I just posted, per below, a few moments ago on the ‘Sign up for future seasons III’ thread; it seems the conversation of this thread, here, had continued over on that thread. That said, I would like to share my post, here, too:
Hello, friends ~ If memory serves me, there have been several traditions that have evolved re: the SOTU over the numerous years that it has been running. I would surmise that this is so as to allow for growth, adaptation to new circumstances; this, whether it be for the benefit of host or the benefit of participants.
One example that comes fresh to mind is that it used to be, back when I had started with the SOTU in 2013, a tradition that ‘the ukulele must be seen front and center’ in an entry. Nowadays, we see a plethora of entries that come in that show absolutely no ukulele ‘front and center.’ People are exercising other creative endeavors in their entries, not only in showcasing their ukulele playing or singing, but now, also their skills at creating fabulous videos of other things to accompany their singing and playing.
I also recall that it used to be a tradition in which participants must show their faces whilst playing their ukuleles for their entries. In fact, I remember, specifically, a season in which our own, GinnyT, had a person in her SOTU who had joined for his/her first time; this person did not wish to play in front of the camera, and of course, Ginny was understanding of this.
I recall, recently, reading an early SOTU thread re: how to host a SOTU: it was mentioned that prizes should be given, winners announced, etc. It occurred to me when I read this that, when I started the SOTU back up this past May, I think I’ve only seen Del provide prizes as a host in all of the weeks that I’ve particiapted. I actually won, first time ever, a prize, on a SOTU; that prize was the fabulous Yazuke CD he and Lynda so brilliantly put together.
Isn’t it reasonable to consider that perhaps positive things can arise when both participants and hosts can feel comfortable in that they’re given considerations for flexilibility, leeway? If Del feels that the overlap isn’t working out for him while hosting, wouldn’t it be sensible to give him that leeway to run his SOTU as will be optimal for his schedule? Perhaps those who typically submit on that Sunday might be willing to try to submit another day if they wish to participate?
Since coming back this past May to participate in the SOTU, I have, indeed, witnessed many things which have changed since I participated regularly back in 2013. All of these changes strike me as wonderful improvements that have enabled more people to participate in the SOTU, and that is an amazing thing! I like to keep these positive changes as proof that change is good; that flexibility is welcomed; that we are constantly evolving as group of people coming together to share our gifts and ideas; that we’re coming together to celebrate something that we all enjoy so much, that is, playing our ukuleles and sharing our music with each other.
In final, it goes without saying that I am tremendously grateful for those Seasonistas who take much of their precious time to volunteer to host and to volunteer to help organize and keep the SOTU running for so many of us to enjoy! Thank you; you are incredible people!!!
(Now I’m going to go play my ukulele!)