My Rant about Design Contests

**johnncyber** · 11-19-2004, 06:54 PM

[John's Rant]

Ok I need to get a couple things off my chest.

I am tired of all of these design contests and logo request, in which the poster does not give any details. It extremely frustrating, trying to create a template, logo, banner, etc. without knowing what the poster wants and when you get finished with the design that poster doesn't like it becuase it wasn't what they wanted! I think we should make the Design contest and request board moderated like the Site review board. It allow the moderators to make the life of us designers easier.

[/John's Rant]

Thank you I needed that.

BTW I am hoping this is the right board, if not feel free to move the post.

**Onur** · 11-19-2004, 07:50 PM

I agree 100%. I have not participated in any of these contests but it is only fair to ask for great depth of detail before any artwork gets posted. Designing takes time and energy ya know!

**jawfish** · 11-21-2004, 12:50 AM

OK, since we are clearing the air so to speak, why in the world would anyone want to give away FREE mockups simply because they call it a contest? If someone is looking to hire out for these services, why not post looking for online portfolios, then choose someone that fits their profile. Then that person should be compensated and of course, held accountable for getting it right! That is how a professional transaction normally occurs (I know I am going to get heat for that, but we are "clearing the air") Or better yet, use a site like guru.com, where there is fair, compensated earnings.

Just my 2 cents... I never give away my time...

**johnncyber** · 11-21-2004, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jawfish

OK, since we are clearing the air so to speak, why in the world would anyone want to give away FREE mockups simply because they call it a contest? If someone is looking to hire out for these services, why not post looking for online portfolios, then choose someone that fits their profile. Then that person should be compensated and of course, held accountable for getting it right! That is how a professional transaction normally occurs (I know I am going to get heat for that, but we are "clearing the air") Or better yet, use a site like guru.com, where there is fair, compensated earnings.

Just my 2 cents... I never give away my time...

Well for someone that is doing it for a hobby, and/or to build up their portfolio like me, it is a perfect opportunity. I do not mine offering my services either for free or for a nominal fee, I just do not like having nothing to work off of.

**jawfish** · 11-21-2004, 02:44 AM

My apologies, I often forget what is was like just starting out. You are correct, that would be a great way to build your portfolio.

**DaveMo~** · 11-21-2004, 08:53 PM

It can be frustrating when someone wants a logo and that's all the information that they give you, just "I want a logo." It would be a lot better if the person requesting a logo/graphic give as many details as possible.

On the other hand, there may be some people that don't know what they want. Yes, they want a logo, but they may have no idea what type. It's like they go shopping for an item, but they don't know what they want until they have seen the store's selection.

Back to the suggestion. Unless we make specific rules about the contests, moderating the threads will not be helpful. The rule would have to state what would be considered a valid contest, and what the specifics would be for the graphic.

Do you think it's possible to set up some standards for this request that would help the designers? If so, please list them as we discuss this. Thanks.

Dave

**johnncyber** · 11-21-2004, 11:15 PM

My suggested Rules:

Please do not post any false information.

Please give details as to what you would are requesting. Such as color
scheme, fonts, prize (if applicable), size, file format, etc.

After you have picked a winner please post that you have picked the
winner.

If at all possible please post a link to the site that this graphic
will be used for, or a link to site that is similar to what you want.

It is helpful to title your thread the same as your site. Since it is in the Graphics Help request or Contests, it's obvious you are requesting a
design.
In addition, do not post multiple requests for the same contest.

You may bump your existing thread if you have made some changes.
Do not bump your thread if you have not received immediate replies.

Any posts not following these rules will not be approved (new threads are MANUALLY reviewed).

Also I would be more than happy to moderate the forum and the review the new posts.

**SilatPupil** · 11-22-2004, 06:34 AM

That sounds pretty good to me....but then Im objective as I dont do the designs, but I do feel sorry for those who do after reading some of the posts.

**TimSchroeder** · 11-22-2004, 04:17 PM

Thanks for the nice suggestions. We will try and implement some of those changes shortly.

johnncyber, I just might take you up on that offer!

**johnncyber** · 11-22-2004, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimSchroeder

johnncyber, I just might take you up on that offer!

By all means.

**DaveMo~** · 11-27-2004, 10:18 PM

Those are some good rules for the design/graphics contest.

Post your updates here. Thanks.

Dave

**johnncyber** · 11-27-2004, 10:33 PM

Here is an amendment to the rules

Minuimum Requirements

Color Scheme
Type of Design (i.e. Banner, Logo, Layout)
Prize (if any)
Desired Size

Optional Information
Desired Font
Website that the design will be used on
Inspirational Website or designs
Any other relevant information

**DaveMo~** · 11-29-2004, 01:17 PM

I'll be adding the rules to the graphics forum. We're still discussing validating new threads.

Dave