RateMyBenchTM*
pro·â€‹pos·â€‹a·â€‹bil·â€‹i·â€‹ty (n.)
the degree to which something promotes, enhances, or renders a proposal more successful.
EX: Wow! The proposability factor of that bench is off the charts!
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Here at RateMyBenchTM, we rate benches based on proposability, according to a factually subjective set of standards designed by the curator of the project herself. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with said standards before perusing our photos and ratings...your perfect proposal location might be just around the corner! Should you actually take us up on our pristine bench ratings and locations, do send us a photo of your proposal with the hashtag #benchmarksthespot.
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Remember, while our proposability score is geared to assist in successful proposals of matrimony specifically, the root word "proposal" has a much broader application (see our good friend Merriam for that definition), and we'd welcome testimonies outside of the realm of impending nuptials as well.
Submission Criteria: Please provide the following in your #benchmarksthespot submission: ​
​1. A photo of the proposal, including both parties if it was successful, one party if it was not. Be sure the bench is visible, either front- or back-facing.
2. The location of the bench: Ideally, the GPS coordinates so others can precisely locate your bench for future proposals. Less ideal (but still acceptable, as we are a new venture and can't be too picky yet) would be other accurate markers like the name of the trailhead/park/sidestreet, etc., or a link to a map.
3. Your detailed assessment of the proposability criteria (see "The Standards" below): Please note that the RMBTM site curator has the right to edit your assessment in the case of verbosity.
4. Your name... as you would like it to appear in the post.
5. Personal flair: Do with that what you will.
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*Please note that the "TM" is part of our name. But we're legit, for sure.
Shannon, curator and creator of RateMyBenchTM
The standards
Each factor is assigned a score from 0-10.
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Overall Environment - This is the most finicky of the standards, as the score will largely depend on the day. Are there thunderheads in the sky? Or is it sunshine-blue-skies? Does this add or detract from the scene? How windy is it? (No wind, and we've got a pungent heaviness to the air; too much wind and we're more concerned about blowing away than blowing kisses. But just the right amount...and we've got a real wind-swept, idyllic quality to our photos for sure.)
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Bench Aesthetic - Is our bench cobwebby, crusty, and old? Or squeaky-clean? (Too clean?) Is there an embossed plaque with a dedication? Is there shade--too much or not enough? (Now, this last quality may sound like "Overall Environment," but we're talking more about bench positioning than about sunniness.) And, as always, do each of the qualities about add or detract? Your crusty bench might be the perfect locale for your crusty engagement.
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Perception (the "eyes on the prize") - THEIR VIEWPOINT...Is the bench in a remote location? Or right smack-dab in the middle of a busy parking lot where a bunch of nosy proposal snoopers are peeping in on your moment? Now, there's certainly an ideal number of viewers - 2 people or so? - because if NO ONE has eyes on the prize, we have to consider the age-old question: If you proposed to someone but no one was around to see it, did it really happen? Is your engagement valid? Perception can also refer to YOUR VIEWPOINT from the bench. What are we looking out at? A trash heap? Unicorns leaping over rainbows? How does this add or detract to your experience...and what kind of influence might this have on your marriage?
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After ascribing scores to each of the standards above, average them all out (or don't) to an OVERALL SCORE, and you've got your official RateMyBenchTM rating!!!
