Okay, I have thought about this for quite some time, and I have thought of starting up a graphics competition event that would give us all something to strive for. They have it on GTAF, so I don't see the harm in giving it a try here. The winners will get insignia to bear in their sigs, and we'll be able to establish an organized system of friendly competition. I think we'll try having one of these each week.

Here we go.
Graphics Competition #1
Week of May 23, 2004 - May 29, 2004
RULES:
Maximum Image Dimensions: 468 x 70
Minimum Image Dimensions: 466 x 68
Must pertain to theme: Modern Technology
Judges may not enter their own graphics.
3 Judges will be appointed on a first come, first serve volunteering setup.
The graphics will be scored on a scale of 1 - 10, 1 being the lowest score.
Contest Begins Today, May 24, 2004.
Contest Ends in seven days, May 29, 2004.
All entries must be in by May 29, 2004.
GO!

If it's fine with you, I can be a judge Liquidon. Now, I don't have an absolute plethora of knowledge on graphics and stuff, but I know enough to judge them.

Excellent.
Judge 1: Liquidon Snake
Judge 2: The Rattled Mind of Bob
Judge 3: The Cobbinator (PM'ed me)

Let The Games Begin!

Ive changed the sizes, because thats what the limit is for here.

and by modern tech, you mean stuff like coms and whatever et?

Meh, this probably won't work. I like the general idea here but if you look around I wouldn't say there are too many graphic designers that will be willing to take part. I mean the cobb and you Liquid? You can't enter because you are judges. Also personally I think first come first serve for judging was a bad idea as you could get anybody asking. What's the use of somebody who knows the bare minimum about designing being a judge? Now I am not saying that you are bad judges and don't know your stuff but I would recommend those who know they are capable of judging a design properly eg. JC87. (Although he doesn't like me, his work is good.)
I don't exactly want to poop on the party here but I wouldn't say this has been planned extremely well. At the most there will be like 5 entries? Maybe not even that...
But hey, I guess I'll shut up now and enter the sig I am currently wearing for the sake of it. I can do that can't I?

Umm, who said that we didn't know anyhting about design. Sure, we may not be the best designers, but we know good art when we see it. You think everyone who sees the Mona Lisa can replicate that? They still know it's good.

Although, an idea came to me while reading your post. Why don't we take away the judges, and just put a poll up showcasing everyone's work, and then anyone can vote. We could also have several types of competitons, such as sig, avatar, etc. What do you say?

I agree with the poll thing. It gives everyone a chance to express there views on the sigs that have been created. Also designers themselves can determine which one is the best. People will still vote for there own though. :lol:

I changed my entry, this is it:



Rock on with the cool cars yo!

You know, at other forums I've comped at, that has never been a problem. And it's suprising, too, because withn the maturity level of some people, that could be a huge issue. I'm confident we won't run into it either. Also, if we got enough entries, we could allow two or three votes per person to make it interesting.

Make sure you and Liquidon enter though so we can get enough. Is that NGSF sig alright to enter?

You made it, so I'd say go for it. We'll finish out this comp the way it is, and then I'll set up a new one a few days after this finishes.

The only problem with polls is that if too many people enter, there won't be many people left to vote. I think that each time we have these competitions, we'll appoint new judges. That way, everybody gets a fair share. If judges enter, then it will disrupt the stability of this system. Maybe in future competitions, I'll institute graphics entries by judges, but for now we should keep it the way it is.
The first come, first serve setup for appointing judges is not a problem. Even if the judges don't have graphics experience, it does not prevent them from knowing a good image when they see it.
The "Modern Techology" theme is basically about hi-tech devices, futuristic imagery, etc.
Refluxe, I'd prefer it if you made a new image. For one, that is a sig that's aready in use, and although you made it, I'd wish you made a different image for this comp. Second, the image doesn't really apply to the "Modern Technology" theme.

Also, I think that the weekly competition setup is a bit too frequent. Instead, I'll change it so that we have one competition every OTHER week, giving a week's time in between them to reorganize.

Eh? It doesn't matter if the sig is in use, it's a sig I made recently so why can't I enter?
Modern Technology theme? It's got a modern looking render with modern looking cars and modern looking text with a modern looking erm...other thing.

I still think polls would be better. The people that enter doesn't necessarily mean they cannot vote. I would just say that they don't vote for themselves.

Uhhh, if my sig is not eligible I probably won't make another. Too much other things at the moment eg. NWN Module creating.

I disagree with your first statement, and agree with your second.

People know if someone's work is better than them, and unless they are selfish worms, will vote for the better piece. Also, by allowing two or three votes per person, it eliminates that aspect anyways, as you can't use all of your votes for one.

You second statement makes sense. We don't have enough members to hold a comp every week.

heh, i didn't say i didn't like ya. we just had a uh ... 'small misunderstanding' everything is fine now. :D

anywho. i really don't understand how to design for the theme, 'modern technology' i just don't get it. no ideas here. -_-

Good and ditto.

Could you ellaborate by any chance Liquidon Snake?

Elaboration? Sure.
Modern Technology is basically gadgety, futuristic, computer-esque stuff. I'm referring to things like "super-machines" and technological concepts. I'll rephrase "Modern Technology" to "Futuristic", instead.
Remember that you should also try to refrain from using pics from movies. Movie scenes should be saved for another competition that I'm planning.

Umm, it's ending tomorrow and there are no entries....
Maybe I'll make one. I am feeling in a good mood today so I might but if no one else enters then what is the point?

I'll Make one but it will be way to big and done in paint if ya want some competition

I will set up a new competition on Sunday. It'll be a lot different than this one, I'm not going to give out anything specific right now, but hopefully it'll cater to everyone.

Hmm, alright then I'll wait for the upcoming one as this seems to be rather dead. Anyone who has any skill in graphics, make one! It doesn't have to be great but I would like to see more entries!