We identified very quickly after launch that we were going to have tremendous demand, much more than we mistakenly identifed in our pre-launch planning phase, and that a clickfest would be unpopular and unfair to some without broadband. We knew there were different ways to sell the tickets and agreed that we would trial a ballot for event 1. Subsequently we agreed that we used first come, first served for event 2. By setting a window and not a single time we think we have a system that avoids the downsides of a clickfest and the randomness of a ballot.
Although the ballot is random - it's fair. Everyone who wants to play has an equal chance of being selected. This is not the case with the 'ticket office' approach for the next event.
Then there is the question of those who don't make it into one event - how to ensure that they get to play at least 1 in 2 (or 1-in-3 or 1-in-4) events. That goes back to what I said about the London Marathon entry process. Every year they have over 100,000 people applying for 30,000 places. Not everyone's going to be happy. They don't operate on a fastest finger approach, and instead use the ballot process. After a certain number of unsuccessful applications you are guaranteed entry.
So yes, people will be disappointed - but only by the result of their application, not by the process which is fair. They will also have the knowledge that they will be guaranteed entry somewhere down the line.
so how many apat members are there at this moment?
just so i can put into perspective what the chance of getting a seat is?
Cheers
into four figures
Personally, I think there will be seats available after day 1...my figure above includes those who play the online events only, for some Newcastle will be too far etc
Remember Daniel was way down the reserve list for Event 1 and got in anyway.
I did get in from 69th position on the reserve list - so I was fortunate to get a place. I'd also resigned myself to not being able to play, but accepted that as fair, and the ballot as being the most equal way of allocating places.
If the Newcastle event was a ballot and I didn't get a seat, I would also view that as fair.
However, this weekend I'm away - and will hopefully have Internet access on Saturday evening (if the hotel has it) - otherwise it will be late Sunday night or Monday morning. For me it would be beneficial if it was on Monday so I could access the site whilst I'm at work. But that might not help someone else who can't access the site during the day. Which is why I think the ballot system is fairer - as it doesn't matter when people can make the application, just as long as they do.
The ballot system can be tweaked and tailored to make it work even better, e.g. to take into account people who have played online events, finished in the points (as another prize - they still have to pay, but they get a guaranteed place), those who busted out early in a previous event (like a wooden spoon prize), etc.
All in all though, this isn't an issue for anyone to lose any sleep over. The APAT and the events are bigger than this one issue, and it will undoubtedly be a success if some of us on here can't make this event.
All debate and opinion is good to help the APAT make the best decisions, and that's what forums are for.
Or something like that.
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