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General => Terragen Discussion => Topic started by: DannyG on November 28, 2017, 04:20:37 PM

Poll
Question: Would you be interested in participating in NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge "Cliffs"?
Option 1: I am Definitely Interested .. When can We Start votes: 19
Option 2: I am interested, but I am not 100% certain I have the time votes: 13
Option 3: I am interested, but I am not happy with the Theme votes: 2
Option 4: Thank you, but I am not interested votes: 2
Title: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on November 28, 2017, 04:20:37 PM
Terragineers,
It's way past the time for another NWDA Theme Challenge. That said before moving forward with any additional planning we would like to get a feel of how many of you would be interested in  participating to get a feel for the potential entry turnout. 2017 was a great year for Terragen, Matt and company brought us the long awaited Version 4 which attracted many new users both here at the Forums and even more on Social Media. The Theme NWDA has internally been throwing around is "Cliffs" An extremely broad theme with tons of room for artist interpretation. (Desert cliffs, Bluffs, Icy Cliffs, Ocean side Cliffs, Cliffs on other planets .. you get the idea. Refined Challenge details such as Post work do's and don't will be laid out once the Challenge begins)
Prizes, of course! I have already started doing my usual wrangling and feel confident we will have another killer prize package for the Top 3 Winners. So be sure give use a Click and a comment, let us know what's on your mind. We look forward hearing from you guys and gals !
Please Do Not forget to Poll

Reference and Inspirational Cliff Imagery
https://www.pinterest.com/NWDAstore/cliffs-theme-challenge-ref-images/ (https://www.pinterest.com/NWDAstore/cliffs-theme-challenge-ref-images/)

Previous Challenge Threads

Roadside Challenge
http://www.planetside.co.uk/forums/index.php/board,22.0.html (http://www.planetside.co.uk/forums/index.php/board,22.0.html)
Iceland Theme Challenge
http://www.planetside.co.uk/forums/index.php/board,23.0.html (http://www.planetside.co.uk/forums/index.php/board,23.0.html)

Any personal questions or issues please use the http://www.nwdastore.com/contact-us/ (http://www.nwdastore.com/contact-us/) or contact me directly danny@NWDAstore.com
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: cyphyr on November 28, 2017, 05:42:24 PM
Every time I've gotten involved in these challenges in the past work has turned up to take me away.

Since I'm currently waiting for my next job to manifest then getting involved might just hurry that job along :)

I like the notion of CLIFFS and already have a few ideas swimming about.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: bobbystahr on November 29, 2017, 12:35:16 AM
I'm in even though I feel certain I will only win by learning new stuff while the really good TGers light my path.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on November 29, 2017, 02:53:41 AM
I'll have a go at it (if time permits), and I'm very curious to see how many users will participate, and how many will work in secrecy, or how many will share their ideas and progression (and pick up some feedback)....
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Hetzen on November 29, 2017, 04:48:10 AM
I'm up for this one. Like Richard, the last one came smack right in the middle of a heavy project.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: kaedorg on November 29, 2017, 05:05:58 AM
Great news and as Bobby says it's a good way to learn.

David
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: cyphyr on November 29, 2017, 06:24:44 AM
Regarding the theme.

I'm very happy with the concept of "CLIFF" but I would like to comment that all out themes thus far have been very literal and I would like to see something more emotive.

Something that is not only a challenge from a technical standpoint but also from an artistic and poetic perspective.

It can still be "CLIFF" but maybe participants could be encouraged to think outside the box, to question the notion of a cliff.
How it is a physical barrier, the danger it represents, the way it breaks up a landscape. Vertigo, standing on a cliff edge waiting to jump.
What cliff represents in our inner psychological landscape.

Just some random thoughts to add to the mix :)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on November 29, 2017, 07:49:15 AM
Quote from: cyphyr on November 29, 2017, 06:24:44 AM
Regarding the theme.

I'm very happy with the concept of "CLIFF" but I would like to comment that all out themes thus far have been very literal and I would like to see something more emotive.

Something that is not only a challenge from a technical standpoint but also from an artistic and poetic perspective.

It can still be "CLIFF" but maybe participants could be encouraged to think outside the box, to question the notion of a cliff.
How it is a physical barrier, the danger it represents, the way it breaks up a landscape. Vertigo, standing on a cliff edge waiting to jump.
What cliff represents in our inner psychological landscape.

Just some random thoughts to add to the mix :)

That's a nice take on the theme Richard. I will be sure to add that to the contest description when the time comes.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: otakar on November 29, 2017, 05:25:07 PM
I need motivation. Contests in the past have given me that motivation. I need to rebuild my machine as my SSD is too small now and Windows still refuses to install any KBs. Once that's done I am as ready as can be! Let's blow some life into this forum:)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Ariel DK on November 29, 2017, 07:43:40 PM
Im agree with Richard, the Theme can have another perspective, maintain the "Cliff" reference, but telling a story or something else...
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Urantia Jerry on December 01, 2017, 08:21:43 AM
I am Definitely Interested .. When can We Start :)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Hannes on December 01, 2017, 08:32:18 AM
Sounds great! I'd say I'll be in, but time might be a great factor. We'll see.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: AndyWelder on December 02, 2017, 10:43:18 AM
Assuming things would be done the same way the previous contests were done I posted a WIP thread for my own entry here: http://www.planetside.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,23889.0.html (http://www.planetside.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,23889.0.html) So basically one might say I acted first and started thinking later...  :-[ Some advice on what now would be welcome.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: agent unawares on December 02, 2017, 01:50:38 PM
Why wouldn't WIPs be allowed? Those were the best thing about the other theme contests.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 02, 2017, 02:23:13 PM
Quote from: agent_unawares on December 02, 2017, 01:50:38 PM
Why wouldn't WIPs be allowed? Those were the best thing about the other theme contests.

Hello Agent,
  Internally we decided not to have the WIP threads for this challenge. As it does add interaction in the forums we find it does deter/intimidate new users from entering as well as taking away the Awe factor from the artists Work. A WIP of the winning images in an article/interview form is something that we will be doing
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: cyphyr on December 02, 2017, 04:24:33 PM
Really ? !
I'm sure you have a fuller picture of how the challenge is perceived but that is a shame.
Even when I have not partaken I always enjoyed seeing peoples work improve and develop throughout a challenge.
It was also nice to see people helping each other.
I'm surprised it would deter people, I would have thought the opposite.

Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: D.A. Bentley (SuddenPlanet) on December 03, 2017, 01:39:15 AM
How long do these challenges usually last?  Like Bobby, I'm interested as a learning experience.  ;)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on December 03, 2017, 02:33:53 AM
Usually a few months. It's not a speed challenge, luckily  ;)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: SILENCER on December 03, 2017, 11:21:47 AM
I'm in, whatever it happens to be.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: zaxxon on December 03, 2017, 03:48:53 PM
Sounds like a fun challenge. No WIP's takes a lot of the interest away however.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: KlausK on December 03, 2017, 10:18:52 PM
@Danny

I really can`t follow your arguments not allowing WIP.
If it is not a must, every participant would be free to choose wether she or he wants to show WIP pictures or not.
In my view I am quite confident to guess who will likely be on the podium. Just browse the Image Sharing section.
My "Awe-factor" overall is quite high regarding the work which is posted here anyways.
That is why I am quite sure for most people  - as it is for me - it is less a question of standing a chance or not to win
the contest to decide wether to participate or not. If the numbers speak in your favour afterwards I stand corrected :)
As has being mentioned in previous posts for many watching the pictures evolve over time is a big plus (learning experience).
And like others said I never felt intimidated by how good the shown pieces were. On the contrary, actually.
Because especially the TG forum "gurus" never ever do hold back with their knowledge and helpful tips.
But what I really dislike about the decision made is this: Even if it is not where you aimed at with your decision from my point
of view this is introducing some sort of "stiff" competition which does not reflect the way this forum works, I think. (..)

hm, to cut a long story short: in my mind this is not leading to the result you want. I don`t like it.
But, of course NWDA is the Master of the Game and sets the rules. I know and accept that.

Cheers, Klaus
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on December 04, 2017, 03:20:35 AM
I was in favor of WIP's, but there's something to be said for both, and I will accomodate to the majority of us NWDA-guys. If any of the potential participants should have ideas, why not ventilate them.... (but in the end it's Danny's baby  ;) he does all the work)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Kevin F on December 04, 2017, 07:05:28 AM
I'm in for it!
As for WIP's I'm in favour so long as non of the judges comment or give advice/opinions on the entries. Such comments should come from the other contestants.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 06, 2017, 11:34:04 AM
Klaus,
   I respect your view point, you have been around for years. Understand that every decision made we will have members that will have uposing opinions.  It's always a balancing act. That's said if more members are in favor for WIP thread we can certainly revisit it.
Going by the past 2 challenges that had WIPs we had a max of 25 entries. We need to sort that out. That's my way to switch things up.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: bobbystahr on December 06, 2017, 02:57:10 PM
Quote from: Kevin F on December 04, 2017, 07:05:28 AM
I'm in for it!
As for WIP's I'm in favour so long as non of the judges comment or give advice/opinions on the entries. Such comments should come from the other contestants.

Same here on the WIPs as I always learn a lot from them; but also ditto on it's Danny's show so I'll go with his flow.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: otakar on December 06, 2017, 04:38:30 PM
Intimidated? Yes, of course. Will that deter me from participating? No, it's not like there will be public shaming for the worst submissions :)

Want to enliven the community and spark something? Let people share their projects and improve while receiving feedback. Just my opinion.

I'm in regardless.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: folder on December 06, 2017, 04:53:39 PM
Interested yes. I have been out for 7 months, falls, 2 mlnor heart attacks,2 broke arm bones in bone, 6 months in rehab on the mend now. This challenge has starting to research cliffs on net and here. Thank
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: bobbystahr on December 06, 2017, 05:26:08 PM
Quote from: folder on December 06, 2017, 04:53:39 PM
Interested yes. I have been out for 7 months, falls, 2 mlnor heart attacks,2 broke arm bones in bone, 6 months in rehab on the mend now. This challenge has starting to research cliffs on net and here. Thank

Whew, glad y made it back...scary stuff, be well.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: cyphyr on December 06, 2017, 05:52:09 PM
Another valuable aspect of having WIP is that they will keep the contest "live" on web search engines. Having pages constantly updated throughout the two/three month duration of the contest means that there will always be something new for arrivals to the contest to see.

Other wise there will be an announcement of the contest, a break, and then the announcement of winners.

Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 07, 2017, 09:25:49 AM
This all sounds great, but if someone can explain to me why the previous 2 challenges with WIP threads had only 20 -25 entries with prize packages of over 6 grand. There are far more Terragen users than that. Something needs to be changed up. Thoughts?
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Hetzen on December 07, 2017, 10:01:28 AM
I don't think the prizes really matter. It's great to get set a challenge.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on December 07, 2017, 10:02:55 AM
There are 25 entrants as of today (if everybody really enters), very little indeed. Maybe they all hangout on facebook and they can't find our forum, or they're too pro (or too chicken  :P) to enter. Perhaps the prizes will lure them, once these are settled. Not everybody may be interested, but some can use it.

Quite a few won't show there WIP's anyway.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 07, 2017, 10:12:55 AM
Believe me Ulco I blanket all Social Media, they all know about it. Per the Polling we only have 15 confirmations. It is optimistic to think the other pollers are confirmations, unfortunately using the previous poll challenge data, thats just not the case. Hopefully things pick up
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Hetzen on December 07, 2017, 10:24:18 AM
Maybe the format is wrong. Maybe there's an end of year best of gallery prizes you guys give out?

Perhaps during the year there's a few challenges set, or you announce that you're going to give a prize for the best cliff face at the end of the year for example. That will free everyone from time constraints, and people will see their work in the gallery.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on December 07, 2017, 10:44:12 AM
QuoteI blanket all Social Media
I would have thought so.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: AndyWelder on December 07, 2017, 11:28:00 AM
@ Danny:
QuoteThere are 25 entrants as of today (if everybody really enters), very little indeed.
If multiple entries per entrant would be allowed at least there would be more entries... :D This is not entirely joking because right now I have at least one render that I think is fit to enter with but there are still a couple more swirling around in my head.  :-\ And posting WIP's would leave part of the decision making right there in the forum, at least for me.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: bobbystahr on December 07, 2017, 11:48:41 AM
Quote from: Hetzen on December 07, 2017, 10:24:18 AM
Maybe the format is wrong. Maybe there's an end of year best of gallery prizes you guys give out?

Perhaps during the year there's a few challenges set, or you announce that you're going to give a prize for the best cliff face at the end of the year for example. That will free everyone from time constraints, and people will see their work in the gallery.

Indeed, time constraints are often the breaking point for folks who unlike myself have to still go to work every day and it's often hard to find the time in a 'limited time' comp.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: zaxxon on December 07, 2017, 12:23:42 PM
The theme is a potentially rich opportunity to create some spectacular images. Note the Wiki descriptions and examples:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff

On a realistic note: perhaps the number of possible participants so far is close to what it will be in the end. I can understand that without a larger number, the contest effort on NWDA's part, both in time and energy expended to gather some great prizes (thank you Danny!) might seem to be too much. These types of contests run fairly often on other forums, and in my estimation (non-scientific of course) the number of participants is a small (small) fraction of the forum's overall viewer base. So the number here would probably be proportionate. Additionally, a fair number of folks here use the free version of TG (my guess). I would think that they self-eliminate, feeling that a lack of TG features would be an obvious disadvantage. One could make the argument that having WIP's would be beneficial to the users of the free versions, both from an educational angle as well as possibly motivating the purchase of an upgrade.

At any rate, thanks again Danny for proposing this possible challenge. You've pulled it off in the past, and I believe you can do it again!

Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: otakar on December 07, 2017, 01:01:58 PM
Ok, you asked for thoughts. My first thought is that although we all welcome a growing user base, I speculate that it is not growing at a very fast pace, at least when it comes to hobbyists and freelancers. Not everyone participates on this forum of course, but I do not see a dramatic uptick in activity as compared to, say, 18 months ago. I think there are still fairly high barriers that new users encounter, especially if they have no previous experience with like tools. A lack of easy to find and easy to digest guides/tutorials is still the reality after all these years.

But alright, maybe you are hoping to just grab a bigger slice of the known, active user base than in previous contests. Perhaps the motivation is not ultimately the prospect of a prize (as nice as it might be), but rather just having a common goal and the road to achieve it and show off your ideas and in the whole process learn from others? So here's an idea: how about showcasing a different entrant every week or so? Have a little writeup (can be standard questions that the contestant answers), show some of his/her previous renders (even photos) if any, something like that. Then you'd need to have a committed list first, of course. I'd be interested to hear from other people here, their backgrounds, interests, how they came to Terragen, etc.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Seth on December 07, 2017, 04:41:51 PM
I am not in favor of WIP during the contest.
Some people might feel "scared" by some users right at the beginnning of the contest just by viewing the wip of some works.
Then, I'd rather see where people are going with their own mind, imagination, technique and heart, not just apply what this "artist" or this "artist" told them to do to "improve" that part of the other.
I understand the joy of sharing and seeing the evolution of a render over the time like in the pic sharing section of the forums, but we are talking of a contest here, with quite big prizes, so it is not just an unformal thing.
I am waiting to be surprised by people, to feel chills down the spines thinking how good people are, how imaginative and clever they can be.
This is not only a technical contest, but a Terragen contest. Some of us are more technicians, others are more "artists". Some are hobbyists and others are pros.
I don't want people to fear to participate by watching the evolutions of a few renders, getting scared because they would feel they can't do better.
Everybody can do better than anybody, if they put their heart (and their art) into the contest.

And if people want that WIP section so badly because they like to see the evolutions of a render thorugh time, well I suggest that, after the contest we open few threads with contestants and they could post WIP of their renders and explain to everybody how they worked their way up to their final image, winner or not winner it won't matter to be honest.
We will just have all the benefit of the evolution, the explaination, etc... but without the problem that a WIP section might bring during a contest (people just applying techniques, people surrendering because scared, people leeching ideas, etc...)

Here are my ideas about the WIP section and why I am opposed to it.

Cheers,
Seth.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Luc on December 07, 2017, 05:24:25 PM
Hi guys

I am also against showing work in progress during this challenge. Last time I had impression to already know the winner before the verdict !

luc
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Oshyan on December 07, 2017, 07:13:21 PM
I think there are reasonable arguments on both sides of this debate, but I don't think there can be a clear winner. I was originally pretty strongly in favor of WIPs, even as I read through this thread, but the more I thought about it the more I realized both sides are mostly just speculating or trying to draw conclusions from the available experiences, but without really knowing if that conclusion is correct. So what I realized is that both need to be *tested* to know for sure, otherwise it's still just speculation. We have already done a contest with WIP threads and I felt it was reasonably successful but not as popular as might be desired. So perhaps now is the time to test without WIPs.

I also want to point out that there are very strong and successful examples that follow both approaches.

On CGSociety, Artstation, and others they run contests where the WIP threads are almost more important than the final work (and the WIP thread is mandatory in several of these challenges), and can sometimes run into the 10s of pages of forum discussion on a single entry as it evolves. The artists participating get a boost of support and feedback (from non-judges), and there is potential inspiration for other artists. There is also, potentially, intimidation, of course. But I would argue that if people are going to be intimidated by the quality of work that is going to be in the contest, they already know what they are up against, and one might even say their imagination could do as good or better a job intimidating them than real WIPs. ;)

On the flipside many software companies run quite popular challenges where entries are not shown until the contest is over, most recently including E-On who had over 100 entries for their big annual contest. I don't know of WIP threads for some of those entries may have happened on forums I don't frequent, but I know it was not a requirement, at the least.

In any case the Terragen community and the official forums here have their own characteristics and the only way to know for sure is to test.

P.S. You might consider running a similar poll on the Facebook group(s).

- Oshyan
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: agent unawares on December 07, 2017, 09:54:26 PM
I think contests, a lot of the time, tend to draw people who want to show off how good they are more than people who are interested in the prizes. Let's say the first prize really is 6 grand. I disagree with that, it seems to be the "nothing ever goes on sale and you make use of everything " price, but we'll say it's 6 grand. If twenty people enter the contest, even if we all have even odds of winning, my expected value across infinite worlds is around $300 (it's a little more counting there are lesser prizes). How long do I spend making this image? And if I know I'm not exceptional, then that expected payoff, the value for my time, drops dramatically.

So I think a lot of the time contests tend to be about pride, competition, and the idea of a challenge. This isn't a bad thing, but it's a hard thing to overcome, especially to draw in people who are still learning.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: paq on December 08, 2017, 12:25:14 AM
Hello,

I think that the quality of the wip thread is as important as the final image, and should be taken in consideration when you choose the winners.
Showing progress and sharing techniques will benefit to the whole community ... just showing 3 nice pictures at the end of a contest helps no one.
And there is no reason to not accept hidden entries for shinny people. (I'm not really sold on the intimidation argument).

If you are looking for more quantity, maybe the third (or fourth) prize can be a lottery, so anyone as a chance to win something.

Finally open the rules a little bit might help too, something like "use any tools you want to create the image, best usage of Terragen will be of course appreciated".
Because I think there must be a bunch of artists that are using Terragen in their pipeline, but only a fraction of them are using Terragen exclusively. Just a guess of course (and speaking a bit for myself  8)).
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Seth on December 08, 2017, 12:45:51 AM
Quote from: paq on December 08, 2017, 12:25:14 AM


I think that the quality of the wip thread is as important as the final image, and should be taken in consideration when you choose the winners.



No.
Only the definitive should and will be judged.
You don't judge the 100m in the Olympics by looking at how the runner improved during his training but by how fast he actually runs.
In my opinion.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on December 08, 2017, 03:54:59 AM
I agree with Seth, but Paq has a point when talking about a (not too big) lottery fourth prize. That would give everybody a fair chance of winning at least something, and lure more people perhaps.

As for WIP's or not, what Oshyan says was my thought too; even without WIP's one might be intimidated by the presumed entries by 'pro's', especially if they're allowed to import premade photogrammic cliff faces....
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: cyphyr on December 08, 2017, 05:08:04 AM
In that case maybe using pre made Photogrametric Cliff faces should be ruled out. Unfortunately there are only a few such sources available and it will be easy to recognise and compare.
Quote from: Seth on December 08, 2017, 12:45:51 AM
Quote from: paq on December 08, 2017, 12:25:14 AM


I think that the quality of the wip thread is as important as the final image, and should be taken in consideration when you choose the winners.



No.
Only the definitive should and will be judged.
You don't judge the 100m in the Olympics by looking at how the runner improved during his training but by how fast he actually runs.
In my opinion.

The general public do not judge the 100m sprinter by their training results but you can be sure that other Olympians pay very close attention to how their competitors train, their techniques and use that as motivation and benchmarks to push themselves further and harder.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on December 08, 2017, 05:44:18 AM
We've discussed that, but it's quite hard to set exact rules as for what is allowed or not. Photo textures projected on a simple wall, WM terrains, Daniil's plugin.....
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: cyphyr on December 08, 2017, 06:01:43 AM
Quote from: Dune on December 08, 2017, 05:44:18 AM
We've discussed that, but it's quite hard to set exact rules as for what is allowed or not. Photo textures projected on a simple wall, WM terrains, Daniil's plugin.....
Yes, I can see now how this could become difficult to manage effectively and fairly.
Golly this is much harder than it appears.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: cyphyr on December 08, 2017, 06:15:43 AM
SUGGESTION

If it is decided to not allow work in progress threads then may I suggest that to fill the void between the start and end of the contest, and so that people arriving late will have some content to look at, that both mini tutorials relating to the topic are published and past examples (with authors permission) of cliff images are shown off for review (maybe even elicit a comment or two from the artist on what they did and what they may change now.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Hetzen on December 08, 2017, 06:51:12 AM
I think the judges should have a competition between themselves! And we can judge them. 8)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 08, 2017, 09:27:59 AM
Quote from: Hetzen on December 08, 2017, 06:51:12 AM
I think the judges should have a competition between themselves! And we can judge them. 8)

;D

Quote from: cyphyr on December 08, 2017, 06:15:43 AM
Golly this is much harder than it appears.


You got that right Richard
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: luvsmuzik on December 08, 2017, 10:01:05 AM
FIrst, let me say this is a user friendly forum. It provides a great source of information and example for those willing to search. I understand that with the rapid changes in this type of program, a manual would be nearly impossible to keep updated, except in a general form, which is already available with online tutorials etc.
Planetside offers three levels of using this program including a non expiring "free" version. I hope that never changes.
I understand business (or professional) use and the need to expose this product to the greatest audience of potential clients. A contest is a great source of exposure for older and recent developments in this product.
The day to day, sometimes hourly, progress that is made in the use of Terragen is amazing. Thanks to those willing to exhibit and share here. Trading recipes, formulas, diagrams...all part of it.
I won't be entering, but the WIP is (was) exciting to see and dissect. Either way, I will admire the entries, I hope all will be shown at some future date.

Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 11, 2017, 05:56:52 PM
Looking through this and some private emails I have received it seems that the majority of the community is in favor of the WIP, so WIP it is. We are finalizing the rules and other bits, you will be seeing the official announcement in the coming weeks. We will be officially starting the contest January 1st 2018
Please wait until Planetside creates NWDA Cliff Contest Childboard under the Image Sharing section before posting your WIP's.

*Lets get a good turn out guys and gals Cheers. 
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Urantia Jerry on December 11, 2017, 11:44:17 PM
I enjoyed seeing the WIP's, and I am glad for this decision.  Thank you :)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: SILENCER on December 12, 2017, 09:47:48 AM
"I am not in favor of WIP during the contest.
Some people might feel "scared" by some users right at the beginning of the contest just by viewing the wip of some works."


I read that and all I could think is: Life is tough, buy a helmet. It's supposed to be a fun learning experience for everyone, so if you can't handle a friendly competition, how will you handle the real conflict that is constant in adult life. Maybe a snowflake contest next year to accommodate that?

I see some of the stuff here and I think "Wow, I never, ever would have thought of that. Nice work." Not "Give up and run away." I expect to get clobbered by people far more creative than myself here, and I've been in the VFX trade for nearly 20 years.

Photogammetry terrian should be excluded, but I'd say you're free to use imported plants, props, images, all of that as long as the terrain, water and sky are all generated within Terragen's procedural engine. Wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions. Sack up, experiment, and have fun.

Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 12, 2017, 11:45:31 AM
Quote from: SILENCER on December 12, 2017, 09:47:48 AM
"I am not in favor of WIP during the contest.
Some people might feel "scared" by some users right at the beginning of the contest just by viewing the wip of some works."


I read that and all I could think is: Life is tough, buy a helmet. It's supposed to be a fun learning experience for everyone, so if you can't handle a friendly competition, how will you handle the real conflict that is constant in adult life. Maybe a snowflake contest next year to accommodate that?

I see some of the stuff here and I think "Wow, I never, ever would have thought of that. Nice work." Not "Give up and run away." I expect to get clobbered by people far more creative than myself here, and I've been in the VFX trade for nearly 20 years.

Photogammetry terrian should be excluded, but I'd say you're free to use imported plants, props, images, all of that as long as the terrain, water and sky are all generated within Terragen's procedural engine. Wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions. Sack up, experiment, and have fun.

Silencer,
  I am not sure how long you have been around the PS forums, maybe you have been lurking for a while or operating under another profile, it doesn't matter either way. If you are new, let me give you a bit of history about these challenges, People have gotten spooked/deterred by WIP's threads and tend not to put in days or weeks of work into a challenge they feel they have no chance of winning. That was the intention of omitting the WIP's. That's it .. No one said anything about people running away from life or any other psychiatric analysis you have written above. I think you are way out in Leftfield with all that however you are entitled to your opinion. I look forward to your involvement once we get going.

As with other NWDA Contests detailed rules will be laid out by NWDA once we kick off. It looks like around January 1st for the official start. (We might start the WIP's a bit earlier)

Thank you for your interest   

Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: D.A. Bentley (SuddenPlanet) on December 12, 2017, 01:02:48 PM
Are we going to be allowed to use other Apps like World Machine to help out with initial terrain forms?  Or plugins like Classic Erosion?

Also, are there different categories (multiple winners) or just one winner in the end?

Not meaning to complicate things, but it might be cool to have a couple categories, so you could have a category for "Pure Terragen" which means no additional 3rd party plugins, or apps like WM, and another category that's "Anything Goes".  Just a thought...

Derek
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 12, 2017, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: D.A. Bentley on December 12, 2017, 01:02:48 PM
Are we going to be allowed to use other Apps like World Machine to help out with initial terrain forms?  Or plugins like Classic Erosion?

Also, are there different categories (multiple winners) or just one winner in the end?

Not meaning to complicate things, but it might be cool to have a couple categories, so you could have a category for "Pure Terragen" which means no additional 3rd party plugins, or apps like WM, and another category that's "Anything Goes".  Just a thought...

Derek

3rd party terrain generators as well as Daniil's erosion will be allowed. There will not be multiple categories. One challenge. Again detailed rules will be laid out soon.
Cheers
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Ariel DK on December 13, 2017, 01:05:25 AM
Quote from: bobbystahr on December 07, 2017, 11:48:41 AM

Indeed, time constraints are often the breaking point for folks who unlike myself have to still go to work every day and it's often hard to find the time in a 'limited time' comp.

absolutely agree...
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: jaf on December 28, 2017, 12:31:15 PM
Just some thoughts ......
Why can't there be two types of theme challenges.  Like this:

1.  Restricted.  Cliffs -- submit  tgd and image files that generate your cliff and make the tgd available to all the forum members.  I believe this would filter out objects that aren't part of the Terragen package, like World Machine terrains, xFrog vegetation, etc.  Anyone could download the tgd and try to render it and not get "file not found" errors (the tgd submission should state the Terragen version.)

2. Open: Anything goes -- contestants can use purchased or self generated files (models.)

Danny could spell this out in the rules (restricted or open.)  I guess, in this case, it would be "a cliff(s) or cliffs scene -- restricted or open.

Those restricted tgd's would be a nice learning asset!

I have a question about prizes.  Is it legal to submit a scene with a purchased item, say a tree, that doesn't have a commercial license (*and win a prize?)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: AndyWelder on December 28, 2017, 12:53:30 PM
QuoteIs it legal to submit a scene with a purchased item, say a tree, that doesn't have a commercial license (*and win a prize?)
Oooh yeah, legal nitpicking!  ;D Would be interesting to know the answer because lots of the models I use don't have a commercial license so this would restrict me in my choices of object ::)
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 28, 2017, 01:56:49 PM
Quote from: jaf on December 28, 2017, 12:31:15 PM
Just some thoughts ......
Why can't there be two types of theme challenges.  Like this:

1.  Restricted.  Cliffs -- submit  tgd and image files that generate your cliff and make the tgd available to all the forum members.  I believe this would filter out objects that aren't part of the Terragen package, like World Machine terrains, xFrog vegetation, etc.  Anyone could download the tgd and try to render it and not get "file not found" errors (the tgd submission should state the Terragen version.)

2. Open: Anything goes -- contestants can use purchased or self generated files (models.)

Danny could spell this out in the rules (restricted or open.)  I guess, in this case, it would be "a cliff(s) or cliffs scene -- restricted or open.

Those restricted tgd's would be a nice learning asset!

I have a question about prizes.  Is it legal to submit a scene with a purchased item, say a tree, that doesn't have a commercial license (*and win a prize?)

Hey Jaf, The rules have already been determined internally and will be laid out in detail once we start. I will tell you so you can get started if you like is that your main Cliff or Cliffs must be Terragen Created. This is a Terragen contest. The use of other assets such as 3dscans ZBrush/WMachine etc will be allowed as supporting objects and details only ex. Distant Mountains or ground clutter.... etc. I feel it will be limiting to omit standard modern VFX tools completely. If an entry comes into question, just like past challenges we will ask the contestant to submit the Gathered Project for review. 

*Your question has been asked on previous challenges and was determined, unfortunately that was a few years ago so I will have to research the contest threads to give you a firm none conflicting answer on that. I remember it was a bit of an issue at the time. I will have that info by the time we post the rules.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Dune on December 29, 2017, 01:35:56 AM
I'd say you're not sharing the tree and a contest is not a commercial thing.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on December 31, 2017, 12:50:43 PM
I looked into this you CAN use foliage that you don't have the commercial rights to.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: jaf on December 31, 2017, 06:16:40 PM
Thanks Danny, that's good to know.
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on January 01, 2018, 01:03:18 PM
You're welcome Jaf
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: AndyWelder on January 09, 2018, 01:23:52 PM
Quote from: Danny on December 12, 2017, 11:45:31 AM
As with other NWDA Contests detailed rules will be laid out by NWDA once we kick off. It looks like around January 1st for the official start. (We might start the WIP's a bit earlier)
And...? Did I miss something, am I looking at the wrong places? Did see nothing yet... And those horses are very hard to control with a couple of WIP's on the drawing board!
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: Artice-3d on January 09, 2018, 01:56:00 PM
Maybe it's time to me to take a shot  8) ;) ;D
Title: Re: NWDA's 2018 Theme Challenge Participation Poll
Post by: DannyG on January 09, 2018, 02:52:46 PM
Good news, we will be kicking things off in a day or 2.