Another log winded suggestion :-P

[Hythshade]

I'm not sure how hard this would be but I was thinking that while we all know that a hot 20 doesn't work for reasons I definitely won't go into here, It still could work, and does work on certain other artists communities. It does give artists something to strive for, and when they make it in it gives them a sense of accomplishment. One way I see that might work is to have a type of editors pick gallery, or a stand out gallery etc etc. You could get volunteers, or ask certain artists you feel are accomplished enough to make those decisions to label certain pieces from time to time as an editors pick, or a stand out piece, whatever you wanted to call it. You don't want to make it subject to voting by the other artists. This would just turn out to be a popularity contest which would defeat the whole purpose. You also don't want to make it a gimme gallery where just anyone can make it in there. Make it for exceptional works of art only. You would be surprised at the caliber of talent it would bring out. It would also give the other artists a sense of community, and create a source of inspiration that would bring repeat visitors.

One other small suggestion ;-P make a graphic that would allow users to link back to your site. It would improve your index ranking on google and other top search engines.

oops, I lied LOL one more... Have someone make a graphic award if you haven't already done so that winners of competitions, and accomplishments can display on thier own web site...If you haven't already that is :-) Ok that's it I swear I'll shutup now...


Michael

[wile1]

Hi Michael.. some nice suggestions here which we have been discussing a bit in other threads. The Hot 20.. well I have my views on that.. :mad: , I don't think thats what this site is really about. But your idea about an award they can keep and display on their site is great. Would have to be something special though and with the quality of art work around here boy thats going to be hard. Maybe an award of excellance to put in their awards pages. Well thats something to really consider and think about.

Also I like the idea of a graphic you can link with, I have a link to IT on my site and of course I always put my site link on my posts. But I guess thats about it right now. Im sure Angie or Rumour will take a look at this post and have suggestions.

[Hythshade]

Thanx wile,
Please don't get me wrong I full well understand that a Hot 20 doesnt work....
We all know why too, but I only mention it because I do belong to other very succesful art communities where it does work. Epilohue has the editors pick gallery. gfxartist has thier elite gallery. One other gallery simply stamps certain new images as a stand out piece. All of these galleries are extremely successful in attracting artists to thier community. I realize that epilogue, and gfx both designed to attract a very specific caliber of talent geared towards the industry. But It does incite a spirit of competition, and community, and because the users arent allowed to decide what images are placed in those galleries it stops the bickering before it ever gets started. I only know of one gallery where this does not work, and its because they let all the users vote on thier favorite images... too many chiefs not enough indians kinda thing... Like I said just something to think about.

[Rumour]

Hmmm, I really like the idea of a few select images being ranked as exceptional, something that only admin or perhaps moderators could do, and singling out those images to be highlighted against all the rest. The topic of a Hot 20 has come up before and was decided it would generate too much of a 'vote for your friend' scenario where only a few would get in and all the rest would be ignored - such a shame in my opinion!

But by excluding any kind of voting process from the users, it could well turn into what you say, a place where people feel like they have a chance to excel and a goal to work towards here. Excellent suggestion!

I shall now mull over how best to approach this sort of thing and explore whether the set up we have now will easily allow the sort of ranking system you suggest.

[Rumour]

Oh, and before I forget, a contest to create a banner for the site has been done... well resulted with the Inner Traveler Logo you see at the top of your page. There is a whole section of other banners that members created for the site on offer for people to use here: http://www.innertraveler.com/Banners/Banners.htm which you can find on the main home page.

[AnnaKirsten]

I also feel it would be good to have something to strive for besides the monthly challenges - art of excellence.. Agree totally with all the sentiments expressed here and elsewhere about Hot 20 lists!

I'm pleased that Rumour is looking into some possibilities as to how we can do something that would work well for this site, I really am!

Great idea, Michael! We need ideas! :monkeydan

[wile1]

Oh you have to forgive me Michael I just didn't get much sleep yesterday I'm surprised I even was able to type lol. The idea of hot 20 bothers me but I do like showcasing a few pics each month that are exceptional.

I used to belong to senergy an art site, but it closed down when the owner got involved in second life and spent more time there. It was a site similar to this. And they did showcase and highlight work each week, work the administration felt was exceptional.

I kinda like that idea because occassionaly theres a pic that will just pop at you. It says WOW! And everyone looks at it! Exceptional work! So showcase gallery is a good thing.

I know that they say featured pics are in gallery, but really if you look at it its 14 pages of whats been posted that day and for a few days before. Which is fine, gives us a chance to see what has been posted that day and thats good , but sometimes there needs to be a showcase, a link at the top to a gallery of exceptional pics.

Oh and you shouldn't feel bad if you aren't in it, it should be administrations picks and should be outstanding work. Would give you something to shoot for. And like I said, they have been discussing it. and.. I'm rambling, I'll shut up now! :D

[ppetersen]

tossing in a ha'pennies worth here. I like the idea of admin doing the selection for this. As I have found here, the folks comment not just because they like you or you're the buddy but are honest and truthful in their critique. And that's most important for any artist, whether they are new to the genre or have been at it for umpteen million years.

I see so often lovely pictures that should be in a 'hot' 20 or best of show and never make it. Reason, well you guessed some have a huge following and their art whether good, bad or indifferent always makes a hot 20. Horrid feeling for the artist who sees their work as just as good and it's not there. :)

That said, again if ya'll need a special award, let me know and I say go for showcasing extrodinary, I gasped pictures. It would give us all something to strive for ...