Daily Challenge Let's have a Challenge in April 2020 - but what will it be?

Location
Switzerland
Name
Matt
Several of us have asked if there was a formal Challenge in April, and in spite - or rather, because - of the current situation, I say: Let's do it, let's create in the face of anxiety - even if it is one of the most difficult situations for creativity and vision to flourish, it's also one of the most valuable and rewarding.

There has been debate about whether an orthodox "Single in" challenge with its many restrictions and expectations was the right thing to do or if we should choose a more lenient format. We had a nice run this past January with "Vision 2020", so there's no reason why such a challenge should be any less worthwhile. For some of us, however, the "real" thing may hold more appeal.

I'm completely open to whatever the community decides in this matter; this is why I've added the poll. It runs until the last gasps of Thursday worldwide (which effectively means, up until Friday noon, Central European Time). Please feel free to add your suggestions for a new or changed format below if you have them. Note that the poll restricts you to a single choice, but you may change your vote if things develop in this thread; I may even amend the poll if something specific and interesting turns up. Watch this thread!

Since it's already clear that we'll do *something*, I'll already open a thread to declare your participation and, if that's your thing, your chosen gear. Please be aware that for an open format, it's not mandatory to declare one's choices, so doing so early may actually not be necessary at all in hindsight. But I myself will do the same because I always find that some deliberate restrictions help rather than make the task more difficult.

M.
 
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I support leaving it looser than usual. I like the restrictions so I will just use the X100V. However, given the unusual situations some may be facing, I'd like to be flexible about that. Likewise, given the uncertainty about quarantine, maybe also relax the restriction than today's photo must be shot today, although we obviously should require that it has been shot in April. My view is that this particular challenge should emphasize maximum participation since folks need the distraction and the activity. One restriction might be only one post per day, as that shouldn't burden anyone too much..
 
You know, the beauty of the open format is that whoever wants to restrict themselves in any way can do so at their own leisure (or not :p). Personally, I've hardly ever shot *only* one camera during a "Single in" challenge (maybe once or twice, don't remember); the thing was to always make sure I shoot with my chosen gear first and foremost and not miss a day. But I'm all for opening things up as much as possible in this case. I'll more or less try to do a slightly looser "Single in" routine for myself (I *have* to get to the bottom of the GR III), but I'm happy with not forcing anyone else to do something similar.

That said, I'll carry a second camera for sure - and it'll be a film camera. So, my "Single in" will more likely be a "Mostly two in" anyway ... ;)

M.
 
I like Steve's idea of requiring it be shot in April (so we don't get tempted to post "got bored and re-edited old stuff" photos) but relaxing the requirement that it be shot and posted on the same day. That will give me the flexibility I will likely need, since I will still be at work for at least the next few weeks, and my ability to get out and about beyond that is necessarily curtailed (as with most of us).
 
I like the concept of true "single in" as it can help force you to try using something specific, like @MoonMind and the GRIII. ;) But I also know sometimes it just doesn't work or something just strikes you. Or like the other day when I decided to take a walk out in the snow. It's not something I could do with my Pen F and 17mm, but my E-M1.2 and 12-100 Pro just laughed at the snow. So I'm for some flexibility.

While I think the every requirement is almost more important than the single combo selected, I think given the current situation, that should be relaxed.

As for the number of images, I prefer just one image AND an outtakes thread like we did in July. It could also function as outtakes and discussions in one.

One question, daily threads or like we did in January 2020? (1-10 / 11-20 / 21-30) While the daily threads are nice, I've found it easier to review the Vision 2020 threads easier than reviewing SiJy 2019 threads.
 
I am good either way. I like being limited with gear to force creativity. But I also like the open format because it results in higher participation. May I vote for other and suggest a hybrid that does what works best for each participant?
As the situation with Covid19 has most people locked down indefinitely, this challenge should be an opportunity for us to show the 'limited' world around us.
 
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I am good either way. I like being limited with gear to force creativity. But I also like the open format because it results in higher participation. May I vote for other and suggest a hybrid that does the what works best for each participant?
As the situation with Covid19 has most people locked down indefinitely, this challenge should be an opportunity for us to show the 'limited' world around us.
Don, the hybrid is well within the scope of the open format. I think the trend so far is obvious. You can do as much or as little in terms of restrictions and personal "rules" as you like as long as you stick to some very loose guidelines; the real key one will be that the images are shot in April. I think we'll also encourage daily participation (but not enforce it - why should we?).

I'll try to do a "Single in", but I reckon I'll supplement that format with all sorts of extras - so long as I don't lose focus ... However, since we don't know what's in store for any of us, we'd better not make it hard to join in.

M.
 
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Don, the hybrid is well within the scope of the open format. I think the trend so far is obvious. You can do as much or as little in terms of restrictions and personal "rules" as you like as long as you stick to some very loose guidelines; the real key one will be that the images are shot in April. I think we'll also encourage daily participation (but not enforce it - why should we?).

I'll try to do a "Single in", but I reckon I'll supplement that format with all sorts of extras - so long as I don't lose focus ... However, since we don't know what's in store for any of us, we'd better not make it hard to join in.

M.
Totally agree. We all need distraction during this troubled and frankly scary times. I intend to follow the original 'single in' format. But might switch if things go bad around here.
 
Okay, just to let you know: I think things are pretty clear, and I'll set up the challenge formally on Tuesday.

One question that I'm still not entirely sure about: I found the ten-day threads in January quite nice to use - but we're quite a few people participating, so the threads may get pretty long. I don't mind that, but I'd like some more opinions on that.

Other than that, I'd like to thank everyone for their opinions and insights - and thanks for voting!

M.
 
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