
Imaging/Sketching Contest Discussion
#51
Posted 18 October 2011 - 11:16 AM
#52
Posted 20 October 2011 - 07:13 PM
However, we are still enforcing a 200 KB maximum file size limit (on a trial basis) for the reasons discussed in this earlier post. Because of these real usability issues it is pretty unlikely that we'll see a half megabyte limit on CN any time soon.
It bears noting that since the end user now gets to set the dimensions of the image they see (with a default of 800px on the longest axis), it may not matter what size your image is in actuality. Your entry could well be judged on the way it looks on the user's screen. This is another argument in favor of allowing links to "full size" versions of an entry. If links to "full size" versions are allowed in the contest then instead of the end user needing to go back into their display preferences to remove the scaling factor, they can simply click the link to launch a full sized version of the image that is not governed by the display preferences.
Charlie
#53
Posted 23 October 2011 - 05:50 PM
Why is there a rule that says we must own the equipment we are using? What about those who use or borrow their club's equipment, or borrow a scope or camera from a friend (for example)? It seems that so many of the rules are arbitrary. What is the intent behind them? Are we trying to prevent entries from people who aren't "serious enough" to buy their own equipment (rhetorical)?
The more I think about this, the more I think most of the rules should be scrapped for the site-wide contest, and just let the best images win? The images should be both captured and processed by the entrant, but where the equipment is located, who owns it, or whether they rented time on a scope really seems far less relevant when we are actually looking for the best image site-wide.
Just a few thoughts.
#54
Posted 31 October 2011 - 07:41 AM
Definitely no pay by the hour online observatories. If the owner has been able to set up a remote observatory, then more power to him/her. I have a friend that has $65000 invested in astrophotography equipment. I don't have that kind of money. But it isn't the equipment... it's the skill you apply to it. I think the idea is to get the most out of what you have... and have fun doing it. If anything... subcatagories could be added... so the 2" Tasco isn't competing with the 16" RC.
Let's not get too caught up in the "competition side" Let's have fun, learn from each other, and enjoy each others work
#55
Posted 09 November 2011 - 09:42 PM
I'll jump in regarding the Rule #9 change. Due to injuries/disability from Iraq, I am not able to physically set up even my modest system. I have to have friends come over just to switch out OTAs. As the observatory becomes closer to reality, I will be doing none of the work on it. I will however be the one designing every part of it. Once a new (Goto) mount is acquired, someone else will be installing it on the pier, and turning the knobs as I direct for polar alignment. I have chosen not to participate in the contests due to this factor. It would be nice to be able to.
Thank you for your service

#56
Posted 18 November 2011 - 09:17 AM
- Strike Rule number 7 altogether and allow links to "full size" versions of the entry in this contest.
- Change Rule number 9 as follows: "You must be the owner or co-owner and sole operator of the equipment used to create the image/sketch. Doesn't matter what it is. 20" RC, ETX70, 2" Tasco or an 8" TMB. (ADD: Doesn't matter if the equipment is local to your location or remotely operated. No images from club owned equipment will be allowed.) No pay by the hour rent-a-scope images will be allowed."
- Change Rule number 10 as follows:"Entries must represent the work of a single individual. You must (REMOVE: setup and) operate all equipment yourself, capture all exposures (or perform any sketching) yourself and process the resulting entry yourself."
At this point the floor is certainly open to further discussion. I'm particularly interested in tweaking the wording and nailing down the intent of these changes before putting each change to a vote. If you are just coming into the conversation, please take a moment to review the comments that have been made so far.
In order to move this along (for example, the discussion on the rule change on remote operation has been out there for a few months now and I would really like to have the revised rules in place for the December submissions) I'm going to close the window for additional comments on Monday, 11/21 and post the polls based on what we have then. The polls will run for three days (ending on 11/24 at midnight ET) in order to give us some time to hold a run-off poll in the event of a tie in one or more of the polls. If run off(s) are necessary, they will run from 11/25 until 11/28 at midnight ET.
Charlie
#57
Posted 18 November 2011 - 03:07 PM
#58
Posted 19 November 2011 - 07:36 AM
Charlie
#59
Posted 19 November 2011 - 07:46 AM
- "Doesn't matter if the equipment is local to your location or remotely operated."
- "No images from club owned equipment will be allowed."
These will be polled on separately. That makes a total of four "amendments" to the rules that we'll be addressing.
Charlie
#60
Posted 25 November 2011 - 10:01 AM
The results of the four amendment polls are:
Remove Rule #7 (allow links to full resolution versions of entries)? - YES
Allow Remote Operation? - NO
Disallow Use of Club Owned Equipment? - YES
Remove requirement for contestant setup? - NO
I will modify the rules accordingly. Thank you so much for your consideration and participation.
Charlie
#61
Posted 24 October 2015 - 04:52 PM
What has happened to the imaging/sketching competitions?
They used to be every month but there has been nothing since July.
#62
Posted 15 December 2017 - 11:20 PM
What has happened to the imaging/sketching competitions?
They used to be every month but there has been nothing since July.
No reply after more than 2 years.
Edited by alpal, 15 December 2017 - 11:21 PM.
#63
Posted 26 December 2017 - 07:19 PM
Do you allow more than one entry per contestant per month?