Regarding the voting guidelines: I don't really see the point of any of these
Except for maybe the first
But even that should be obvious enough imo
As for rule 2, I don't think it's needed to tell people to not vote on posts which break the rules
Such posts can just be disqualified imo
And as far as rule 3 goes, I don't think it really says anything. IMO it doesn't make anything less subjective, in fact IMO nothing could be much more subjective than "good" composition and "solid" design. People should just vote for what they like. The number of votes should say enough about what design is "solid" and well composed.
@iKlsR the event on the homepage redirects to this room..?
@gandalf3 People give technically sound artwork up votes because they are impressed, which may defy the point. The third point was simply to remind people what makes a good image.... It makes it a bit more analytical then just saying "hmm I think this one look better."
Technicalities like composition are based around making an image pleasing to look at. More than likely many impulse votes will be aimed at pleasing images which are pleasing because the artists spent a lot of time on composition :P
But maybe, I just put them there as a message that says think!
anecdote time:
Near(ish) to where I live, a clam chowder tasting festival is held. The public is unleashed on restaurants and they get to test chowder... They all vote and the best shop gets an award and more business. Without fail, the chowder restaurants at the begging of the walk win. Why? food tastes better when your hungry. Now if there where a guide for voting... a set of criteria if vague ones, like texture, size of chunks, originality smell etc. It would have made the people think about it harder...
I didn't think about the texture of the chowder when I participated... maybe it would have made my opinion better and more educated.
Also, imagine if people voted for politicians based on impulses... wait! wasn't Arnold Schwarzenegger once a governor Yikes!
If you want to get rid of the voting guide, you can, I won't revert it, I'm just sharing my opinion.
I personally think that the poster should choose. - What is your opinion... They can still enter, but shouldn't chose their own entry in case of a tie.
Food for thought proposed change to the rules @iKlsR @someonewithpc @gandalf3 @stacker @vader @David (I apologize if I missed someone): Winner is chosen by poster if there is a tie. Only up votes count towards total. 5 day editing rule killed.
@GiantCowFilms I would purpose removing the restriction for "Blender only, non commercial add-ons are allowed" There are some great addons on the blender market. There is no way to police, if in fact someone did use a paid addon. Further I see no benefit to limiting the contest to just the "core" blender. If Greg Zaal enters are you suggesting that he should not be allowed to use gaffer?
@David If you wrote the add-on, you can use it. The reason is it can give people and advantage, not everyone can dish out extra money. Be keeping it simple and saying no commercial add-ons it keeps it fair among rule abiding blender users. Not all of the rules are enforceable, but I choose to ignore the cheaters, if there are any, since it is a battle I don't feel I can win.