While June is still with us, we're trying to figure out if there's a good, inspiring contest to be had within the theme of Pet Month in July. As always, contests are our mechanism for prodding people to submit their good ideas and show off their domestic achievements so that others will be similarly inspired.
Right now we're thinking of asking people to submit their favorite Pet Design in two divisions: DIY and Professional. For example, if you've created the perfect birdcage that's DIY and if you've found the sexiest dogbed, that's professional. But we're open to your comments on the matter.
What would you like to see people contribute?
I wonder if there's any way to work cost into it. Pet design is very hot these days, with DWR even jumping into the realm, but most of the really great designs that I've seen are just way too expensive for most people. I guess I shouldn't generalize - they're way more than I want to spend on my two dogs, lovely as they are. I'd love to see great design (DIY or professional) that is not cost prohibitive.
This subject couldn't come at a better time. Days ago, I regained custody of my cat. I want to see stylish and affordable solutions for cat beds, scratchers, litterboxes, etc. Honestly, litterboxes and cat trees are ugly sights. I love Elizabeth Paige Smith's Kittypod http://www.kittypod.com/, but who has $320 to spend? Can someone come up with a DIY Kittypod?
I think it should be DIY only. I have much more fun co-opting ideas from individual people's creativity than looking over a professionally designed product or implementation.
Since different species of pets have different needs, why not have different categories like:
1. Aquatic - fish, toitles, coral, etc...
2. Dog
3. Cat
4. Barnyard - piggies, horses, goats, etc...
The last one may be iffy since this is APT-therapy. Just throwing it out there.
Please don't limit to DIY, that would discriminate against those of us who are DIY-impaired. Classifying by type of critter, like Thomas says, might be good.
There might also the Design/product realm vs. the Idea realm, like ingenious ways to get rid of smells and fleas.
While I think that there should be an area for purchased items, I don't think they should be included in the contest.
That's basically like having a contest based on who has more disposable income and can afford a $300.00 cardboard cat pod.