Deck Of The Year: Category ideas

[john]

Aetherians!
Or whatever you wanna be called...

I need your help!

Once again myself and a few others will be running Deck Of The Year. But we need new categories. As of right now the categories are...

Best Back:
Best Fronts:
Best representation of deck name:
Best Customized:
Best Jokers:
Best Box:
Best Ace of Spades:
Most Worth The Hype:

Worst Backs:
Worst Fronts:
Worst representation of deck name:
Worst Customized:
Worst Jokers:
Worst Box:
Worst Ace of Spades:
Most Over Hyped:

Overall best:
Overall worst:

That being said I ask you, the people of aether, to comment below with original categories for DOTY. The favorite ones will be selected to appear in DOTY 2012 coming late December.



HUGE UPDATE: moonexe "Alex" and I have looked at the categories and we picked the ones we liked best, as of 11/18/12 here are the categories for DOTY:

Best Back:
Best Fronts:
Best Customization:
Best Jokers:
Best Box:
Best Ace of Spades:
Most Worth The Hype:
Best price value:

NEGATIVE POINTS
Worst Backs:
Worst Fronts:
Worst Customization:
Worst Jokers:
Worst Box:
Worst Ace of Spades:
Most Over Hyped:
Worst price value:

EXTRAS
Best deck trailer:
Best brick box:
Best marked/tricked deck:
Best side product release alongside a deck:

-And a fun facts section to be kept secret-

[loldudex2]

Most worth it/ most overpriced.

Best series continuations/ worst series continuations

Best/ Worst Kickstarter

How about one category for the company with the best decks/ worst decks.

Best/ Worst Handling

Best Fan/ Giant fan

Coolest uncut sheet



Some of them are kinda dumb, but they are just a few suggestions.

[moon.exe]

Most/least appropriate price
Most/least innovation
Best/worst use of design standards

Handling is 90% placebo effect and brings an extreme bias into the whole thing
Series and kickstarter categories are unfair because some decks are elligible while others are not
Coolest uncut... Highly irrelevant if you ask me

[Don Boyer]

Personally, call me a radical, but I'd rather drop the "worst" categories altogether.  Have you ever seen anyone win an Academy Award for Worst Female Actor in a Supporting Role?

I think handling could be broken out into two categories: best handling fresh out of the pack and best handling over time.  Of course it will all be subjective, but this entire thing is from start to finish, so it doesn't really matter that much in the grand scheme of things.

[john]

Personally, call me a radical, but I'd rather drop the "worst" categories altogether.  Have you ever seen anyone win an Academy Award for Worst Female Actor in a Supporting Role?

Well... to be fair i haven't seen an Academy Award for the Worst Female Actor, but i have seen a Golden Raspberry for the Worst Female Actor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Raspberry_Award

[Don Boyer]

Personally, call me a radical, but I'd rather drop the "worst" categories altogether.  Have you ever seen anyone win an Academy Award for Worst Female Actor in a Supporting Role?

Well... to be fair i haven't seen an Academy Award for the Worst Female Actor, but i have seen a Golden Raspberry for the Worst Female Actor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Raspberry_Award

I know about the Razzies - I was a film major in college for a while! 

I just thought it better to leave out the negatives and focus on the positives.  Besides, if they're that bad, why give them additional free publicity?

[sr15]

Personally, call me a radical, but I'd rather drop the "worst" categories altogether.  Have you ever seen anyone win an Academy Award for Worst Female Actor in a Supporting Role?

Well... to be fair i haven't seen an Academy Award for the Worst Female Actor, but i have seen a Golden Raspberry for the Worst Female Actor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Raspberry_Award

I know about the Razzies - I was a film major in college for a while! 

I just thought it better to leave out the negatives and focus on the positives.  Besides, if they're that bad, why give them additional free publicity?

because it's fun to rip on bad decks? I don't think publicity would affect anything too much. In films, people might be tempted to watch a film given a razzy because bad films can be entertaining solely because of the fact that they're bad. (look at "The Room" and its huge cult following). If you buy a deck because it won a "worst" category, all you're getting is a crappy deck of cards.

[xela]

How the fuck is there no best deck trailer category? Look at the trailer we made for the Vortex deck, that shit has become the standard for independent decks. Then take a look at what E and T11 do. Fucking movie trailers for decks. It's epic, it's amazing, and they deserve some credit for how far they've come from back when their trailers used to look like the Vortex one. (Sorry I've only watched my own trailer when it comes to independent design, so I'm using it as an example).

I specifically remember the Artifice trailer, hoooooooooooooooooooooooooly shit balls.

[jmrock]

Far to many kickstarter decks to be able to qualify one for the 'worst deck' category... Except for a few exceptions, go practice the linking cards with the lot of them... However, given the success of the $146,000 Monarch rip off deck, you know the one with the snake and sword and similar writing and line art, I don't think we'll be seeing an end to kickstarter garbage anytime soon...

[loldudex2]

I know this won't apply to most decks, but how about a category for best seal? Not many decks customize their seals, but when they do, it's awesome!

[Don Boyer]

Far to many kickstarter decks to be able to qualify one for the 'worst deck' category... Except for a few exceptions, go practice the linking cards with the lot of them... However, given the success of the $146,000 Monarch rip off deck, you know the one with the snake and sword and similar writing and line art, I don't think we'll be seeing an end to kickstarter garbage anytime soon...

That's kind of harsh.  I liked the Pedale deck, and a lot more work went into making that than the Monarchs.  The Monarchs aren't 100% custom like that one is.


Loldudex2, I like the seal idea.  Would you include wax seals as well as stamps/stickers?

[loldudex2]

Far to many kickstarter decks to be able to qualify one for the 'worst deck' category... Except for a few exceptions, go practice the linking cards with the lot of them... However, given the success of the $146,000 Monarch rip off deck, you know the one with the snake and sword and similar writing and line art, I don't think we'll be seeing an end to kickstarter garbage anytime soon...

That's kind of harsh.  I liked the Pedale deck, and a lot more work went into making that than the Monarchs.  The Monarchs aren't 100% custom like that one is.


Loldudex2, I like the seal idea.  Would you include wax seals as well as stamps/stickers?

If you wanted, but other then the Ogma, Skulkor, and Hornets, I can't think of any other. Besides, isn't the Hornetsthe only one of the three that actually seals the deck?

[Don Boyer]

Far to many kickstarter decks to be able to qualify one for the 'worst deck' category... Except for a few exceptions, go practice the linking cards with the lot of them... However, given the success of the $146,000 Monarch rip off deck, you know the one with the snake and sword and similar writing and line art, I don't think we'll be seeing an end to kickstarter garbage anytime soon...

That's kind of harsh.  I liked the Pedale deck, and a lot more work went into making that than the Monarchs.  The Monarchs aren't 100% custom like that one is.


Loldudex2, I like the seal idea.  Would you include wax seals as well as stamps/stickers?

If you wanted, but other then the Ogma, Skulkor, and Hornets, I can't think of any other. Besides, isn't the Hornetsthe only one of the three that actually seals the deck?

It wouldn't be necessary to break it out into a separate category - just count it with all the other more basic deck seals.

[RandyButterfield]

What about "Best Brick Box" and "Best use of Borders"? 

thanks, Randy

[twiscold]

best marking system since more than one deck followed the step of WLs, but we all know the answer so nvm

[Don Boyer]

best marking system since more than one deck followed the step of WLs, but we all know the answer so nvm

No, I'd say that's still a good and valid category.  Remember there's been a lot of marked deck releases this year.  I'm personally interested in getting my hands on the Maiden Back version of the Gambler's Deck - I own the Rider Back version and it's a fun little system.  I'm also waiting for some genius to create the Ultimate Marked Deck in either Mandolin or Maiden Back.

Hey - separate from marked decks: favorite trick deck release.

And another, a poll question: of the Maiden and Mandolin Backs, which do you prefer?

[twiscold]

Speaking of Maiden, my friend got them awhile ago from Vegas and at the time they weren't publicly released. i totally forgot about them, it is released now right?

[Don Boyer]

Speaking of Maiden, my friend got them awhile ago from Vegas and at the time they weren't publicly released. i totally forgot about them, it is released now right?

I forgot where but I did spot them at an online magic shop.  They're not cheap, but if they're like the Bike version I have now, it's worth it to a practicing magician.  It's not everyday you can find a deck that's stripped, marked, stacked and not butt ugly and dead obvious like a DeLand...

[john]

Great ideas everyone but we still need alot more. If you have new ideas please post them, if new people have ideas also post em.

Thank you so much!

[jmrock]

What about "Best Brick Box" and "Best use of Borders"? 

thanks, Randy

Hmmm... Randy, who on earth do you think had the best brick box???  Oh yes, I see the wink now... You have my vote... BTW you have anything in the works for a second release?

[MrMollusk]

How about best gimmick?
There were lots of decks that relied on them to get out.

[Joker and the Thief]

Keep it simple. Guys it would be easier just to have three categories.

Category 1: Design
Category 2: Collectibility
Category 3: Handling

Let people send in 1 choice for each category, tally them and then announce the decks. Runners for each up wouldn't be a bad idea either.

[moon.exe]

Keep it simple. Guys it would be easier just to have three categories.

Category 1: Design
Category 2: Collectibility
Category 3: Handling

...Anyone with common sense knows that 6/9 is more accurate than 2/3.

[Joker and the Thief]

Keep it simple. Guys it would be easier just to have three categories.

Category 1: Design
Category 2: Collectibility
Category 3: Handling

...Anyone with common sense knows that 6/9 is more accurate than 2/3.

... It's the same fraction though...

[moon.exe]

I said common sense, not 6th grade math :/
Less factors involved in decision = less accurate results

[Don Boyer]

Oi!  Guys!

We don't need no stinkin' math!

It's simple - think "Academy Awards".  Best this, best that, etc.  Categories.  "Loveliest pips", "Best use of metallic ink", "Best embossed/debossed box", "Smelliest finish", etc.

I'm pretty sure John has the basic math part of it all under control.  You guys got nothing to worry about; he's a professional... 

(Bonus points if you can ID the quote...)

[John B.]

I think its Ferris Bueller

[john]

Oi!  Guys!

We don't need no stinkin' math!

It's simple - think "Academy Awards".  Best this, best that, etc.  Categories.  "Loveliest pips", "Best use of metallic ink", "Best embossed/debossed box", "Smelliest finish", etc.

I'm pretty sure John has the basic math part of it all under control.  You guys got nothing to worry about; he's a professional... 

(Bonus points if you can ID the quote...)

I iz teh professional 

And as don and moon said its all about numbers. The more things you have to do the more people would want to participate. Numbers boy numbers!

[Don Boyer]

I think its Ferris Bueller

(touches finger to nose...)

I iz teh professional 

To quote Cameron Frye, "A professional what?" 

I still like my smelliest finish idea...  Some of these decks really reek.  Fortunately, my wife actually finds the smell appealing... 

[john]

I still like my smelliest finish idea...  Some of these decks really reek.  Fortunately, my wife actually finds the smell appealing... 

Does she also like the smell of chloroform?

[moon.exe]

Eh... Idunno, there's the regular card smell and the magic finish smell. Did I miss something?

[Don Boyer]

I still like my smelliest finish idea...  Some of these decks really reek.  Fortunately, my wife actually finds the smell appealing... 

Does she also like the smell of chloroform?

Ya killin' me here! 

Eh... Idunno, there's the regular card smell and the magic finish smell. Did I miss something?

Sometimes the inks can also affect the smell.

[Joker and the Thief]

I said common sense, not 6th grade math :/
Less factors involved in decision = less accurate results

I know, sorry just trying to contribute to this somehow. It's seems like there is a massive flood of categories. 145th deck announcement " ...and now for the deck that has had the MOST positive feedback!" Just kidding if numbers is what you want then how about these; Cheapest Deck or most time consuming design

[john]

I said common sense, not 6th grade math :/
Less factors involved in decision = less accurate results

I know, sorry just trying to contribute to this somehow. It's seems like there is a massive flood of categories. 145th deck announcement " ...and now for the deck that has had the MOST positive feedback!" Just kidding if numbers is what you want then how about these; Cheapest Deck or most time consuming design

Cheapest deck in terms of what, quality, design, actual price?

[Joker and the Thief]

I said common sense, not 6th grade math :/
Less factors involved in decision = less accurate results

I know, sorry just trying to contribute to this somehow. It's seems like there is a massive flood of categories. 145th deck announcement " ...and now for the deck that has had the MOST positive feedback!" Just kidding if numbers is what you want then how about these; Cheapest Deck or most time consuming design

Cheapest deck in terms of what, quality, design, actual price?

Price. Maybe hard to do. But the lowest price of a deck. If that's not possible, the highest.

[Don Boyer]

I said common sense, not 6th grade math :/
Less factors involved in decision = less accurate results

I know, sorry just trying to contribute to this somehow. It's seems like there is a massive flood of categories. 145th deck announcement " ...and now for the deck that has had the MOST positive feedback!" Just kidding if numbers is what you want then how about these; Cheapest Deck or most time consuming design

Cheapest deck in terms of what, quality, design, actual price?

Price. Maybe hard to do. But the lowest price of a deck. If that's not possible, the highest.

Too easy - The Lee Asher Jerry's Nuggets at the highest tier - second place would be D&D's Jerry's Nuggets at $350 a pack.


Price is too variable.  But if you do talk about cheapest/costliest in terms of design and cheapest/costliest in terms of manufacture, then you have something.  But we wouldn't know the actual prices of these, so we'd simply have to state them as "cheapest looking" or "costliest looking".  Or cheapest/costliest feel.  Or both.

[john]

Has to be done to stay relevant.

[MrMollusk]

Eh... Idunno, there's the regular card smell and the magic finish smell. Did I miss something?

Most of the weird smells that I got weren't from companies based in the US like D&D or Ellusionist. The Ghoul Note, on the other hand, had a pretty... interesting smell. Most of the decks printed out of the USPC have those.

[john]

Sorreh for the bump again guys but this is the last ditch effort to get some more category ideas.

[Don Boyer]

Eh... Idunno, there's the regular card smell and the magic finish smell. Did I miss something?

Most of the weird smells that I got weren't from companies based in the US like D&D or Ellusionist. The Ghoul Note, on the other hand, had a pretty... interesting smell. Most of the decks printed out of the USPC have those.

New E decks probably have the same smell - they've moved completely to using Magic Finish under the name Performance Coating.  That was the name USPC made for it when they were first testing it with E - personally I think it sounds much classier.  I mean really, how suspicious would you be of a deck that said "Magic Finish" on the box? 

Sorreh for the bump again guys but this is the last ditch effort to get some more category ideas.

Here's an idea - list the ideas that we've offered and that you have in mind.  It'll give us an idea of where we stand so far and make it easier to see any category gaps.

[moon.exe]

New E decks probably have the same smell - they've moved completely to using Magic Finish under the name Performance Coating.  That was the name USPC made for it when they were first testing it with E - personally I think it sounds much classier.  I mean really, how suspicious would you be of a deck that said "Magic Finish" on the box? 

Not only is it classier(and much less cheesy), it's also a lot more accurate, considering that it is in fact a coating
The word "finish" is far too misleading IMO.

[Don Boyer]

Not only is it classier(and much less cheesy), it's also a lot more accurate, considering that it is in fact a coating
The word "finish" is far too misleading IMO.

They probably adopted the term from the furniture industry, where a finish would be a layer of some kind of clear or semi-clear varnish or wax in order to preserve the wood and its shine.  Playing cards with coating on them probably came around at a time when coated paper of any kind was practically unheard of it was such a new innovation.

So, John - where's that list!? 

[john]

So, John - where's that list!? 

Moon is working on it as i type this. Hes on the team ya know

Where is the video of your collection?

[Don Boyer]

So, John - where's that list!? 

Moon is working on it as i type this. Hes on the team ya know

Where is the video of your collection?

That's a story for another category...  It could take some time.  It's a big collection.

[moon.exe]

They probably adopted the term from the furniture industry, where a finish would be a layer of some kind of clear or semi-clear varnish or wax in order to preserve the wood and its shine.  Playing cards with coating on them probably came around at a time when coated paper of any kind was practically unheard of it was such a new innovation.

I'm not sure about furniture, but as far as guitars are concerned, "finishing" also includes the dyes, paints, etc. used before the clear coat. Ink anyone?

So, John - where's that list!? 

On John's behalf(because I've been helping with the whole thing), here's the current list:

POSITIVE POINTS
Best Back:
Best Faces:
Best Customization:
Best Jokers:
Best Box:
Best Ace of Spades:
Most Worth The Hype:
Best price value:

NEGATIVE POINTS
Worst Backs:
Worst Faces:
Worst Customization:
Worst Jokers:
Worst Box:
Worst Ace of Spades:
Most Over-Hyped:
Worst price value:

EXTRAS
Best Deck Trailer:
Best Brick Box:
Best Marked/Tricked Deck:
Best Side Product Released Alongside a Deck:

-And a fun facts section to be kept secret-

[Don Boyer]

I'm not sure about furniture, but as far as guitars are concerned, "finishing" also includes the dyes, paints, etc. used before the clear coat. Ink anyone?

It could be different for musical instruments, considering they require a much higher level of craftsmanship.

On John's behalf(because I've been helping with the whole thing), here's the current list:

POSITIVE POINTS
Best Back:
Best Faces:
Best Customization:
Best Jokers:
Best Box:
Best Ace of Spades:
Most Worth The Hype:
Best price value:

NEGATIVE POINTS
Worst Backs:
Worst Faces:
Worst Customization:
Worst Jokers:
Worst Box:
Worst Ace of Spades:
Most Over-Hyped:
Worst price value:

EXTRAS
Best Deck Trailer:
Best Brick Box:
Best Marked/Tricked Deck:
Best Side Product Released Alongside a Deck:

-And a fun facts section to be kept secret-

Looking forward to those fun facts!  But now you're gonna make me go and REMEMBER which decks came out this year?  Ugh...

Oh, new category - favorite deck you purchased this year.  It could have been made any year, but you have to have purchased it on or since January 1, 2012.  I'm betting that will generate some awesome responses!

[John B.]

yes, you can do best and worse purchase.

[Don Boyer]

yes, you can do best and worse purchase.

I'm glad that I have your permission... 

[moon.exe]

Oh, new category - favorite deck you purchased this year.  It could have been made any year, but you have to have purchased it on or since January 1, 2012.  I'm betting that will generate some awesome responses!

I like the idea, we could make it an extra. I'll wait for John's word.

[John B.]

yes, you can do best and worse purchase.

I'm glad that I have your permission... 

I did not mean it that way, I was trying to state I like the idea, I was agreeing with you.

[vmagic]

Does anyone have a complete list of all the decks that came out this year? Would be nice to know.

[Don Boyer]

yes, you can do best and worse purchase.

I'm glad that I have your permission... 

I did not mean it that way, I was trying to state I like the idea, I was agreeing with you.

Dude - I get it.  I was joking.  See the smiley?

Does anyone have a complete list of all the decks that came out this year? Would be nice to know.

Closest thing to that on this site would be in the old posts on the NDR - and I'm certain there are gaps.