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GUI Championships - Participation..

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GUI Championships - Participation..

Want to hear from you..

from WinCustomize Forums

Every two years now for the past 6 years we've done the GUI Championships (formerly GUI Olympics but the US Olympic Committee sent the lawyers after us).

We've tried different types of judging over the years and had different rules.  But one of the bummers has been that Stardock people can't participate since, well, we run the thing so obviously you can't have Stardock people participating.

So this time, we are asking you - users, skinners, and everyone else, under what circumstances, if any, could we let people like Mike Bryant (MikeB), Paul Boyer (Mormegil), and other Stardock artists particpiate?  I think the contest overall would be better served if they could be in it but we would need to not have Stardock involved in the judging then.

Imagine how much better the contest would be with icons from Paul Boyer? Or skins from Mike Bryant? Not to mention other stuff from other Stardock artists.  But we want to do things the way you want them so let us know.

47,989 views 121 replies
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Seeing as my artistic ability is about on par with that of a rock I speak only for myself and don't expect that anyone will agree with what I am about to say but that's never stopped me before so here goes...

It seems there are people saying they should separate the competitors into advanced and intermediate and beginner but what does that really solve? It lets someone who's perhaps not really a beginner enter in that category so they can win against less skilled skinners. Who determines who's advanced and who's intermediate? As a skinner, why wouldn't you want your work to be compared to work that is considered as good as it gets? Don't you think that more competition is a good thing? Yes, it will mean that you have to work a little (perhaps a lot) harder than you might have had you been in an intermediate category but isn't it worth it to try and match your skills against the *heavy hitters* in the field? It seems to me that people as a whole are getting to the point where competing only means winning at all costs, and it no longer means testing your skills against other competitors in an attempt to improve yourself. Competition isn't just about winning a prize, it should also be about doing something you enjoy.

OK, I'm done babbling, but I say let them compete and let them judge just not the categories they have entered skins in. Not that I think either would try and cheat, if anything I think they would judge themselves more strictly in an attempt to show the whiners that the judging was fair. In the process making the judging unfair but only to themselves.

Bring on the skins!!
TouchTasks - Access tasks with ease on Windows touchscreens.
Reply #28 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You could always have the Stardock artists put up a skin in each category as a "standard", without actually competing. If they "compete" the inevitable cry of "ITS FIXED" is going to resound, or has it already?
Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why not come up with a poll type voting system that, we the users, can vote on. I would also set it up so that we do not know who submitted an entry until the winners are chosen. Just my 2 cents.
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It all seems simple enough, let them in and compete the idea is great. But, with one side note... you enter, you don't judge.

Also, as far as judging, maybe there should be an equal amount of both Stardock and non-stardock employees with the same guidelines (you enter, you don't judge).
Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'd vote for letting them participate if they so desire. If one of their skins wins where it obviously doesn't stand up, it'll be obvious.
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Being in the "rock" catagory as Kevin is...I must agree with him. Catagories for beginners and such are silly. Do you see catagories for "Beginners" in the real Olimipics? I don't think so. At the same time, When it comes to artistic skill, you either have it or you don't. A true artist has the ability to be an artist from the day they are born. It is not something a non-artistic rock as myself can learn. So why have a catagory for "Rocks" as myself?

Before I upset you...I know there is a lot more to skinning than just artistic skill. Coding, learning graphics programs etc... are learned skills. But there are plenty of people around to help you with that aspect of it.

Let the Stardock kiddies in...it will only make the whole competition better. Besides...there are plenty of people beyond Stardock employees that can blow the pants off the skinning community...can you say Treetog?
Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm in favour of letting them compete by all means. Regardless of whether or not they do, "blind" judging strikes me as the most reasonable way to eliminate the possiblity of favoritism.

As far as crying from the losers goes, that will happen regardless. Remember the 1st run? Brad nearly tossed in the towel altogether over that one.
Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top
- Allow them to compete...
- Anonymous submissions if possible...
- And as SKoriginals said...you enter, you don't judge
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hehe, blind judging,sounds like a good idea, except you can look at a lot of blinds and know who did it without seeing a name.  If ya can't, somethings wrong with ya.  If your a judge, you can't enter.  The only fair way of doing it.  You can pick a Treetog, MikeB or Starone blind from a group of blinds and there are many other artists blinds you could pick also.  Try it for yourself.
Reply #36 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Of course they should be allowed to enter.What kind of contest would it be if you are not letting the best participate.
Reply #37 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I agree with WOM on all points. You're either a contestant or a judge, not both. Blind judging is impossible because you can easily recognize an author just by their style. Besides, if someone wanted to cheat, they would give low scores to skins that were better than their own, regardless of the author.
Reply #38 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think anybody should be able to participate. If they are judges, they can only submit entries into other categories. If they are Stardock employees and win for a particular category, they have to donate a portion or the entire prize to somebody they deem the winner (or to the second place winner).

Those are my 2cents. When are these Championships starting!?
Reply #39 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why not have the competition split into two divisions?
Firstly, like as usual, Stardock members judge entries submitted by non-Stardock people. Secondly, the public or a group of non-Stardock personel judge skins submitted by Stardock entrants. That way everyone gets a chance to participate and also judge as well, yet unable to judge in a category where they themselves have submissions. Then also, any claims of results being fixed within the Stardock submissions will only be amongst Stardock members themselves, probably making for a much more pleasant experience.
Reply #40 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think all should be able to participate.

Three categories. Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginners. (Maybe even one for First Skin?) Allow everyone to enter their submission in whatever category they want, with prizes ‘accordingly’ (so someone with obviously advanced skills doesn’t sweep the beginner or intermediate category, and someone who feels they can compete on a higher level can do so) to each category.

No one should judge the category they are in, for all the reasons already listed.

I agree that judges should represent the entire community. Past winners of contests, whatever their title (Apprentice, Journeyman, etc) would be a good start for each category (WB, IP, etc.) providing they are not going to be in conflict with an entry of their own.

I think the ‘blind entry’ bit would be difficult and really isn’t needed.
Reply #41 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Let MikeB and the other Stardock employees skin, the Gabenator welcomes the challenege. I laugh in the face of these girly man skinners. I will see my challengers broken and scattered before me. I will drop an atomic bevel from the third turnbuckle on all who dare to stand before me.

Don't fear my skins, fear the consequences.

Gabe 3:16 says I just skinned your desktop.
Reply #42 from WinCustomize Forums Top
How about having a group made up of former winners, judging their selections and then adding only the top one from each category to the contest. I agree "MikeB" and "Mormegil" and everyone are fantastic artists and deserve a chance for special recognition in the contest (ie. winning). Then the same group along with Stardock would have to decide on the winner. Whatever we decide one thing is for sure, the rest of us are all "Winners" for being able to appreciate and use the graphics these people create. Good Luck to all in the contest!
Reply #43 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It looks like nobody has a problem letting the Stardock people in, as long as they're not judging their own categories. Makes sense to me.

In the real Olympics, countries judge athletes from their own country, and most of the time they do it fairly. I see no reason not to trust you all.

If it were done by Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, there would have to be strict criteria, so an Advanced person wouldn't enter Beginner and blow everyone out of the water.

Either way, I'm excited.
Reply #44 from WinCustomize Forums Top

seperate catagories for beginners and advanced? are you kidding? the 'advanced' skinners weren't so advanced when they started, were they? if a person has talent, he/she can compete with a mormegil, treetog, mikeb, dani, pixel, gabe, or anyone else. (sorry, folks. i was just mentioning a few names). it doesn't matter if the skin is the artist's first or 51st skin. if it's good, it's good. not having the artist's name shown is a waste, in my opinion. most of the folks who have been around can look at a skin and have a very good idea as to who crafted it. as an example, starone has an extremely distinct style. as long as the artist is not a judge of a catagory he/she has entered, i see no problems with letting the stardock employees/contractors participate.

Reply #45 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I agree with WOM in that you can EASILY identify a Treetog, MikeB, or Mormegil skin from a mile away.
Reply #46 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Gabriel, your comment was hilarious. I was laughing for a half an hour. Let the smack talk begin!
Reply #47 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't care if you skin with your teeth. Lets bring on all takers!

I think the contest overall would be better served if they could be in it

Could I get a clarification on what you mean by "better served"?

And yes, leaving the names blank would be a waste of time.
Reply #48 from WinCustomize Forums Top
How about special 'celebrity' and 'newcomer' categories when it comes to prices ? I think that would do everyone justice.


you´re right, great idea !
Reply #49 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is my theory of how the GUI Championships would work okay for everyone(taking different ideas from all of you):

-Dive the contest into two levels: Biginner & Pro
-If you want to participate, you can´t judge
-You can´t use updated skins
-Hide judge name

...my two cents
Reply #50 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Generally, I don't do contests, so my opinion doesn't come from personal interest. I know that I'm going to be in the minority here, but I'd like to contribute my two cents, as well.

Considering the value of the contest, if it is truly "olympic" in nature, as the first title suggested, then I believe only amatures should be allowed to participate. Those who create skins for a living/money, should not.