Hi everyone!
The submissions are flooding in and we love it!
Here is a little tip. I cleared it with Erik to tell you guys this:
Please make sure you are designing a wondrous item. A wand is not a wondrous item. Neither is a suit of armor. Review the SRD if you are confused about the categories (i love d20srd.org)
One of the big things that an actual designer has to do is turn in content on time and to specification. Ability to follow instructions is one of the tests here. If you submitted the best sword ever created by man or beast, that isnt following instructions.
If you have a question, ask. Erik has been pretty good about helping. Like he said, he is the Paula Abdul so he will be nice. I'm more like Simon. :)
Good luck everyone and have fun with this!
Clark
Good luck everyone and have fun with this!Clark
Thanks for the tip, Clark!
- Ashavan
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If you have a question, ask. Erik has been pretty good about helping. Like he said, he is the Paula Abdul so he will be nice. I'm more like Simon. :)
Good luck everyone and have fun with this!
Clark
First off, thanks for the tip, I am sure all and any advice is appreciated.
Second, no kiss-assery here (easy to avoid, since our entries are anonymous once it hits the judges, right?), but you cannot be the Simon, as I am 99% sure that I wouldn't punch you square in the nose if we met.
Simon has definitely earned my Asshat Appreciation Award, patent pending, and would get one, in spades, if we met.
*grins*
Now back to the more serious things, my item. *chuckles*
Later and thanks, again, Clark.
Ok, that's fair. I wont be treating anyone the way Simon does. I think it is deplorable. We are all friends here and this is a friendly competition. We will judge the creation as a design work, not the creator as a person. I certainly have created my share of stinkers :) I dont want anyone to worry that their submission would be mocked or that they would be made fun of. That simply wont happen. We are here to find the best, not to make fun of the worst.
Hi everyone!
The submissions are flooding in and we love it!
Good luck everyone and have fun with this!
Clark
Thanks for the tip.
Nice to see there will be plenty of competition. Good Luck everyone.|
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Ok, that's fair. I wont be treating anyone the way Simon does. I think it is deplorable. We are all friends here and this is a friendly competition. We will judge the creation as a design work, not the creator as a person. I certainly have created my share of stinkers :) I dont want anyone to worry that their submission would be mocked or that they would be made fun of. That simply wont happen. We are here to find the best, not to make fun of the worst.
Yeah, it's one of the many cool things I like about Paizo, Necromancer Games, and Open Design; everyone is generally cool and laid back, even when hot topics are discussed.
Anyhow, good luck on voting and selecting, as I'm sure you guys are gonna have a lot of quality stuff to wade through.
Hi everyone!
The submissions are flooding in and we love it!
Here is a little tip. I cleared it with Erik to tell you guys this:
Please make sure you are designing a wondrous item. A wand is not a wondrous item. Neither is a suit of armor. Review the SRD if you are confused about the categories (i love d20srd.org)
One of the big things that an actual designer has to do is turn in content on time and to specification. Ability to follow instructions is one of the tests here. If you submitted the best sword ever created by man or beast, that isnt following instructions.
If you have a question, ask. Erik has been pretty good about helping. Like he said, he is the Paula Abdul so he will be nice. I'm more like Simon. :)
Good luck everyone and have fun with this!
Clark
Thanks for the tip, Clark!
I would just like to point out that sometimes the categories are a little bit blurred, like in the case of the Maul of Titans which can be perceived as an enchanted weapon, too.
Of course we all trust in your fair judgment, so I don't worry at all... :)
I am a contestant about to enter and I have a tip I hope will help. I'm a potion DM. I love giving out the one shot magic to my players. Since I have a plethora of potion ideas I thought would work for the contest, I decided to hunt around for ways in which to make them wonderous items. I came up with Dusts and Elixers as a way to get some of my potion ideas into the Wonderous Item arena.
Can't wait to see what everyone else is submitting. Hope you find my little tidbit helpful and good luck everyone.
Even though we don't get to see those "look what the cat dragged in" entries (which are the only part I watch in those Idol programs), do we still get criticism for our work, what to do better etc?
I agree that is definitely the best part of American Idol. After that I watch until the hot chunky girl gets booted (there's one every season) then it's over until next season. I do have an excuse for watching the show though because I sing professionally.
After that I watch until the hot chunky girl gets booted
You might want to google around for Leonard Nimoy's "The Full Body Project," though, as a warning, it does contain nudity (which is why I didn't link it).
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After that I watch until the hot chunky girl gets bootedYou might want to google around for Leonard Nimoy's "The Full Body Project," though, as a warning, it does contain nudity (which is why I didn't link it).
Speaking of Leonard...who can forget his Bilbo Baggins song?
...yeah, ok, I try pretty hard to forget it, but the darn little tune is knid of catchy.
Speaking of Leonard...who can forget his Bilbo Baggins song?
...yeah, ok, I try pretty hard to forget it, but the darn little tune is knid of catchy.
"Because he's Bilbo BILBO! Bilbo Baggins, only three feet tall!! he's Bilbo BILBO! Bilbo Baggins,bravest little hobbit of them all!!"
Curse ... you ... Spock!
After that I watch until the hot chunky girl gets bootedYou might want to google around for Leonard Nimoy's "The Full Body Project,"
Yep I've seen it. I was very impressed with the project itself but I don't remember being blown away by the photography. Then again my wife's an amazing erotic photographer so I have pretty high standards.
I know of and have heard the Bilbo song but I don't remember what it sounds like (I'm sure I should be glad). That makes me think of that video of Shatner singing "Mr. Tambourine man" or was it "Rocket Man". Do not look up these videos. I'm serious you maybe psychologically damaged.
Back on topic of tips from judges, is there anyway you guys would leak an approximation of how many people have actually entering the contest so far? I'm just curious if it's 100's or 1000's or more.
Back on topic of tips from judges, is there anyway you guys would leak an approximation of how many people have actually entering the contest so far? I'm just curious if it's 100's or 1000's or more.
I'm sure we'll make the total number of entrants public once we hit round 2 of the contest. For now, nope.
Based upon some threads that I've read I believe that every item is judged by the three judges and that they even comment on some of them.
Will this feedback be available to the submitters at a later date?
I understand that it might not be in your best interest to give access to all the entries but if I could see the judges feedback on my submission that would be great and helpful.
Hi everyone!
The submissions are flooding in and we love it!
.
One of the big things that an actual designer has to do is turn in content on time and to specification. Ability to follow instructions is one of the tests here. If you submitted the best sword ever created by man or beast, that isnt following instructions.
I've got an idea, but it started out at almost 400 words, I trimed it down considerably, but still have over 200 words.
If an item is more than 200 words, say 231, would that also be rejected outright? (Technically it isn't following instructions - so I could understand the reasoning)
Marathon Voter Season 7
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Based upon some threads that I've read I believe that every item is judged by the three judges and that they even comment on some of them.
Will this feedback be available to the submitters at a later date?
I understand that it might not be in your best interest to give access to all the entries but if I could see the judges feedback on my submission that would be great and helpful.
Actually, a PDF with the best 100 or so entries (assuming there are far more than that) would be kind of nice. With or without commentary from the judges.
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Marathon Voter Season 7
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If an item is more than 200 words, say 231, would that also be rejected outright? (Technically it isn't following instructions - so I could understand the reasoning)
Answers are found in this thread.
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In the rules, I noted that there are a few days specifically alloted for people to run the contestants submissions around the boards for discussions, for the next rounds, will those contestants selected to be voted on be allowed to answer questions on the message boards relating to their submissions? I would like to be able to talk to them via post if allowed to submit questions to the authors.
We have commented on EVERY item (except for perhaps 2 or 3 that were just rejected outright because they were insulting or totally inappropriate), and usually all three of us chime in in one way or another. I dont know to what extent those comments will be made public after the competition. I am hoping that, after some editing to protect delicate sensibilities, the comments will be posted. Erik, Wolfgang and I often have multiple posts on each item discussing at great length the design issues involved and what was done mechanically with the item or not done in many instances. Heck, as examples, I even re-wrote a few entries in several of my posts to show what a difference a few changes would make to a submission to make a rejected submission acceptable and then we discussed those. We are really taking this seriously and are having some real good discussion. We are spending alot of time on this.
Actually, a PDF with the best 100 or so entries (assuming there are far more than that) would be kind of nice. With or without commentary from the judges.
I was thinking something similar to this. It would be nice to at least start a thread here for people to list their submissions, once the judges have made their selections. I'd like to see what other people have submitted.
I even re-wrote a few entries in several of my posts to show what a difference a few changes would make to a submission to make a rejected submission acceptable and then we discussed those.
This brings up an interesting question. How do you compare an item as written against an item that has the potential to be great, with a few minor changes?
We evaluate the item as submitted, not its potential. This is RPG Superstar. Both the times I have done rewrites to show improvement have been on items that were rejected. Good ideas are not enough. You need good ideas plus proper writing, mechanics, ability to follow instructions, etc.
I have, unfortunately, rejected a few that had great promise. That isnt good enough for RPG Superstar.
Like I said, we evaluate ONLY on what is submitted. It wouldnt be fair to do it any other way.
We evaluate the item as submitted, not its potential. This is RPG Superstar. Both the times I have done rewrites to show improvement have been on items that were rejected. Good ideas are not enough. You need good ideas plus proper writing, mechanics, ability to follow instructions, etc.
I have, unfortunately, rejected a few that had great promise. That isnt good enough for RPG Superstar.
Like I said, we evaluate ONLY on what is submitted. It wouldnt be fair to do it any other way.
Well,
Just nine more days then and we'll see who was good enough without a rewrite.
Just nine more days then and we'll see who was good enough without a rewrite.
Actually, according to the schedule here, winners will be announced on 11/28.
Just nine more days then and we'll see who was good enough without a rewrite.Actually, according to the schedule here, winners will be announced on 11/28.
Hah! True, 23 days it is ;>
Chief Technical Officer
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We have commented on EVERY item (except for perhaps 2 or 3 that were just rejected outright because they were insulting or totally inappropriate), and usually all three of us chime in in one way or another. I dont know to what extent those comments will be made public after the competition. I am hoping that, after some editing to protect delicate sensibilities, the comments will be posted.
We've told the judges that their comments would not be seen (to encourage them to speak frankly). However, given that those of us who have a view behind-the-scenes have found some of their discussions fascinating, I think that once they've chosen the finalists, we'll also be asking them to select some rejected entries and comments for publication on the website (we'll keep those entries anonymous, though!).
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Chief Technical Officer
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In the rules, I noted that there are a few days specifically alloted for people to run the contestants submissions around the boards for discussions, for the next rounds, will those contestants selected to be voted on be allowed to answer questions on the message boards relating to their submissions? I would like to be able to talk to them via post if allowed to submit questions to the authors.
You'll be able to discuss the entries throughout the public voting period each round. The contestants won't be *required* to answer your questions, but we'll certainly be encouraging them to participate in the discussion.
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RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka JoelF847
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Will we be able to view the comments on our own entries, even if they're not made public? I know I'd want to see what kind of feedback I get, especially if I don't make the cut - so I can use it as constructive criticism for the next open call.
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Chief Technical Officer
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Will we be able to view the comments on our own entries, even if they're not made public? I know I'd want to see what kind of feedback I get, especially if I don't make the cut - so I can use it as constructive criticism for the next open call.
No. Again, we want to make sure the judges are in a position where they can speak freely, so we told them that their comments would not be published (well, at least not without their specific say-so).
I see little reason to worry about anything myself. I had fun writing my entry, if it is good enough to get me to the next stage of this, I will be awe struck. If not, I can always hope that some good comments from those who looked at it will set me in the right direction to improve. Either way I will be happy to see the results and know that I gave it a try rather than whimpering in a corner because someone set up a challenge involving the game that I love so much. :)
We all just have to remember, its all fun and games, till someone loses an eye, and then its pay per view... ;)
I see little reason to worry about anything myself. I had fun writing my entry, if it is good enough to get me to the next stage of this, I will be awe struck. If not, I can always hope that some good comments from those who looked at it will set me in the right direction to improve. Either way I will be happy to see the results and know that I gave it a try rather than whimpering in a corner because someone set up a challenge involving the game that I love so much. :)
We all just have to remember, its all fun and games, till someone loses an eye, and then its pay per view... ;)
Indeed - the commentary on submitted items comes across as perhaps the best way to get potential submitters aware of what expectations are to be had from Paizo's point of view.
Granted, this could be fairly easy - one can lump the ones that got ejected on the grounds of the 'rules violations' end of things simply by way of ' so many were rejected by way of rule violation X' while the remainder could receive a more in-depth revelation of the rejection reason(s) once the 32 submissions that won are suddenly impelled to generate thier entries for the next elimination round.
The meat of the commentary though probably won't come until after the chaff gets winnowed. I am looking forward to that part!
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Star Voter Season 6
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Ok, that's fair. I wont be treating anyone the way Simon does. I think it is deplorable. We are all friends here and this is a friendly competition. We will judge the creation as a design work, not the creator as a person. I certainly have created my share of stinkers :) I dont want anyone to worry that their submission would be mocked or that they would be made fun of. That simply wont happen. We are here to find the best, not to make fun of the worst.
Who is Simon?
Who is Simon?
You know, the little kid who makes chalk drawings and they come to life.
Will we be able to view the comments on our own entries, even if they're not made public? I know I'd want to see what kind of feedback I get, especially if I don't make the cut - so I can use it as constructive criticism for the next open call.No. Again, we want to make sure the judges are in a position where they can speak freely, so we told them that their comments would not be published (well, at least not without their specific say-so).
Would it be that difficult to "scrub" the identifying tags relevant to the commentary in question Vic?
Would it be that difficult to "scrub" the identifying tags relevant to the commentary in question Vic?
To add to above suggestion.
If the entries could be scrubbed, yet you don't want to give access to your new stash of IP. Could it be possible to email the scrubbed content to the submitter?
Before you spam every submitter you could use a poll to determine if a submitter is interested in the scrubbed critique.
Would it be that difficult to "scrub" the identifying tags relevant to the commentary in question Vic?To add to above suggestion.
If the entries could be scrubbed, yet you don't want to give access to your new stash of IP. Could it be possible to email the scrubbed content to the submitter?
Before you spam every submitter you could use a poll to determine if a submitter is interested in the scrubbed critique.
I like this idea! I would also really like to know what was thought of my item...even if for some reason it was auto-rejected (cant think of why it would be but *shrug*).
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Chief Technical Officer
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Would it be that difficult to "scrub" the identifying tags relevant to the commentary in question Vic?
With the judges still a week away from being done with round 1, there are currently more than 3200 posts related to contest entries. It wouldn't surprise me if we end up with more than 5000 posts (but I'm just guessing, really). So, yes, it would be pretty time consuming. I feel that the judges have already been very generous with their time, and asking them for more would be inappropriate.