Request for comments on the Lewisville tamale contest
The organizer of the Lewisville, Texas tamale contest sent the following email:
Would it be possible to ask eaters on your site to rank the following five factors in order of their importance in deciding whether or not to attend a specific event?,
Location of the event (i.e. host city)
Date/Time of the event
Type of food being consumed
Prize money being offered
How I am treated at the eventIf not, I certainly understand, but as an event sponsor and host we would really like to know what steps we could look at to make our event better for the participants. Thanks for your consideration.
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Mega Munch said
November 4, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
1. Location – This is most important for me, since I don’t travel far for contests. The higher ranked you are, the lower ranked this factor will be (see also prize money).
2. How I am treated – This is important…at least moreso than the rest of the factors.
3. Type of food – I’ll pretty much eat anything in a contest if it’s within two or three hours of central Pennsylvania.
4. Date/Time – I’ll rearrange things if I have to (and if I have enough advance notice, I won’t have to). The only obvious consideration here is to make sure the contest is on a weekend, preferrably a Saturday.
5. Prize money – The higher ranked you are, the higher ranked this factor will be. For me it doesn’t really matter what the prize is, since my chances of winning it are relatively low. (There, are you happy? I said it!) Most of the time, I just eat to have fun and if I win a gift certificate in a local contest, that’s cool too!
SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)
November 4, 2007 @ 10:12 pm
i totally agree with Mega,i will travel between 4-7 hours away from Houston to eat,just for the fun of it,and maybe travel far away for 1 or 2 contests if i can afford it…Saturday is best,most of us dont have to take off a day of work to go do the contests
small fish big pond said
November 5, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
The following is how I rank these elements. Although I doubt I will be heard.
1. How I am treated/prize money- These two go hand in hand. If you are offering prize money, make sure you pay up!!!! You are not treating ANYBODY well if you say you will do something then wait 4-6 weeks before you keep your end of the deal.
2. The rest tie for second. – If you have food to eat competitively, give me a date/time, and tell me where to be I’ll be there.
But if you do not pay when you say you will, you can guarantee some bad mouthing about your company. THERE IS NO BETTER ADVERTISEMENT THAN WORD OF MOUTH.
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
November 5, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
Location of the event (i.e. host city) The bigger the prize being offered, the less this matters. Still, it’s a good idea to host in an Airline hub city if you want more top national eaters.
Date/Time of the event – I would rate saturday as the most ideal day to host a contest.
Type of food being consumed – strangley, this is probably less important to me.
Prize money being offered – Not just overall prize but I think sponsors should look at paying down the line alittle more past third. I think some of us table enders would love $50 to throw towards Gas/Hotel.
How I am treated at the event – This matters the most if you plan on having the event more than one year. Look at the Krystal Competition. They work very very hard to make the eaters feel welcome & appreciated and now many Eaters consider their Event the top event of the year. I certainly do.
SuperPoorThrowMeABoneBreaker said
November 5, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
1.$200 to throw towards Gas/Hotel/Wife
2.How I am treated at the event -part of number one factor-make it worth the trip
3.Prize money being offered for how many eaters (top 10?) – If only first or second get money, you’ll only get 2 or 3 top eaters, unless someone else is nearby, or insane
4. Location of the event (i.e. host city) – if no travel money allowed, a top 1 or 2 factor
5. Type of food being consumed – no beets or coleslaw, otherwise, I’m good
6. Swag – Love those Krystal jerseys, but love expense money more
7. Date/Time of the event – 1PM or 1AM, Whenever, We’re always hungry
Rhonda Evans said
November 5, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
Steak you have a most valid point about having payouts that extend beyond the top three (or four). Frankly, I don’t see why even the last place finisher can’t get at least $50, regardless of the number of competitors, especially with the IFOCE becoming so selective. That takes little out of the pockets of the usual, canned, top three, four, or five eaters. If that initiative didn’t score a home run in the IFOCE camaraderie department, it would at least be a hit.
That’s also a way for new talent to be discovered, and for those of so-so talent to want to develop to their full potential. After all, real contests are probably the best practice there is. Besides, the IFOCE constantly goes on record chanting, “Don’t try this at home.”
Even in golf, once you make the cut, every participant gets something. Each eater needs to feel that its worth his or her time to show. People need incentive.
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
November 5, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
Rhonda,
Everyone has a price. Mines a Tuna Hoagie with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion & Hot Peppers. I think if they gave the table enders a Hoagie to take home, I’d feel like I won something.
Seriously though, there’s been a few contests I didnt go to (ones that I’d have to fly to) because I didnt think they paid past 3rd and I could already count 5 of the top 8 already expected.
I’ll still always go to as many contests as I can, but I have to be more chosey when traveling is involved. Free Hoagie idea would still be welcome though. like free hoagies.
Anonymous said
November 5, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
I don’t think it’s right to say that last place always deserves money. A lot of people come and eat only once in their lifetime, as a goof to try it out. I don’t think they deserve any money. They got their story to tell. That’s what they came for. They don’t need to get paid just because they happen to have been awarded one of the places at the table.
Mega Munch said
November 5, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
I think most of us would agree with Steak’s deeper pay-out suggestion. Is that a sponsor decision or is that something that the IFOCE decides? I would think the sponsor just puts up a pot of money and it’s up to George and the gang to decide how to split it up.
Free hoagies? Who’s giving away free hoagies?!
LewisvilleTX said
November 5, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
You folks are providing some very valuable input, and we really appreciate it. One question about paying prize money below the top finishers: We paid top three the past two years and would certainly be willing to expand that, but how far down would be ideal? As a point of reference, our contest was limited to 12 eaters last year and 18 eaters this year, should be 18 eaters again in 2008. If we reach all the way down to 18, the final 8-10 would be pretty nominal. Would top 8 or top 10 be appropriate?
This year was our third annual event. We are an airport hub city (10 minutes friom DFW International) and hold our event on a Saturday as part of a major street festival. We have gift bags for contestants but want to upgrade that next year, and put the returning champ in our Main Street parade prior to this year’s competition. We pay our top finishers cash on the spot, so no issues there. The event already is a crowd and media favorite, but we want to make it more enjoyable for the competitors as well.
Thanks again for your comments and suggestions. Please keep ’em coming!
mike landrich said
November 5, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
I agree with Mega Munch’s order
USMALE said (Registered September 4, 2007)
November 5, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
In reference to the comment about getting paid, what is the protocol for that? I finished in the money at the Waffles and have yet to see the $200 I won. Considering how much I spent for the weekend to entertain my wife, that $200 would be nice to get. I even e-mailed the IFOCE a few weeks ago asking about this, but no response yet.
I think that being treated well is a huge factor as well as the payouts extended beyond the top3 or 4. As for food, if we like it – we’ll be there. Even though I work Saturdays and have to change my schedule, I agree that this day is the best of contests. Gives the eaters a chance to hang out that evening or for the eater to make a weekend with the spouse. Always earns points when I take the wife along.
Anonymous said
November 5, 2007 @ 11:59 pm
You shouldn’t pay out the top 10 if they are just guys off the street. Make sure they are real eaters first.
SuperPaul said
November 6, 2007 @ 7:54 am
Top ten would be great – beyond that, you may be paying local people who just walked up, and entered without travel expense, or time expense. But, when you pay the Top 2 or 3 only, it’s almost “cruel” for the other ranked eaters. Plus, you miss out on the “flavor” that other ranked eaters give the contest. The Krystal contest definitely had some extra “spice”, thanks to extra efforts on the part of the so-called table enders. The Wings and Wedges Spike TV contest seems to depend almost totally on personalities, not eating totals.
It’s wild – we are world-ranked, yet most of us make almost nothing – even top 10-15 ranked eaters. To get to compete, a lot of us have to “justify the trip” to significant others, re-schedule work, and spend a lot of our cash just to get to wherever the contest is. This is a group that loves their “sport”, and proves it with their wallets.
The top ten money, and the gift bags, make it reasonable that we will emerge from the contest with more than memories, and will make the difference between competing, or staying home. So, it’s really up to you – only 2 or 3 eaters will provide great totals, but many top ten eaters will provide the great experience that will keep your crowd, and the media, talking about the contest for weeks while they are gobbling up your tamales!
Anonymous said
November 6, 2007 @ 10:43 am
SuperPaul,
The top 10 is way too many! Contests rarely draw 10 top ranked eaters, especially when they are far away and fall on the same weekend as several other contests (which this one does on Labor Day). Paying ten guys needlessly wastes prize money. Five is plenty.
It’s one thing to pay every eater when every eater has qualified and proven himself by qualifying. But it’s another entirely to pay every eater when all they’ve done is just sign up online or stroll up to the emcee 30 minutes before a contest.
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
November 6, 2007 @ 12:57 pm
A good rule of thumb should be half of the contestants. 10 Contestants pay the top half…5 16? Pay 8. And it should still be heavily weighted to the top 3 but I think you will get a better overall contest when the middle guys are motivated for some possible bus fare.
SuperPaul said
November 6, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
A man can dream, can’t he?
Mega Munch said
November 6, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
Five is too few. 10 may be too many. I’d recommend paying out to half the total number of eaters (in the case of this contest, that would be 9). That way, if you eat better than average (median?), you get paid. Under that system, you’re rewarding eaters who performed well…regardless of whether they’re ranked or if they just walked in and signed up.
It doesn’t have to be a lot. The guys at the 7, 8 and 9 spot just want SOMETHING to help off set travel costs or, if they’re a local, put a smile on their face and maybe inspire them to become better. Think about that. If #7 or #8 gets nothing, they may walk away from CE forever…but if you put $50 in their pocket, it could really light a fire in their bellies.
Hypothetically speaking, if you’ve got a $7,500 pot, it might look like this:
1. $3,000
2. $2,000
3. $1,000
4. $600
5. $350
6. $250
7. $150
8. $100
9. $50
You’re still paying $6,600 of the $7,600 to the top four spots. Personally I think it’s still too top heavy and might be better off like this:
1. $2,000
2. $1,500
3. $1,150
4. $750
5. $650
6. $550
7. $400
8. $300
9. $200
Carey said
November 6, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
Hey, if they want you to sugn away your rights, and only perform at their contests, shouldn’t they have to pay you for appearing?
KevinRoss said
November 6, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
I think poker tournaments are a good comparison. Back in the old days, some poker tournaments were winner take all or just paid the top 3. As a result, the people that tended to show up were a limited pool of poker pros and such that had a reasonable expectation of taking the top prizes. Now, poker tournaments tend to pay around 10% of the field. So if you make the final couple of tables, maybe you get your buy in back at least. Even though the real money is still at the very top (as it should be) there is still more motivation for more talented (but not world class) players to show up. I think paying more places in tournaments was the catalyst to getting poker more popular and eventually televised until it became the phenomenon it is today.
But relating this to eating, I’m not sure if it will necessarily help table ender types recoup travel money back like it might seem on the surface. If the money paid well down to 8th place or something, wouldn’t it be more likely for most of the top tier eaters to show up to more contests? So the table enders wouldn’t have much access to the additional prize money anyway.
Personally, I could care less about prize money. I’m mainly doing this to compete against myself and improve and just to have fun and travel. The two times I’ve gotten a little prize money have just been a pleasant surprise, but I would have had fun regardless. I’m pretty much happy as long as I keep improving and get to eat free food and see new places.
If I had to rate the above criteria in order of importance from most to least, I’d probably say:
1) Location of the event (i.e. host city)
2) Type of food being consumed – most people seemed to have rated this low, but honestly I’m willing to travel farther for a food I’m excited about or think I’ll do particularly well at.
3) How I am treated at the event
4) Prize money being offered
5) Date/Time of the event – I have a pretty flexible schedule
In conclusion, I think it would be nice for contests to pay a little bit farther down the line, but not too far as I think it would be an example of the law of diminishing marginal returns.
Erik the Red said (Registered January 9, 2006)
November 6, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
I think that the location/date and the prize money are the biggest factors. If I know I have a good chance to win at least my air fare back I will go to an event. The food is not as important of a factor for me. The way you treat eaters is very important however to build a reputation and to get eaters to want to come back.
I think the prize money should be paid out to the top 7 at least. If you have the money, you should spread it around, you will get a better rounded field. Big 1-3 place prizes may attract only the top eaters but if you spread out the money, the top eaters will still be there, trust me, and you will be able to promote a better contest.
KevinRoss said
November 6, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Another benefit about paying farther down the line is that it would encourage a more accurate recording of everyone’s food eaten. I don’t think there is a worse feeling at the competitive eating table than investing time/money into participating in a contest, only to have nobody bother to record how much you ate because you are clearly not in the top 3 or whatever is being paid. One of my favorite things to do is compare how all the eaters in a contest did, from top to bottom.
Rhonda Evans said
November 6, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
Mega Munch I really like your choice “B.” As you say the first choice is too top heavy. Based on paying out 10 spots, I ran some percentages through my head that can be applied to all events. Examining a total prize pool of say $5,000,one could use the follwong percentages for calculating payouts:
1. = 30 % = $1,500
2. = 18 % = $900
3. = 12 % = $600
4. = 10.% = $500
5. = 8 % = $400
6. = 7 % = $350
7. = 6 % = $300
8. = 4 % = $200
9. = 3 % = $150
10. = 2.0 % = $100
The logic of the scale would be to amply reward the top three finishers, with the biggest emphasis to the winner, of course, yet still make it worthwhile to lower ranking finishers in the top 10. Being able to put a few hundred dollars in their pockets is not going to unnecessarily “burden” those who finish at or near the top.
That’s just me, however, and it’s probably a stupid idea, and probably reflects why I should be quiet.
SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)
November 7, 2007 @ 12:09 am
dave,i cant believe they havent paid you yet,they should have paid you at the event,thats what happens at most contests
SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)
November 7, 2007 @ 12:10 am
rhonda ,i think those averages are completely fair
McCain said
November 7, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
If you want Super Paul (unknown), Kevin Ross (unknown), US Male (unranked and unknown), sykobozo (unranked and unknown), Mike Landrich (unranked and unknown), Megamunch (a blogger), and Carey Poehlman (banned) to headline your event, then adopt the pay structure they’re pushing for.
If you want any of the well known eaters to show, then you should probably stick to a more traditional distribution (top 3 or 5). Top eaters won’t want to spend their money and their weekend traveling halfway across the country to net a few hundred dollars when they can fly halfway across the country in another direction and net several hundred more at one of the other Labor Day events.
Facts are facts.
anonymous said
November 7, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Pay structure? Who on earth would pay any of those idiots a dime ?
USMALE said (Registered September 4, 2007)
November 7, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
Idiots? Bring it on Anonymous (since you are to much of a pussy to use your real identity)
SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)
November 7, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
Hey McCain,at least i have heard of everyone you mentioned,you not so much,i can only speak for myself and USMALE ,but i have been in 3 events,got 7th in my first (Kaloches) 3rd in my 2nd (Corndogs) and 7th in my 3rd (Waffles) and i didnt have a clue how to train right,i was doing it all wrong…but i was also on local TV 2 times,and 1 time on National TV,I have also done 2 radio shows… and USMALE was on National TV too,(with me in Dallas, for Waffles,and he placed in the money)so if you can produce anything along the way of anyone being interested in you or your eating,put up or shut up,Have A Nice Day……..
McCain said
November 8, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
sykobozo,
I don’t mean any offense to you and the other guys I named. You guys seem nice, but the bottom line is I don’t know who you are. I see Chesnut on tv. I see The Black Widow and Crazy Legs Conte on tv. I see Eater X and Pat Bertoletti on tv. I don’t see you. I think a contest should want the stars to show up. They should worry about paying them. They shouldn’t worry about paying out the tenth place finisher just to make him feel good or to help him buy a snack at the airport. If they blow money making guys feel good, they might not have enough to entice the guys who people want to see.
USMALE said (Registered September 4, 2007)
November 8, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Hey McCain, go to http://www.Wingbowlvideo.com and you will hear of me. That is if you can spare $12 + shipping. A great video of an event won by Joey; 2nd to Pat; 3rd to Sonya and then 5th to ME. My breakout event as I now try to work my way up the ladder. Do some homework
always good to know my boy SykoBozo has my back. Thanks bro
SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)
November 9, 2007 @ 12:00 am
no problem USMALE,you got 5th at last years wing bowl,thats awesome,and it was your first event damnnnnnnnnn,yeah McCain ive only just started eating,but im getting known in Texas,thats the only state i have eaten yet so far,my home state…one thing about almost every eater i have talked to is they will all give you advice and try to help you,and they treat you like your family (ok stepfamily,lol)…Sonya,Pat,Joey,Bob,Hall,Jason etc have all been very helpful to me as well as others,and if anybody ask me i always try and give them good advice too,USMale,Brad “Old School” and the Intimmidator,have all been helpful too…..Humble Bob is really cool,i talk to him probaly the most…..we are like the opening band,we get there early and entertain,untill the superstars get there,then we just have fun,and try and learn from them…Have A Nice Day
mike landrich said
November 9, 2007 @ 12:33 am
Using McCain’s logic, offensive linemen in the NFL shouldn’t get paid, since most people can’t name them. If you don’t entice the rest of the eaters, the stars will look foolish only competing against each other.
SuperPaul said
November 9, 2007 @ 7:05 am
Unknown?? Didn’t you see me blurred, standing way back in the background for 3 seconds during the Krystal contest…all my relatives almost recognized me…..and wait until Hungry and Focused IV comes out, that cover art will be the Schnizzle!!
SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)
November 9, 2007 @ 7:38 am
Good Point Mike,GO! Mid Table Munchers,,,thats sounds naughty,lol
Mega Munch said
November 9, 2007 @ 8:11 am
I just don’t know how you can argue against payouts to 7th or 8th place. The amount of money off the top is MINIMAL (in fact, keep the top prize as is and shave some cash off the second and third place totals if you want).
I’ll say the same thing over on MM, but my guess is McCain is inside the IFOCE, because I can’t believe an eater would NOT want to reward (even in a miniscule way) the hard work and passion of lower ranked guys.
William "Mack" McCain said
November 9, 2007 @ 11:57 am
mike landrich,
You just don’t get it. Offensive linemen are paid to perform an entirely different set of skills than quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. Duh, they should be paid even if people can’t name them. You are performing the same skill that Joey Chesnut performs, but you are performing it at a really awful level. You do not deserve to be paid yet.
I think you want the sponsor to pay 10 spots because you think it gives you a chance to win money finally. You are greedy taking something you don’t deserve. I think you would ask a sponsor to pay 20 spots if you only thought you could finish 20th.
Sports aren’t charities. Athletes need to earn things. Just because people show up once or twice, and say they love a sport doesn’t mean the sport should subsidize their enjoyment of it.
Philly Guy said
November 9, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
So only the top 3 three teams in a leauge should pay their players.
Carey said
November 9, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
Will, like the lineman in this ongoing scenario, the eaters are required to sign a contract, so they should be compensated. If they don’t want to compensate out farther down the table, perhaps they should only require those that get paid out to sign the contract. I know this argument is a dead horse, but here is another unique point about it that should be raised.
SuperPaul said
November 9, 2007 @ 5:29 pm
I wanna be a defensive lineman, not a pulling guard
mike landrich said
November 9, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
Mack
I do get it. I was responding to your “the bottom line is I don’t know who you are.” comment. That implies that being wellknown equals getting paid. The rest of your rant is off-topic. I’ll only reply to one thing “Sports aren’t charities. Athletes need to earn things. Just because people show up once or twice, and say they love a sport doesn’t mean the sport should subsidize their enjoyment of it.” Neither IFOCE nor the sponsors are charities, so why should the competitors subsidize the show by spending a lot of their own money to compete, without a chance of winning anything back? Maybe if you competed, you’d understand that.
SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)
November 9, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
HAHAHA,Super Paul that was funny…..my buddy USMALE wants to be a Tight End not a Wide Reciever…..HAHAHA Just Playing Dave,you better laugh….once again worlds of wisdom from Mike (Maybe if you competed, you’d understand that.) so true
USMALE said (Registered September 4, 2007)
November 10, 2007 @ 8:09 am
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH