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the logo image is for the current theme?

Could you give more information about the entry #3 ?
What kind of features do you need ?

About #3:

a) I'm assuming that you wouldn't have us interface with your actual server, instead create a GUI with an interface that can easily be adapted to work with it. Am I correct here?

b) Would you accept a flash entry for #3? (for instance, the uploader on imageshack is flash)

Yeah, more information on #3 would be ideal

Do you want your own uploader as well? Do you mind if we use some open source scripts for references to build upon?

Sorry for double post

I didn't see anywhere if you were allowed multiple entry's. Is that a possiblity, to have more than one entry.

And if so, can it be for another Entry, like. What if I enter #1 and #3, that okay? Or is it possible to just enter #1 like 2-3x with totally different revisions

Thanks :)

I got few questions about #1..

a) For what kind of use is the logo intended for? Only for the web banner?

b) What is the format of the final image, will a bitmap image do it or do you require a high quality vector one?

Quotethe logo image is for the current theme?

Not necessarily, it can be an image for anything really. Not just the banner.

QuoteCould you give more information about the entry #3 ?
What kind of   features do you need ?

Features are things similar to the example system posted in original thread, such as rating features, thumbnail previews, comments section, an admin section where you can upload/delete things, etc.

QuoteAbout #3:

a) I'm assuming that you wouldn't have us interface   with your actual server, instead create a GUI with an interface that can   easily be adapted to work with it. Am I correct here?

b) Would   you accept a flash entry for #3? (for instance, the uploader on   imageshack is flash)

a) yes
b) yeh thats fine

QuoteYeah, more information on #3 would be ideal

Do you want your own   uploader as well? Do you mind if we use some open source scripts for   references to build upon?

I don't mind, yes an uploader is necessary.

QuoteSorry for double post

I didn't see anywhere if you were allowed   multiple entry's. Is that a possiblity, to have more than one entry.

And   if so, can it be for another Entry, like. What if I enter #1 and #3,   that okay? Or is it possible to just enter #1 like 2-3x with totally   different revisions

Thanks

Yes stated in the original thread, you can submit one or more entries.

QuoteI got few questions about #1..

a) For what kind of use is the   logo intended for? Only for the web banner?

b) What is the format   of the final image, will a bitmap image do it or do you require a high   quality vector one?

Its use is of any kind of nature, whether it be for a banner or a regular splash image.  The format can be any image file format you think is necessary.

Thanks for the answers. One more:

c) Can I still edit my submission, or maybe even add more, now that I've uploaded one already?

you can modify the current one, but by the end of the contest, w/e image is there is final.  And you can only submit one image.

for the banner you said animated/non-animated could i use flash then to create one? then say if i had a logo in the flash i would upload that file separately.

sure

1. Entry #2
Does it have any length requirement?Min and max time?

No max time....minimum length should be what you think is appropriate enough to make a good video ;)

Quote from: zeratus on March 19, 2010, 03:04:58 PM
1. Entry #2
Does it have any length requirement?Min and max time?

If you make a video my suggestion is edit it calmly. I think you have a lot of time so you will it have still to time to improve and etc..  :)

#3 requires a lot more information such as the server language the site uses and if you're going to be hosting these files on the server.


I can easily make this in .Net but your site needs to support it and you'd have to be able to host the files.


Unless you're ok with just posting links to external sites such as rapid share etc. Plus if we're going to save this to a database I'd need to know which database, MySQL, MS SQL, etc. Not an easy task to do if you have limited access.  :-[

Quote#3 requires a lot more information such as the server language the site   uses and if you're going to be hosting these files on the server.


I   can easily make this in .Net but your site needs to support it and   you'd have to be able to host the files.


Unless you're ok   with just posting links to external sites such as rapid share etc. Plus   if we're going to save this to a database I'd need to know which   database, MySQL, MS SQL, etc. Not an easy task to do if you have limited   access.  [img alt=:-[]http://darkblizz.org/Forum2/../../../Smileys/DarkB/embarrassed.gif

                                                                           Operating System: Linux                                                         PHP Version: PHP 5.x                                                                                                            

The database uses MySQL.  And the files would be hosted on this server, or an external link can be provided by the user who is uploading it. 

I will attempt and make a #3, and i will host it in my own server. However i don't want people knowing the domain (Yet). Is it ok if i make a screenshot of it and then send the address to you over by PM?


EDIT: One more thing, will the winner's name be on the banner / menu / whatever? Or will you, from deadline day, own the winner's work?

yeah thats fine

Bump cause i realize you missed my edit :)

ill consider leaving a name on it if its there and is too difficult to remove :P

is it possible that nobody made an entry 2 til now? i think im gonna try it =) do u guys have any restriction in length of the video? 2 to 3 minutes would be okay?

Its been asked, you should make whatever length you feel would be good enough for you.

#3 Question :
All users should be able to upload files or just the admin(s)? And what kind of files?
And another question - could be fine to use one layout or its required to have different themes for it?

No not anyone can upload files, just admins and users assigned to a specific group, i.e moderators.  Files such as the map files, scripts, etc, and all the other basic file extensions. 
One theme is fine

what kind of options should #3 have? I.E. game? Race? Type? the mirc one has options like what mirc version obv can't use that

Should just be a standard download system similar the one on mirc.net, while a list of downloads based on whatever section you click, and when you click on a specific download it brings you to something similar to what happens when you click on one of their downloads

Do you guys want a logo or a banner I'm a little confused?

its any kind of image

how come people are posting stuff with the blizzard artworks? slightly modified only? isnt it against the rules?

Quote from: aggressivEn00b on March 21, 2010, 10:51:23 AM
how come people are posting stuff with the blizzard artworks? slightly modified only? isnt it against the rules?

If I may try to answer you.
"For the purposes of this Agreement, and in consideration of your agreement to abide by the terms and conditions contained herein, Blizzard hereby grants you a limited, non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty free, perpetual license to use the Blizzard Property to create drawings, illustrations, and/or graphic representations based on the Blizzard Property."
Quotation from Blizzard Entertainment's Fan Artists License Agreement.
We (I believe I speak from behalf of me and any who uses fragments from blizzard's art work in this site) do not register trademarks, we do Blizzard a free commercial and we encourage to buy their products. Piece. :)

thanks for quick and explanatory answer, good to know ;)
however i asked about contest rules, so it is ok to use such arts in this particular contest?

yes

Would you also accept an AMV as a contest entry, as long as it is produced by the person who enters it and that it is about starcraft.

do size matters? Or you can create whatever size you want in 0*0-1500-1500px. Is it in the choosing score or all that matter is how the image look?

1.) What's AMV
2.) Any size as long as its between the stated dimensions already posted.

AMV stands for Animated Music Video. So pretty much it is just a music video about starcraft.

Just a personal suggestion for #3...

I'm sure the reason you added this is because you a) want a download system for the website and b) aren't familiar with creating something like this yourself, so you think it is of equivalent effort. But, to be fair to people entering this contest, an entry for #3 would require easily 5-10x more effort and time than the rest of the entries, well, unless someone submits a professionally edited video of course.

Also, this is just me personally, but the time required to submit an entry like this is not worth a chance to win a beta key and $15 bucks. To be perfectly honest I would be very willing to do the job if I knew for sure my code would be used. Spending all that time on code that may or may not just be thrown away isn't the most enticing offer, and not a good way to go about getting quality code. Also... some problems I'm not sure you've considered with submission for a system like this:

   
• Submission could have backdoors allowing someone to gain access to your server.
• Submission could have unknown bugs with uploading allowing someone to save malicious scripts to your server and execute them in a browser.
• SQL injection vulnerabilities anyone?
• Many more security and access issues not testable until code is migrated to your server...

I send you this word of warning just to help you gauge the finished submissions properly. I could very well create a bit of code that appears, on the surface, to function excellently and submit that, but it is against my morals to do such a devious thing; for the chance to get into beta key others might not be so kind. The real work goes into making a solid, lasting, product. Unless you know how to test and analyze the code yourself, there is no way of judging this unfortunately.

I do intend to create a video though. Looking forward to seeing some of the cool artwork and videos made for this contest, and I sure hope I stand a chance at winning.

Good luck everyone!

Yes we have taken that into consideration and have people on our staff checking the code from the people that have so far made that entry.  Even though those systems are not fully done yet.   
And yes you're right, it is a lot of work, but some people just may really really want a beta key ;)

Quote from: Myst on March 23, 2010, 09:19:14 PM
Yes we have taken that into consideration and have people on our staff checking the code from the people that have so far made that entry.  Even though those systems are not fully done yet.   
And yes you're right, it is a lot of work, but some people just may really really want a beta key ;)

Ah okay, well I went and made a post on one of the entry #3 threads pointing out some security flaws in his design thus far. I'll avoid doing so in the future knowing you have people on the task.

While yes, making an entry 3 is much more work than 1 and 2, its more fun, and im having a blast making it. However, sanitation is a whole different issue. While we can try to sanitize it a bit, proper sanitation would make entries 3 50x harder than 1 and 2, easily. Im going to just make a little sanitation, and will leave the rest to the staff; focusing only in the system itself. If while doing this, im harming my chances, let me know, please.

Quote from: Tresh on March 24, 2010, 12:56:50 PM
While yes, making an entry 3 is much more work than 1 and 2, its more fun, and im having a blast making it. However, sanitation is a whole different issue. While we can try to sanitize it a bit, proper sanitation would make entries 3 50x harder than 1 and 2, easily. Im going to just make a little sanitation, and will leave the rest to the staff; focusing only in the system itself. If while doing this, im harming my chances, let me know, please.

If security issues like sanitation aren't included in the judging, I could whip up an exact replica of the mIRC downloading system in about one day's time...

So I guess depending on the answer to your query I will submit both 2 and 3.

Can one paint instead of the "logo" a picture?

Quote from: 4tyn on March 24, 2010, 04:42:31 PM
Can one paint instead of the "logo" a picture?

They want it to be usable on the site, so as long as you can convert it to a digital image I believe you'll be all set.

So, Myst, what's the official take on sanitation? A must? Or something the winner and the staff will look at later?

What's being judged is the overall end product.  For all entries. Ranges from creativity, to uniqueness, to dedication/how much work is put in to it, and the quality.  And shows how much one is willing to do, to get a SC2 Beta Key. 
When dealing with specific entries, such as Entry 3, yes, it is important for it to have basic security.  All the advanced stuff can be worked on later, if the user or us want to.  But Security is one of the aspects of how the quality of that entry is.

And yes, I don't mind if you paint a picture,  as long as it's related to us or SC2.

Do you want entry 1 to reflect the Blizzard universe, just StarCraft, or does it not matter at all?

It's whatever you want.

I have old download manager ready in python if you want it (dunno will you take python), it's running on postgres but downgrading it to sqlite should not be a problem (and no, i won't touch mysql ;p).

Quote from: ProzaicMuze on March 27, 2010, 11:38:44 AM
I'd just like to point out to ItzMattu that coding an Uploader won't necessarily take a significantly greater time to develop than a piece of artwork.  Especially if said banner is fully interactive, website friendly and professionally done.  Just like with a professionally done anything when it comes to design.

There are definitely more minimum requirements and the coding isn't exactly "up for interpretation," but please don't discount that fact that graphic design can take just as long as coding.

A perfect example would be comparing someone who designs an intricate banner and navigation bar from scratch vs someone who takes an already functioning Uploader and adapts it to the DarkBlizz site.

If you don't assume everyone is going to start from scratch, especially in coding where so much of the code can be repeatedly used, the length of time for completion isn't so widely varying.

Properly writing application for #3 with proper testing is about 3-5 working days of typical programmer (that's with use of pre made components) unless you will just jump into randomDownloadSystem.php and then hit wall with your head because of all bugs/poor coding. And even then, it's still about a day of work.

If it takes you 3-5 working days to design a banner then you will not  cut it the market (unless you are on the same scale as Modigliani, then this may be acceptable timeframe), simple as that.

I have probably put about 15-20 hours of work into my banner to get to the point it is now. It's easy to underestimate how much time and effort goes into making a design when looking at the final product but trust me, theres a lot of trial&error to get it to that point. There is a huge difference between a kid that just downloaded photoshop making a design and someone who has experience in these sorts of things. It's all about the details.

Quote from: enjoikr3w on March 27, 2010, 12:03:12 PM
I have probably put about 15-20 hours of work into my banner to get to the point it is now. It's easy to underestimate how much time and effort goes into making a design when looking at the final product but trust me, theres a lot of trial&error to get it to that point. There is a huge difference between a kid that just downloaded photoshop making a design and someone who has experience in these sorts of things. It's all about the details.

I do hire graphics and designers and i'm perfectly aware how much per hour i pay them and how many hours it took them to finish something. So here comes my question, do you do this for a living ? Because this is what makes a difference between "a kid" and "someone who has experience".


Mind that if you are working and you've spent a 20h on a project to win 70$ (approx price of invitation on ebay) then you have not made the best decision of the week (unless you work for 3,5$/h). And thats pretty much the reason why there is only one entry to #3, because it's nowhere near worth it.

I'm not a graphic designer, I'm actually a student right now studying Architecture/Civil Engineering. I do not think you need to be paid for it to count as experience. There are many great artists out there who do it as just a hobby. This is a hobby of mine that I do in my spare time. This isn't about money since, like you said, I could buy a key if I wanted. I just wanted to expand on what ProzaicMuze said and I'm not here to argue. We probably should end the discussion before this thread goes off topic. 

Quote from: ProzaicMuze on March 27, 2010, 12:26:04 PM
Puciek, the blatant ignorance of your post is astounding and counter-productive to the intent of my post.  ItzMattu made a great post, but didn't realize that graphic design DOES take considerable time in various cases.  Your post takes everything out of context and makes sweeping generalizations about my line of work.

  I edit images for photographers, design websites (yes that DOES include  coding at times), create banners, logos and templates, own multiple online businesses and can say with confidence that I DO know what I'm  talking about when it comes to the comparative use of time regarding  coding and design.

As someone who makes a good living with graphic design "in the market" I'm simply going to say you can't apply that mentality to this contest because it is exactly that: a "contest."  Why?  Because we've been given more than "3-5 days" to work on this project.  We've been asked to provide our very best work (in hopes that it is perceived to be better than someone ELSE's very best work) with the goal of winning a prize. I don't see money involved, I don't see a specific request and I definitely don't see the word "job" anywhere in that. 

I'm going to take you as an example.  You hire designers by putting out a request.  Typically you'll put out a general request or you'll approach an individual or group of individuals.  The very first thing you cover is what you want.  If you're any good at your job, you'll have a good idea of what you want, the things it needs to accomplish and most importantly "size, colors and text."  Then the designer will tell you how much it will cost and you'll slap down a deadline.  An agreement is made.

That designer now has everything they need to make your desired product.  What you don't know (given that you're not a designer) is that they'll now go through their templates based on the size you want.  Then they'll colorize it to your theme.  Then they'll quickly research your site, find something suitable to match your font with (if not directly) and set to work.  A few hours of quick work and they can reciprocate the feel of your business and call it good.

They'll send you a rough draft, you'll look it over and make additional requests (if needed) and then the transaction is over.  You bet it won't take 3-5 days because you've asked them to do something mindlessly repetitive and easy and given them the things they need for inspiration.

With this contest we have little to no restraints on what we're allowed to make.  For coding, that really doesn't mean much because there isn't as much "art" in so far as the inner workings.  That's not to say that creating an interface for said program isn't artistic, but that's usually not what we're talking about and in many cases that part is outsourced to a designer.  You CAN expand upon the functions in the program, but each function is usually created in near identical ways.  Why?  Because you can't change the way the code itself functions.

Creating a free-form banner is pure interpretation.  If you have any background in music (I also play the piano, 17 years now), it's kinda like that.  If you write a song, their is no formula to successful music.  Not to mention there is always a wide variety of musical tastes.  Those same tastes apply to artwork.  There is no "taste" in code outside of choosing which coding language you prefer to use and what functions you like to use on average.

And i'm picking out of the context, post with blatant ignorance o.0. Based on your post, i assume that you are simply projecting your own "boo boo" on me. Also you are implying that i said that work of artis/designer cannot take as much time as coding a download system which is not true for any larger project (ie. project of big site that includes multiple different applications) but when it comes to designing something as small as logo it doesn't take more than 1 working day of typical artist.
Prove me wrong on this one and show me a company that pays artist for more than 1 day of work to design a logo.


And any contest (that gives rewards with monetary value) can be easily converted into terms of "profitable" or "not profitable", if reward is worth less than you would earn by working the same time - it's not worth it. Simple as that. Why would you invest more than the reward is worth (and still without 100% chance to win it) ?


As for taking me as example, you've missed. I tell a designer that let's say i need a logo for a company, then we talk for an hour during which we get an early sketch ready (this is the time to take a look at our site). Then based on that after 2 next hours i got about 10 samples ready from which we make one pick, give final changes and in the end of the day - logo is done and we can move on.


And lol @ "each function is usually created in near identical ways", really made me laugh. Following that logic, every program that for the same task is written in exactly same way (so there is no difference between Joomla or lets say WordPress).

Quote from: ProzaicMuze on March 27, 2010, 01:12:26 PM
First and foremost, we're not talking about a logo.  [Entry 1] is any graphical modification of the site.  That includes everything from the font to the buttons to the borders to the images (and logo).  That is what I mean by generalization.  You're stating that something is much smaller thus requiring less work.  The contest permits that the entry can be as simple or demanding to create as the creator chooses.  ItzMattu was stating that [Entry 3] wasn't a fair choice because it was more involved.  In actuality, all 3 of the entries can be difficult projects requiring a great length of time to complete.  The difference is how much time you CHOOSE to invest.

As far as trying to decide if a contest is profitable or not, I'd suggest you're missing out on the idea behind it.  If I was looking for a profitable venture I'd go straight to the source, not create a fun piece with the possible chance of winning something.  The operative word being "fun."  Is the concept of doing something for fun really so foreign to you that you've reduced life to a balance sheet of profit and non-profit?  Not to mention that if you're considering using the possibility of buying a Beta Key (which is against the rules and can get you banned if caught) as a measure of worth you're missing the point entirely.

This thread is about questions and I'm not here to argue semantics with you.  I tried to make a positive contribution to remind everyone that the difficulty of submissions is entirely up to those who participate.  Either you'll understand what I'm trying to say and stop belittling us for our efforts or you'll continue to troll this Q&A thread.

Either way I'm done with this conversation.  I've made my points and those they need to reach will appreciate them.

And running to insults in the end. Typical.


Also: "Entry 1: Create a logo image for DarkBlizz.  Dimensions can be anywhere between 0x0px - 1500x1500px.  Be creative, anything goes, animated, non-animated, new motto's, etc."

ok so for number 3 can you jkust create a logo or do you have to make a banner and everything
(ive thought of something clever)  :-\

You mean Number 1? If so yes thats fine

Not sure what happened here, but I'd just like to make it clear that I do realize graphic design can take a very long period of time, especially from scratch. I am a freelance web developer part-time and work directly with one of my best friends who is a graphic designer and our work is split 50/50 time wise. Much of that work is sunk into logo design, type-facing, color schemes, custom artwork, and layout design. Many of those things can take place in this contest as well, and for a fully redesigned banner or theme, yes, the amount of time that is required is on par with the programming contest.

However, the average banner being submitted is certainly much less work than the BARE MINIMUM you need to do for a functional coding entry. All I simply meant when I said what I did was that the barrier for entry is lower for all of them but the programming one, and therefore takes a guaranteed amount of time that is generally greater than the others. And of course, the inherent issues faced when throwing code up on a site was my main concern, which has already been addressed.

Hope that clears some things up.

Quote from: ProzaicMuze on March 27, 2010, 12:26:04 PMThat's not to say that creating an interface for said program isn't artistic, but that's usually not what we're talking about and in many cases that part is outsourced to a designer.  You CAN expand upon the functions in the program, but each function is usually created in near identical ways.  Why?  Because you can't change the way the code itself functions.

What does this even mean? I'm a programmer and the sentence "You CAN expand upon the functions in the program, but each function is usually created in near identical ways." is sort of a dead giveaway to me that you're talking past your knowledge level because it makes absolutely no sense.

You can't get away with weasly nonsense statements like the above on a website full of programmers  :D .