The HDA is back in Walla Walla...what shall become of it?

[Adina P]

Since I've got the HDA medal in my possession, I thought this might be the best time to address its future.  (There will be a future, we just have to decide what that is)

For those new to Doodle Kisses, first, I want to share with you a little history about this prestigious title and award given only to the most dedicated Doodle Kisses members ;-)

It all started in the spring of 2009.  I thought it might be fun to award our most active participants and start a fun tradition so I had a trophy made with the title of "Hopeless Doodle Addict" to go along with our in site activity-based ranking system (see the leaderboard).  At the time I was the "top" HDA (recently usurped by 4 others!!!) and sent it to the person with the next highest participation points along with a couple of trinkets that said something about me along with a note in a small notebook. (Read the first post on this here.)

(Note the black beauty in this photo is not Boca, but the late great Thule.  She would be 11 by now)

The recipient was to take a photo with the trophy and their doodles, keep the gifts, and send on the trophy, notebook and gift to the next person in line...and so on ad infinitum.

We kept track of who got it next with our leaderboard, which worked well for a long time.  Along the way, the trophy broke, got repaired and broke again so we auctioned it off and replaced it with an HDA medal

This Thursday I was lucky enough to get the HDA medal and a box of goodies delivered to me at the Walla Walla Romp by Nancy on behalf of Maryann, Roo and Tigger (click on their name to see an example of what happens if you get the HDA medal!).  

In my goodie box were: a stuffed squeeky toy for Rosco and for Boca, a big box of poop bags, a collapsable water/food bowl for each, bandanas for each, two treat bags, and collar lights for each.  Thank you Maryann! 

So now we have to decide what we'll do next.  You may have heard we're changing website platforms in July.  With this change means we will no longer have the leaderboard and rankings will vanish.  While we can record who's who on the last day of the old platform, that won't do for the future.  So please have your input.  How shall we continue this tradition? 

One possibility is that we just make it go to whoever responds first (and wants it and hasn't had it yet) to each person's "I've got the HDA post."  And because sending big boxes is pricey, we can also consider limiting the size so nobody feels that they either have to one-up the last box of goodies or bow out.  It's all up for discussion.  Comment away!

 

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[Adina P]

And by the way...any chance the next person on the list is in SoCal?  I'm coming that way very soon! 

[Amy and Annabelle]

I still had another 3000 points to go for HDA rank. But I would vote for keeping it simple with a price range. When I saw what was being sent, I knew I couldn't do that. Looked like some probably spent upwards of $50 or more, then add in the shipping and it is way out of this retired doodle mama's price range. A gift for the doodles is nice, but some have more than one.

[Kathy Janes]

I always longed for the opportunity to win, but I guess I never had as much time to spend as many others have.  I don't think I'm even close, after being a member for about 8 years!  That's what full time work does to you.  I still love DoodleKisses, and whatever happens with the award, it was really a great thing while it lasted!. I've seen lots of very fun photos posted as a result of the award.  The people in DoodleKisses are all the very best!

[Adina P]

Kathy Janes! Your job is more important than DK??? :-O
We are glad to have you here when you have time. Now I have to go check to see how many points you've got.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I personally have been offered the HDA a couple times, but declined because since recently retiring I didn't really feel comfortable spending what I'd like to to be able to forward the award to someone else. So many of the awards have included wonderful gifts, and that's okay. I just didn't think it would be fair to accept more than I was comfortable giving.
Just my thoughts.

[Adina P]

Thank you so much for saying that. That increases my confidence in a $ limit. Would you feel comfortable accepting with a $ cap on spending for the gift?

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Absolutely. I'm sure there are others who would as well. I'll spend whatever it takes for my doodles, but otherwise I prefer to curb my spending. Early retirement has it's downside. ;-)

[Amy and Annabelle]

Exactly, I spend what it takes for Annabelle and even room for a second one. I also have 2 grand kids I love to dote on. That leaves a little that I am comfortable spending on HDA gifts. There were some awesome gifts given, and I would love to be able to pass the same great gifts on, but I can't. So while I was looking forward to the rank, I would have had to pass on the medal and gifts as well. It wouldn't have been fair for me to have sent anything less. I am right there with you in early retirement. We retired in our mid 50's. I hope we have another 30 years left so we have to budget wisely.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Amy, just a side note, isn't early retirement the best?!
We are living our dream now.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Great photo. Yes, early retirement is the best. A lot less money, but a lot more fun.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I do think a dollar limit is appropriate as there are many Doodle lovers that would like to participate but can not justify spending a lot of money and would feel uncomfortable accepting more than they can give back.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I agree with a dollar limit or at least a range, $5-$15.00 maybe. Some will be less threaten by the idea that spending $5 is ok.  It did get a little expensive and there is the "keeping up with the Jones" aspect to it or there had been years ago.  I was working when I got my HDA, so not such a struggle, but like Sherri and Leslie, we are retired now, so funds only go so far.  I don't even buy my dogs much anymore.  

AS for how to choose the next HDA. How about the post that got the most reply's. Other than the posters reply's I'd think, over say a 3 month period.? That would give the new HDA time to get a package together and ship it.