Hey cool, this brainstorming session is really going somewhere. Thanks for providing your 2 cents (or perhaps, 2 pence for some of you?)
First, I consider just about member of the forum and pattern website to be a minion. If you support what I do, you're a fiendishly good human being, in my book. But some folk have gone a bit above and beyond, thus receiving a more "official" Patch Minion status (and yes, getting one of the ZP mascots tattooed into your flesh most certainly qualifies!).
Some of these members have received official recognition and even a prize or two. These perks have mostly been awarded behind-the-scenes, so the recipient could be surprised.
I still think the physical "prizes" will retain some sense of mystery. But maybe I
should be more transparent with the fact that, yes, there is a goal worth aiming for (besides just showing your love of ZP). My only concern about publicly labeling someone as one of the Patch Minion elite is - I don't want to disappoint those who try for the title but don't get singled out.
For example, maybe someone plugs ZP on the radio, and they are rewarded with a badge (real, digital, or both) and maybe some special ZP swag in the mail. But then someone else says, "Hey, wait a minute... I hung up a flier for ZP at my school, what about me!?"
I appreciate every member, even the one-time $2 member. So it's tough to feel like I'm playing favorites.
Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud here. In any case, I have bigger plans for the Minion area of the site this year. Like more objectives to accomplish, as well as stories and photos of your unique achievements performed in the name of Zombie Pumpkins. Sort of like a street team or fan club... or maybe... cult.