TTF Euro Coaster Poll 2011-12

[Sam]

I don't think Alton coasters should be included. Even if we trust our own members to vote fairly, it would harm the external credibility of the poll if we allow Alton coasters in, in a contest run by an Alton fansite. And also, Nemesis would win every year hands down which would get a bit dull.

I do think they should be included in the final though as "extra options", not to be placed in the final rankings just just to see where they'd come in the top ten if they were allowed in!

[captain]

First of all thank you to Dan and Chris (and John) for running it again this year and improving the format. I haven't been able to contribute half as much as I've wanted to but it's been interesting to watch. I'm pleased with iSpeed's position (was rooting for its win), and overall I think the top ten are a fairly good consensus of TTF's varying coaster preferences.

While I respect the decision that Alton's coasters aren't included to avoid fanboy votes, is there any other reason why they shouldn't appear in next year's poll? I'd like to think that TTFers, especially the ones that take part in this, are open-minded enough to look at them objectively and sensibly compare them with coasters on the continent. Yes, even Nemesis.

I'm really not keen on this idea. I can entirely see the sentiment behind it, but for one I really don't think people would vote as rationally as they do when AT's coasters are not included. Just as the British factor results in mediocre rides performing far better than they probably otherwise would, the Alton factor would result in the coasters doing stupidly well. I'd place money on Rita coming above Desert Race, and Thirteen coming above Polar Xplorer.

I may be lambasted for saying this, but I've often felt some of AT's rides are judged according to how they once were, rather than how they are presented now - Hex and Oblivion are the prime examples. Hex is allegedly a world class dark ride, yet it no longer has any atmosphere, it's broken, the story is never resolved and the effects never work. Yet most people cling onto this legend of it being the best thing ever.

Oblivion is in a similar situation, although luckily the ride itself performs as expected. But the whole atmosphere of X Sector is muted, the queueline isn't half as foreboding as it once was, the pre-drop sound effect is gone, the whole coaster looks tattered. I think that Krake, with its 2012 theming (those incredible teeth around the first drop) will be more foreboding, and probably a better coaster overall now. Yet again I am sure Oblivion would make it to the last 10, beating many of the current top ten.

Obviously this is all my opinion and conjecture, yet I think its a significant possibility. I don't even think it can be helped - people may think they are being objective and rational, but almost always personal feelings come through. It's always much easier to judge something if you have been on it, and if it's at your favourite park, you ride it fairly often and love it - it will be voted higher.

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All that said - the main reason I wouldn't want Alton's coasters included is because the annual coaster poll gives such a good opportunity to look at other coasters and discuss them at length, with relatively little AT discussion. It's so refreshing. Everyone gets behind their personal favourite, and because it's not at Alton, it's usually something you wouldn't expect, or you get a new insight into a park or coaster you don't know much about. We would likely have 2 Alton coasters in the final - 2 coasters we talk about all the time - and as a result two incredible coasters in Europe would be overlooked. Some would argue (myself included) that only one of AT's coasters is anywhere near the quality of the top ten here.

Edit: Also, as Sam points out - Nemesis would almost certainly win every year. Whereas, for the last five years the coaster poll has run, there has been a different winner, even if BM and BF have won twice each.

[Big C]

Thanks for running the poll again this year Dan and co. 

I think adding the Alton Towers rides to the poll would totally ruin it, its great to get to know the other great rides around europe and to see how they compare with eachother.

[Charlee]

I think we should add the Alton coasters, The forum is responsible enough to not straight out vote for Nemesis and Oblivion.

Besides, its not really a Euro Coaster Poll if one of the best Theme Parks in Europe isn't there.

[AstroDan]

I'll do some canvassing of opinion later in the year.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Tapatalk

[Blaze]

Would it be a good idea to run the poll as normal, without the Alton Coasters, then do a 'bonus' round with the winners from the poll plus Alton's?

I know it's an extra round and more work, but it's the only way I can see it working without ruining the credibility of the poll.

[dominoes]

Um, did I misread it or was Nemesis not there?

[Dingerbell]

No AT coasters

[Nightfall]

First off I want to say a big thanks to Dan for running the poll. Due to me being busy at the time I've only just noticed the results 

Onto the debate about next year and I agree with both Sam and captain. If we were going just by the voters who posted their opinions then adding Alton's rides would probably be fair enough. However there are a fair few voters who will just chose Alton rides regardless as they are the only rides they really know and want to see them win. Although Europa Park and such have a bias there are still many members that haven't visited these parks which stops the bias being too strong.

Also I personally think Nemesis would just win year on year, until we all got board and stopped voting for it. While not everyone agrees with this view for the majority of us it is in an entire league above every other coaster in the poll as it excels in nearly everything it does and has no really noticeable floors. The fact is that many of us are Alton fans because of the rides at Alton Towers, I mean were hardly here because of the impressive shows or Merlin's devotion to the parks upkeep are we?  :P

[AstroDan]

Well to be honest, I am here because of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Dung Heap and Nemesis: Sub Terra!

[LJ]

only just found out. but my coaster is RAGE!!!!!  (69 or around about there. my home coaster). lets get it to no.1 next year! joke