geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

Okay, well that's out of question.

I think the best prize would be your project getting featured, showcased on Scratch's Twitter and YouTube, and a virtual meet up with the Scratch Team. I honestly think that would be very cool. They can email the video call link to the user (I mean, the Scratch Team already has our emails), so it would be possible. The winner doesn't have to install Zoom or anything because there's an online browser version of Zoom.

I don't think there should be any trophy, really.

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

Okay, well that's out of question.

I think the best prize would be your project getting featured, showcased on Scratch's Twitter and YouTube, and a virtual meet up with the Scratch Team. I honestly think that would be very cool. They can email the video call link to the user (I mean, the Scratch Team already has our emails), so it would be possible. The winner doesn't have to install Zoom or anything because there's an online browser version of Zoom.

I don't think there should be any trophy, really.

Huh! That's a really good idea! But what about the haters? Yes I know, no matter what there will be haters. But the winner will most likely get an over abundance.

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

About a 100 meter radius

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

What is a VPN

Ok

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

About a 100 meter radius

Ah, okay. Sorry I don't know very much about IP addresses and all that jazz.

Anyway, what does everyone think of this?:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

I think the best prize would be your project getting featured, showcased on Scratch's Twitter and YouTube, and a virtual meet up with the Scratch Team. I honestly think that would be very cool. They can email the video call link to the user (I mean, the Scratch Team already has our emails), so it would be possible. The winner doesn't have to install Zoom or anything because there's an online browser version of Zoom.

I don't think there should be any trophy, really.

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

About a 100 meter radius

Ah, okay. Sorry I don't know very much about IP addresses and all that jazz.

Anyway, what does everyone think of this?:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

I think the best prize would be your project getting featured, showcased on Scratch's Twitter and YouTube, and a virtual meet up with the Scratch Team. I honestly think that would be very cool. They can email the video call link to the user (I mean, the Scratch Team already has our emails), so it would be possible. The winner doesn't have to install Zoom or anything because there's an online browser version of Zoom.

I don't think there should be any trophy, really.

I really like it!

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

About a 100 meter radius

No YOU SIGHNED ME OUTTT XD

Chuck369 wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

About a 100 meter radius

No YOU SIGHNED ME OUTTT XD

XD same

Wonderful idea! I hope the Scratch Team looks further into making a competition like this.

In case people haven't figured it out, the number of supports does not equate to the likelihood the Scratch Team will implement this suggestion.

Do not make the competition open topic. It is way too difficult for a child (let alone anyone else who's like me and can't make up their mind on a topic), so it is probably best practice to set a variety of topics people can choose from, possibly between different “categories” of the respective acronym.

For those thinking about privacy concerns, the sharing of private information may be done for certain events such as Scratch Day (although doing so publicly is not not encouraged). I think if it's going to be a sign up sort of deal, a form that's only accessible by the Scratch Team should do. If not, it's probably best to contact the winning user directly and to have themselves verify the information via email as soon as possible.

About the awards - I'm also concerned about the fiscal impacts Scratch has. They will most likely need a sponsor for such an event - whether or not that will take long I do not know.
I highly do not recommend virtual trophies. Having “badges” was a topic a while ago, but the Scratch Team mentioned it would cause more divide to the community. Honestly, I'm nervous about how it might give incentive to start boasting about the “trophy”. In other words, it's just a mark of excellence and nothing more.

Physical trophies or certificates might be a better option in my opinion. They tend to be long lasting, and they're relatively easy to send off. The trophy doesn't have to be big. Minecraft Championships send more of a medal to the winners. Perhaps that might be a more viable option.

But considering this is possibly going to be very competitive, there definitely needs to be something that will be worthwhile, especially to a child. Perhaps a formal invitation to the MIT Media Lab to meet some Scratch Team members, or be a guest of honor on Scratch Day? Not sure.

I like the idea but I have a question: isn't scratch already a lot about STEM? Also would it be easier for the scratch team if they got people to submit a project as that could be added to a studio that could have the judges. Or would it be better to just make it an event without the competition part. That way all scratcher will feel included.

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

geometric_ghast wrote:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

JPOWERPUFFGIRLS wrote:

Dont forget the address part

Can't the Scratch Team just see the winner's IP and then find their address that way?

Edit; Just realized that wouldn't work if the winner is using a VPN.

IP shows approximate location, not exact location

Huh, I thought it showed exact latitude and longitude.

About a 100 meter radius

Ah, okay. Sorry I don't know very much about IP addresses and all that jazz.

Anyway, what does everyone think of this?:

xXRedTheCoderXx wrote:

I think the best prize would be your project getting featured, showcased on Scratch's Twitter and YouTube, and a virtual meet up with the Scratch Team. I honestly think that would be very cool. They can email the video call link to the user (I mean, the Scratch Team already has our emails), so it would be possible. The winner doesn't have to install Zoom or anything because there's an online browser version of Zoom.

I don't think there should be any trophy, really.

Aaa yes great idea!
Who needs money when you could just have your user all of the Scratch Team's twitter :0 that would be incredible

DownsGameClub wrote:

In case people haven't figured it out, the number of supports does not equate to the likelihood the Scratch Team will implement this suggestion.

Do not make the competition open topic. It is way too difficult for a child (let alone anyone else who's like me and can't make up their mind on a topic), so it is probably best practice to set a variety of topics people can choose from, possibly between different “categories” of the respective acronym.

For those thinking about privacy concerns, the sharing of private information may be done for certain events such as Scratch Day (although doing so publicly is not not encouraged). I think if it's going to be a sign up sort of deal, a form that's only accessible by the Scratch Team should do. If not, it's probably best to contact the winning user directly and to have themselves verify the information via email as soon as possible.

About the awards - I'm also concerned about the fiscal impacts Scratch has. They will most likely need a sponsor for such an event - whether or not that will take long I do not know.
I highly do not recommend virtual trophies. Having “badges” was a topic a while ago, but the Scratch Team mentioned it would cause more divide to the community. Honestly, I'm nervous about how it might give incentive to start boasting about the “trophy”. In other words, it's just a mark of excellence and nothing more.

Physical trophies or certificates might be a better option in my opinion. They tend to be long lasting, and they're relatively easy to send off. The trophy doesn't have to be big. Minecraft Championships send more of a medal to the winners. Perhaps that might be a more viable option.

But considering this is possibly going to be very competitive, there definitely needs to be something that will be worthwhile, especially to a child. Perhaps a formal invitation to the MIT Media Lab to meet some Scratch Team members, or be a guest of honor on Scratch Day? Not sure.

Some of the replies to this thread have branched on and created safer ways to implement this strategy, maybe have a go at reading some? ;w;

For example, some have said other ways for scratch to give out a virtual trophy, without necessarily having to have something sent to your IP or any cash prizes, the cash prize was a bit lofty anyway, scratch probably wouldnt be able to pay, as you said.

Also, why, why are you promoting physical trophies, the scratch team doesn't know your address, they know IP addresses, which is your address in a radius of other areas, not exact. Besides, why would someone want to tell their exact address to people they dont know?

I think it really ins't worth it if they aren't even going to give a small amount of money to the user, someone said most parents would take the money but I disagree, most parents are not criminals that steal from there children most parents would give some money to the child and put the rest into the childs bank, if you win of course you could give them your info. Maybe if you didn't want to give them your bank details, your postal address could be given so they can send you a cheque for a grand or something?

**While reading through this please understand that this is not a competition I am hosting and a competition that I am suggesting the Scratch Team host and judge through various rounds. I have made myself as clear as possible and will be happy to answer any questions you have**

Hello! I have been passionate and interested about STEM for many years and wanted to ask Scratch if they would be able to host a STEM competition where Scratchers of any age would be able to create something STEM related around a certain topic (e.g Plastic pollution). I understand that this would be an excellent way for you to show your support for getting young people into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. I know there are many young people out there who would create things which would blow away your minds and thought that through several rounds of competition, people who entered would have a chance to win a prize amount of money? I wanted to ask peoples opinions about this idea as I know lots of people want to get involved in STEM. I understand this may not work out because of the large scale of Scratch, but although it is a big organisation others organisations such as MicroBit thought this was a good idea and they seem to have taken it as a possible idea when I suggested it.

After the time I spent thinking about this idea, I thought it could run through three rounds of competition where users could create robots, programs or even software themed around a world issue set by the Scratch Team and then create a video or a project and submit to the Scratch Team through a temporary page in the similar style to the ‘Contact Us’ page with a submit form and I space to add in there project or upload the video (which would include there project in action and a description from the user on what it did). Although some users may argue this breaks the community guidelines, none of the video would become public on the Scratch website and would only be used to judge the project through the submit form directly to the Scratch Team, if anyone has any objections for this please notify me so we can work to create this description as accurately as possible. Some of you may be wondering where the prize money will come from, the simple answer for this is it will come from Scratch, after looking at there tax returns they make about 4 million every year through donations and sales in there shop, this is where the prize money will come from.

**While reading through below please understand that these are examples of what we could do for the prize (1 prize) and the logistics of the competition, this is meant as an explanation to those who had trouble understanding the finical and prize giving system would work.


I would like to start by addressing the comment made by someone ‘there’s a chance their parents/guardians are going to take all the money for themselves'. This would happen in very rare circumstances and considering the fact that over half of Scratch allegedly have their parent or guardians email setup the risk this would happen is very minimal. The prize would be 1 grand (dollars) converted into whichever currency you have. Many people have also flagged the ‘over 18’ to receive money, in the case of receiving 1 grand, there would be no tax because most tax starts over 5 grand for most countries and secondly, there is no law which stops people under the age of 18 receiving money.

Many people have stated that they don't like the idea of the prize money, I can understand why you think this but as Scratch are an organisation who in 2018 had over 4 million on a tax return I think they can afford just 1 grand. Subsequently many users would not be incentivised to enter if the prize was a trophy and certificate of sorts - if they won they would also like to cover the costs of the production of the STEM entry.

I would like to start by addressing the comment made by someone ‘there’s a chance their parents/guardians are going to take all the money for themselves'. This would happen in very rare circumstances and considering the fact that over half of Scratch allegedly have their parent or guardians email setup the risk this would happen is very minimal. The prize would be 1 grand (dollars) converted into whichever currency you have. Many people have also flagged the ‘over 18’ to receive money, in the case of receiving 1 grand, there would be no tax because most tax starts over 5 grand for most countries and secondly, there is no law which stops people under the age of 18 receiving money.
Many people have stated that they don't like the idea of the prize money, I can understand why you think this but as Scratch are an organisation who in 2018 had over 4 million on a tax return I think they can afford just 1 grand. Subsequently many users would not be incentivised to enter if the prize was a trophy and certificate of sorts - if they won they would also like to cover the costs of the production of the STEM entry.



Yeah but you still don't know what is happening at home. But I guess you're right. I don't know I'm still not to fond of the whole money thing. Even though Scratch can afford it doesn't mean that they will want to pay it. It's a 50-50 chance ( we still have to hope that ST sees this ). What about a chance to see ST on a zoom? And get your project getting featured and showcased on Scratch's Twitter and YouTube ( if the parents allow it ) like some other people have suggested? Why not make this prize different from all other prizes that the scratcher may receive in the future? It is possible for them to receive money in the future but talking to ST on zoom and be showcased on Scratch social media is really a once in a lifetime chance!!! So is getting featured! Although getting featured can happen more then once. But not very often!

I support this as long as prizes are not money

Everyone, I understand your reasoning, but I get a $150 check every bday from my grandparents, and my parents don’t let me keep a CENT of it. They just put it all into college savings, so imagine how much parents would give their kids out of a thousand? Like, maybe ten bucks.

Vulpix_Ninetales wrote:

Everyone, I understand your reasoning, but I get a $150 check every bday from my grandparents, and my parents don’t let me keep a CENT of it. They just put it all into college savings, so imagine how much parents would give their kids out of a thousand? Like, maybe ten bucks.

Yeah. I'm just not so sure about the money part.

Agent_Eagle wrote:

Vulpix_Ninetales wrote:

Everyone, I understand your reasoning, but I get a $150 check every bday from my grandparents, and my parents don’t let me keep a CENT of it. They just put it all into college savings, so imagine how much parents would give their kids out of a thousand? Like, maybe ten bucks.

Yeah. I'm just not so sure about the money part.

I think, that they would just put it into college savings which will benefit the person who wins in the future. If, they keep the money for themselves then that is a problem, but if they put it a collage fun then I don't think we should care.