^ I know you are saying the above to lighten the mood and that is cool. Just in case, it's not bickering. Some of these builds require a serious commitment of time and money. They can put a strain on your family and other obligations too. One doesn't want to do all that, just to be told later they were not totally compliant. That is why a few of us care so much.
I just realized a stupidly easy solution for just my case. It was right in front of me, but I didn't realize it. Here it is:
Please reclassify my entry to the machine category. I only have average home owner tools, but I would like to use them in any way I dream up and not risk being accused of bending the rules later.
If the above is possible, I would appreciate it very much.
I’m on it, I’m on it. I’ve already used a drill press in several different ways, none of which involved any drilling, so I hope the rules don’t change too much.
Thanks _the_ and judges for your consideration and follow up. The confusion started when the "how a tool is used" concept was adopted. I'm guessing that is still the case since it doesn't seem to be specifically addressed. Obviously, Lancman didn't use guides in the example above, so it didn't seem to be any where near a grey area based on my understanding of RBD's interpretation of the rules.
It doesn't seem to matter though because it sounds like any Hand Made contestant that pushes the limits will just be reassigned to the Machine Category with out any negative repercussions. Is that why there has been no response to my request that my entry to be reclassified?
I was just looking back at O-L’s build thread for the prize light he built last year. I had to laugh inside, when I reached the end of his beamshots and saw this line:
Not to in any way put down that light (it is still awesome looking and I’d be proud to own one) but, if you’ve been watching his builds over the past year, you know how funny that line is.
I'm not going to ask a 4th time to be reclassified to the machine category as it apparently is too difficult to cut and paste my name a few lines down. Instead of saying please, I will just say withdraw me from this "contest". I do not have the time or energy to put hundreds of hours and dollars in the name of this contest when a simple, reasonable, request made more than once can not be honored. I didn't introduce vague nuances into this contest, but I guess questioning them crossed an unspoken line.
I wish the best to the contestants! I'll continue to root for you as you are the real contributors and true spirit to this event due to the amount of time, money, sweat, and (sometimes) blood that you invest.
He probably just forgot, it happens sometimes. You could just go ahead and continue your build as if machine made. I’m sure it would get corrected sooner or later.
..but this time I just didn't understand it correctly, I guess.
[quote=ImA4Wheelr]
^ Thank you. I will now commence planning proper.
[/quote]
^^ At this point I thought that you would be ok with "just be reassigned to the Machine Category with out any negative repercussions", but that was obviously a misunderstanding. I'm very sorry about that. Please accept my sincere apologies.
I'll do that right away, before I forget.
We would really love to see you joining / staying in the competition. But I also understand if you feel really bad about my misunderstanding, are not able to accept my apologies, and still want to be withdrawn. [In that unfortunate case, please repeat your request to be withdrawn.]
I appreciate your explanation and apology _the_ and, of course, accept them. I also appreciate your urging me to stay in the contest. I just don't have the energy to gin back up for it. So please withdraw me from this year's competition. You have a great group of competitors and prizes. So it will be a good and entertaining one. Best wishes on it.