Beta Awards 08 - Guidelines & Submissions

Blaster · Post by **Blaster** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 5:18 pm

zerospace wrote:Do folks have any suggestions about the larger (not thumbnail) image size?

At the moment, the site is coded to make it 400 pixels, but I can make it larger. The only thing I want is to cap is file size due to the fact that you will be uploading directly to the site this time, and server timeouts could be an issue with dial-up users trying to send large files. At the moment, I have the max individual file size set at 300k, which I believe to be WAY more than enough.

The idea is ... this size I'm asking about would be a maximum--images may be submitted under this size limit, but anything submitted that exceeds this size will be automatically resized by the server.

Is there anyway to leave to pixel size open, and just have a file size limit for the large imges?

zerospace · Post by **zerospace** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:26 pm

To answer your question, Blaster: the simple answer is yes. But, the more complex answer is no. While I am technically able leave pixel size unrestricted, I would rather not.

There is also a feature that I'd like to make for this year's site that would require keeping pixel dimensions reasonable (keeping in mind that there are a large number of people using 1024x768 resolution monitors). Remember, this is a maximum pixel size, not a hard and fast rule (e.g.if your file is say... 600 pixels wide, and the max width is 450, it will be resized; however, if your image size is 425 and the max is 450, it will not be resized). There are probably still quite a few old-time Rubberslugers here whose maximum image widths are still 360 pixels--and for them to submit larger images to compete would require re-scanning (and that's just to keep the field even). I would much rather impose a maximum pixel limit and be done with it. I'm perfectly willing to go as high as 500-600 pixels wide -- that should be more than plenty. I'm really not sure anything over 600 is necessary.

The feature I am considering is the ability to compare entries from the same category side-by-side on the same page. I have found in many years when I'm stuck deciding between a few entries in a category, that being able to look at them--and only them--would be nice. In order for this to work properly, the image widths would need to be 500px wide or less (ideally, 450 or less), to work within the confines of a 1024px maximum resolution (and avoid the dreaded horizontal scrolling). I haven't discussed this idea with cutiebunny yet, as it just came to me today while I was finishing coding the entry upload forms.

The last main reason I'd rather not is: If I allow you to upload any size image but just impose the file size limit, I will likely get more images that approach the file size limit, rather than less. While my hosting account does not impose a harsh disk space requirement on me, I am mildly concerned about bandwidth -- more large files = more bandwidth used (and slower loading pages overall).

Leedz · Post by **Leedz** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:01 am

klet wrote:
wELCOME cONSUMER wrote:
Killua wrote:There's no such thing as a Yaoi rage cel.
This made me laugh. If there is such a thing, I'd be curious to see it.
Angry sex?

RAEP?

I also oppose the repros idea, for the same reason.

Blaster · Post by **Blaster** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:22 am

zerospace wrote:To answer your question, Blaster: the simple answer is yes. But, the more complex answer is no. While I am technically able leave pixel size unrestricted, I would rather not.

There is also a feature that I'd like to make for this year's site that would require keeping pixel dimensions reasonable (keeping in mind that there are a large number of people using 1024x768 resolution monitors). Remember, this is a maximum pixel size, not a hard and fast rule (e.g.if your file is say... 600 pixels wide, and the max width is 450, it will be resized; however, if your image size is 425 and the max is 450, it will not be resized). There are probably still quite a few old-time Rubberslugers here whose maximum image widths are still 360 pixels--and for them to submit larger images to compete would require re-scanning (and that's just to keep the field even). I would much rather impose a maximum pixel limit and be done with it. I'm perfectly willing to go as high as 500-600 pixels wide -- that should be more than plenty. I'm really not sure anything over 600 is necessary.

The feature I am considering is the ability to compare entries from the same category side-by-side on the same page. I have found in many years when I'm stuck deciding between a few entries in a category, that being able to look at them--and only them--would be nice. In order for this to work properly, the image widths would need to be 500px wide or less (ideally, 450 or less), to work within the confines of a 1024px maximum resolution (and avoid the dreaded horizontal scrolling). I haven't discussed this idea with cutiebunny yet, as it just came to me today while I was finishing coding the entry upload forms.

The last main reason I'd rather not is: If I allow you to upload any size image but just impose the file size limit, I will likely get more images that approach the file size limit, rather than less. While my hosting account does not impose a harsh disk space requirement on me, I am mildly concerned about bandwidth -- more large files = more bandwidth used (and slower loading pages overall).

I guess having no pixel limit could make things a lot more difficult. It just that 450 pixels doesn't seem very big. I'm really not trying to be a pain here - maybe I'm just to used to seeing 1024 pixel scans

cutiebunny · Post by **cutiebunny** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:44 am

Sorry I'm a tad late in posting information regarding submissions...

I want to thank everyone for their input this year. These awards are for us and by us, and hopefully, I've done an acceptable job at considering everyone's views and requests.

Zero has requested that the max file size for any submission be 300k, so, by her request, I'm keeping that. We're still trying to iron out the exact pixel width for the larger images, but once something is finite, I will post it for everyone.

However, with slightly over a month before the submissions are due, this should give all partipants a good chance to look over their collections and decide what pieces they want to submit.

sletia · Post by **sletia** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 6:22 am

Hi. Um, I'm gonna try entering for the first time. Could you tell me who I e-mail my submissions to?

miz ducky · Post by **miz ducky** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:22 am

cutiebunny wrote:Schedule

A line with an "*" means that we currently do not have this set in stone. We will update as the project progresses.

Deadline for Beta Registry - November 10th, 2008.
Submissions - November 14, 2008 - November 17, 2008
Voting* - December 1, 2008 - December 8, 2008
Awards * - December 15, 2008

I see that the first post was updated with schedule info, but I haven't read that the submission process has been posted yet. There is still a while, so keep checking back for info.

Krafty · Post by **Krafty** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:23 am

It all sounds good. However with 7 pages of comprehensive argument/suggestion I'm not going to read it all. I trust this year's awards will work out perfectly so I'll refer to the finalised listing for the low down. Kudos to those involved in this year's event.

One thing though, I do like DarkSusaku's voting suggestion of using points to determine our favourites. Yes, it creates a little more work for the counters but it's good fun and adds a little more depth.

Now I shall shut up and think about what artwork I can submit...

animeobsessed · Post by **animeobsessed** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:39 am

Krafty wrote:It all sounds good. However with 7 pages of comprehensive argument/suggestion I'm not going to read it all. I trust this year's awards will work out perfectly so I'll refer to the finalised listing for the low down. Kudos to those involved in this year's event.

One thing though, I do like DarkSusaku's voting suggestion of using points to determine our favourites. Yes, it creates a little more work for the counters but it's good fun and adds a little more depth.

Now I shall shut up and think about what artwork I can submit...

I haven't kept up on all this either, but do like this point system for voting.

Moop · Post by **Moop** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:01 am

I know it's a little late, but I was wondering if it might be possible to extend the Comic/Manga category to include original work from professionals in the anime biz...? I've seen some truly stunning shikishi on RS by key animators, character designers, etc., who are technically neither comic artists nor mangakas - and it seems a pity that there has never been a place to show them off in the AB awards. Besides which, the category was not exactly crowded last year, so this might pad it a bit.

wELCOME cONSUMER · Post by **wELCOME cONSUMER** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:02 am

I have a question about what Settei are. I always thought that the term Settei included color tests and model cels, is this true? I honestly have no idea but I've always referred to color/model cels as Settei, assuming they were part of the settings work. Can someone please clarify that for me. Is there a different word I should be using for color tests and model cels?

zerospace · Post by **zerospace** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:52 am

Good question, WC... I've seen those test cels referred to that way as well.

I'm curious to see if anyone else has the answer?

CB - thanks for posting the timeline -- it looks good to me, I'm quite certain I can work within that without issue

.

I'm going to officially propose a maximum full-size image width of 600 pixels for those who have pan cels with aspect ratios where the image is much longer than it is wide ... for regular cels, I would prefer to see maximum widths of no more than 500, but that's just me.

I've been thinking about the comparison idea, and it occurs to me that I can make the comparison page suit the screen of the visitor. This way, however many images fit across the screen is how many you get. Making this work shouldn't be an issue, which removes some of the pixel width issue from the technical standpoint. Even if it does, I still do want to impose a maximum width.

One other thing: cutiebunny and I have agreed upon using a large image protection script on the site. This script would split your large images into 4 pieces (much the way rubberslug does) for display. I've been told this speeds up viewing on dial-up connections, so I'm going to use it. If you're curious what I mean by this, the gallery listed in my signature (non-RS) uses this script for the larger cel scans. It also does double duty, as it hides the path and file name from view when you use your "view source" options in your browser (preventing direct image access and theft).

Entry is not going to be via email this year! (I'm saying this now to avoid some confusion.) Entries are going to be accepted via a set of forms on the beta awards site. To this end, everyone is going to have to follow the instructions carefully to avoid issues. I'm making the process as simple as possible, and I'm even allowing you to review your submitted images as you go -- to avoid potential "I submitted the wrong image for xxx category!" issues. You will get confirmation emails from the site when you finish the form(s), and again when CB or I approves (we will double check all submissions) your submissions.

Goldknight · Post by **Goldknight** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:00 am

Not to interrupt the process here I just wanted to say that once y'all have decided on all the rules, categories, etc. then if you'd like you can PM me what you would want to post as the "official" rule page and I can make it a global announcement that is also locked and therefore can't be posted to. If there are questions they can use this thread. That way people aren't sifting through pages and pages of posts to find the rules. Just a thought.

Moop · Post by **Moop** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:03 am

wELCOME cONSUMER wrote:Can someone please clarify that for me. Is there a different word I should be using for color tests and model cels?

Well, according to Key's Little FAQ, which is a great quick reference:

A settei cel is a model cel that shows how characters and objects are to be painted/shaded. There are often multiples made of these so that many can see. In addition to multiples, often the same set of trace lines are used to show other sets of colors (night tones, sunset tones, special colorations). These can also be called model cels.

Someone might have a more detailed definition, but I've always used 'model cel' interchangeably with 'settei cel'.

wELCOME cONSUMER · Post by **wELCOME cONSUMER** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:37 pm

Thank you so much for the information Moop! The Settei category description indicates "sheets" and much of the discussion about the category revolved around paper, so it got me thinking. In light of this clarification, can the Settei category description be updated to make it clear that the category welcomes plastic as well as paper?

Zerospace, I think your proposed sizing guidelines are more than generous and accommodates the dial-up users as well. Even if they are not optimized, most images are in the 100 - 150 kb range, so 300 kb seems like more than enough. And a maximum of 500 pixels wide seems ample. People have to keep in mind that displays are not uniform, things like widgets, browsers and IM programs eat up valuable space. So, for instance, even if you are using a 800 pixel wide display on your monitor, you most likely are not able to see it that way. Besides, having a really huge image can actually be as much of a disadvantage as having a really small image. Flaws, paint chips and line fade are much easier to see and ultimately detract from those enormous images.

I second Moop's suggestion about expanding the Manga/Comic category to include original art like shikishi, as long as the art is not actually something else, like a hanken. Shikishi are pretty rare and unusual, they deserve some kind of recognition. I've always wanted to see the Manga/Comic section bolstered in some way and I think that is a great suggestion.

Anime-Beta TNG

Beta Awards 08 - Guidelines & Submissions

Should all viable catagories be divided into a cel and sketch section?