Let the Games Begin?

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StevieJ wrote: PS.... I'm also withdrawing my HU donations.....since there is already more than enough donated for the competition....and I don't want to compete to win my own HUs back..... Confused ..... Wink Smile LOL....

I'll donate some for you stevie

Well I was thinking about the theme..Could give that a go and see what happens..If we come to that bridge of the same filters it could be dealt with then...

I've got nothing to donate as a prize so I'll contribute by laying out the foundation work for this to hopefully become a reality.

ACTUAL READABLE VERSION HERE:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgrv52p3_77gpcmj9d8

Here we go:

OVERVIEW:

Timespan:

Timespan can be whatever, but the shorter the better- reduces the chance of repeats- lets the theme be

less serious- more fun becuase of regularly occuring contests. I will reiterate my suggestion of 3 weeks,

it gives people at least 2 weekends to work on things.

Prizes: (donated by the gracious members of the community)

First Prize: Software donation (If available) + 3 HU + Award Icon (If FF staff want do add the code for

the forum)
Second Place 2 HU
Third Place 1 HU


Max number of submissions:

The users can submit 3 filters, each will be judged individually without consideration about anything

else. The highest scoring filter from each individual will be the one determining winners. If you update a filter at any time during the judging you can re-submit it as one of your three. If you do update a filter but don't re-submit for the contest, the judges might have scores for the first or the second submission.

That is a chance you have to take. There we be NO rejudging, asking for a re-judge or to wait for your update to go through without using one of your three submissions is grounds for disqualification.


Number of judges:

3 Is the minimimum. The number doesn't matter a great deal, but I don't think you'll have a hard time

finding a lot of people willing to go through all this all the time.

Judging Criteria:

(The less the better, the judges won't want to spend a lot of time on judging so keep it simple)

Visual appeal (Adherence to a theme/ Realism )
Controls (Intuitiveness/ Range of Effects)
Construction (Usefulness/ Speed/ Proper Filter Construction/ Creativity)

4 scores as an option: (None of that neutral crap)

+1 (Real Bad)
+2 (Bad)
+3 (Good)
+4 (Real Good)


SUBMITTING:

A Sub-Forum is created for competetions. Users can freely post and create new topics like normal. This forum has persistent stickies. These stickies are heavily moderated, only the contest announcement and users submissions are allowed, and will be locked right on the deadline. Both of these should follow an established guideline. The rest of the forum is free and open to jibber jabber about things, discuss, help etc.


Submissions ONLY inside the sticky note- must be in this form:

Submission ID- this is simply a number you assign your filter. It's based ONLY on the order people submit.

If you submit the first attempt it's #1, the next guy should pick #2, etc. (Unfortunately the forum software the FF guys doesn't have "post numbers" this would be the ideal way if available)
A link to your submitted filter in the library page
A text blurb about your filter if desired NO PICTURES.


The forum will look something like this:

Sticky: FILTER CONTEST OFFICIAL RULES (LOCKED)
Sticky: Filter Contest #LATEST: "Catchy Theme Name" - Deadline xx/xx/20xx
Sticky: Filter Contest #4: "Punk the Steam" - Deadline 3/30/2005 (LOCKED)
Sticky: Filter Contest #3: "Pink Elephants and Bubblegum don't mix" - Deadline 2/12/2005 (LOCKED)
Sticky: Filter Contest #2: "Carl's Flowers" - Deadline 1/08/2005 (LOCKED)
Sticky: Filter Contest #1: "Madness? Man, this is Sparta." - Deadline 12/3/2004 (LOCKED)
Topic: Frank's Unofficial Contest #4 discussion
Topic: Hey guys, help me with this shape.
Topic: There's this wierd smell coming from my headphones.
Topic: Seriously... WHY are my feet this purple?


JUDGING:

It's a hassle and a half, there's no way around it but I think we can streamline things a lot with the help of Google!

Step 1: The judges will be given a secret code and a secret link to this form:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewfo...email=true

Step 2: They fill it out for EVERY SINGLE SUBMISSION (Hence the horrible, but ONLY task of the judges)

Step 3: ???

Step 4: PROFIT!
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?ke...LVDQ&hl=en

An "official game-master" (Hopefully someone from FilterForge) can manage this spreadsheet (which will be private) it automatically sorts all you have to do is sum the totals for each submission number and find

the highest three. This "game master" must be a moderator on the contest forum and will need access to post/stick/delete/update threads/posts appropriatly.



WINNERS:

The original post of the now locked sticky will be updated with the top three winners.

There's also the possibility of the spreadsheet might also be formatted and presented. (Judges id removed

for anonymity)


RULES DRAFT:

Donators of prizes may request to be judges. The "game-master" will handle these requests on an individual basis, it will be rare to turned down unless a large number of judges already exists.

Judges cannot compete in the current contest. They will not discuss scores or filters with anyone else.

They are free to be sociable and helpful in the off-topic threads, but must not imply that following his suggestions will warrant a higher score.

Posting anything other than the properly formatted submission in the official contest thread is grounds for disqualification. ALL posts must link to a filter IN the library and include a numeric submission ID.

NO pictures. Discussion about the current contest or filters submitted can take place in the individual filter comment pages or in the unofficial threads in the competition forum.

Copying of filters and techniques is to be brought to the attention of the game-master. ONLY he shall made decisions regarding the matter. Judges are not to weigh things differently based upon claims of copying.

All submissions made must be filters submitted to the filter forge library within the starting and ending dates of the contest. If the official submission thread closes before you were able to submit, or before you see your filter in the library, tough luck- next time don't procrastinate.

Submitting more than three filters is grounds for disqualification. Unlimited updates are allowed, but there is no guarantee the jugements will be of the most recent version. To guarantee a fresh judgement a re-submission must be made.

Outcomes are FINAL. Once the game-master has announced the winners it is no longer up for dispute. Any questionable copying must be brought to light before the announcement is made.


What we need from FF staff:

A dedicated sub-forum for contests with persistent sticky notes announcing contests and the contest rules.
Someone given moderator access there, or a representative from FF to serve as "game-master".

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CFandM wrote: one filter per person entry

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StevieJ wrote: Agree...

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Later, StevieJ wrote: [...] so I would suggest making it as simple as possible by just entering all library submissions during the contest period and no limit on filter submissions.....since authors should realize that a "bombardment" of filters will lessen their chances of winning.....when focussing their efforts on fewer, better-quality filters would give them a better chance of winning.....

[My emphasis]

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StevieJ wrote: This looks like it is going nowhere because there are too many conflicting opinions on how it should be run...

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StevieJ wrote: No theme.....just let everyone do what they want to do.....and if they want to win, they will find the library holes that need to be filled.....

And how is 'no theme' different from the perpetual and totally open 'competition' that is the filter library? In my book, the filter contests should be drastically different from "business as usual", not just "more of the same" with more/better prizes. I'd like the contests to raise the stakes as well as the quality standard!

Okay so this thing is being pulled 12 different directions, and unless we want to see it die via draw and quatering I think we ought to focus on one facet of the competition at a time til we know all the details.

So what we have set in stone right now.
1)Biomechanic has offered the grand prize.
2)Biomechanic is offering the grand prize and wants to judge, so he gets to be one of the judges.

So next thing we ought to talk about, and not move onto something else til this is done, how many submissions per contestant? 1, 2, 3000? What say you.

I am in favor of 1.

like i said earlier, until some ONE person steps up and says, 'ok, i'm running a contest and here are the rules', this will not get off the ground. right now, i see a 'committee' of idea people each hoping someone else will do this and use their ideas. it's that 'someone else' syndrome that keeps this from flying. if you're going to do it, then do it, dont talk about doing it; just do it. it's better to start something and have it go all to hell than to never start a thing you can always iron out the rules later on. embrace the bitching and moaning!

Hey, I'm just removing myself and my portion of conflicting input.....so it will be easier for you guys to come to an agreement and get this going. I will still contribute by either submitting filter(s) or helping to judge.....

Going once, going twice: anyone else have thoughts about number of filters one can enter? Here is you last oppurtunity to voice your oppinion.

Okay, this competition will boast the following:

1)Only 1 entry per contestant (this has been decided upon)

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Once that's sorted next one would be theme or not to theme?

Agree, so now the rest of you get your say. Do you want a theme or no theme?

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Redcap wrote: Okay, this competition will boast the following: 1)Only 1 entry per contestant (this has been decided upon)

Looks like I was typing when you posted
I am liking the theme contest...I have been thinking about it...The judging would be easier if the filters were more focused..A lot simpler to compare to each other...Also the methods that are used will be interesting...Since one might have to be more creative other than just simply plugging in a brick component...

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Redcap wrote: So what we have set in stone right now. 1)Biomechanic has offered the grand prize. 2)Biomechanic is offering the grand prize and wants to judge, so he gets to be one of the judges

Somehow you make it sound like I'm forcing the issue

Even though I'm not an FF filter 'developer', I do work as quite a successful web/media designer, so regardless as to whether or not I'm donating the 'Grand Prize' - I thought I would make an ideal candidate for a judge...maybe not on the technical, filter building side of things, but more on visual appeal etc etc

Anyway, by the time you all stop bickering and get this comnpetition started - 500 years will have passed and Photoshop will be obsolete...



Just my thoughts

J

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Biomechanic wrote: Anyway, by the time you all stop bickering and get this comnpetition started - 500 years will have passed and Photoshop will be obsolete...

I've kinda been thinking that too. Well more of a by the time the competition is up and running (if it even get that far).

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KGtheway2B wrote: I would still prefer 3

Seen as its the first of hopefully many 1 entry per person seems a good idea to start with, then if the judges feel they can deal with more entries or believe it would be a better idea then up the entry amounts, for competition number 2?


Okay looks like most of us think a Theme is a good idea, least you have an idea of what to go for with a Theme, rather than everyone heading in zillions of different directions.

Probably an idea would be to make lists of possible themes, decide how many themes per competition or just one theme.

Then either work down the list or randomly pick 1-how many themes required from the said list?

So it seems pretty clear across the board:
Theme, yes.

So reviewing what we have decided thus far:

Number of submissions: 1
Theme: Yes

Here is the next point of contest (no pun intended )do we limit the prize to a single grand prize or do we offer 2nd and 3rd place prizes? Do we need to offer any HU with 1st place as has been suggested or do we simply offer the very generous prize offered by Biomechanic? Or is there a prize distribution not yet discussed that you think is genious? So let the talking and arguing and debating and stuff begin.



One more slighting unrelated point:
We will not pick a theme until the whole contest has been formed because we don't want people to start making filters early. With that said, think of different themes, but don't worry about debating that can of worms quite yet.

Redcap

Sorry if I sounded a bit harsh, I know your just trying to get this off the ground and win yourself a copy of PSCS...

As for your English, it's on par with mine and I'm from the damn country !! - go figure...

J

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Biomechanic wrote: Here's an ultimatum - either get this competition started within 1 week from now, or I'll change my f****** mind and sell the thing on E-bay

Totally agree...


And the prize Biomechanic offered is a substantial one. I mean how often do you get a chance to win a copy of PS CS?

1st prize PS CS Plus if FF allow it a ribbon or something with the month and year in. with the filter. Or um.. dare I say a page like the editors pick if thats possible. IF not maybe set up one on another site?

2nd prize 2 to 3 HU's
3rd prize 1 to 2 HU's

Length of competition would depend if they are going to happen every month.
Decent length would be 3 week deadline, then one week for the Judges, then thats a whole month taken up.

A few Theme suggestions:-

Steampunk
Lord of the Ring Elvish style or just Lord of the Rings
Cute and funny
Abstract
Art Deco
If a holiday period falls in that month go for a theme a long that lines, Christmas, Halloween, Easter etc.
Punk
Sci-fi (could specify a bit more with that one, like a movie or something)
Horror Theme (blood splatters, icky looking stuff)


Them's just a few idea's for Themes, bet you lot have some cool Theme idea's too!
Including Iron Man

Okay, so Beliria has drafted her version of the rewards; any other thoughts on the matter?

Just catching up - I'd take on roll as a judge - like Steampunk as theme as it is quite open and an interesting genre, 1 entry sound fine, 3 weeks sounds fine, Cs by it self is a big enough first prize or the option of 3 Hu's if they would prefer it to CS [ people might already have a later version such CS2 or 3 but not FF ] , and why not just runner up prize of 3 hu's - again it means we can have more contest cause there is a limit to how many Hu's there are to give away and it would be great to have a series of competitions - I think Craig would be the perfect moderator if he would take on the roll
I think using a snippet filters from the snippet library in an original way is completly legitimate [ unlike cloning from filters ]

make sure you decide BEFORE the contest starts whether or not the judges may also enter. (this is why the judging on retouchpro contests are peer to peer and you cant vote for yourself).

no thanks on being a judge/referee/moderator for this. i've got enough folks screaming at me now, thank you very much

when i see a contest, maybe

From the sounds of it we all want to get this thing off and going so it is time to once again finalize another point. So here is what we have right now.

1)Limited One entry per contestant.
2)It will be themed based.
3)There will be the one Grandoise prize of PS CS; nothing else.
4)The time period will be 1 month long.

Now we need to quickly finalize how the judging will work. Here has been the only suggestion thus far. All in favor say Aye, all opposed give us a different model ASAP.

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Number of judges: 3 Is the minimimum. The number doesn't matter a great deal, but I don't think you'll have a hard time finding a lot of people willing to go through all this all the time. Judging Criteria: (The less the better, the judges won't want to spend a lot of time on judging so keep it simple) Visual appeal (Adherence to a theme/ Realism ) Controls (Intuitiveness/ Range of Effects) Construction (Usefulness/ Speed/ Proper Filter Construction/ Creativity) 4 scores as an option: (None of that neutral crap) +1 (Real Bad) +2 (Bad) +3 (Good) +4 (Real Good)

Once we get this done we only have to answer a few more questions and then draft a proposal of FF to see if we can get a sticky section. Please give your feedback ASAP

ock aye