double POSITIVE Marketing Group, Inc.

Engineers are always looking to find solutions to a problem – even if no real problem exists.  This is true with all walks of engineers, from mechanical to electrical to computer science.  One thing I’ve noticed over the years is if you tell an engineer that you can create a more elegant/efficient/out of the box solution then them, the first words out of their mouth is normally some form of “you must be joking, and you’re not funny.”  This type of competition can not only find the best solution available but it can be fun as well.

However, realistically speaking there’s normally not the time or resources to have these types of competition within a technology development team.  Additionally, it may not be the greatest idea to pit developers in a team against each other.  Individuals can partake in the many other venues for development competition from grass-roots user groups to the likes of Google, but it’s less personal than a direct competition.

So how can engineers settle such a trivial yet important contest?

Enter Pumpkin’ Chunkin’.  If you haven’t heard about this sport the idea is simple: find a way to throw a pumpkin go as far as possible.  The Science Channel is current showing a program for the 2010 Pumpkin’ Chunkin’ World Championships.  There’s also a website with plenty of pictures/video/information - http://www.punkinchunkin.com/.  If you haven’t seen it, I highly suggest taking a look.

All that being said, I’d like to send out an open invitation.  If you have a team of engineers (actual or self-titled) that want to go head-to-head with the team here at DoublePositive, here’s your chance.  Pumpkin’ chunkin’ isn’t the only venue.  Got a different idea?  Have some other engineering challenge?  Bring it on.

-Chris

Developer, Trebuchet Connoisseur