To the
WHINGERS expressing their displeasure, all I can say is suck it up, shut up and grow up.
Trying to impose your sense of justice on a competition that was clearly spelled out at the beginning sounds like sour grapes.
As I said before, it is no secret that Dave has an interest in nurturing the next generation of EE's. The video competition allowed just that. Membership of the EEVblog wasn't necessary - but it's a good chance they were watching to find out about the competition.
The EE world is bigger than the EEVblog - and it would seem rather obvious that Dave is well aware of this and is happy to engage with anyone who has the interest - and in the case of this competition, the energy to put together a video - rather than hold a narrow, parochial attitude.
Also, by making three of the scopes available to people who were not members of the EEVblog, he has attracted more interest - which could attract more membership with broader reach and greater engagement.
It might save trouble by stating some guidelines up front... aimed at students etc. since that seems to be the criteria being applied.
I don't think that would have been appropriate. While Dave might have
liked to see a scope go to a student, as I see it, he could have chosen a video that did NOT fit that profile - but gave a compelling reason for selection. Dave's "conditions" gave him the freedom to choose however he saw fit. He did. I don't have a problem with that.
Dave - don't let the turkeys get you down. There are a great many of us who appreciate your efforts.