"I Bought It On eBay!" Possibilities are endless, and I believe it also provides a challenge. :)

I'm interpreting this as photographs of reelly reelly weird stuff? Like one night, on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he showed a napkin that had a coffee stain on it in the shape of George Washington's head, and this thing had been put up for sale on eBay. Is that what we're talking about here?

I bought it on eBay....who is going to check this out if it's really been bought on eBay and it is an endless subject, methinks it's not a contest thing! I guess it will be 'snapshots' that are going to be post in the contest.

My 2 cents for what's worth it!

Old buildings? How old. 5 years, 50 years, 500? So I suppose any building. As for the ebay subject, I guess that means a picture of anything or are you going to exclude everyone who does not use eBay. Both of course exclude everyone except photographers, again.

Reflections at least offers possibilities for every genre of artist on this site.

I say let's go for night life, every one can do that and methinks there are a lot of options!

Although Actions or Motions is a very interesting subject too :o)

Someone recently asked for pictures inducing vertigo. Unfortunately it would be challenging even for photographers, and wouldn't allow for many snapshots.

I kind of like the idea of vertigo. There is a lot to play with here.

I'm not keen on old buildings, entirely because there are a lot of them on Caedes without a contest to encourage their posting. I voted for "Caption This" because I think it is time for some comic relief before going into the gold of Autumn and the spirituality of Christmas. Besides, the threads will be Very Fun! Another recognition (perhaps by popular vote) could go to the winning caption on each entry.

Old buildings - really? As someone said there are always many posted to Caedes - who determines old - this would obviously favor photographers in other than the comparatively young USA - and how is a fractalist supposed to do this one? Way too specific a topic I believe.

My suggestion for "I bought it on eBay", was to add a bit of humor to a contest. The theme could be taken literally, but also opens up a lot of room for creativity and imagination with just communicating "the concept". Perhaps a bit more challenging for the CG artists, but not impossible.

If not this one....something similar to bring in some humor :)

"Unfortunately it would be challenging even for photographers, and wouldn't allow for many snapshots."

I can't think of a better reason for a contest topic/subject. Vertigo gets my vote. I'd rather see 10-20 entries that were tough nuts to crack, and inherently more rewarding to both present, and view, than something that's too easy and might lend itself to a less than total effort.

I think that I Bought It On E-Bay would be a fun topic for the next contest. Also would leave a lot to the imagination for creativity. Just a really Fun idea

The problem with a lot of topics is not that they couldn't be interpreted creatively, but that they aren't. Anything that can be pictured literally is likely to be so in 90% of the entries.

(I was being sarcastic, Rob, as those qualities seem to count against many topics.)

Whew. Well, my fault I 'spose. I didn't see the drip marks under your words ;-)

Kidding aside, what I was trying to avoid saying directly, is that while I agree whole-heartfelt that 'things from eBay' might be fun to see, I can't imagine them as being inspiration for artistic endeavors. Pointing one's camera at an object, structure (old building as an example) or whatever else, and just clicking away, is a snapshot. And sadly, more and more of those are making their way through.

It's with the hope of introducing something more challenging, more artistic and interesting images will be the result.

It seems odd to me that I've been metaphorically raked over a few coals, through a few comments from popular members about how the Caedes site is exclusively artistic, but particularly in abysmal c-index numbers on photos of mine that are more commentary than artistic "calendar art wallpaper." Yet the discussion here is whether or not to support contest themes that are definitely commentary in nature. I don't have a problem with non-artistic contest themes, but it's confusing how the pendulum swings back and forth. Perhaps the membership that speaks only with its votes is not represented in these threads and are not the same people who do participate in them

But apart from my over-indulgent rantings about the inconsistency of ideas, emotions, and expectations on this site, if the idea is to have a contest that approaches humor and art (and a good deal of research and thought), I might suggest parodies of famous artwork. We've all seen copies of Grant Wood's famous "American Gothic," the bald farmer and his daughter (that's right, his daughter... I bet you always thought that was his wife, eh?) standing out in front of the old farmhouse, except in the parodies, these two have been replaced by Mickey and Minnie, Bill and Hillary, a wolf and a lamb, etc. Or the psychotic man in Edvard Munch's, "The Scream," replaced by Madonna hitting a high note. Parts of that last one remind me of some fractals I've seen, and the stars in Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night" are definitely fractals. Any classic work of art can be reproduced and humorously destroyed, whether by photography or digital art. Shutterbugs could find a situation that reminded them of a classic painting or they could make one up, and digital artists could have a field day. There are so many to choose from. Go to the library and find those giant art books (usually kept on the bottom shelves to give us back problems) for loads of examples and ideas.

Parodies. Just a thought.

-Nikoneer

Ok. I vote for numbers. I know a lot of numbers. The 1 for example. Or 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Hm. Eleven is a number? Yes, it is. Numbers are funny. Someday I saw numbers on an old building. Sure. And there are numbers on eBay too. Vote for numbers!

I came back and re-read my comments. To further make my last point about challenging topics, I have to say that this last contest, abstract, seemed to really bring out a lot of members' "A" game.

It's my hope and belief that more challenging topics will yield similar results going forward.

In my mind?, literal translation makes for easy & safe judgment! Creative thinking is/'can be' very difficult to interpret... sometimes it is taken to be off-topic! That, I believe, is why the literal take is so strong here. Without going back to verify... I would hazard a guess, that should be a safe one, that not one creative thinking entry has finished in the top-5! Creative thought entries are perhaps too easy to abuse... thus the judges may be forced to opt for simplicity to validate their selection or perhaps selection of judges based upon contest performance forces literal thinking since that is what got one to be a judge! My personal preference really would be to have a few mods (or certain renowned (respected) Caedes' artists accept being judges and control the frequency of the contests... I include this last idea to allow these people the chance of having some free time when they so choose. I am certain that I would be a lot happier (and I don't need to win, I am happy participating... when I do) winning a contest with 3-5 respected? judges rather than 3-5 judges like me!  :o)

Some good points, Con. Can't say I completely agree but let's see if anyone else weighs in before I elaborate any further. That, and the fact that since I'm not posting stuff, the outcome only affects me in an indirect bystander sense.

So.... Anyone else wanna toss in a couple of copper Lincolns?

The 'Abstract' contest got more entries that the previous 3 literal competitions, and a much better quality of entry. It also seemed to have a wider participation with more interpretation of the theme.

I am not sure we need a humorous competition. We can post humorous pictures anytime, and they pop up from time to time. I suppose we will have to suffer Old Buildings this time around, and the saving grace is that these competitions do not last long. Personally, I just feel for the fractal artists who have yet another competition they cannot really get to grips with.

Again I make the call that competition suggestions are moderated so we get good ideas. In the meantime I suppose we all brush off our 'Desolation', 'Beauty in Decay', or 'Doors' images and post those again as there were a lot of old buildings in there.

Please tell me you're aware you're not allowed to repost images from previous contests!
(Even though it has been done and gotten away with in the past.)

Old Buildings *again*!!

Seriously??? Yous most be kidding :oD

Like Chris said....see Desolation', 'Beauty in Decay', or 'Doors'

Come on folks...try to think out of the box!!!

For example.....

... Surrealism

... Manipulation

... Magical Lighting

Never know if to cry or laugh at how we who post here regularly tend to rake over the same ground contest after contest. I find it a bit ironic when Chris (Coram9) makes his regular comments about literalistic topics being a problem for non photographers, not because I disagree with him entirely, but because he regularly demonstrates how a non photographer can exceed the literalist limits of such unimaginative topic choices. :)
I have to say, off the top of my head, the specificity of "old buildings" really does seem to put non photographers at a massive disadvantage, I can't imagine at this point, with my fractalist hat on, how I could possibly produce a stand alone fractal to enter in that topic. I can imagine maybe finding a way to integrate some fractal images into a shot of an old building but that is me wearing two hats, not just my fractals hat. I know this plea is going to fall on deaf ears but could the folks who suggest these topics imagine for a minute if all the suggested topics were things like "line art Parabolas" and "julian monochromes" and contest after contest you (Photographer you.) had to exempt your creative impulses from the contest arena because of that specificity of topic. It would not really be fair. Would it. You might get a bit grumpy. Mightn't you. You might feel left out. Honestly, you might. Think about it.

Mikel.

Interesting point, Mikel. Not that I disagree with you completely, mind you...

;-)

I propose, then, a contest topic. It's one to inspire (hopefully) all artists from all corners.


"your very best"

Be it a fractal, photo, CG image, or hell... even a crayon drawing, but the best damn one you ever made. Who knows, maybe some of the less than great entries are the result of some square pegs trying to fit in round holes, so to speak.

Thoughts?

Ps... Can't help but wonder which column I'd fall into, laugh, or cry.... ;-)

I don't have issues with the frequency of the contests. If a particular topic isn't for you whatever reason...either time wise or because of topic you can possibly find inspiration the next one.... Like Els, I would like to see more topics that are less literal. I do think it is more inclusive to more members. I wouldn't mind if the topic choices were limited, and/or eliminated when overly repetitive. However,I would like to see the voting be more inclusive somehow.

Elizabeth, did you happen to miss the post above yours?

Just wondering...

Have you noticed how the more people say they don't want a particular topic the more it gets votes? Just as well, since I am in the middle of a rather long render of a CGI image. In fact a topic like this is much easier for CGI than for anyone else, and you may have noticed that most of my CGI contains old buildings, or bits of them. The topic is certainly not easy for fractalists. But then I seem to remember someone saying that Abstract was too easy for fractalists. There is an expression about all the people some of the time that springs to mind.

A good contest shouldn't really be easy for anyone. No one should be able to shoot or render the subject without much thought.

I'm also starting to think, judging from the number of not-in-the-least abstract entries in the last contest, that we need to start including dictionary definitions ...

I think I read them all... Yes, and I agree totally. I don't expect I will be inspired or capable every time. And I don't mind being a spectator/voter when I can't/choose not to submit to a particular topic. Square peg/round hole, sounds so familiar...: )

I'm not sure there is a direct correlation to what is said verses how the votes eventually fall as per subject. It has been a common theme in my life that my choices and preferences were more often than not totally different than the status quo. Differences in taste, skill, and visual appreciation are a good thing. When I said limited, I meant the literal number of choices (as per voting contest subject) not limited of choices.

Coming into the discussion again... I've never tried to make a fractal, but if there was a contest theme catering just to fractal art (AND I had the time), I'd probably be more inspired to try that facet of this fun hobby of making desktops. Yeah, I probably wouldn't win against experienced fractalists, but so what? I don't expect to win any of these contests anyway. The fun is in trying to produce something to a pre-set "configuration".

Looking for a theme with a universal application to all kinds of digital (or digitally produced) art? How about something connected to emotions? Anger, Fear, Happiness, Problem-to-solve.... And apologies if this idea has been done and overdone in years past... I am relatively new here.

Another idea... something connected to a famous line of literature or poetry...or even a music lyric? "To Be or Not To Be..." for example.

Personally, I voted for "Parodies". Although I agree with Hannah that it would definitely need a dictionary, lol, I think it would be outstanding. I love that idea !

Though, speaking of a parodies contest, what I would REALLY love to see is a parodies contest that was both artistic AND written. Now THAT would be one heck of a creative contest & I think put everybody on their A++ game.

Or, I'd like to think so at any rate.

Just wondering, where the creativity comes into play 98 votes at this moment an 16 subjects..you are pushing hard for a new idea? I think not ! just go with the flow. Most contest pull 90 to 180 images. far below the Caedes membership, Wonder why....... I know just Idle rambleing on, but think about it

90 - 180? Abstract got 66, eyes, 42, Doors 44, Blue Hour 49, Patterns nature makes 51... etc.

Perhaps an announcement on the front page might help?

For goodness sake, why not just have separate contests for Photography and CGI's ??

Fairer all round - enter your own favourite genre contest or have a go and enter something you are unfamiliar with.
Easier also for the voters - I currently do not qualify to vote but looking at the entries for 'Abstract' I would find it far easier (and fairer) to choose one photo abstract and one CGI abstract.

Abstract as a subject is very 'abstract' - if it had been abstract with a subject or theme it would have made more sense. How does one vote on them - the 'most abstract', the 'prettiest', the 'cleverest', one that tells a story or the most unusual and imaginative one?
They are all abstract,some more than others, but how to compare a bird with a kaleidoscope or a building? The 'most abstract' does not necessarily make the best image.

As mentioned, I can not vote but I await the results with great interest - in between searching for old buildings of course. The oldest building in the whole of NZ was built in the 1820's (of wood) and is 1000's of miles away from me, so any buildings I could photograph will be new compared with other countries. I may have to make a fractal one ! lol

Lynn... I wouldn't really want separate contests (though I may have suggested the same in the past - more of a way to have breaks from the constant flow), what I would probably prefer would be alternating topics that lean heavily toward one group or the other because though that may favour a group for a specific contest - it would not exclude the other from participation. And as far as old buildings go... I hope it is not old in age but old as in appearance/dilapidation - kinda like some of us/them! Some 50 years old but looking/behaving so much older than some 80 year old. :o)                                                                                                                              And as far as the voting goes... print 'em... toss 'em down the stairs... farthest down wins! Or if you don't like walking that far...   :o)) Or to be more environmentally friendly and easier on the pocketbook... create a little B.A.S.I.C. program... :o)

Well, what about the same contest for all but with two categories for voting.

Using Abstract as an example again I find it impossible to choose between an abstract photo and an abstract art work - they both require skill and thought in different ways and with differing talents. IF I were voting I would find it insulting to ignore the qualities in both genres and the efforts that had gone into creating them.

As far as I can see there is a 'best' abstract photo and a 'best' abstract art and I would hesitiate to choose one over the other. It is like saying an apple is a better fruit than a strawberry. They are both fruits but they are not the same thing - they were created differently, they give a different result when they are complete or come to fruition, and they taste different.
Try comparing a Constable with a Picasso - both art, but not to be compared as one 'better' than the other. Different as chalk and cheese.

Dedicated photographers think that CGI artists just sit on their rears clicking keys and relying on software programs and CGI artists believe that photographers just totter about with their tripods and flashlights, and merely click one button to produce a photo. Both wrong. I generalise of course with tongue in cheek but there is an atom of truth in there somewhere.

:) LE

As someone that works in both photography and cgi I can say that they both take the same effort. A quickly taken snapshot will not look good. A simple CGI with no effort put in to add realism will look like a cartoon and really be no better than a snapshot photograph. When effort and artistry is applied to both genres the results are impressive.

As for judging, look at the result. Is the composition good, the lighting, the exposure, colours, balance of tones? There is no difference really, it is just that the CGI work comes from imagination and allows an artist more freedom than say a photographer.

To keep the photographers on their toes, perhaps, I shall submit a CGI work this time. I could go out and take a picture of next door house (circa 1530) or our cathedral (12 centuiry) but I shall resist the option. Instead I have spent many days and nights creating an imaginary scene, using several days of computer time to make my creation, all of which I have been sat on my rear for.

May the best image win. And please judge it as a picture, not on how hard it was to produce.

I feel sorry for people who live in new countries like NZ or the USA. Here the cmpetition will require a little interpretation, but it is not impossible. As for fractalists? I have no real idea, but I suspect they will have to stay on the sidelines, and for that I am sorry.

Hmmm... Lynn... You might have a good one there... 3 places for photo... 3 places for Gr.Artists! Perhaps the 2 month membership for each first place with satisfaction of notoriety for 2nd and 3rd in each category- plus perhaps at least an extra week of time for entries. :o) When I ask for something, I can ask for a lot!
We just have to remember this is Geri's baby! :o)

And Chris... I would hope that the judges are choosing the image that appeals to their eye/mind... not what takes the most effort! Otherwise a photographer who drives... pedals... runs... nope! I won't go on! :o)

Guys..Gals..

Just some food for thought.. There is only (count them) 1 Caedes.net, not 2.

A few days ago, I suggested a contest themed 'your very best' regardless of media or style. It wasn't meant to further widen any chasm (sp?) between "us's and them's". It was intended instead to remove the "I can't do this" or "that topic leaves me out" complaints/reasons.

One of the beauties of having different media in the same contest is in seeing each individual's interpretation of it's theme.

Something to consider, perhaps, yes?

Agreed - I counted, only one caedes.net. I also counted four categories of art - Abstract, Computer, Illustrations, Photography. How would having separate sections within the same contest for Photography and Non-Photographic entries in any way widen any (alleged) chasms ?

Seeing each individual's interpretation of a theme is indeed one of the beauties of the contests. I believe each genre deserves respect and recognition in its own right within that context.

I, as a photographer, would happily go head-on in a contest with images formed from other media. The finished product, regardless of format, and the visual impression it creates, doesn't necessarily need to be herded into any sub-category, IMO.

This is the same debate as separate voting choices in the voting booth for different media, but with a new set of garments on it. Ultimately, how an image impacts it's viewer is far more important than how it came to be created.*

Separate subcategories in a contest would ignore and/or negate that fact (opinion?).

*post edited to compensate for a temporary mental vacancy :-/

"This is the same debate as separate voting choices in the voting booth for different media"
It may be for some but most certainly is not for me. My comments in this discussion refer to contests only, not general voting.

You really think how an image impacts a viewer is LESS important than how it was created? I would have thought that the final impact is what counts. Especially in a contest. Surely that would be one of the reasons NOT to categorise entries?

Oh my... O.o

That was supposed to be "far more"

I've edited the post to reflect that

:) Thats more like it!!
Consider yourself lucky that the mental vacancy is only temporary ! LOL

Why should I, as a computer graphics artist, not compete against photographers? I have no problem with people not understanding how my images are made. If they like them they will vote for them. If not, then they won't. Isn't that how it is supposed to be?

The separatist argument doesn't have to stop at media. What about separating B&W from colour? Natural vs manipulated? To my mind the difficulty comes not from mixing the various media, but from the choice of topics that excludes some media, such as fractalists, who might find the creation of an old building somewhat difficult.

Not nearly so difficult as photographers found the contest in December 2009 which was "Fractals" ! :)
It was a great contest with some amazing work entered. I did not see any photographers complaints about the subject either.

We all have the option not to participate if the subject is not to our liking or within our capabilities. No contest is compulsory and they are meant to be FUN.

There's no reason not to have contest topics that everyone can participate in. A good contest ought to be open to everyone and require creativity from everyone. "Fractals" was not a good topic, however good some of the entries may have been.

A random stroll through the dictionary yields these ideas, all of which are possible but not easy for any genre:

Spectral
Cascade
Rococo
Legend
White Noise
Entropy
Fool's Gold
Old-fashioned
Velvety
Mirage

And there are plenty more where those came from.

I can see where easily half or more of those could apply to any of the media used to create images here. So where are the rest where those came from? ;-)

Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary ... but I'm sure any dictionary would do! One of the advantages of a real physical book.

If anyone has an art dictionary, I'm sure there would be a lot more ideas.