Open Projects Forum Discussion

[Deunen]

I just thought of something. Maybe participating in jams can contribute to the reputation system? I'm not sure how the rep works right now because its new and I haven't really looked into it but I figure it can be an added incentive. Just a thought.

[xadrian]

From what I can gather, the reputation system is board wide and isn't tied to any specific actions other than one user liking or disliking something another member did or said.

I think the idea of using it as an incentive to get projects done is a good one. I also think that I don't want to turn this forum or PJ as a whole into a clique-state where only the cool kids rule.

I'll have to give it some thought and ask the brass what they think. Turning in a negative response to someone who didn't finish on time or at all or is non-responsive may be a dicey situation.

Good thinking though.

[Saga]

My apologies if this is not in the right forum.

I was wondering if there are any "weekly assignments" Things that one could do on there own. Just for "excercise". Like , "Ok i want to see a Kirby consumeing the Avengers as they try to flee in horror." Or, "Show me an add ,envolveing Galactus, for indigestion or constipation medication." Not that i'm anti-social.

If new comers could faithfuly complete a one week assignment then that would maybe show that they can come through on things of larger scale or show how long it takes for them to complete one page of something.

So when someone signs up for a jam it would give some idea of what to expect from that person. Also, this is just a question, Are people just redoing and redoing a page they are working on, because they know so and so is involved and they think there stuff will look like crap next to that persons? I havent ever been part of a jam or tried to take on a project like that and i know people work and have school ,myself included, that takes up alot of time ,so this question might have been idiotic.

I'm new, so these things might have already been done at some point. Also this community might not work that way. just thought i would post some ideas along with my questions.

Sorry again if this is in the wrong place, or my ideas go against what this community is about

[xadrian]

1) This isn't the right forum for weekly assignments, but at one point there was a weekly assignment forum called Critical Mass. It's been shelved for the time being and I don't know if it will come back. (Missed it by -that- much.)

2) Even being in school or having a day job, one week to do a page should be plenty, especially if it's just one duty, ie pencilling. If you're serious about getting into the business, speed is essential. It's a skill that's not talked about much. You have to be able to refine your abilities to the point that you can do a page a day or more. As this place progresses, I'd like to focus more on the speed aspect. 1 week per skill set, one month total time. 6 weeks MAX.

3) I think the only person really redoing pages is Deunen. He's the resident master of posting all his sketches until something like a final page is settled on. Most of the time you just post your page and the next guy takes over. A lot of times one person will fill all the duties.

4) These aren't idiotic questions, don't worry. Even the forum's been around for more than a year, and people have been doing these jams for longer, I can count the completed jams without having to take off my shoes, so it's still a process of finding things that work right.

[penciljack]

Critical Mass will return, before too long. There's just a LOT of stuff to iron out with this new forum software, especially with the plans that are in motion, so it's taking some time to get everything where I want it. But yes, Critical Mass will return.

[Deunen]

Welcome to Pencil Jack Saga!

As far as I know anyone can sign up for the jams. When they begin all the pages and duties (pencil, ink, color, or letter) are assigned. I would say sign up only if you are sure you can get your assignment done. The worst thing you can do is sign up for something and then never post or let anyone know how your page is doing. This section isn't about who's better that who. Everyone is just expected to give the best that they got on their assignment . I am only touching up my page right now because I forgot something that CMW said was going to be a big part of the story later on.

I personally post sketches and stuff because I feel it keeps the thread alive, informs the organizer of the project on my progress, and hopefully inspires or informs the other artists involved on the project.

You may want to get your feet wet in the Proving Ground section where there are challenges going on. They are usually pinup style images.

Deun

[Saga]

thanks for replying so quickly everybody

Duenen i didnt mean to imply that you were redoing pages because you didnt think they were good. I've been lurking quite alot and saw your posts. i think they are very good. I can also see that they are drawings that you are useing to get to your desired final. I just know in the past I've come into situations that i've wanted to do something over after seeing what quality others have brought to the table. I don't worry about that these days but when i first started drawing ,seriously, about a year or two ago it had bothered me alot.

Thanks for clearing up my questions Xadrian. Gives me an idea of what would be expected.

Critical mass sounds like the place i would do most of my posting until i was confident that i could keep my word in fusion. But dont hurry on my account Penciljack. I dont think i will be able to get in on any jams or prooving grounds stuff soon anyway. My school, VanArts , starts on Tuesday. First few weeks will be nuts.

Thanks again for the quick responses. This place seems friendly.

[Deunen]

I hear what your saying about wanting to go back and redo stuff. I think everyone has felt that way. I've learned to look at your old stuff, realize you did the best you could, learn from it and move on. oh and thx for the compliment

Good Luck at school.

[Ra Havok]

About the critical mass:

The one thing that, according to me, made it worth doing the assignments was that you could count on some THOROUGH and GOOD critique. I'll gladly drop Loston's name.

So, unless there are people that are willing to give themselves a 100% when it comes to letting the 'students' know where they stand, I don't think Critical mass could ever be a success.


By the way, I'm all for in-depth C&c. I think everyone knows this. I wouldn't mind helping out if Critical mass were to be defibrilated.

[xadrian]

I wanted to drag some thoughts over here from the Incomplete thread and have them open for discussion (*gasp*, the thread title)

1) Incorporating the Writing Lab somehow. This has been discussed before but a conclusion was not reached.

2) This forum is for fun and exercise, but the projects must still be worth while and well crafted to elicit better participation.

3) I've brought up voting of any kind once before and it didn't go over well. I'm all for nominating a script writer and then getting feedback, yay or nay, a simple poll, but no competition for Who Writes What or Who Draws What.

4) One project at a time. This is good to keep interest at a maximum but participation would be a minimum. Which is more important to you guys? Honestly, it's not like the door's being beaten down to start up projects so cracking down and telling people "Great idea, when the current project is done, it's all yours" is not going to break my heart.

That's all for now.