Yes. Especially considering one of the prize categories is "most ecologically sensitive." I'd say if you can include stops at a store with other trips, you could get away with not counting your gas for the full trip (for example, I have a couple of buying opportunities a few miles off my 40-mile commute route -- I'd just count that few miles as long as I stopped there on the way to/from work). But, if you're driving all over town, 30 minutes in different directions, just for the purpose of frag shopping, yea, you should probably include that or at least a reasonable estimate. I might be in favor of giving you a pass if you're making your own biodiesel from waste vegetable oil or driving a Tesla Model S.
Stores will have incorporated shipping costs into their prices.
I only proposed tracking it, not subtracting it from the budget. So, I don't think it penalizes anyone. With the possible exception of minors living at home, people are generally free to move to another place if they think it would give them an advantage in reefing contests.
Life's not fair.
Do Photo of the Month contests try to normalize entries to account for those that can only afford their smartphone camera vs. those that have a multi-thousand dollar setups with DSLRs, macro lenses, Photoshop, etc.? I think the answer is "no" but that it is nice and educational when photographers describe their equipment and methods. If someone can learn of vendors whose total purchase prices including shipping are favorable, then that's a point in favor of disclosing those costs.
What would you propose?
That's great! Nothing is stopping others from forming a good local club. You should encourage your local stores to become sponsors so you can discount your purchases 50% for budget purposes. I know Rev is very supportive of local clubs, so with that in mind, I'd say you could exclude the gas of traveling to/from local club events / swaps / members homes too. It's along the same lines of encouraging purchases from sponsors by offering the 50% discount for budget purposes.
I appreciate the response and discussion. I agree that fair market value is a good way to even things out for frags received from club members, fragged from one's own tank, etc.
If any of my responses offend, re-read them with a smiley at the end and see if you're still offended. This contest is meant to be fun, after all.
