Why so many rules?

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Why so many rules?

Published by on October 14th 2016.

Someone has asked the question, Why so many rules? in regards to the TOTM contest. I do not think there are so many rules . Allow me to explain why we need rules in the contest and how we came to have as many rules as we do for the contest.

Rules offer consistency and trust. This consistency ensures fairness and trust in that fairness. Everyone is held to the same standard because we have rules.

In the beginning Synthcro created about half a dozen rules, see them here http://www.rw-designer.com/entry/1044, and they were good rules. I have kept the original rules, modifying them somewhat, and made a few additions to clarify specific points. Now there are ten rules, nine of which concern what content may be submitted to the contest.

Consistency is needed so we have 9 rules that dictate a consistent standard. Five rules outline general content of the submission of an entry in the contest and then there are two rules specific to cursor sets and two rules specific to icon sets. Lastly, there is a no spamming rule recently brought about by the constant ignoring of repeated requests to cease general conversations on official TOTM pages. The TOTM contest and Rules pages are not a place for general conversations, posting of random comments and repeating information already posted -- we have a forum page for that sort of nonsense.

I do not like posting new rules. If there is a problem that needs to be corrected I may add a rule that deals specifically with that problem if I feel it is necessary and would be of benefit in the future. If an existing rule needs clarification I will modify it. When I do anything that changes the rules I post a comment to inform everyone of the change. When there is other information pertaining to the contest I post a comment about it.

I would like to have fewer rules but rules are necessary guidelines that help maintain the integrity of the contest and ensure that competition is fair for all participants.

It would not be fair if people were allowed to enter a set that they did not create, a less than complete cursor set or just a few icons requiring little time or effort to create. Additionally, such a substandard set would not be worthy of the time and effort it takes to judge.

It would not be fair if people were allowed to enter old sets or previously created material in the contest. Everyone should have the same amount of time to create a set. The contest is about what you can create in a month, though I frequently post themes months in advance allowing more time for creation of a better set. The TOTM contest was created to promote the posting of new material and thus create new activity on the website.

It would not be fair if people were allowed to constantly post random comments and repeat information already posted on the TOTM Contest and Rules pages because participants in the contest should be able to see posts of changes to the rules and locate information concerning the contest readily. When comments concerning the contest and the rules are pushed to another page participants in the contest may not see this information.

The rules are there to promote fairness not to make it harder to gain entry into the contest. If you think there are too many rules you can blame those individuals that repeatedly break and try to circumvent rules, and act in a manner void of good sportsmanship.

I hope that there will not be a need to expand the contest rules again. I have made every effort to explain the rules in a manner that can be easily understood by all. I am willing to assist anyone who does not fully understand the rules.

Feel free to comment below.

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user icon cdl contributing user on October 15th 2016

@ Ajaxx

Thank you for the feedback and confidence. I have not had to create any additional rules as a result of your participation but you have shown me the need for improvement in the listing of acceptable cursor roles and we now have alternatives posted as a result. I do try to keep an open mind to all.

@ The male boss

You are referring to the addition of the display sizes 64x64 and 128x128. Different icon sizes are needed because different operating systems utilize different icon display sizes. Not everyone has the same need because not everyone is running the same version of Windows. A good icon should be able to display correctly in all sizes as needed. Adding a couple of extra available display sizes does not affect the overall size of the icon by much.

Adding additional sizes to an icon is a trivial thing that is easily accomplished. Cursor sets require 15 items to be created whereas icon sets require the creation of only 5. That is much less work to begin with in my estimation and you are quibbling over two display sizes.

Thanks for reminding me to check the icon sizes submitted to the contest. Surely this is not the only objection you have to the rules in their present state when you complain that there are so many rules .

@ Ajaxx

Yes, 24 could be omitted (perhaps in 2017's revision to the rules) and 512 is not required. I'm not sure about 72 and 96, and they are not required either.

user icon The Male King registered user on October 17th 2016

Well why don't you pick to options of sizes to chose from
Example
Option 1 16,24,32,48,256
Option 2 64,72,98,128,512

Or you could do both options

This would be easier

user icon cdl contributing user on October 18th 2016

@ The Male Boss

Easier for who?
Easier for you?

What about the person who downloads a set without all the sizes needed for the icons to display properly and the icons do not display properly on their pc?
What a disappointment.

What about the person judging the icon sets?
This would create more work for me.

The RW website promotes quality. The TOTM contest promotes quality.
What you are proposing in regards to icon sizes does not promote quality.

I don't believe that 72 and 98 are used much, and 512 is too big for the RW website.

A person should have to do a little work to earn a prize.
I have to collect every button I give away. No one just gives me buttons for the contest.

It seems as if the current icon sizes required is your only complaint in regards to the contest rules.

user icon AJaxx registered user on October 18th 2016

I've found that it's easier for systems to scale down more accurately. If an icon is too small it will not scale correctly and distort. But if an icon is too big the OS can scale it down accurately. I use a 1366 x 768 HD screen. I can use a 512 icon for 256 and 128 in most cases. The larger the icon the more detail that can go into it resulting in a quality image. The old systems used bitmap images and crap like that and needed all those sizes. Currently, the systems can make the jump from 16,32,48,128,256/512. Although 512 is not useful on this site, you can see the numerical pattern double and rely less on multiple sizes. Obviously, it all depends on the OS and screen/graphics card, etc. that are being used. I have an old windows XP with 1024 x 768 LCD panel and it is just terrible to look at. That is, compared to a newer one. It doesn't scale very well and requires most of those sizes listed. It's a tough call...

user icon cdl contributing user on October 18th 2016

@ Ajaxx

Thank you for the insight. It is true that most newer operating systems can use the larger sizes scaled down in most cases where the smaller version is not available. There are still quite a few older operating systems in use where this may not be the case.

Adding a couple sizes to an icon file is easily accomplished, doing so does not add much weight to the file, and the smaller sizes are still useful.

user icon AJaxx registered user on October 18th 2016

I agree with you. It doesn't hurt to a variety of sizes for icons. It sets up real easy in RWIE and will do it every time. And yes, the smaller sizes are necessary/mandatory. They're system icon sizes. That being said, eventually HD screens and super-graphics will force the older machines and systems out. Below, I posted a partial list of systems market share: We haven't even mentioned Linux systems...

Windows 7- 40.67%
Windows 10- 23.53%
OS X (all versions)- 9.61%
Windows 8.1- 8.40%
Windows XP- 6.36%
Windows Vista- 1.32%

user icon cdl contributing user on October 18th 2016

All true.

icon-image/8339-32x32x32.png image

user icon The Muffin Man contributing user on October 28th 2016

What is the minimum size you need for icons to enter the contest?
icon-14488

user icon cdl contributing user on October 28th 2016

The information you are asking for is located in the TOTM rules.

http://www.rw-designer.com/entry/1415

Read the contest rules.

user icon cdl contributing user on October 31st 2016

icon-image/7488-32x32x32.png image

New addition to the TOTM Contest Rules.

icon-image/136-16x16x32.png image Effective immediately, if you act in a manner deemed inappropriate for a RW member you may be subject to public removal of your right to participate in the TOTM contest. You must follow all rules and guidelines within the RW website, treat others with respect, and do nothing to harm the RW website in any manner.

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