contribute more regularly, but often I don't hear back other than, "Thanks. I'll pass that on to the team." My last suggestion was a proposition that community founders could request reviews of certain topics such as DVDs, CDs, books, and other products, which if they review then they would get for free. Sort of like a rewards program or Amazon Vine.

if you remember, I gave you Kick Ass the graphic novel to review here but you never did.

LOL! That's not entirely fair. You asked me if I'd read it and then said that you'd send it to me. It was only after you sent it that you asked me to review it. And I explained that I had a huge list of reviews planned already and that it would be a long time before I could add more to that list. As I recall, you also said you would review "Watchmen" and "The Dark Knight Returns", but you never did. ; )

I have the reviews written for those already but I am waiting on the right philosophical moment. Ok, now I am asking you to review Kick Ass LOL!

It will happen someday, but like I said, not here on Lunch. Maybe I'll do it as an exclusive on Blogger.

see how can you expect people to respond to "perks" to participate when you won't even post a review of it here? ;)

It would be too controversial here. Like I said earlier, lots of violence and strong language. Lots.