I need advice about hosting the autumn contest!
I never thought of this when I entered the Summer contest but then I never thought I'd win.
The point is, the contest is supposed to start Dec 1st. The contest runs for about 2 weeks. Well, right in the middle of that time span I have to go on a thousand mile road trip. Normally it shouldn't take more than a couple of days but I have to meet some people along the way. I just have no idea about web access or time to moderate while I'm on the road during this contest. My family members leave for Europe on Dec 14. I'm house sitting for them until next year. I'd like to spend some time with them before they leave. I'm wondering what I should do! Can I postpone it to say, the 15th but then people are busy with holidays, or try to wing it even though I haven't done this before, try to get somebody else to host it, and offer to host another contest in exchange, or what other remedy is there?
What it comes down to, my personal obligations trumps the DU Photography Group obligations...so I ask what can I do?
= new reply since forum marked as read
have entries from november 22 to november 29,prelims nov 30 to dec 2 finals dec 3-5th,if that works in your time frame
or even possibly start the contest after chirstmas. I seem to remember someone starting the fall contest late 
You can ask the runner's up for volunteering: They were in this order, elleng, solly mack, and mira (myself)
and you can offer to run any contest for them when they win the next time, if you are available and so inclined
(everyone should run a contest at least once, it grows hair on your chest)
You can ask for a volunteer in general, and offer the same re-payment or be forever grateful to that person
You can consult the list of people who said they are approachable in just such a case of personal conflict, and ask one of them with whom you may be friendly 
that is after all what we created the list for. It's one of the pinned posts at the top of the photo forum.
it is the Autumn contest so people should know what to look for you should be able to take submissions starting on December 1. Give it a couple days or 30 entries since people should be prepared. You can remind people to get started looking through their photos or taking photos now if you want. Once done run your prelims, I used the 72 hour time limit on my polls when I have done contest. Keeps it fair and most that really want to vote find them in time. I do the same on the finals. That means 6 days tops in polling. I would say go a head and start the contest and call on help for whatever you cannot do, whether posting prelims or the final or both. Plenty of us around to help. If you feel you can't do it just post lots of trip photos to make up for missing your host duties and we will forgive you. I would suggest you make sure the group knows who might be hosting in your place if you go that route.
Your personal obligations/life should always trump here.
It is really only the date and theme that is set. You get to decide everything else as the host. Oh and you are allowed to enter a photo too unlike with the monthly contest.
The reason we started doing the seasonal contest was as a way to do seasonal without a lot of groans when it was suggested every other month.
I hope Solly is doing OK too. Sending well wishes her way daily.
about Solly Mack, I worry along with you. I wrote her but have not heard back in a few days.
We need to send her very good thoughts and hope she is just taking a break.
