Christmas Photo Contest?

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Brent, as always, a brilliant post...

C. Categories. I will argue to the end that I think it's completely ridiculous having 10 different categories with 5 places each so that anyone has the chance to win . . . ridiculous. Yes I exaggerated, but where do you stop?! Not only that, but let's take 3 categories with 3 places with 5 competitions in a year . . . that's 45 prizes that need to be organized, arranged, coordinated etc. I can't wait to hear the complaints that the prizes for the "Spring" contest weren't as good as the prizes for the "Summer" contest . . . I'll leave it at that. I think 2 categories, with 3 places is sufficient as a start. First and foremost, this is a cornsnake site. One category must have cornsnakes as a focus, everyone wants to photoshop, everyone has other reptiles, everyone wants another topic. Again, where do the categories end?!

I 110% agree! Which is why I suggested dropping it to two categories, for now, until we see if participation pickups. At this point, I am just going to drop Photoshop completely and maintain the "Other Reptile" category. I'm done with the arguing and complaints about it...Easy way to fix it is to get rid of it.

D. Time and relevancy. I gave a list of 5 contests broken up over the course of the year. I think it's ridiculous to be taking pictures of Shamrocks and Valentines hearts in December. I stand by my list of 5 contests and dates provided.

I did think of this and I do agree. However, I don't like the split topics per contest as you suggested (Reptile Valentines / Cornsnake Winter & Reptile Easter / Cornsnake Spring Photoshop for example). I want the same topic for both categories in the contest to avoid any additional potential confusion.

Maybe instead:

Topic: Holiday Season
Photo Collection – Nov. 10th – Dec. 8th
Voting – Dec. 15th - 22nd
Winners announced – Dec. 23rd

Topic: Winter
Photoshop optional for both categories
Photo Collection – Jan. 9th – Feb. 6th
Voting – Feb. 13th – 20th
Winners announced – Feb. 21st

Topic: Spring
Photo Collection – Feb. 23 – Mar. 23rd
Voting – Mar. 30th – April 6th
Winners announced – April 7th

Topic: Summer
Photo Collection – May 30th – 27th
Voting – July 4th – 11th
Winners announced – July 12th

Topic: Fall
Photo Collection – Sept. 20th – Oct. 18th
Voting – Oct. 25th – Nov. 1st
Winners announced – Nov. 2nd

I really don't see a need to separate announcement date from photo collection by that amount of time as all the photos get e-mailed to a separate e-mail account and sit there until I go through them (once or twice a week). If someone has photos they would like to enter, I don't want them to feel like they have to hold onto them for an additional week or two.

*Image size 800x600 ( no larger).

800x600 is too large of a photo for the most common browser size (1024x768) on this forum. At 800x600 you have to scroll to the right to view the entire photo. I wanted to avoid that annoying factor.

*Restricted to persons that can accept shipment of prizes within the continental US.

Good catch! That makes much more sense!

F. I don't think a separate forum is needed. I'll do my part to help manage it through the WIR forum which I think is completely appropriate considering the purpose of that forum. (Unless I'm told otherwise . . .?! )

I think it might be something to consider in the future. Right now I really appreciate your offer for the use of the WIR forum as the mods have enough to do without having me to bug them. I also understand the complaints about the voting and other related threads being stickied in the Photo Gallery forum...That's a lot of stickies!

PS. I'm going to be leaving town Thursday for opening rifle (deer) hunting season, so if this turns into even more drama I won't be around to participate!!

Good luck, Brent! Looks like Chris is going to completely miss out this year as our son has shown no sign of making an appearance (and they won't even consider inducing until after the 14th!). Take lots of pictures so I can show them to him so he can pout!



I also wanted to point out, Matt nor Robbie are the ones I snapped about with the whole Photoshop issue. I understand their concerns and am more then willing to listen to suggestions made (not complaints without solutions).

I don't post very much, but honestly, you may need to consider the tone that you have used on EVERY POST within the past several weeks. Snippy, frustrated, condescending, and flat out unwelcoming are some of the nicer adjectives that could be used to describe them.

Maybe you should read every post that I've made within the past several weeks before you make such a broad comment like that?

You know why we may not get very many entrants? Because people dislike your attitude.

Yes, yes. Point the finger at me. I only spent several hours on the whole thing and donated over $100 worth of prizes (most of which for this first contest are all but gone -> but I have more reptile related items I'm willing to donate for the future contests).

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

As for running the contests, maybe it could be a rotation once the rules are established, similar to the rotation on the WIR. Have the same set of rules and someone different runs it each time. I'd be willing to run a contest if the rules were already established.

Their are three of us that "took this on"...But Jen ended up taking over the International contest and Becky has been doing a little bit of everything. If someone would step up and handle the International contest, the three of us could effectively swap contests between us (that way too even us three could have an opportunity to compete in the contests). Jen already has the information to access the e-mail I was having US entries sent to (just would need to give it to Becky), so it's not like it's some huge deal for us to swap up.

Regardless, we should get things set up ASAP, as its already Nov 4th.

Yup! I agree! We're on the verge of making it a rush job like the Halloween contest! oke:

 

[ArpeggioAngel]

I also wanted to point out, Matt nor Robbie are the ones I snapped about with the whole Photoshop issue. I understand their concerns and am more then willing to listen to suggestions made (not complaints without solutions).

No - that was directed at me. If you would actually read my posts though - it is not complaining but rather looking at things from the standpoint of people with little to no photoshop experience who would still like to participate in the photoshop portion of the contest.

I said from the beginning that I did not know where exactly a line should be drawn in regards to the photoshop competition, just that I thought it needed some more consideration for all involved.

But other than flat out dropping it - why not look a little closer at Brent's suggestion for a solution on that front as well? I noticed you cleanly skipped right past that part of his post.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

No - that was directed at me. If you would actually read my posts though - it is not complaining but rather looking at things from the standpoint of people with little to no photoshop experience who would still like to participate in the photoshop portion of the contest.

No, actually you weren't the one that really set me off...Just added fuel to the fire of frustration over the whole thing.

I said from the beginning that I did not know where exactly a line should be drawn in regards to the photoshop competition, just that I thought it needed some more consideration for all involved.

Without suggestions, I can't do anything. It's not helpful if someone (anyone) complains and doesn't provide solutions/alternatives/ideas. It was like my thoughts weren't good enough, but no one was willing to provide valid suggestions.

But other than flat out dropping it - why not look a little closer at Brent's suggestion for a solution on that front as well? I noticed you cleanly skipped right past that part of his post.

I did not "cleanly skip right past" anything. I'm tired of the Photoshop argument, so my solution is to drop it. I made a suggestion on an alternative (end of post #95). I don't think what Brent listed is enough. I think it's a start, but I also think the use of the top abused Filter sets (Artistic, Brush Strokes, Sketch, Texture) should not be permitted. What I don't want to see is an entry where the colors were altered, a Watercolor filter applied and that's it.

 

[Drizzt80]

800x600 is too large of a photo for the most common browser size (1024x768) on this forum. At 800x600 you have to scroll to the right to view the entire photo. I wanted to avoid that annoying factor.

No, you shouldn't. The site max size for pictures has always been 800 wide . . . the images that need to be scrolled over are well over 800 wide.

D80

Brought to you in 800 x 600 glory:

 

[Drizzt80]

I don't think what Brent listed is enough. I think it's a start, but I also think the use of the top abused Filter sets (Artistic, Brush Strokes, Sketch, Texture) should not be permitted. What I don't want to see is an entry where the colors were altered, a Watercolor filter applied and that's it.

Why? If the people that choose to vote choose that image because it's better than the rest of the choices . . . :shrugs: If someone's picture loses to that, tough.

I've already stated my opinion on the whole photochopped issue, but I'll repeat it. I'll put one of Susan's flower/snake images up against 90% of the photochopped images out there, and she'll win.

Is this to be a photo contest or a contest of who has the most/best experience using a piece of software? Just asking. :shrugs:

D80

 

[Drizzt80]

(I dislike basketball, but) Let me pull something from the history of the events of the past day . . .

"Pictures. We're in here talking about pictures. Pictures. Not movies, not DVD's, not VHS . . . pictures. We're talking about pictures man. I mean, how silly is that? We're talking about pictures."


D80

PS. "The Answer" was traded yesterday and ESPN ran the old clip! One of the best sport clips ever I might ad! The real fun starts around 0:46.

 

[bekers71]

Their are three of us that "took this on"...But Jen ended up taking over the International contest and Becky has been doing a little bit of everything.

The 3 of us had discussed a Christmas contest if the Halloween one went went well and people showed interest. Actually, I knew nothing of this thread being started until a couple days ago. So just figured you decided to do it on your own. :shrugs: IMO if there's going to be a contest just post the rules and get it started.

 

[RobbiesCornField]

Brent, I like your rules for defining photoshopped pictures as well as only having the two categories.

As for running the contests, maybe it could be a rotation once the rules are established, similar to the rotation on the WIR. Have the same set of rules and someone different runs it each time. I'd be willing to run a contest if the rules were already established.

Regardless, we should get things set up ASAP, as its already Nov 4th.

I would just like to note that IF there is a rotation for responsibility being done, that I would be more than willing to volunteer to do the summer contest.



One more note for Steph. I really hope you don't feel like we're attacking you, but what a lot of people here have said is right. You have a definite my way or the highway attitude. People have tried making suggestions, and you've shot them down point blank executioner style. I know this is going to sound like a broken record, but this IS a community forum, and one person does not a community make.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

((Sorry for the delay, the internet went out in my area))

Yes, the max size for upload has always been 800x600...But that has nothing to do with a horizontal scroll. I've attached a screenshot at 1024x768 (I actually use 1280x960) of your 800x600 image. Can you imagine what it looks like on people who still have an 800x600 screen? Yikes!



To answer your other question, Brent. My reasoning is that why bother having a Photoshop contest at all if an entry can be nothing more then clicking a single button? If you don't know how to use the software, why would you enter the contest in the first place? If you want to enter a contest that involves a specific type of software, shouldn't you want to learn how to use it? The point of having a Photoshop category is to actually use the software.

It would be like me entering a skateboarding or sewing competition...I could stand on a skateboard (maybe) and push myself around a little...I can sew snake bags...But that's about it. :laugh:

Actually, I knew nothing of this thread being started until a couple days ago. So just figured you decided to do it on your own.

Originally this thread was just started to see if their was any interest due to the lack of entries in the Halloween one...That's it. Then it morphed into this whole discussion (again) on rules and what not and I figured my as well listen to what others had to say instead of just posting the contest and letting it go.

IMO if there's going to be a contest just post the rules and get it started.

:laugh: I'm trying, I'm trying!

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

If someone would step up and handle the International contest

I don't want to sound harsh, but I suggest that we (the US) people drop the international contest and let the international people worry about it. I know there are international people on this forum, but if they want to set something up, would probably be easier for them anyways as opposed to someone stateside worrying about it (especially regarding setting up prizes, etc).

 

[*salAMANDA88*]

UGH!!...
I just want to know what the plans will be...
Just make up the rules ect. to how you want to run it..(You can not please everyone..)
I am just anxious as I have ideas and wanna start..
I hope it all gets figured out soon..Thank you for taking the time to organize this.

 

[Tula_Montage]

Steph, your screen resolution shouldn't affect the size of the submissions because you need to scroll across... LOL. Thats just silly. I don't need to scroll for my 1000x + pictures.

Whatever happens happens, but it looks like since it's too much hastle for anyone to set up an international section of the competition then I won't be participating.

I don't understand why your location should affect you. Why does it have to be purley live prizes? Why can't an international person win, turn down the live prize and chose something else...?

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

I don't want to sound harsh, but I suggest that we (the US) people drop the international contest and let the international people worry about it. I know there are international people on this forum, but if they want to set something up, would probably be easier for them anyways as opposed to someone stateside worrying about it (especially regarding setting up prizes, etc).

I know, I know. You aren't the first who's said it. I just feel sort of bad about it...Like we'd be "excluding" everyone else on the forum.

UGH!!...
I just want to know what the plans will be...
Just make up the rules ect. to how you want to run it..(You can not please everyone..)
I am just anxious as I have ideas and wanna start..
I hope it all gets figured out soon..Thank you for taking the time to organize this.

:laugh: It's definitely going to happen and the rules are definitely going to be posted in the WIR forum. Theme will be "Holiday" (Christmas, Hanuka, Kwanzaa, etc) and we are definitely doing a Cornsnake category. Is that helpful? :laugh:

I promise I'll have final rules posted by this weekend.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Steph, your screen resolution shouldn't affect the size of the submissions because you need to scroll across... LOL. Thats just silly. I don't need to scroll for my 1000x + pictures.

I didn't say it's my screen resolution (actually specifically said I use 1280x960). I said 1024x768 is the most common screen resolution and that picture size does not fit on the screen for the majority. You're really having issues reading my posts lately.

Whatever happens happens, but it looks like since it's too much hastle for anyone to set up an international section of the competition then I won't be participating.

I don't understand why your location should affect you. Why does it have to be purley live prizes? Why can't an international person win, turn down the live prize and chose something else...?

I don't think it's so much of a hassle as no one seems willing to step up and I don't understand why. As long as whomever handles the International category is ok with the US rules and time frame, all's they would have to do is collect the photos, post the polls and divvy out the prizes.

What could someone from another country choose for a prize that doesn't need to be shipped? For me to ship my supplies outside the country it's double or triple the cost of inside the country. Their are Cornsnake.com and FaunaClassifieds.com memberships that could be donated by members...But we would need donations from others outside the US as it seems like the bulk of donations coming in are from here.

 

[Drizzt80]

To answer your other question, Brent. My reasoning is that why bother having a Photoshop contest at all if an entry can be nothing more then clicking a single button? If you don't know how to use the software, why would you enter the contest in the first place? If you want to enter a contest that involves a specific type of software, shouldn't you want to learn how to use it? The point of having a Photoshop category is to actually use the software.

It would be like me entering a skateboarding or sewing competition...I could stand on a skateboard (maybe) and push myself around a little...I can sew snake bags...But that's about it.

You proved my point for me. You would probably lose. So why care if someone enters the contest and can only stand on the skateboard. I'm not a-skeared of someone that can only sew snake bags. That was my entire point.

This is a picture contest, not a Photoshop knowledge contest. Not a software manipulation contest. Picture contest.

I've said my piece. I've offered up suggestions. I'm going to help via the WIR forum with whatever gets set up. I'll sit back and watch from here on out. I can't wait to see the picture submissions!

Ultimately, CS.com members will choose to participate or not.

D80

 

[Tula_Montage]

I didn't say it's my screen resolution (actually specifically said I use 1280x960). I said 1024x768 is the most common screen resolution and that picture size does not fit on the screen for the majority. You're really having issues reading my posts lately.



I don't think it's so much of a hassle as no one seems willing to step up and I don't understand why.

What could someone from another country choose for a prize that doesn't need to be shipped? For me to ship my supplies outside the country it's double or triple the cost of inside the country. Their are Cornsnake.com and FaunaClassifieds.com memberships that could be donated by members...But we would need donations from others outside the US as it seems like the bulk of donations coming in are from here.

Don't you dare try to patronise me Steph. I am not stupid and I am perfectly capable of reading. I feel 600x800 is the most common resolution for internet forums and nobody has mentioned having a problem with the effort of scrolling their internet page over a tiny bit...

It quite clear you are going to do things your way anyway, regardless of the SUGGESTIONS made on this DISCUSSION thread. You don't need to shoot down or attack every opposing oppinion. A "Thanks for the suggestion, lets see what other people think" will do...

 

[*salAMANDA88*]

I know, I know. You aren't the first who's said it. I just feel sort of bad about it...Like we'd be "excluding" everyone else on the forum.





:laugh: It's definitely going to happen and the rules are definitely going to be posted in the WIR forum. Theme will be "Holiday" (Christmas, Hanuka, Kwanzaa, etc) and we are definitely doing a Cornsnake category. Is that helpful? :laugh:

I promise I'll have final rules posted by this weekend.

YES'm..Thank you much!

 

[ArpeggioAngel]

This is a picture contest, not a Photoshop knowledge contest. Not a software manipulation contest. Picture contest.

I agree wholeheartedly! Brent has totally hit the nail on the head here I believe.

Why not just have one big contest then - let people use whatever editing they prefer to use - as complicated or simple as they want. Let the voters choose the best photo. If people want to win and think their photo isn't good enough - then they will either not enter or will work harder, read tutorials or whatever - to compete with what they think are going to be the best photos.

I know from a personal standpoint - I don't enter to win -I enter for the fun of it and just to participate on the forum. God knows even if I did win, I would probably pass on my prize to the next place down (unless it was something really really special!! LOL!).

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Don't you dare try to patronise me Steph. I am not stupid and I am perfectly capable of reading. I feel 600x800 is the most common resolution for internet forums and nobody has mentioned having a problem with the effort of scrolling their internet page over a tiny bit...

It quite clear you are going to do things your way anyway, regardless of the SUGGESTIONS made on this DISCUSSION thread. You don't need to shoot down or attack every opposing oppinion. A "Thanks for the suggestion, lets see what other people think" will do...

Their was no "attacking." I explained my reasoning to Brent, you thought to laugh it off like it was a stupid reason, when it's perfectly valid. You also said I said something when I didn't. That is your fault, not mine.

I know how annoying it is when you have a 1024x768 and you have to scroll over 300+ pixels of photo to view the whole thing. I am trying to be considerate of viewers with screens not as wide as myself. You want to say the "majority" want thing one way or another and it should be done that way, shouldn't that apply to the "majority" in all things, not just when it suits you?

I'm really tired of the whole "you aren't listening to the suggestions being made," when I am. I've picked up quite a few of them and fit them into the contest because it does benefit the contest and it does make sense. I can't do every last little thing every last person wants for it, especially when their are opposing opinions on different part of it from all sides. Some agree with the max of two winning entrants a year, some don't. Some agree that photos should not be posted before voting, some don't. Some want the "Other" category, some don't. Some want a free for all Photoshop category, some want it dropped completely. Round and round we go...When will it stop? :bang: