A "how to" list for running contests

[Celebration]

Last edited Tue Jan 1, 2013, 11:33 PM - Edit history (1)

If you have any portion of a "how to" list for either running a contest, or resizing photos for contests, please post in this thread. I don't have anything--and new people entering contests sometimes win! Then they don't really have a place to go for suggestions on running the contests. (Well, I might be able to find something on resizing photos, I'll look).

I was in Japan when PuppyB asked for a "how to" from me. Since I didn't have much extra time or computer access there, I merely said pick a subject early, and that there was lots of latitude in running contests, and to look at the way past contests were run, and that I was available to answer questions, as were other people in the group. Sure PB did a great job with that amount of direction, but it would be nice to be able to point to some information that is a bit more formal and helpful.

I do think some of you may have created files on various aspects of running (or entering) the contests. I know that people have helped others, and that help may have taken place in private messages. If so, could you please respond to this with that information, copying and pasting as a reply here? If there are enough helpful responses here I will pin the thread. If not I will let it sink.

THANKS!

[Fumesucker]

1. For those who don't have Photoshop or similar on their computers for editing/resizing

Pixlr dot com is the best online photo editor I've found, very similar interface to Photoshop so if you learn this the skills will mostly transfer if you get Photoshop at some later date.

http://pixlr.com/

[RC]

5. For those of us with computers,

there is Irfanview
http://www.irfanview.com/ Don't forget the plug-in's

and

Photoscape
http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/download.php

Irfanview is my default picture program. Small and light weight.
Photoscape is when I want to get serous about it.
Both will re-size graphics to any reasonable size.

Both are free and easy to use.

[Fumesucker]

6. There's also GIMP and GIMPSHOP

http://www.gimp.org/

http://www.gimpshop.com/

They both work well but GIMP in particular has an interface rather different from Photoshop that takes some getting used to.

You might want to bear in mind that not everyone wants to install software or indeed has permission to do so on the computer they are using (could even be at the library or at work), that's why I posted a link to the best online editor of which I'm aware.

[RC]

7. GIMP is not all that easy to use.

I've used it, but never really got off the ground with it.
No one I know processes graphics on their phones or tablets. A few brag about surfing the net. That's it. They all have MAC's or PC's at home.

[Fumesucker]

8. I was posting for those who don't process graphics on a regular basis

Or maybe have never done it at all, there is a first time for everything.

It's not a requirement of the contest that the photographer have their own computer or even their own camera for that matter.

It's really only a matter of time before one of the contests is won by an iPhone or Android phone pic, there are a great many people taking pictures with those devices but most importantly they are devices that people tend to have on them all the time so it's there when that great unexpected shot opportunity happens.

[Celebration]

14. the easiest way to resize in Irfanview

Is to use file "save for web" plug in. Then usually it says it needs to resize it. You type in the pixels and then it will show the size and you can adjust the quality to keep it under our limit.

We had some good discussions of these things on the old DU, but I hate to link there.

Here goes anyway--

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x64152

I hate to reinvent the wheel................

I miss ConsAreLiars! He taught me how to resize photos................

I bet a lot of budding photographers here have some nice photos and have no idea how to resize them so they don't enter contests.

[JohnnyRingo]

23. I love how Irfanview prints pictures.

I can size it any way I want and place it where I want on the paper. It's easy to print multiple pix on the same paper. It has a lot of edit features and pic info too.

[Callalily]

2. This is very interesting . . .

as to in the past the (ahem) rules were to use limited amount of "photo enhancement" and I did notice that several entries (to my most humble opinion) used far advanced photo enhancement methods in the last contest.

Now, I'm not against such technology, but it is to my understanding that such techniques are limited (in the photo contests) to encourage photo entires by those who do not possess such technology/programs.

Just my two cents.

[Celebration]

9. yes it is "creeping" photo enhancement

Anyone remember "creeping" socialism, LOL?

I've noticed the same thing.

We might need a separate thread on this subject. I am thinking that the host needs to specify how much post processing is allowed.

[Solly Mack]

3. When I first start participating there were some old threads about how the group is run...

and how and why the rules came to be. I believe CC gathered a lot of links up around that time. I'll see what I can find by looking through old threads.

I know during the January contest that I will go back to older contests to copy and past from. Contests post from when I first got to the group.


I also know that all photos will need to be within the size requirements for the contest.

[Solly Mack]

4. ETA: Found some threads.

ETA: These are various past discussions on contest rules. I think other discussions were held and some things may have changed. I can't speak to that - the rules I remember were already in place when I got here.

Post-processing

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x72839#73734

Host authority

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x72840

Photo size

http://sync.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x72838

Frames

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x72837



From 2010: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x79444

BASIC CONTEST/CHALLENGE RULES:

Only one entry per person. You need to post your entry in the submission thread started by the host of a contest/challenge. Please be sure to include a "Title" for your photograph in the Subject line of your post. The submission thread is for photo entries only, no comments. The Host will usually start a separate thread just for comments.

Please keep your photograph entry no larger than 800 pixels in its longest dimension and under 200K in file size, unless otherwise designated by contest host. If you need help posting a photograph or with image sizing just ask.

ETA: File size has been changed to 250k since 2010.

Please do not use frames, except for a 10 pixel black frame to define white backgrounds.

Post-processing is permitted in the same tradition as processing techniques of print photography.

The contest host may alter the written rules at the beginning of their contest, and is the final arbiter of the rules and any issues that may arise.

The contest host may not enter their own photo contest, but may choose the theme in any manner they decide. (The quarterly seasonal contests are an exception to that rule, and the host may enter those contests.)

The winner of the contest agrees to host the next month's contest (or recruit someone else to host the contest). For seasonal contests, winner agrees to be available to assist in hosting the next seasonal contest, should the hosts require such assistance.

Be sure to read the following before you enter a photograph:


CONTEST LICENSE

An entrant to this contest, by submitting a photograph, is giving permission for that photograph to be copied to Demopedia and/or to a linked Gallery that will display the photographs entered for this contest for the purpose of publicizing future contests and/or commemorating current and past contests. The entrant retains all other rights to the photograph being submitted. Neither Demopedia and/or a linked Gallery may use any photograph submitted for any purpose other than to display the photograph being submitted by the entrant, and neither gains any real or implied ownership rights to the photograph.

An entrant can disclaim this Contest License and retain all rights to the photograph. If an entrant wishes to disclaim the Contest License they must include the following statement in the post containing their photograph; "I disclaim the Contest License, and reserve all rights to my photograph" Any photograph submitted by an entrant with this disclaimer statement will not be copied and displayed in Demopedia and/or any linked Gallery.

[Celebration]

10. Thanks, Solly

Really appreciate your doing this. I have specific instructions on how to resize photos in Irfanview somewhere and I will post those. People can use that or any of the other suggestions that are given above.

Obviously the host needs to make clear how much post processing is allowed in each contest, unless we can come to an overall consensus, which I seriously doubt.

[Solly Mack]

11. You're welcome.

This part - "Post-processing is permitted in the same tradition as processing techniques of print photography." (from contest rules that almost always accompany contests) - is one I never really fully understood.

I think it means post-processing allowable is anything that can be done by someone using/developing film? Or does it mean any photo ready for print - but then there's almost no limit to what you can do to a photo prior to printing. And the rule sounds like a limit and not something that allows everything. If that makes any sense. (I'm probably wrong)

We'll have a couple of weeks before submissions are due if people want to get down to business now and decide as a group.

[Celebration]

12. well, you are the host!

Deservedly so.

I think it is up to the host to interpret the rules, and enforce them.

[Solly Mack]

13. Lucky me.

lol

[Celebration]

15. There is enough decent information in here to pin the thread

It could all probably be better organized but this will be helpful for now.

Thanks everyone, and the thread is NOT LOCKED, so continue to contribute when you have ideas or come across things. At some point we might choose to consolidate the information, rather than point to old threads.

[Mz Pip]

16. What I needed help with...

My first hosting job was difficult because I had no idea how to post the pictures in the Prelim voting threads.

Maybe everyone knows how to do it by now but I'll put it up anyway in case someone doesn't.

The easiest way to do it is to create 3 WORD documents, one for each of the 3 Prelim threads. When the submissions are closed and you are ready to post the Preliminary round cut and paste the completed Word doc into the message body of each thread. Then create the POLL section.

To add the photo links to a Word document click on each photo, scroll down to Properties and click on that. The photo info will come up. Copy the photo hosting link. Be sure to get the whole link. Sometimes the address can be very long and all of it isn't readily visible. It will end with .jpg.

Paste it into the Word document and type the Title above it.

For me it is easiest to do the text of each of the 3 threads ahead of time and add the photos and titles as they come in. I'd either use a random number generator to organize the order or just do every third photo for a thread. It's a bit easier to do it as the photos are submitted because you don't have to deal with organizing all 30 photos at once.

Be sure to do a Preview view. If the link hasn't been copied correctly the photo won't show up.

If there is a better way to do it add it to this thread.

[Celebration]

18. I do much the same as you,

Hope it helps someone! Thanks.

[ManiacJoe]

21. Notepad would probably be better than MsWord for this purpose.

[RC]

24. Absolutely here.

Notepad is a text only program, so the finished file is much smaller. What you see is what is there, nothing more.
Plus, MSWord has its own, sometimes frustration causing idiosyncrasies, especially in formatting.

[Mira]

17. I have not helped here at all and I apologize for that.

Running a contest throws me into a tizzy to such a degree that I have to make check off lists of the exact steps from soup to nuts and I do that by first going back to a previous contest and create the list.

When it comes to making the preliminary threads I have used the random generator, but once I was criticized for the lineup it created , so now I just go down the arrival list and grab them as they come in; which I prefer because it makes me more prepared for the posting of the preliminaries, undoubtedly the hardest part of running a contest for me.

As they arrive I make copies of the image location (right click on photo to find it) and start lining them up as I create 3 word documents for the threads and hold them on my desktop. I insert the words at the top etc. and make the threads completely ready except for the cross links.
I test them in preview and make sure all photos show up and the names are correct.

For me, inserting the cross links is the trickiest part altogether, I am not a natural at this. So I try to post the prelims in the dead of night when if something goes wrong I don't have too many folks being helpful by telling me about it.

I think that a host needs to try to be attentive and present to questions and needs, as well as creative should there be a problem.
I think a host is best when the times and dates are spelled out and kept. When I host I only vote to break a tie, and even then I try to find other ways to determine the winners such as keeping the polls open, and once I had a run-off vote.
Above all, when hosting keep your sense of humor and foster the enjoyment for the participants. A little hype is a good thing.

We have some awesome hosts. Folks who really know how to do it.
I thank Celebration for starting this thread. That was an excellent idea.

[Celebration]

19. LOL to the random number generator

Sounds rigged to me

Now I think we have a longer time to alter the threads to do the crossposting than in DU1 so some of the time pressure is off.

I think I have decided to just do regular links and we don't necessarily need the html ones, though those are easier on DU2.

The breaking ties thing has been done differently by different hosts. One thing that is kind of bad/kind of good is the automatic cut off time for the polls that most people seem to select. I did, and and I had no option to have the poll go longer when it ended up a tie. But I hadn't voted, purposely (long story) so I just voted after the poll closed and announced my choice. Ugh, I didn't like that, but I didn't want DU to have to vote again on the very same photos. I was going to make the cutoff but was waiting for a certain other person to vote and break the tie, and that person forgot.

These are some of the trials and tribulations of being host/hostess. So, be forewarned if you are a host/hostess. We have all been through it.

By the way, Solly Mack did a great job this month of describing exactly what post procession would be allowed and not allowed. I now think that is important. I doubt if we can all agree.

[Celebration]

20. one option for hosts

is to have a contest that is "blinded" where only the host knows the person who enters the photos. They are sent to him/her by IM and the people voting in the Photo Group have no idea whose photo is whose, unless they guess correctly. Most people don't want to go to the trouble or they may like more talking about the entries ahead of time. But it is a fun option, because it is fun to guess. Plus the photo stands on its own merit, anonymously.

[Celebration]

22. Link to discussion on size of photos

http://www.democraticunderground.com/103610597

My two cents: Everyone still has different speeds of internet, and I don't think our size limit on photos is particularly constrictive. Still, I am all for the "czar" idea for the hosts of the contest, so I would personally like to leave the size limits up to the host.

[PuppyBismark]

25. Having a script file for the competitions was all the primary help

Celebration:

Having this discussion is a good idea.

For me, the key was that Mz. Pib sent me a script file that I used to build all the submissions. Tell me where to post it and I will or send me an email address and I can send it. With that as a model, I was able to create all the entry posts in WORD (or your favorite text editor) and just cut and paste in to it. Using the preview feature, I could check it before submitting each script. With Firefox, I can easily get the URL of each image and paste them into the script.

It really wasn't much trouble to run the contest.

I would suggest that an outline/check list be generated and could be used as a general guide line for contests. Let me know if I can help.

Regards,
PuppyBismark.

[kxs]

26. I must be dense.

I still can't figure out how to post pics to the contests - which I never know about until too late. Is it because I am so late you cut off entries? Or because I don't have enough posts because I'm too shy? Or because I am responding to the wrong link? Help! I'd like to post pics to the monthly contests but I never ever hear about them until the entries are posted for votes - whcih I assume means I am far too late....

[Mira]

27. I just answered you in the "polls" thread where you asked the same thing

You are so very new, I see, that maybe you don't yet know that on top right "My Posts" turns yellow when you have an answer.
Just get your feet wet by reading and making posts and talking with us. That way you get your post count up and can do more stuff. I don't know exactly when you can start sending private messages for instance.

[CC]

28. Most of the contest will have the cut off date

or when it gets 30 entries whichever comes first. I didn't even know you were trying to enter until just now, but then I was only really watching the one thread until the prelims. The contest submission thread will always be posted in the photogroup while the prelims & finals are posted in General Discussion. Maybe you didn't see the submission thread but prelims before? Start checking the group threads near the end of each month after the winners are announced and you should be able to catch the beginning of the next contest pretty easily.

You will have to get an off site place to up load your photos too then paste the link into you post here. I use photobucket, others use flicker and even others use some other places whose names I forget. Please don't be shy and just ask for help and give us time to see it. We all are happy to help and we promise we not to bite too hard. Welcome to DU and the photography group.

[Celebration]

29. Usually it is very straightforward

There is a thread each month for the contest where you post your photo. Just look for the thread and post your photo in the time period specified.

However, for March, because Mira did not want people knowing which entry belongs to someone, you do have to send a private message to her. You may not have enough posts for that.

If you would like, I can send you a private message, you can respond to it, and I will send it to Mira. Let me know in this thread if you would like me to do that.

However, if you win you will have to get a "star" because only starred members can post polls, and you would be in charge of April's contest.

Do join in, though, and get your post totals up. Then you will be able to PM more.