Whoever felt like debating should have provided an insight into how they thought it should be done beforehand, you could have then been timely told "thank you for the suggestion". Tantrums don't work except to ruin the forum's mood.
This year we had less months of BOTM than usual because we were not be able to have control of the forum's picture for two months. On top of that @boboneleg was on too good form and as such he won 4 of this years BOTM, and Pete won 2 (I hope you don´t come bitching about breaching the rules on that one). Having everyone able to submit a picture of their own bike taken in the whole 12 months was an effort to allow people to participate and make an event out of it. Nothing prevented you from submitting a previously BOTM winner picture as long as it was in 2024, there was enough time for that on the correct thread, if you didn't win BOTM this year you could also try other pictures and give that a try.
Now, looking at the rules, as they seem to be so oppressive:
- One picture per member, because otherwise we would have more submissions than people voting.
- Horizontal pictures are mandatory, and it's pretty obvious why as that is how they fit the webpage.
- The time of the picture is taken, also seems obvious.
- The one rule you are arguing about is that you own the bike during the contest. Pete insisted on that, it makes sense to me and I agree with it, so deal with it.
In @Renegade's case, I replied in the submition thread about it not being his bike anymore. And it's not a horizontal picture either, it originally got through to BOTM because I chopped it to make it fit, I am less inclined to oblige someone that suddenly wakes up and takes a demanding position like they run the place.
This BOTY is staying like it is now, I'll think of something in 2025 and then maybe change it to what it was before, or not. Suggestions are welcomed, provided they come in time and that you don't throw a tantrum in case they get refused. If BOTM becomes this source of bickering we might as well end it, life is tough enough without dealing with adult men throwing tantrums on the internet.
If you wish to take on running BOTM and BOTY, and feel like you might be an improvement, send a PM to @Buckster and suggest it. I'm happy with whatever he chooses, and I'm sure he's very much looking forward to all the interested people announcing themselves.
At the end of the day, you can get in and enjoy it by being a positive influence and keep this thing going, or ignore it and watch it fade. I would rather it kept going but it's up to you.