SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

City Showcase (All games welcome) => Best SC4 Pictures Contest => Topic started by: Masochist on April 05, 2007, 07:27:35 AM

Title: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on April 05, 2007, 07:27:35 AM
This thread can be where people can post ideas and suggestions for how to help the Picture Comp. run more smoothly, as well as say what they think about ideas that have already been stated.  This thing has really turned into a community-wide...thing...and it would be really selfish of me to just make changes without input...so make with the input ;D!

These are a few of the ideas that I've made and have heard so far:


1.) More than one person have made the suggestion of splitting up the competition according to type of picture, such as having a Landscape/Nature comp, a Rural/Suburban comp, Urban/Downtown comp, etc.  That would help even the playing field, and may encourage people who may otherwise not compete post a picture (maybe they specialize in urban shots, but are afraid of going up against a beautiful forest on a hill or something...just an example).

2.)
HabLeUrG has suggested that we have a "Best of Hall of Fame"-type contest, where after a certain number of pictures enter the Hall of Fame, we would have a competition to see which one's the best of the best.  This would tie in very well with an idea that's been floating around in my head...

3.) If we actually do decide to split the competitions into groups, why not split the Hall of Fame?  Have a Hall of Fame for each competition, then have a "Best-Of" Hall of Fame for those Hall of Fames as HabLeUrG suggested?

4.) Colyn has suggested that there be a submissions thread, where everyone posts the pictures they wish to have compete, and a moderator chooses which ones will be the ones competing. He's also developing (developed?) a polling applet that would allow people to cast their votes privately, as well as vote on multiple pictures...speaking of which...

5.) Colyn has also suggested that multiple pictures be allowed for competition.  No less than 2, no more than 5, and then people vote on them. Also, instead of 1024 x 800 being the maximum size, it has been suggested that it be reduced to 800 x 600 so that a small picture isn't lost against a behemoth.

6.) Ahh...7 votes is a little small nowadays, and it makes the game run a bit too fast.  Should we go to 24 hours per round, or less time per round, or up the votes needed for a picture to win, or use another method?  This is a question that I would really like to get some input on.


So I think that's all of the ideas I've heard.  If I've missed anybody's input, or if I've misinterpreted anyone's ideas, please let me know!  Please note that these are all only suggestions, and none of them (except maybe the 7 votes thing) are definite changes!!!  I really want people's input on all these things before any changes are made...if you like the game as it is, just say so!  If you like some ideas and don't like others, just say so (respectably!!!).  Please, please let us know what you think so far!

And as promised, I'll open the game back up now with no rule changes at all except one: the number of votes required to win a round will now go back up to 10 in favor of a picture (and of course, if 24 hours pass after the second picture is posted, the round will end as usual).

Thanks for supporting this game so much  :thumbsup:!
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sam on April 05, 2007, 05:54:40 PM
I think the competition is a great idea and a lot of fun. I think some of the advantages are:

1)it is open, ie a person can post a picture of anything they like and a small rural town may win over a shiny megopolis (or vice versa) ie anything can win, so I'm not a fan of splitting into categories, or at least if it is split, I suggest keeping an "open" category

2)its speed. A fast paced competition is exciting. Also if I'm online for only a couple of hours I could well see a full round in that time, which is great. So I like the idea of keeping the winning vote count fairly low (10 is a good number I think).

3) one picture format is nice and compact. Perhaps a multi-picture format could be one of the separate categories. Its a good idea, but I think the one picture format is an advantage.

I like the idea of a maximum picture width of 800. People may have to crop and compose their images if this is the case, and sometimes this leads to a picture you didn't expect which is nonetheless spectacular. I also like to be able to see the whole image without scrolling much.

I'm not sure about the submissions thread. I think that could turn into a game itself. Also part of the fun of the game is its sponteneity (sp?) and being in the right place at the right time. Perhaps there could be a submission thread for a game moderator to post the next picture in line if there is a slow point, just to keep the game moving. Ie if no-one has posted a picture in a certain time, the moderator can post one from the queue. Otherwise I like the idea of people being able to post a picture on their own when a round ends.

A champion of champions is a good idea I think.

Anyway that's my $0.02. Thanks goes to everyone for this wonderful competition  &apls
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Colyn on April 08, 2007, 09:45:53 AM
Good stuff Sam ... thanks... what we will do is if there is no challenger in say an houur I or Masochist will dig a past looser out and pitch him again.

Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: TheTeaCat on April 09, 2007, 03:27:33 AM
Quote from: Colyn on April 08, 2007, 09:45:53 AM
Good stuff Sam ... thanks... what we will do is if there is no challenger in say an houur I or Masochist will dig a past looser out and pitch him again.



Now that's a good idea instead of having a submissions thread.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: jen_p on April 12, 2007, 09:24:04 PM
Colyn has suggested that this conversation be moved to this thread rather than in the competition itself.

There has been discussion as to whether an image should be judged on city building skills, or merely presentation.

I disagree that it is only about presentation. Presentation is a key factor, however, if the base image that is presented isn't particularly interesting or creative it wouldn't get my vote, no matter how fancy the wrapping.

Vab pointed out that the rules state that photoshop may be used and not to overdo it. If the rules are to be changed to say that an image must be altered from it's raw SC4 state, how far do you have to go? The image I entered into the competition was criticised for not having been altered, when in fact it had been, albeit subtly.

I think that changing the rules and adding more restrictions would be detrimental to the fun atmosphere of the thread (best SC4 pictures), turning it into a thread where the only purpose is to out-photoshop each other. After all isn't Simcity4 the reason we are all here.

At the end of the day I vote for which ever image I like better, which I usually decide within seconds of seeing both, and my reasons for voting are different each time. I don't like being told how to judge something by a list of criteria, when what is I see is needed is more akin to intuition.

This is not intended to start a heated argument, I just don't want to see a great thread changed in a negative way. If other picture competitions are started for different types of image then why not one for specifically showcasing photoshopped images, leaving this as an open category?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Colyn on April 12, 2007, 10:36:17 PM
Jen I agree in principle with you ... and I also dont want the free spirit strangled with tons of rules.

I have one serious issue with the current format and that is the "Challenger Ambushes" ... this is getting more severe now and when two  images are in a very even battle where it goes neck on neck then this "Challenger Ambushing" is even more irritating. What in fact is happening is if two shots are battling it out and they go neck on neck the one that reach 9 will win because a challenger will grab that spot and vote and challenge in one post ... irrespective of the fact that he or she actually likes that shot.

So what I want to see changed is the voting cycle ...

I would like to see that we implement a 3 point lead decision ... so when two are running neck on neck the 10 is not valid and it goes on untill one has a 3 point lead or 24 hrs expire. Sure a "ambush" can still happen on 3rd point but at least that is a better margin.

I would also like to see that we open say 4 THREADS ... "Scenic" "Rural" "City" "Industrial" ... this will allow more participants in and will see moe evenly matched shots against each other. I am sure many people want to get in but they either miss the "switchover" or two or three post almost at the same time with the ensuing scramble ;)

The game is now popular enough and has enugh visitors to break it into a few categories.

Please comment.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: vab423 on April 12, 2007, 11:41:19 PM
Quote from: jen_p on April 12, 2007, 09:24:04 PM
I don't like being told how to judge something by a list of criteria, when what is I see is needed is more akin to intuition.
While I agree with everything Jen said, this sentence sums up my feelings in a nutshell.  I think the more rules, restrictions (and categories) there are, the less fun this becomes.  It's like the ISU judging system (Olympic Figure Skating) and the US Tax Code -- the rules are so complicated, no one understands them. 

The initial rules, IMO, are fine. If I could change anything, I would add:  the person not winning the current round (I hate to say loser) is not eligible to submit another picture until 24 hours has passed from the round in which (s)he was disqualified. That way more people wishing to post pictures have the opportunity to do so.

Colyn, I respectfully disagree with your challenge ambush theory.  You do not know the 10th poster is casting a vote irrespective of whether or not (s)he likes either picture; you are only making an assumption. 

Just my 5-cents (inflation, you know).
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: jen_p on April 12, 2007, 11:50:27 PM
As far as the "ambush" perhaps a rule (yes I know I was just harking on about not having too many rules) that whoever has the 10th vote cannot post a picture to challenge the winner.
And Vab I must say that I was guilty of this myself (even though I did vote for the one I thought was best), so yes in at least some cases, it is not just an assumption.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Colyn on April 13, 2007, 12:06:39 AM
Quote... that whoever has the 10th vote cannot post a picture to challenge the winner.

That can work and it will surely scale the ambushing down because now two people has to be involved in the ambush.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sebes on April 13, 2007, 01:18:33 AM
I agree with Jen and Vab on the contest: I voted on pictures because there was something very appealing in the photo, no matter if it was photoshopped or not.

I guess that Jacqui's photo is plain from the game and not muched altered, but it has a lot of magic in it (at least for me). I feel perfectly OK to vote for that picture!

I also had a feeling that some people have given the person with 9 points their vote just to be able to get in the constest... It's a feeling, I have no proof, but it's odd that a person is for a long time active in the thread without voting, and everytime when a picture becomes 9 points, within a minute posting the 10th point and a challenging picture...

So, I cheer for adding the 10th vote rule..

Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: jacqulina on April 13, 2007, 02:02:30 AM
this sounds great, i have noticed that everyone is having fun playing this game
  i would like to piont out though i dont photoshop any of my pics they are straight out of the game
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: callagrafx on April 13, 2007, 02:32:10 AM
My 2 pennies (I am British, you know  :D)...

This is a PHOTO competition and should be judged on one thing only...Composition.  It doesn't matter if the shot has been doctored or is raw, what should matter is the asthetics of the shot and the personal appeal.

About ambushing...I'm pretty sure a lot of people are guilty of it (me included, I'm afraid to say) and it is becoming, as Colyn said, a problem where pics are being unfairly knocked out because of it (still  :'( about Willowtree)

I agree a challenger cannot challenge if he/she has cast the deciding vote...and the runner up may not post another image for at least 2 rounds.  This way everyone gets a fair stab irrespective of timezones.  Also agree that a clear 3 point lead is required for an image to win...but up to a point.  If the voting reaches 20 it has to be decided on a sudden death vote.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Colyn on April 13, 2007, 02:55:14 AM
Cal every contestant here has most probably done the AMBUSH thing ;) ... it is the only way to get your shot in.

I agree that sudden death should happen and let's make it 21 ... but in this case I would like to say this ... if 21 is the death point for a picture then it means that shot was really worthy and it should get another chance.

I want to suggest that if it was a case of HoF for the winner ... and the point difference is 3 or less then that looser goes through to the next round.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sam on April 13, 2007, 05:37:41 AM
Quote from: callagrafx on April 13, 2007, 02:32:10 AM
My 2 pennies (I am British, you know  :D)...

This is a PHOTO competition and should be judged on one thing only...Composition.  It doesn't matter if the shot has been doctored or is raw, what should matter is the asthetics of the shot and the personal appeal.

About ambushing...I'm pretty sure a lot of people are guilty of it (me included, I'm afraid to say) and it is becoming, as Colyn said, a problem where pics are being unfairly knocked out because of it (still  :'( about Willowtree)

I agree a challenger cannot challenge if he/she has cast the deciding vote...and the runner up may not post another image for at least 2 rounds.  This way everyone gets a fair stab irrespective of timezones.  Also agree that a clear 3 point lead is required for an image to win...but up to a point.  If the voting reaches 20 it has to be decided on a sudden death vote.

I agree that a photo does not need to be enhanced to win. Choice of subject and composition are important (at least that's what I try to vote on, mostly). Photoshopping is nice in some cases though.

I also agree that the final voter shouldn't be allowed to post a picture. (It could lead to no-one wanting to cast a final vote though)

Maybe we should use tennis rules.

Deuce...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on April 13, 2007, 06:27:25 AM
Heh heh...good to see people finally using this Suggestion box... ::)

I'll say only this about the "Photo" part of the discussion: I won't ever tell you what has to be in your picture in order to challenge (I'll only tell you how big it can be ;)). The only way I would is if the competition were, in fact, split into categories.  Then...yeah, I would have to.  But as it is now, there won't be any requirements about what must and must not be in your pictures.

As for the Challenger Ambush, enough people have spoken out against it that I'll do something about it...the question is, what?  I'm leaning towards the "10th vote, no challenge" option (because I feel that would help eliminate it all together), but maybe you guys would rather have the three-vote system (required to win by three votes)?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: rooker1 on April 13, 2007, 06:32:22 AM
First off, I love this contest, I think the idea is great and so are the people involved so far.  I think all of the pictures up to now have been outstanding EVEN the ones not photoshoped, and have made it into the hall of fame.  I'm sure some of the pictures I helped put there. 
Now this will be the very fisrt time I have felt offended while on this site. 
You wander why? 
Well the original rules I agree with totally.  As for the ambush theory, I'd like to think people wouldn't do that, but I do agree with the deciding vote shouldn't be able to enter the next round as a challenger. 
Now here is my problem........I have no idea how to use the computer very well, let only any photo shopping program.  And now you are sugestting I can not enter this contest.  I enjoy playing the game as much as anyone else (maybe even more) so I don't spend much time even trying to learn other programs as such.  This is actually the only game I play and I have been playing it for years.  I would prefer playing the game during my limited time and spending the rest of my time with my family. 
I do however have a program called Ifranview.  I know how to adjust size and change it to a jpeg.  I do know there is a button for small alterations and I do try to use it when ever possible, but not to the extent some of the others here can.  Now I also think if I choose to enter an unaltered picture against someone and I lose for what ever reasons, that's fine even if it might be because I didn't photoshop it.
I would be very interested in seeing who the grand winner would be for the month, (or the week, what ever) from the people who have made it into the Hall of Fame.  I think it very easily could be someone who didn't photo shop thier picture.  metasmurf, c.p., jen_p and citynut all have excellent pictures which look like they haven't been alter in my opinion.
With all this said, I really hope this does not become a rule as I think I have excellent pictures to share here as well.
Lastly, just to be clear, I am not trying to start anything.  What ever is decided will have to be okay.  I will just post my pictures in other threads here.  "Show us your" is an excellent outlet.

Just my 10 cents  LOL

Robin   ;)
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sam on April 13, 2007, 07:00:33 AM
Quote from: Masochist on April 13, 2007, 06:27:25 AM

As for the Challenger Ambush, enough people have spoken out against it that I'll do something about it...the question is, what?  I'm leaning towards the "10th vote, no challenge" option (because I feel that would help eliminate it all together), but maybe you guys would rather have the three-vote system (required to win by three votes)?

I like the simpler option. The person who casts the winning vote can't post picture.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: glepet on April 13, 2007, 10:21:43 AM
I like the idea of winning by more than 1. WInning by 3 is good. I also like the 10th vote can't challenge...
Let's see.. I know this gets more complicated but how about a "unaltered photo contest" and a "photoshopped" contest. I enjoy both types.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Citynut on April 13, 2007, 11:08:12 AM
I too like the Idea of the 10th vote cant challange - might I also suggest that we a picture que - where if it is in the que it will be the next to challange and people will have to add there picture to the que first - that way nobody is racing to see who gets there picture in first. - Just an Idea
I think this shoud be implememnted to solve the problem - that way everyone gets a chance to compete. and if you think about it it would wipe out rule #10
the winner advances to the next round and the next in the que is the challange - I truly think it would solve this problem. Masochist, I know you really dont a picture que, But I think this would sovle alot of problems
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sarungman on April 13, 2007, 12:00:11 PM
 i also agree with the suggestion that the CONTEST should be given a THEME/topic each round or each week (something like session :)).... i always see, when someone gives their Downtown pics, the challenger give their suburbs pics, and the voters sometimes are a "Suburb Freak" or "downtown freak" ;D..... so, it's possible that when u show your downtown pics and the challenger shows his suburb pics, the next 10 voters are "suburb Freak" &mmm.... can u guess?, how unlucky u are at that time.... $%Grinno$%

so the point is
--> the contest should be given a theme or topic for each round/week/month.....
--> The moderator or judge gives the next theme (suburbs/downtown/industry/farm/etc) after a round is finish (i mean each round), to prevent "Fast Challenge", so other participant can prepare their pics before they put their pics into this contest.

hmm.... oh, i dont know what else i should suggest next..... i think that's enough..... time to sleep.... it's 2 am here.... i have a competition tomorrow.....

sorry, my english is bad.....




-Erik-
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on April 13, 2007, 12:38:18 PM
Hey!  Just an notice, I posted a link to a free photo-editing program called The GIMP in the "Rules" sticky (at the bottom).  It's a totally free program (as in totally sans any type of payment requirements), and it's rather powerful.  A lot of people compare it to Photoshop (even though PS is hundreds of dollars and the GIMP isn't), and obviously Photoshop is favored.  But if you don't have the money for any high-end photo-editing program, and you want one, The GIMP may be the best option.  Just throwin' it out there...check it out :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: callagrafx on April 13, 2007, 12:59:14 PM
Sarungman....there should be no pigeonholing of images, it makes life too complex.  It's more about the IMAGE than the city building skills...and should be judged wholly on that.  When you go out with a camera, you don't take photos of examples of urban planning, you take photos of what looks nice.

I like Citynut's concept of an Image Queue.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Colyn on April 13, 2007, 01:17:12 PM
One of the things that makes this great is the SURPRISE factor ... so a queue will spoil that ...

I rather like the THEMES per week.

Imagine a whole week of snazzy INDUSTRIALS ;)
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on April 13, 2007, 01:52:35 PM
All right, I suppose it's time to reply to some of these suggestions and ideas :).  First off, I have already put up the 10th-vote rule.  The one who casts the deciding vote cannot post a picture.  That's in there.  We'll see how it goes and what-not.

rooker1
Quote from: rooker1 on April 13, 2007, 06:32:22 AM
With all this said, I really hope this does not become a rule as I think I have excellent pictures to share here as well.
Lastly, just to be clear, I am not trying to start anything.  What ever is decided will have to be okay.  I will just post my pictures in other threads here.  "Show us your" is an excellent outlet.

Just my 10 cents  LOL

Robin   ;)

As long as it's up to me, it won't become a rule. ;)

glepet
Quote from: glepet on April 13, 2007, 10:21:43 AM
Let's see.. I know this gets more complicated but how about a "unaltered photo contest" and a "photoshopped" contest. I enjoy both types.

That idea was brought to the table a while back, but it was shot down rather quickly.  Maybe it's time once again to look into it?

Citynut
Quote from: Citynut on April 13, 2007, 11:08:12 AM
I too like the Idea of the 10th vote cant challange - might I also suggest that we a picture que - where if it is in the que it will be the next to challange and people will have to add there picture to the que first - that way nobody is racing to see who gets there picture in first. - Just an Idea
I think this shoud be implememnted to solve the problem - that way everyone gets a chance to compete. and if you think about it it would wipe out rule #10
the winner advances to the next round and the next in the que is the challange - I truly think it would solve this problem. Masochist, I know you really dont a picture que, But I think this would sovle alot of problems

This suggestion was brought up earlier, as well.  I do think it would be a way to help quell some of the problems in the contest right now.  But you're right...I'm not so keen on the idea.  I think it would take away the spontaneity that makes the game so fun (I like the fact that you don't which two pictures are going up against each other).    However...I'm just one guy, and it's just my one opinion.  If the majority of the people wish to start with a picture queue, then there wouldn't be much I could do about it.  But as it's a major change in the way the game is run, it'd have to be a major movement (as opposed to just the two or three voices that have helped change minor issues).  That's just my opinion on it...so if more people speak up in favor of it, then I guess it'll pass.

sarungman
Quote from: sarungman on April 13, 2007, 12:00:11 PM
i also agree with the suggestion that the CONTEST should be given a THEME/topic each round or each week (something like session :)).... i always see, when someone gives their Downtown pics, the challenger give their suburbs pics, and the voters sometimes are a "Suburb Freak" or "downtown freak" ;D..... so, it's possible that when u show your downtown pics and the challenger shows his suburb pics, the next 10 voters are "suburb Freak" &mmm.... can u guess?, how unlucky u are at that time.... $%Grinno$%

so the point is
--> the contest should be given a theme or topic for each round/week/month.....
--> The moderator or judge gives the next theme (suburbs/downtown/industry/farm/etc) after a round is finish (i mean each round), to prevent "Fast Challenge", so other participant can prepare their pics before they put their pics into this contest.

hmm.... oh, i dont know what else i should suggest next..... i think that's enough..... time to sleep.... it's 2 am here.... i have a competition tomorrow.....

sorry, my english is bad.....

Your English isn't bad at all!  And that's an interesting spin on the category idea that I hadn't thought of: having a theme.  Maybe not every week or round or whatever, but every so often, just to change things up.  I don't know...just an idea.

callagrafx
Quote from: callagrafx on April 13, 2007, 12:59:14 PM
Sarungman....there should be no pigeonholing of images, it makes life too complex.  It's more about the IMAGE than the city building skills...and should be judged wholly on that.  When you go out with a camera, you don't take photos of examples of urban planning, you take photos of what looks nice.

I like Citynut's concept of an Image Queue.

I've already stated my opinions about the image queue.  And I like the fact that any image can compete against any other, as well.  I thought about sarungman's idea, though, and I wrote my little tweak on it up there ^ a bit.


So yeah...these are just my thoughts.  I really like the way the game is run right now, and I'm sure a lot of other people like it this way, as well.  However, if you guys really want things changed, just let me know...it's not my way or the highway here.  I just want to make it fun for as many people as possible, is all.  Please, keep the suggestions coming! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: callagrafx on April 13, 2007, 02:34:01 PM
who said the queue had to be public?  But the more I think about it, the less practical it seems...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sam on April 13, 2007, 04:32:04 PM
Maybe we could keep the open competition as is, but have a spin-off competition which is themed.

The themed competition could have the theme varied by a moderator every so often eg photoshopped images, no photoshopped images, rural, nature, megatropolis, mystery etc.

Perhaps - only the moderator can start a round and announces the theme, people can only post pictures once this is done. The competition continues as normal until a picture gets to the hall of fame, then the moderator announces a new theme for the new challengers.

For the mystery theme the moderator calls for two challengers, then announces the theme.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sebes on April 14, 2007, 03:23:58 AM
I like Sams idea. Just another little idea that might go with that:

The moderator announces a theme, and every body who wish can post a picture for 24 hours. Then every body can vote for one of the entered pictures, for 24 hours. The scores are not disclosed. The best 10 get into the real competition (only the moderator know the best 10). The competition opens with the 10th and 9th place, and everybody can vote again between the two. The winner takes it agains the 8th place, the winner from those 2 against the 7th place etc. At the end there will be one overall winning picture in the theme contest...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: CabraBuitre on April 15, 2007, 05:34:21 PM
I'm a couple days late on the whole discussion... but my thought about who should post the next image goes along the lines of what Citynut suggested... My thought is that all pics should be submitted to a single moderator, who has the list of pics, and them posts them in the order they were rec'd.  Now, there's a drawback to this that we'd have to wait for the moderator to post the next image... but that might very well be better than what we have currently. 

I've gotta catch up on the main thread, I'm 12 pages behind due to lots of RLS, but I'll catch up soon!!
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Colyn on April 21, 2007, 12:53:22 AM
Good suggestions and I like the Themed thing by Sam and Sebes ... if that is mixed with what Cabra say then it could be quite a battle.

We can talk to Jeroni about a special forum for the moderators of this picture forum and only they have access to that ... there the queues can be built by Masochist with the other moderators just updating the competition thread. For that we will need at least 2 more moderators that would be willing to look after the thing.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on May 03, 2007, 11:04:13 PM
Okay!  I am now done with finals and such, so I have a bit of free time (a little...the month of may is going to kill me! :'().  Anyways, I was thinking of how we could do a themed competition without disrupting the main competition (too much).  So I've come up with something of an amalgamated idea of ideas (()what()) on how we could maybe implement this, and I'd like some feedback on the idea.

Okay...so here it is.  We could have a themed tournament where all the pictures are submitted beforehand (to a moderator or to a thread, whatever) (and we'd have a submissions deadline).  Then we hold the tournament itself.  Of course, all of that was already suggested by other people, so none of it's new.  But here's the thing: if this tournament were to happen, I kind of see two ways we could run it.  Based on the number of submissions we have, we could have two pictures go up against each other in classic contest (first to 10 votes or highest after 24 hours).  Whenever a picture wins, it goes on to the next round, and then two more pictures go up and battle each other and the process repeats until the first round is over.  Then the second round begins and so on and so on. 

That method may or may not become tedious depending on the number of submissions we have, so I also thought that it might be easier to group a bunch of pictures in a round together and hold voting polls to determine the winners.  For example, if there are 24 submissions, we could hold 4 polls with six pictures each (or 2 polls with 12 pics), and that would be the first round.  Then we might take the top so-many from each of those and put them together for the second round, and so on and so on.  That would take up a bit of room on the site, because we'd need a different thread for every poll.  That's all I've come up with so far.

I'm just throwing stuff out there.  These are just loose ideas that I've finally had time to throw down in writing.  The main thing is that I don't want it to disrupt the main competition (too much).  The way I have it thought out, this wouldn't be a constant thing...it would be more of a thing to do in-between 2nd Chance Sunday tournaments.  But of course, this is all me talking.  I'd love to hear what you guys think of this...whether you think it'd be practical, whether you like or dislike the idea (or parts of the idea), whether you'd change anything, whether you'd actually participate, any feedback is welcome :thumbsup:!
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Mulefisk on May 05, 2007, 03:02:08 AM
Masochist: I think it's a fantastic idea, and i've been thinking about something along the lines of that myself. I think that to make it work, it would be best to go with the seccond option, having groups of pictures.

What would make it even more exciting however, is that for each round, the winners will have to post a new picture, perhaps with a new theme. This way, we aren't finding out who has the best picture, we find out who is the best at making them. This goes on until there are only 2 people left, and one of them wins. The winner could then perhaps get a custom title or something.


It's just an idea, but I really think it would help make this contest even more exciting.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sebes on May 05, 2007, 04:25:50 AM
I'm not in favor of that.

I for myself like the idea that we vote for best appealing pictures/photo's, and not for the best photographer or photo-editor behind it. It could easily turn into yet another "idol" contest...not realy what I am looking for here....
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Citynut on May 08, 2007, 05:58:14 PM
Quote from: sebes on May 05, 2007, 04:25:50 AM
I'm not in favor of that.

I for myself like the idea that we vote for best appealing pictures/photo's, and not for the best photographer or photo-editor behind it. It could easily turn into yet another "idol" contest...not realy what I am looking for here....

I suck at Photoshop and other editing programs - I have to agree with Sebes on this matter - otherwise I like the Idea of voting
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: mightygoose on May 08, 2007, 06:10:16 PM
i think a naked theme would be good, i always prefer my pictures to be raw without PS, but hey thats just me
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: meinhosen on May 08, 2007, 07:51:32 PM
I think, perhaps, it might be easiest to go to a style similar to the second chance tournament(s).  I think that might open up the doors for more folks to submit screenshots and give us a wider range of users (and themes- that's such a great idea  &idea ) to work with during the tournament.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 08, 2007, 07:57:41 PM
Quote from: sebes on May 05, 2007, 04:25:50 AM
I'm not in favor of that.

I for myself like the idea that we vote for best appealing pictures/photo's, and not for the best photographer or photo-editor behind it. It could easily turn into yet another "idol" contest...not realy what I am looking for here....

One way to do that is post the pictures as "Photo 1" and "Photo 2," that way you don't know whose picture you're voting for, just the picture. Then at the end, you say whose pictures they were. Just an idea...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: mightygoose on May 09, 2007, 04:24:54 AM
that thundercrack would also encourage cjer's to find a different style so we cant identify whose photo is whose...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: thundercrack83 on May 31, 2007, 05:39:30 PM
I think it may be a good idea to have a moderator pin the Photo Competition thread, that way every new page, the first post will be at the top. Then, in that first post, you can edit it and put some of the rules (especially the "wait 30 minutes rule," which is broken quite regularly) in there. I don't think people are purposely breaking the rules, I just think that they aren't readily accessible and this may help. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on May 31, 2007, 07:01:20 PM
Well...I was seriously thinking about it.  I was trying to figure out if I could sticky a post without stickying the thread...but apparently, you can't.  I don't know why I didn't just sticky the entire thread when I found that out, but...something about having it stickied just kind of irked me a bit.  I know, that's a very unsatisfactory reason for not having it done...*sigh*...I suppose I'll go ahead then.  But I'll post a notice in the game and wait about an hour or so so that people know where to look...

Also...you only have to wait half an hour to post a challenge if you were the person who casted the deciding vote in a round.  As far as I've seen, people have been rather good at keeping up with this rule (especially since I finally put in that provision about doing that).
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: sebes on June 17, 2007, 05:03:43 AM
Masochist,

Thanks for starting the first thematic round today! In the game rules, you mention that in the next round, the voting rounds, a round would be open for 12 hours. I believe a round should at least be open for 24 hours, so that all members from accross the globe can have a vote in each round. With only 12 hours on a mid-week day, people from a certain time zone can be sleeping and at work, with no chance to look at the contest...   
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on June 17, 2007, 12:36:40 PM
sebes: You make a good point.  The reason I made it 12 hours instead of 24 is because there could be a lot of rounds to vote on depending on how many submissions are submitted.  I didn't want it to run too long...but the length of the polls isn't final.  I may change it to 18 or 24 hours if that'd be more suitable.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: thundercrack83 on June 27, 2007, 02:04:29 PM
Masochist: I thought of another idea for the themed competition. What about a map competition?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on June 27, 2007, 09:59:25 PM

a not so far off the wall suggestion but what about a waterfalls type theme??
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Shadow Assassin on June 28, 2007, 01:26:46 AM
What about a region shot competition?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Ennedi on July 26, 2007, 02:39:17 PM
Masochist, such tournament is a very good idea. But isn't very popular yet. In addition, we have holidays.
So I suggest to choose a popular theme - something wchich is very common in our cities. For example: Downtown, or if you want to make it more specific - "Central point of your city".
Of course it can be something different, but my idea is to attract more competitors - more fun for more people  ;)

Every theme from previous posts (map, waterfall, region) are very good, but maybe a bit later?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: rooker1 on September 21, 2007, 09:08:04 AM
There are some very awesome pictures making their way to the Hall of Fame.  And I know that I am really enjoying the contest as it is.
But I do have one suggestion.   &idea
Why don't we have a monthly contest of all the pictures that made it to Hall of Fame.  The winner of each month (12 pictures at the end of the year) can battle it out for a yearly contest.  In the end we end up with the 11 Ultimate Pictures of the Year and one Ultimate Picture Overall.

Just an idea........
Robin   ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on September 21, 2007, 09:42:03 AM
Quote from: rooker1 on September 21, 2007, 09:08:04 AM
There are some very awesome pictures making their way to the Hall of Fame.  And I know that I am really enjoying the contest as it is.
But I do have one suggestion.   &idea
Why don't we have a monthly contest of all the pictures that made it to Hall of Fame.  The winner of each month (12 pictures at the end of the year) can battle it out for a yearly contest.  In the end we end up with the 11 Ultimate Pictures of the Year and one Ultimate Picture Overall.

Just an idea........
Robin   ()stsfd()

You know, I've had these thoughts, too.  I talked it over with a couple people, and one of the opinions was something along the lines of "Best of the best of the best of the best...where does it stop," you know?

But let's get some opinions going about it...anyone else have any thoughts?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: rooker1 on September 21, 2007, 10:46:59 AM
I see your point, Masochist.  But that's exactly what this competition would be.  The Best of the best of the best..........

First of all, let me say this.  I love this competition, it has made me try harder and harder to make better and more detailed pictures for all else to enjoy including myself.  And I think everyone else does the same.

The way I invision it would be like this.
You win the competition and your picture goes to a Hall of Fame for that month.  People would be able to vote for pictures in already past months (let's call them closed months because the month would be over) for the entire year up to, let's say second week of Janurary and than the year would be closed and we would have 12 Ulitimate Pictures of the Year and those pictures would than be put into a competition against each other to have one Utlimate Picture Overall and this competition would last for about three or four weeks. 
So if it were to run like this we could start right away with the months that have already past.

I sometimes think to myself, that it is interesting to see the pictures that win, including my own.  It all has to do with timing and a very good picture, but not necessarily an awesome/great picture.  I have seen two awesome pictures fight it out and that doesn't mean that if the losing picture were to enter again on a different day, it wouldn't make it to the HoF .

At the end of the day though, it is all about winning and to be able to see the Best Picture of the Year and Month choosen by the People would be interesting in my humble opinion.

I think I should stop now before I make everyone ears start to ring.  :D

Robin   ;)
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: thundercrack83 on September 21, 2007, 12:14:36 PM
I think this is a great idea, actually! Great thinking, Robin!
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: mightygoose on October 28, 2007, 07:25:21 AM
robin that is a fantastic idea, but i do think a region shot competition would be awesome...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on October 28, 2007, 08:29:22 PM

Well heres an idea as a money maker for the site.... Going with the idea of the 12 pics, we can just turn it into a calender contest for the next year and the winning pic will have the choice of their month and plus being front cover of the calender... Heres an idea where to get a  calender made here [linkie] (http://www.shutterfly.com/shop/product_c10015-p2030/Calendars_Classic_Calendars)
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: mightygoose on January 26, 2008, 01:33:00 PM
thats actually the best idea i ever heard...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: JoeST on May 05, 2008, 11:30:09 PM
Quote from: Masochist on April 05, 2007, 07:27:35 AM
4.) Colyn is also developing (developed?) a polling applet that would allow people to cast their votes privately, as well as vote on multiple pictures...

As said in the original post (and maybe elsewhere) a polling applet would be a good idea... less wooly, more official and automatic, (no wrong maths  ::) ). So I have started brainstorming one over at arcath.net (http://www.arcath.net/smf/?topic=50). If you feel like popping over, please feel free, You can contact me wherever you like, (Yes Including here...)

Joe
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on May 08, 2008, 09:29:53 AM
One thing I would suggust so that no pics are lost which some have now become gone in the HOF is to have a seperate Imageshack account or Photobucket account to preserve these wonderful pics that grace the HOF... So that means when there is an update to HOF is that the winning pic is uploaded to the HOFaccount and the images are then viewed in the Hall of Fame....

Of course to avoid any legal stuff there would be a notice to community in general and also a admund to the rules stating that yes you will still be credited for the pic but the pic is now stored elsewhere to preseve it...

Sorry if I am rambling here but that is my idea to preserve the pics in the HOF as I have noticed some pics from Mulefisk are gone and some other has disappered...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: rooker1 on May 08, 2008, 10:40:15 AM
Pat,

Thank you for pointing that out. 
I have fixed all the links that I could.  The only one missing now is praiodan's, reply #136, inducted on 4-19-08.  I will see what I can do about getting it fixed.
After tonight I will also have a copy of all the pictures saved in my hard drive so that in an event that this happens again, I can just repair the link myself.

Robin  ()stsfd()
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: JoeST on May 08, 2008, 10:41:52 AM
well... as it is, I believe all the HoF pics are uploaded to the sc4d server...

thats wrong HEHE, yeah that would be a good idea...

and yeah, thanks Robin

Joe

Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: rooker1 on May 08, 2008, 11:35:52 AM
Okay, Lars (praiodan) has just sent me a copy of the pic for the HoF and I have replaced the LINKIE.
All is well again in the HoF world.

Thanks Lars for the quick reply.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on May 08, 2008, 03:42:39 PM
Sweeeeeet Robin, Im glad you took good care of those wonderful pics as I would hate to see any of them lost...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: JoeST on May 11, 2008, 09:03:18 AM
Well... I have finished my program for picture competitioning.... all it needs is testers. You can find it  here (http://whitefall.arcath.net/~joest). you have to register to  vote/participate in the contest. and no, you cant post 2 pics from the same account, and I might make it so one account per IP address if there is any trouble.... as you can see, there is a few accounts already inserted, so please tell me if you intend on testing and appear on the contestant list. Also, you MUST have cookies enabled to use this system :S

I will update parts of it when there is either Errors reported, or I get round to it.

Thanks to anyone that decides to help :) cant wait to see it working :)

Joe
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on May 12, 2008, 10:09:26 PM
Well Joe I was going to see if I can help out but umm one tinny problem no web site lol....
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on May 12, 2008, 10:41:40 PM
I couldn't use that link, either.  I had to go in the back way $%#Ninj2...

Try [this registration link] (http://whitefall.arcath.net/~joest/index.php?sub=register).  Register (it takes almost literally 10 seconds), then it'll tell you to log in, then I think you'll get to where you need to go.

I already have a picture up to test it ;).

-Isaac

P.S. For future reference, that's how my middle name is spelled %wrd

<EDIT> LOL...if you highlight the page that you reach by clicking on the link star.torturer provided, you'll see a hidden link...click on that, and you'll see the homepage.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: JoeST on May 12, 2008, 11:00:49 PM
OH yeah.... hehehe, forgot about that page...yeah thanks Isacc, (hehehe, sorry about that). There is still some problems with it... and not all the things are started yet... unfortunately atm you can vote many times. this WILL be fixed, I just dont know how yet without breaking the current system heheh

and thanks very much for testing it out :)

Joe

EDIT: just a heads up, Isacc, you inputted the wrong forum ID lol, jmyers2043, was this intentional? hehe

EDIT: looks like that little problem with voting is fixed YAY :)
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on May 13, 2008, 09:20:02 AM
Hey Joe got a question for you about the profile link?  I clicked on my name and it brought me to hay_tsooner123 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=648) right here on Devo... Is that supposed to happen???
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: JoeST on May 13, 2008, 09:24:56 AM
i duno... thats quite strange, did you put 938 in? or 628? I can change it manualy. just a bit weird its not putting it in automatically.. weird...

... I also see you voted for yourself :p lol, will fix that now :)

Joe
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on May 13, 2008, 09:28:14 AM
LoL I wanted to see what happened.... I had entered 648 i guess thats why it linked then to that profile...  accourding to the number when I did a member search my number is 938???
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: JoeST on May 13, 2008, 09:33:15 AM
Your number is 938, but it also didnt work on Masochists registration...

now there is a current score. next for no voting from competitors, (and maybe previous voters) !

Joe
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on May 13, 2008, 11:01:54 AM
It works now just fine with linking right to my profile now and it still seems I cant score a vote lol  :D
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Kitsune on June 24, 2008, 12:05:57 PM
Split the comp in two, one for Images that have been edited, and one for images that are clean...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: flame1396 on June 25, 2008, 06:56:59 PM
Quote from: Kitsune on June 24, 2008, 12:05:57 PM
Split the comp in two, one for Images that have been edited, and one for images that are clean...

I vote yes.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: NASCAR_Guy on July 28, 2008, 03:30:13 PM
I would dominate the clean pic category :P



(okay Not really but I agree about splitting it ;) )
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: M4346 on August 07, 2008, 06:42:38 AM
Okay, I know that this might be an awkward suggestion and may ask a lot from members... but after a while it will become second nature if considered and implemented, no? :P

I was thinking that you pin to the top of the page in the SC4 Picture Competition Thread, the following code that can be copied and pasted to make the voting more 'neat' and less confusing... (Yeah, I realise that's saying much. :P )

But if you'd encourage voters to use a table in this format:

[tabular type=2]
[row][head][b]Name of Contestant[/b][/head][head][b]Votes Cast For[/b][/head][/row]
[row][data][name contestant 1][/data][data][number of votes for contestant 1][/data][/row]
[row][data][name contestant 2][/data][data][number of votes for contestant 2[/data][/row]
[/tabular]


Looking like this:

[tabular type=2]
[row][head]Name of Contestant[/head][head]Votes Cast For[/head][/row]
[row][data][name contestant 1][/data][data][number of votes for contestant 1][/data][/row]
[row][data][name contestant 2][/data][data][number of votes for contestant 2][/data][/row]
[/tabular]

Benefits

So, the powers that be put the rough format at the top of the thread and voters can even just quote the post immediately above and adjust accordingly.

All in favour...? lol
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: CasperVg on August 07, 2008, 06:48:47 AM
I'm in favour of that, and will be using it  :D
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: JoeST on August 07, 2008, 07:00:38 AM
good idea Marius :)

Joe
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: bat on August 07, 2008, 07:58:31 AM
yes, very good idea there, M! ;)

And I also will be using it...
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on August 07, 2008, 08:07:29 AM
Marius that is a fantastic idea there!!! I love it and I think it would be also well implemented....

[tabular type=2]
[row][head]good idea or bad idea[/head][head]Votes Cast For the Idea[/head][/row]
[row][data]Good[/data][data][4][/data][/row]
[row][data]Bad[/data][data][0.][/data][/row]
[/tabular]

while I was messing around with the table I noticed it doesnt record just 0 so to have the 0 displayed you would have to go with 0.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: M4346 on August 07, 2008, 08:07:29 AM
Yay! LOL

I should perhaps add that this should not necessarily be made compulsory - at least I don't think so anyway!

But! Thanks for the support!  $%Grinno$%
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Masochist on August 15, 2008, 08:47:22 AM
It's in the stickied post ;).

I wish I'd've given you karma when I had the chance...:-[
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box: Best SC4 Picture Ever
Post by: nerdly_dood on September 16, 2008, 02:44:20 PM
What I'd like to see is a "Best SC4 Picture Ever" contest in which people vote among the various pictures in the HoF to gradually narrow down the choices one by one until there are two left and then people vote for one of those and the person who made the Best Picture gets a new CML or something as a reward. (And maybe karma...)

This would be pretty much the plain ol' SC4 Best Pictures Contest but it would run standard bracket style - pairs duke it out at the beginning, and then one in each pair wins or loses. Then you have half the pictures left and they duke it out, and then half of them remain after the voting and the process repeats until there is one left which is the winner.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on September 16, 2008, 04:47:06 PM
Hey Nerdly I think that is allready done at least once and that was last year around SC4D anniversary...  But I think it was off of the entries that never made it to the HOF....  I do agree that a show down with the HOFfers would be fantastic!!!!
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: rooker1 on September 16, 2008, 06:48:48 PM
Be patient guys. 
Maybe something like this will happen in the near future. 
Than again, maybe not.  ;)

Robin  ::)
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Pat on September 16, 2008, 07:28:54 PM
LoL Robin your terrible hehehe
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Kitsune on March 03, 2009, 12:23:52 PM
Quote from: Kitsune on June 24, 2008, 12:05:57 PM
Split the comp in two, one for Images that have been edited, and one for images that are clean...

Well I'm putting this suggestion out, seems like its pretty automatic that photoshopped image wins against a clean one, and the amount of photoshopping done in some pics make pretty much impossible to compete against it with a non-photoshopped image.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Sven800 on July 09, 2010, 10:33:07 AM
Picture Queue

I think it might be helpful to have a queue of picture submissions - Everyone can submit one picture at a time (If you have a pic waiting to compete you can not submit another one until your first picture is done), and they go up in order against the previous winner. That way people could submit a picture at any time and would not have to try and catch the competition right as it ends.

Just a thought.
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: rooker1 on August 11, 2010, 09:20:41 AM
Sorry Sven800 that I missed this post until now.
Good idea, I'll give this some more thought.

Robin  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Ol.S / Benoit on June 28, 2012, 09:06:58 AM
To not spam the picture competition thread, I'll continue the discussion here :
(Started here : http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=804.msg427198#msg427198 )

Quote from: Art128Already discussed, the answer was no. We already put back the vote from ten to eight, we are not going to put it any shorter. As well for the 24 hours time limit, 48 hours is too much.

No no the idea is not to shorter the votes from 8 to 5/6, but that a duel can't end until there are 5 votes total. (Like one of the competitor must be at a minimum of 3 points to win, even after 24h) It simply avoid what happenned with Republic right now, a coin flip, when the thread is forgotten for 24h. (Also, 48h is too long, ok)

What do you think ?
Title: Re: Photo Contest Suggestion Box
Post by: Kergelen on June 28, 2012, 02:13:57 PM
I think that because every time there is less participation in the picture competition, would be very appropriate adapt the rules to new circumstances. Previous rules were made when there was a lot more participation but, unfortunately, now there are increasingly fewer people who vote.

The idea of extending a few hours the competition, or a minimum of votes seems appropriate.