Ideas for photo/graphics contests? [Archive]

11-22-2007, 10:35 PM

With a working installation of photoplog (http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/photoplog/) on these forums, I'm considering starting up a montly photography / graphics design contest. I just wanted to hear how many of you may be interested in something like this or if it would be an idea best saved for later. Just vote a simple yes or no on whether or not you'd ever consider participating in one of these, and feel free to post comments about how you feel about the topic.

Some ideas for photo contests are:

Best Okinawan Sunset / Sunrise
Best Okinawan Nature Picture
Picture that best captures the culture of Okinawa or JapanSome ideas for graphics contests are:

Best comic strip (DougP probably has us all beat on this... lol)
Best new JU logo idea
Most awesome picture of a ninja dolphin w/ laser turretsI'd also love to hear as many ideas as possible from you guys/gals for potential contests. I'm considering having one photography and one graphics contest per month. What do you all think?

And please, if you know anyone who has the skills to participate, invite them to the forums!

Muku

11-22-2007, 10:41 PM

Can I add the "best" looking female?:w00t: :D

Yo folks if you think I have posted my best so far you are mistaken...........

11-22-2007, 10:43 PM

Can I add the "best" looking female?:w00t: :D
Only if you take the picture yourself. :p

We could use this to have our very own "Miss JU Pageant" though! :thumbup:

Muku

11-22-2007, 10:46 PM

Only if you take the picture yourself. :p

We could use this to have our very own "Miss JU Pageant" though! :thumbup:

I like this.......:thumbup::D

Fair enough, I will take the pic's:D

watzitoou

11-22-2007, 10:46 PM

Winners would get credits? or a jackpot of credits?

P_chan

11-22-2007, 10:47 PM

If it was just a picture contest, I would partake. But as far as graphic contests go, this is all I have to say:

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1566/creditcatzm7.jpg

Muku

11-22-2007, 10:50 PM

If it was just a picture contest, I would partake. But as far as graphic contests go, this is all I have to say:

Dude you just made me belch and fart at the same time,,,:barf::first::D

11-22-2007, 10:56 PM

I'm going to have photography and graphics contests at the same time. Two contests at the same time every month.

In the beginning, winners will win credits, but depending on how well this does, I may be able to talk my boss into throwing in some added incentives like gift certificates to restaurants, etc. We give away free stuff to two weekly winners on this website anyway, we might as well introduce some contests and have some REAL fun! :D

If I do this with credits, it'll be a good amount of credits. In the tens of thousands, for sure. Maybe 1,000 credits per vote you get, or something along those lines. That way, you know, if you get a bunch of people to sign up and vote for you, you'll get a ton of credits. But if you get caught doing so with your own duplicate accounts, you'll be immediately disqualified.

P_chan

11-22-2007, 11:09 PM

credit cat would win, hands down!

Muku

11-23-2007, 08:44 AM

credit cat would win, hands down!

Oh Yeah? :D
http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=140&d=1195778671

DocTurtle

11-23-2007, 08:49 AM

lol, funny funny!
I think this could be a very good thing dk. I'm all for it.

P_chan

11-23-2007, 09:26 AM

Oh Yeah? :D
http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=140&d=1195778671

Mine is better because it's hand written!

ststephen65

11-23-2007, 10:14 AM

yeah, this sounds like fun

Muku

11-23-2007, 01:59 PM

Mine is better because it's hand written!

Ok then now I win:D

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=141&d=1195797517

P_chan

11-23-2007, 05:36 PM

You'd be a close second!

Muku

11-23-2007, 10:04 PM

You'd be a close second!

Ok..................:thumbup1:

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=143&d=1195826656

ja_Patriot

11-23-2007, 11:09 PM

How do you do this? Could be interesting and fun.

Create a thread, announce a date for submission of entries, some rules, judging or voting, "awards"? How can entries be posted without the poster's name so it's all open, evaluated for artistic content and originality and unbiased?

I'm sure we'll have entries and voters. I'll participate.

Muku

11-23-2007, 11:44 PM

How do you do this?

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=144&d=1195832672
This is how!

TheLastDon

11-23-2007, 11:57 PM

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=144&d=1195832672
This is how!

That is ....

fugly

Muku

11-24-2007, 12:00 AM

That is ....

fugly
That was the point....But not any more than this!:w00t:
.http://limos.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/9121017253/inlineimg/Y/fugly.jpg

TheLastDon

11-24-2007, 12:03 AM

Yeah, it's a toss up. I think the second one is uglier.

socalheart

11-24-2007, 12:05 AM

You people just aren't right. :ohmy: heh heh heh.

Something like 1,000 credits each time to the winner would be nice. You'd need to be more specific about the entry guidelines. You'd also have to go on the honor system regarding entries. I don't see a problem with it overall. :thumbup:

11-24-2007, 12:06 AM

I'll see your fugly and raise you one drag queen:

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa163/japanupdate/b9.jpg

I actually took this picture. Extra trauma level.

TheLastDon

11-24-2007, 12:11 AM

I'll see your fugly and raise you one drag queen:

I actually took this picture. Extra trauma level.

I can understand you taking it, maybe, but why did you keep it?

Muku

11-24-2007, 12:14 AM

I'll see your fugly and raise you one drag queen:

I actually took this picture. Extra trauma level.
Does your wife know?:scared:
\

Oh and I will raise you three nerds....

http://www.seoegghead.com/blog_pics/nerd.jpg

11-24-2007, 12:14 AM

I used to run a party website. That was a wicked party. It just had some ugly drag queens. I dunno, it would have been a shame to throw out something that made up a major part of that party, even if it was horribly ugly. :p

11-24-2007, 12:14 AM

Does your wife know?:scared:
She was there with me. :p

THAT'S NOT ME FOO!:army:

TheLastDon

11-24-2007, 12:23 AM

DK, was that in mainland Japan?

11-24-2007, 12:39 AM

DK, was that in mainland Japan?
No, down in Naha probably around 2002 or 2003.

TheLastDon

11-24-2007, 12:49 AM

No, down in Naha probably around 2002 or 2003.

Didn't know there are or were parties like that in Okinawa. I guess ya learn something new everyday.

11-24-2007, 12:58 AM

Didn't know there are or were parties like that in Okinawa. I guess ya learn something new everyday.
They used to be pretty common, and I think they had another one this past year. The party is always called "Excellent". There used to be another party called "Sweet" that was similar but smaller. Excellent usually drew a crowd of 1000+ during their last few parties.

P_chan

11-24-2007, 01:07 AM

Ever been to a Pimps and Hos party? Kinda lame, but fun all at the same time.

Muku

11-24-2007, 08:48 AM

They used to be pretty common, and I think they had another one this past year. The party is always called "Excellent". There used to be another party called "Sweet" that was similar but smaller. Excellent usually drew a crowd of 1000+ during their last few parties.

I wonder how many people here are familiar with the "new half" clubs in Naha?

11-24-2007, 09:24 AM

Ever been to a Pimps and Hos party? Kinda lame, but fun all at the same time.
LOL sounds like a gaijin run hip-hop party. I've never had all that much fun with these, but I really don't go to many hip-hop parties anyway.

Tanimaga

11-24-2007, 09:46 AM

I wonder how many people here are familiar with the "new half" clubs in Naha?

I had a girlfriend work at a bar down there..<3

P_chan

11-24-2007, 09:52 AM

LOL sounds like a gaijin run hip-hop party. I've never had all that much fun with these, but I really don't go to many hip-hop parties anyway.

Neither do I. I thought it was kinda interesting, the first time I went. But I can see it getting old really fast so I never went to another one.

P_chan

11-24-2007, 09:26 PM

I just uploaded a bunch of photos:D

11-24-2007, 09:35 PM

Great pictures!

I might have to add some later. I've got about 4,000 and I haven't done anything with them since my family website came down a year and two months ago.

We were unable to keep up with it after my daughter was born so we let the domain expire.

P_chan

11-24-2007, 09:49 PM

I've got a ton of pictures! Unfortunately my nicest ones, have to be downgraded in quality so I can upload them.

FDokinawa

11-25-2007, 10:31 AM

im game... been needing a reason to go out and take some pics localy.

And I have some ideas for this one already..

"Picture that best captures the culture of Okinawa or Japan" :)

11-25-2007, 10:46 AM

"Picture that best captures the culture of Okinawa or Japan" :)
Me too. I might actually have to split that one into two contests just because there's so many opportunities in both places. I've got a lot of great pics for this contest. Maybe we'll use it to kick things off.

The only hard part is going to be picking my favorite of all of my pictures... I've got TONS.

FDokinawa

11-25-2007, 11:20 AM

what kind of gear do you have?

11-25-2007, 11:37 AM

Right now I'm using a Cannon EOS Kiss, but back then I was using some kind of Fujifilm I think. It was an awesome camera for as long as I used it, but my new Cannon rules.

I rarely use a tri-pod, and I have no photography theory. I just point and click, but I have a good eye for aesthetics and balance I think.

http://benippon.com/shop/i/PHOTO-KissDigitalXKitBK.jpg

DocTurtle

11-25-2007, 12:09 PM

I have a Canon Rebel 35mm. I prefer film to digital because the pictures seem to have more depth to them, where as with digital it's like you're watching everything on TV.
http://www.usa.canon.com/app/images/eos/T2_586x225.jpg
I love B&W film too. Gives it more detail so you don't miss anything when you have all of those colors that usually over power the eye.

I just posted a couple of the pics I have taken since on island.

P_chan

11-25-2007, 12:23 PM

I've got a Panasonic FZ8:

http://images.digitalcamerainfo.com/images/upload/Image/NEWS%20IMAGES/Panasonic-FZ8-Front-Angle.jpg

It takes good pictures, and I love the zoom. But at higher ISO setting I notice a little bit of noise in the picture. I wish I would have waited one more week, the FZ18 finally arrived at the PX:(

11-25-2007, 12:23 PM

I'd probably go film too if I had more time for the hobby. The reason I bought this specific camera is because 1) it's digital, 2) it is extremely fast, 3) the quality is great, and 4) i knew my daughter would be running around the house like a bullet after she grew up a bit and I would need a fast camera!

:D

FDokinawa

11-25-2007, 03:16 PM

Nice.. I currently also use a Canon Rebel XT. But will probably be upgradeing to a D40 here soon.. Need to get some more lenses also..

11-25-2007, 03:33 PM

Need to get some more lenses also..
Me too. I'd put more priority into my camera, but I don't get out enough. I would like to get a telephoto lens though by the time my kid hits elementary school for those sports days. :p

I don't know all that much about cameras and lenses though. I should do some research sometime, or maybe take a course on photography basics next time I run into a ton of free time.

FDokinawa

11-25-2007, 03:54 PM

I have the basics down pretty good.. but Id still like to take some classes.

11-25-2007, 04:03 PM

It sure looks like the poll was a success. :p

I'm going to launch the first contest on Saturday, December 1st. I don't think we have enough graphic designers in here yet to launch a graphics contest yet, do we? Here's the two contests I'd like to start in December.

Photo Contest: Picture that best captures the culture of Okinawa
Graphics Contest: Same as above, but drawn out or graphically enhancedAnyone have any objections to launching this on December 1st? The rewards for this first contest will be based on the number of votes you earn. The top three winners will receive credit rewards.

The winner will receive 1,000 credits per vote he receives.
First runner up will receive 500 credits per vote he receives.
Second runner up will receive 250 credits per vote he receives.

So, it pays to invite your friends to the forum to vote for you, and if they do, tell them to write you in as their referrer so you get additional credits for that as well.

Feel free to start uploading your photos into our Photoplog (http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/photoplog/).

Let me know if this sounds fair to you all.

Muku

11-25-2007, 04:16 PM

Let me know if this sounds fair to you all.

I think it's fair, but I have a few questions for you.:)

1. How long will the 1st contest be open for?

2. Will there be a separate location for posting photos for the contest, or how will one be able to determine which photos are entered into the contest?

3. Will the votes be public?

11-25-2007, 04:44 PM

1. Each contest will last a month. Nomination for the next contest will always be done a week before a contest starts.

2. All photos will be uploaded to our photoplog and the user will post a link in the nomination thread.

3. The voting will be private unless you guys can give me a reason why it'd be better to go public than private.

Let me know if you guys have any other questions.

Fonze

11-25-2007, 05:29 PM

Damn thats a big ass paddle in that pic dk.

11-25-2007, 05:43 PM

Yes, it really is. :D

Zeus' dad used to use that to keep him in check.

P_chan

11-25-2007, 08:14 PM

I'd be down for a photo contest! Gives me a reason to go sightseeing!

Oh but I returned my camera today:( They got the FZ18 in at the PX so I got my money back and I'm getting the FZ18 instead. They gave me the run around once I tried to return the FZ8. I got my money back, but not until I laid the smack down on some bitchy ass old customer service lady.

Oh here is the camera I'm getting now:

http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/38/panasonic-lumix-fz18.jpg

11-25-2007, 08:16 PM

I'd be down for a photo contest! Gives me a reason to go sightseeing!
Same here. I think these may motivate me to start getting out more again.

Mad Hatter

11-25-2007, 08:18 PM

This isn't nothign that you can find on the Internet is it... I don't like that!! INTERNET BAD!! wait.. .scratch that

P_chan

11-25-2007, 08:53 PM

yeah now I just need to decide where I'm gonna go and take pictures at:D

I think I'm gonna start up north.

Fonze

11-25-2007, 11:13 PM

I tried posting some pics but it said they were to big. How can some pics be bigger than others.

Mad Hatter

11-26-2007, 12:43 AM

How can some pics be bigger than others.

"Your mom been tellen' ya stories about me again?"

P_chan

11-26-2007, 06:54 AM

You can make the picture any size you want. Just lower the compression ratio and it will change the file size (and the quality) of the picture. I think I keep my pics at an even 800X600 pixels.

stone_crazy

11-26-2007, 04:49 PM

I just posted a graphic for the new JU logo. Hope I can earn some credits.

Fonze

11-26-2007, 05:02 PM

How do you vote?

P_chan

11-26-2007, 05:05 PM

I don't think the contest has started yet. I think dk says it starts on the 1st of december.

Fonze

11-26-2007, 05:08 PM

I don't think the contest has started yet. I think dk says it starts on the 1st of december.

OH. hey you said only the winner gets credits i thought it was credits for every vote and then a grand prize. I thought i read this maybe i was dreaming it.

Dreaming of JU:dead::scared::eek:

P_chan

11-26-2007, 05:16 PM

OH. hey you said only the winner gets credits i thought it was credits for every vote and then a grand prize. I thought i read this maybe i was dreaming it.

Dreaming of JU:dead::scared::eek:

I thought you got more credits from getting more votes too, but I'm not sure. Dk would have to clarify this for us.

hankypanky

11-26-2007, 05:22 PM

He did say you get for each vote to your photo/graphic. Plus the winner at the end of the month would get a certain # of credits. But to keep it fair, i think you would only get to vote let's say, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Total of 3 times per person. That way no one would be able to vote for his friend 1000 times.:thumbdown:

11-26-2007, 05:47 PM

Here's the guidelines I have up to now: http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showpost.php?p=36853&postcount=50

Only the top three winners win prizes; however, I may consider giving credits to all of the other entries as well. They just won't be as much. Maybe something like 500 credits for participation or something.

That link has the two contests I'm looking to launch on December 1st. Feel free to start submitting your material.

Each person will be able to vote once in each poll. You will be able to vote once in the photography contest and once in the graphics contest.

FDokinawa

11-27-2007, 04:36 AM

So we have to put the pics up in the photoplog? and when is the last day that they can be submitted?

11-27-2007, 07:49 AM

I'm thinking, I'm going to make the deadline for submission 12/7 and then the rest of December will be the voting period.

Yes, they have to be submitted on the photoplog.

P_chan

11-27-2007, 08:27 AM

Will you be making a seprate folder for it, or will you just upload it to the normal folders?

11-27-2007, 09:26 AM

We'll just upload to the normal folders and then post a nomination link in the nomination thread. I'll then make the official poll.

P_chan

11-27-2007, 06:10 PM

So how many pictures can we submit?

11-27-2007, 06:14 PM

You can only nominate one photo/graphic file for each contest, so pick your best! :D

You can upload as many pictures to the photoplog as you want though. Just be selective to the point where you aren't uploading low quality blurry crap. :p

P_chan

11-27-2007, 06:17 PM

I've been trying to get the best quality once I upload stuff to the forum, but it's hard once you can only have a pic that is 100kb.

FDokinawa

11-28-2007, 07:31 PM

Yea, that could be a problem.. most of my pics are well over 100Kb..

P_chan

11-28-2007, 07:53 PM

I still haven't decided what I'm going to take a picture of. I've got two pictures i might be able to sue already, but they're not very good.

11-28-2007, 08:18 PM

I never have a problem getting a picture below 100kb, but then again, Photoshop makes it easy. Most graphics programs should have an "optimize" tool. Photoshop's is "save for web". I could probably get a 800x600 pixel image down to 100kb and still looking fine.

If all else fails, I'll give you an email address and you can send it to me for resizing/optimizing.

Fonze

11-28-2007, 09:10 PM

I think photobucket resizes them for you and then they stay resized on your computer. Ill have to ask the misses though i cant remember.

FDokinawa

11-28-2007, 10:39 PM

Yea, I used to use photobucket. But then I started takeing good pics and want the original size kept on the net. whats the point in having and useing a 10 Megapixel camera if your shrinking all your pics down to the quality and size of a cell phone pic. I guess I can suck it up and shrink down the pic I pick. :)