COW - Discussion/Complaining/TrashTalk/"Where the f*** is the Poll?" Questions-Thread

[Fozzybar]

Ok, guys, i saw you spamming the ideas thread with jokes, impatient nagging about the poll or the next round etc...

And JakkaS asked for this...NOW you get it!

Post here anything about COW which doesn't belong anywhere else...

[Plate]

So... where the f*** is the poll?

:teeth:

[JakkaS]

THANK YOU SIR! :D

[Tyranx]

is the cohesion thingy comin back someday? if so, any idea of when?

[redehlert]

how many licks does it take to get to the fozzybar center of a jakkas?

[rWDrk]

<3 <3 :lens: i love COW:cheerleader: :cheerleader: :groupie2: :eyecandy: :groupie1: :party:

chow 2 though:grandpa:

[rWDrk]

So what are you going to do about the 7th/8th stars for JAKKAS ?

[Fozzybar]

nice suggestions mike, but i already have the icons done....just waiting for davi to put em up on the server...

He is not available since days, so we have to wait...

I also updated the rules-image, added the character rule...



redehlert
I will tell you the answer when you have 6 stars....this means never....hohohohohohoho....:perv:

[JakkaS]

Stop this jakk-assing thing plz :moon:

[redehlert]

hahaha....i hereby challenge you, sir wakka-wakka, to a face off to the beat of six stars. this may be indefinite with the mighty talent of others, but you and i only have a star and that means that we have plenty of time to get to the mighty six. are you game, furry friend? :)
cheers!
d

[JakkaS]

haha jakkas i thought it was funny because I have the ABC spell check for the internet and every time I use it it suggest jackass for your name
Hehe.

I have that nick because my name is….JAKub KASper…..JAKKAS :D…Of course a knew that someone will joke like you guys do ;p

BTW, Better be JAKKAS then JACKASS, I think :D. Of course, sometimes I don’t see any differents…hehe

[Fozzybar]

hahaha....i hereby challenge you, sir wakka-wakka, to a face off to the beat of six stars. this may be indefinite with the mighty talent of others, but you and i only have a star and that means that we have plenty of time to get to the mighty six. are you game, furry friend?
wait, let me check this out if i understood it the right way...

So we will have a challenge between you and me of who will get the 6th star first?

[redehlert]

yup! are ya in? ;)
you and me...we keep at this until one day we can have a grill full of stars totalling six.
cheers!
d

[Fozzybar]

ok, i am IN!

The community is our witness... :)

*goes changing cow-icon for himself*

[noiion]

Darn it, Redehlert. Did you reallized you are dealing with a fuzzy lil administrator? You said nothing about earning those star.:x

[rWDrk]

What does the winner get :D
This will be interesting :P

Do you guys allready voted CHOW........hahah really need some votes :S:P hhaha

[redehlert]

hahaha....i guess not. but the 'community' will know...won't we. ;)
i've got the seran wrap, squirrel and baby lotion...i'm all set.
what? this isn't animal planet underground and unwrapped?!? damn! wrong thread. ;)
cheers!
d

[Fozzybar]

when i see your snobbish face my star-providing special art powers are coming up...:P

[redehlert]

yeah....they're going to be coming up all right, but they'll be coming up short compared to my monacled ninja stylings.

hiya! ninja vanish!
POOF!

damn! where's the door to get outta here!
:tihi:

[Fozzybar]

you are trapped in your mind...though it's so small you still don't find the exit...that says it all...

[redehlert]

omg...i'm left without a witty response.
damn. ya got me!

[redehlert]

hey mikec!
i'm going to go with design and eye candy, but i do enjoy works that are sans environment so as to appreciate those details alone. in addition to these is the concept text that helps pull the story all together. unless a topic specifically states that it should be in an environment, you can count that i'd be much happier trying not to put my creature in an environment so as to spend more time on the design/eye candy. at times i feel compelled to add the environment so as to compete more...at other times i say funk dat crazee noize! ;)
cheers!
d

[brokk]

The thing is sometimes the surroundings help reinforce the creature's concept. For example the Creature Feeding on Lava round. Of course this creature could have been placed against a white or plain background, but the fact that it suggests a lava surrounding reinforces the concept more, at least to me. Also note that the background is not busy and that it does not have priority over the creature or competes with its importance. I think this kind of background, that "adds" to the already dominant subject is nice. The Symbiotic Predators winner entry also features a surrounding, but the emphasis is placed on the creature. There are more examples like these that I think are also appropiate.

Honestly, I haven't seen yet an entry in which the surroundings compete in importance with the subject. Maybe its just me.

In any case, what would you guys suggest? No backgrounds allowed for some rounds? Maybe we could try some plain background rounds, but I really think surroundings are nice and can add a lot. Just my 2 cents.

[brokk]

Yeah, I understand. Something that is worth noting also is that there are rounds were creatures with no enviornment won over those that did have. Rounds 2, 3, and 4 for example, venemous bird, dont touch that, and anal parasite. I don't remember all of the entries on the polls, but I remember seeing a lot that had surrounding enviornments. But in the end, the creatures that won those rounds didn't have surrounding enviornments.

I've wondered the same thing actually, if illustrations with background are generally more appealing than a concept on a plain background. The answer for me is, it depends. I really, really like "don't touch that" entry in the winner gallery for example. Guess it depends on the pieces in question rather than a general rule... I dunno. Just something to think about.

[Fozzybar]

the point is not about background or not, the point is creature design or not...

Mike you are right with the thing, that people vote for eye candy illustration more than creature design, and i wish it would be the other way round...

Last round we had the extreme case with tyranx' entry, it's obviously a Plesiosaurus artwork with minor changes...i think it's no harm to mention this since he already said it and also many members mentioned it...

I don't know how to avoid this situations, the only way is sticking to the creature design part when you are aware of the problem. So we can try to convince the majority of doing this also and getting closer to the aim if not hitting it right on the head...

But i think it's nothing to generalize...we had entries with great creature designs who won, even if stronger illustrations were part of the round...

I say, stick to what you believe and you will win :)

[redehlert]

hey all,
i'm currently doing some illustrations for a book focusing on evolution and it's tie to atmospheric oxygen. i'm reading the manuscript so that the illustrations make the most amount of sense to the reader.

one thing to consider when you are doing creature concepts is to think about respiration as the most important driver of an animal's body plan. To back up a bit: within the Animal Kingdom there are 35 animal phyla. A phylum has members that share a distinct suite of characters that could be called a "body plan". So, back to the body plan and respiration - the need to move has affected many of the phyla. A key implication of movement is the need for energy, and respiration is a very good design approach to energy production in an organism.

I know...total geek, but to quote the manuscript: "Oxygen is essential for animal life and that animal life has evolved a host of structures for oxygen acquisition."

Food for thought. :)
D

[chaosrocks]

since I was "informed" not to waste space inthe actual working topic thread.. Im continuing to ask these questions over here.
I was told specifically that I should take my creature drawing and put it in a scene with people and environment. It was my understanding that we were to be designing creatures here. not telling stories. Don't get me wrong I like to tell stories and include creatures and all that. I just didn't think this was the place for it.
I am confused.

(a disconneected note on respiration, part of the joy of inventing life forms is being able to modify circumvent and create processes beyond those which normally exist. perhaps energy intake and expiration are even more crucial than the path of oxygen.... but thats probably not in the manuscript..... topic suggestion "Helium based lifeform" or some such).....chaos=total geek , with a degree in bio

[chaosrocks]

and Fozzy...Mr Bar.....sir.....could you, in you most benevolent and wonderfiully efficient way, please move the 3CH threads again....Im lazy and Im tired of having to chase them down

thank you profusely
crocks

[romance]

c'mon Chaos, we're just trying to keep you on your toes. Maybe next time, I'll post them in the lounge ;)

[chaosrocks]

hmm... my toes are getting worn out......
I could be spending that precious time perfecting art for people to ignore
;P
c

[artiphats]

Maybe next time, I'll post them in the lounge

LOL, that would make sense since it is a Random Generator thread anyway. Why no Randomly Located as well. Make it a goose chase, haha.

[artiphats]

I could be spending that precious time perfecting art for people to ignore

still on the "no one sees my art" kick huh? You know I saw someone else respond to you in one of the threads about this recently. After I had already given you my own opinion. You should go look for that response, in the meantime I will get out my violin for you. C'MON GIRL, BUCK UP!

[chaosrocks]

ah you have to understand I kill myself about once a week....I'm not serious...really Im not.
I saw that Artiphats and I appreciate it really I do. ....
I just got all pissed when in COW.. I posted colour and idea and it sat there for 24 hours whiles all around there were ten comments on someones 12 line idea about farting..I mean.. that was the obvious solution, and jez guys.. FARTING? I grew up in Wisconsin....cows..methane.....and then I got slapped down as having nothing interesting visually....(damn you're gonna see that critter ingame someday) . F&*&^K !!!....In some senses I am struggling with the toss up between being able to express myslf in oils and having at least one hand tied behind my back on the machine... I guess Im just an old Dog...andthe new tricks are harder to achieve
ok end of rant.

back to painting.
I still would like to know if we are making Scenes Etc.... or just Designing Creatures.....
Chaos Rants

PS Violins are sexeh......:p

[redehlert]

But....farting is funny. I grew up in Illinois. :)
Look, I've been in your position with the weekly events and I sympathize with you. On the other hand, I'm also unfortunately perceiving a lot of whining, which I'm no fan off, but I'm hoping to see through the fog of this self discovery via oil or digital in the weeklies to help you (see below). I'm taking notice that you're trying to do your best - which is ultimately all that really matters - and are genuinely asking for assistance.
True, other's input and assistance are a god send - and for that there is the work in progress thread that could be of great help to you, as well as a personal sketch book thread. The latter is something I swear is just what you need to show your progress, get input and do your best. If you create a sketch book thread, tell me. I'll be there to support you.
The weeklies are kinda competitive and fun...you know, anything goes. :) Farting, goofing off, praising or ignoring people....that's the weeklies!
The last one isn't a good thing, but it isn't intentional by any means. At least not by me, which is all I'm responsible for.
So, gear up, create a sketch book thread and let's get to helping you the proper way. Ok?
And Chaos - pull my finger.... ;)
Cheers!
Dave

[chaosrocks]

lol... thanks Dave.. yeah it is whining I apologise... hell I spend half me time here apologising. but if I don't sympathise with me. damn it who will?... It's sometime hard to understand the rules... and when you should break them and when you shouldn't... there is a certain mass of in jokes and unspoken stuff (like the "don't vote for yourself" rule which was never clearly stated until recently... I managed to figure that one out without stepping in it..though that was more lack of ego than calculation) At some point you just jump in... a person can't lurk forever.
yeah .. In some senses the weeklies are cruel. or more like the real world if you like. I dunno... worked in advertising. not a big fan of it. but I'm trying to thicken my skin without giving up.
I appreciate your advice... I will make a sketch book thread . although my actual sketch book is full of costume design.. (Inherit the wind and Peter Pan this season)
if in my ludite fashion I can figure out how

c

[redehlert]

Hey Chaos,
My sketch book thread has medical illustrations in it. Create that thread and put whatever you want in there from your sketch book. This is an awesome way to keep pushing yourself and really enjoy the process of sharing, self discovery (and loathing from time to time!). :)
I'm interested in seeing your costume designs. Get scannin' and start postin'.
Glad this met you well. Indeed we all must jump in at some time. At least you have jumped in!
Cheers,
Dave

[Fozzybar]

and Fozzy...Mr Bar.....sir.....could you, in you most benevolent and wonderfiully efficient way, please move the 3CH threads again....Im lazy and Im tired of having to chase them down

thank you profusely
crocks

I moved them, but not benevolently or wonderfully, just ordinary...

[Fozzybar]

is it just me or can't you also see some of the winner images after round 37 in the winner gallery??? I don't see them for months now, i already uploaded them again but still they don't show...

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37514

[JakkaS]

I don't see them...it is some kind of conspiration because usually my creatures are not displayed :/ hehe

BTW FOZZ, My homepage on CA is still unreachable. I cant edit or add new friends, the page just don't show for me:/ Have you guys same problem?

[Matt Dixon]

Same here. Except 43 and 44 are showing for me.

[Tyranx]

38-42 don't show for me, all the others before and after do.

[Fozzybar]

yeah strange...what the fuck?....and JakkaS i think the board functions except the forums are all screwed up...i think they work on it or not? don't know, but i didn't visit my personal page since weeks, because of that weird shit going on like not accessable, error messages etc...

It's sad, because there are a few useful areas like the groups, but i don't want to get upset so i avoid going there :)

[JakkaS]

Ok,....I think we can start IT :pirate:

[Fozzybar]

It???

[JakkaS]

It???

You know....."Where the f*** is the Poll?" ..and this staff. :D

[Fozzybar]

ha, wait another 24 hours baby!

[JakkaS]

ha, wait another 24 hours baby!

Hey, I was courteous! I want ...candy! :D Hehe.

[Fozzybar]

ok, now i uploaded all missing winner images again in the gallery...i hope it shows now...is it fixed boys and gals?

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37514

[Fozzybar]

and JakkaS...no candy for you...only eye-candy in the poll-thread...or maybe 3 eyed candy....haha........ha............uh...:perv:

[Michael Jaecks]

I dunno if anyone thought about this and nixed the idea in the past, but...

Have you ever thought about going one round with the voting portion is done blind? Like where we don't know who did what concept till the end of the voting? Obviously, for the one week, people wouldnt be able to show WIPs, etc. Everyone would have to be encouraged to keep their design top secret a final was submitted, then the voting, and then we got to find out who everyone was.

[JakkaS]

I dunno if anyone thought about this and nixed the idea in the past, but...

Have you ever thought about going one round with the voting portion is done blind? Like where we don't know who did what concept till the end of the voting? Obviously, for the one week, people wouldnt be able to show WIPs, etc. Everyone would have to be encouraged to keep their design top secret a final was submitted, then the voting, and then we got to find out who everyone was.

Good idea but.... I can tell you at the begining which pictures belong to MikeC, Tyranx, FOZZ, Muttonhead, Matt Dixon...and many more. These guys has a personal style. I think, I and other guys too, can easily recognize artist and his work.

[Fozzybar]

hmmmm...i can tell about 90% of the entries which entry was done by which artist, especially the winner potential artists...and many of the other members will feel the same....so it won't be THAT surprising at the end...

[Fozzybar]

hehe, didnt see Jakkas' post, because i was reading the last post of the first page, it didnt show...:)

But it seems that we have the same opinion :)

[Michael Jaecks]

Fozzy and Jakkas:

Oh I don't doubt it. I think I could probably pick-out any of those guys and either of you as well... However, everyone is capable of throwing a curve ball once in a while, which a blind vote might encourage. Moreover, it would encourage everyone to give 110% whether it be because they don't have their well-known name attached to their entry or because with no names attached, the newbie doesn't feel like its a lost cause competing with well known contenders.

Moreover, although there are a few of us that seem to hang out in the COW forum, looking every day week after week, and we've come to know people's styles well... not everyone who votes looks every day.

You could probably work the anonymous compete/blind vote idea into the topic for the week... like a classified, top secret bio-weapons creature theme... or an alien life form the CIA found and is trying to keep under wraps...

[JakkaS]

I agree with you FOZZ. People known each other too well.

[hwango]

From week #47 - Three-Eyed and Blue Fur


newmanhyde
your entry is a plant...no creature...it would be a nice entry for POW...if we had it ;)

We can't create plant creatures for this activity? The link to newmanhyde's critter is broken, so I can't see what he/she drew, but I always figured if we drew some sort of ambulatory plant critter that was an acceptable fit for "Creature" of the week. It's not as if it's "Animal" of the week, and I would certainly classify things like the Ents from The Lord of the Rings or the crinoid from the Doctor Who episode "Seeds of Doom" as creatures.

[Fozzybar]

i dunno about the lord of rings thingies, because i didnt have the time yet to watch them all in one night which i want to do :)

So, there might be entries which remind of plants, but at the end it depends on how much it looks like a plant or creature or a mix of them AND how good the concept, design and execution is...

Many factors are important when it comes to deciding if the entry will do it...also my mood and time i have, that's true :)

[dragon4lunch]

Hey, I'm looking for the next topic, because I'd like to participate again. But you need to post the next topic and that usually means close the current contest. It is past 11 AM June 8th here in Los Angeles, thus it's way past deadline now! Please, new creature contest!

[Tyranx]

so.... ugh... wheres the poll?

*poke*

[Fozzybar]

*ouch*

i am doing it right now..

this thread is like my conscience, but only with 1000 voices...:perv:

[Ilaekae]

Use the dryer set on low instead of trying to drip-dry yourself...better use of time...

[Fozzybar]

i didn't understand...could be the fact that you're a kitty or the fact that i am a muppet..or both...

[Ilaekae]

I was referring to the fact the you ARE a muppet...with too little time...

...or don't you take baths either?

[Fozzybar]

no, gonzo licks my fur

[Ilaekae]

...




...eeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...:dead:

[dragon4lunch]

Ey, can Fozzybar or another administrator please get the environment competition going??? I has been on hold and dead for many days now, deadline was A WEAK AGO and there still is no new topic! Please!

[Fozzybar]

Wasn't Rook in Montreal at the ws? So he was busy i guess...

[chaosrocks]

it's ok Dragon
*big friendly letters*

DON"T PANIC

it'll happen. It alway's get t here eventually
chaos

[Sundance]

no, gonzo licks my fur

I have videos on my website...mostly small samples, but you can download the entire video for $4.95 a month. :perv:

damn...the things Gonzo can do with that beak...

[chaosrocks]

to quote Ilaekae (godesss forbid) "eeeewwwwwwwwwww"
chaos

[WutDaHeckMan]

hey

for COW- i know they are every week, but when are the official start and end to each new creature?

[Fozzybar]

foz slaps Sundance

COW starts whenever it wants to, ok!?

hehe, no, actually it starts when the last one is done. But since COW gives the contenders an extra of at least 12-24 hours on top of the official deadline it always starts on a different day (like the next one in the week)....argh what the heck, watch the 1st post in each round and you're fine....arrrrrghghgahghaghagghahhghh....

foz runs amok and gives Sundance an extra ordinary headbutt a la Zizou - SMACK!

[Sundance]

Watchout with those head butts Foz, I don't want to have to shove my hand up your ass again and make you say more things you'll regret!

:blahblah:

[Fozzybar]

I look at your avatar and i have no clue what you are representing :)

[Fozzybar]

just a note to all COWers:

Here is a HUGE poster of all 1271 entries within the 50 rounds of COW and some interesting facts :)
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=72475

[Sundance]

I look at your avatar and i have no clue what you are representing :)

Bad Artists around the World :P

[Fozzybar]

hehe, ok...so my first guess was right :P

[Black lead]

Just a quick question which I hope I posted in the right place. Is digital art accepted for COW entries and if so...are there any guide lines for digital.
Thanks,

[Fozzybar]

95% of the art on conceptart.org (and COW) is digital art. So no problem. If you are speaking of photo-manipulation there are some things to consider, but this will differ from case to case, so post your work and you will get feedback if it's ok or not :)

[Xplode]

I dunno if anyone thought about this and nixed the idea in the past, but...

Have you ever thought about going one round with the voting portion is done blind? Like where we don't know who did what concept till the end of the voting? Obviously, for the one week, people wouldnt be able to show WIPs, etc. Everyone would have to be encouraged to keep their design top secret a final was submitted, then the voting, and then we got to find out who everyone was.

that might work, but jakkas and fozz are right about people's styles bein recognizable
but has anyone ever thought about hiding the POLL RESULTS?
that way no one is voting for certain people just because everyone else did

[Fozzybar]

i thought of this also, but someone has to implement it and i think no one is keen on doing this right now...

[Cloister]

Mr candyman... I need that fix! Hell, I think I checked the COW-page 30 times for the new topic. But still nothing to put my hands on... this is nerv-wrecking. I want to paint... I need to paint. I'd love to give that Jakkas-guy some wicked jabs. Show him what I'm really made of. Sure, I know I'm down for the counting, but no less... I will not yield! Give me something to paint, damn it! Ahhhrrrrggg!

[Supervlieg]

Or to quote the thread title:

Where the fook is the Poll?

[guastaferro]

I have a question for you COW participants....why is the COW so much more popular than any of the rest? Is it cause it started first? more people like drawing creatures? Better topics on here? Just curious :D

[Supervlieg]

Guastaferro: Probably a combination of all things you mentioned. I like doing CHOW's too. Especially since they allow humanoid forms. But the topics there tend to be more specific compared to the COW, so a COW is more open to the artists interpretation I guess. And fewer people specialize in enviroments I guess.

Hey Fozzybar, I have a question/suggestion: After the poll is done, how about making the winner an attachement to the first post, that way the thread gets a neat little thumb in the form of that weeks winner. It's more work for you though, but it would be cool I think.

[Fozzybar]

I have a question for you COW participants....why is the COW so much more popular than any of the rest? Is it cause it started first? more people like drawing creatures? Better topics on here?Because creatures are the most awesome things in life, hehe...i think many artists have a huge interest in creature topics, because it gives you a big field of creativity based on existing rules (anatomy, adaptation, biology, chemistry etc)...and you create something which could exist and populate on foreign planets and it would work!!! So different, still familiar and much joy to watch and imagine...also i don't know about EOW or CHOW, but in COW we have a community in the community, members know each others work and cirt and comment and help out...that makes it a big thing to join and enjoy...




Hey Fozzybar, I have a question/suggestion: After the poll is done, how about making the winner an attachement to the first post, that way the thread gets a neat little thumb in the form of that weeks winner. It's more work for you though, but it would be cool I think.
hmmm, so an image attached in the 1st post in a thread makes the thumbnail which you see in the thread list? I didn't follow the discussion about this feature the last weeks, so i am lazy to look now and ask you, hehe...could be a nice idea...

[Supervlieg]

hmmm, so an image attached in the 1st post in a thread makes the thumbnail which you see in the thread list? I didn't follow the discussion about this feature the last weeks, so i am lazy to look now and ask you, hehe...could be a nice idea...

Yep, thats how it works apperently, didnt see the discussion about it either, but found out when doing my sketchbook thread. It would be a nice addition I think. If you have some spare time to put into it you could make a 60 * 60 pixel size thumb and attach that. That way the server wont just scale the original pic, but display it as you want it to be. Just takes more time ;)

[Fozzybar]

i will think about it...especially about the "more time" part :) thanx for the suggestion...

[Cloister]

Mr Fozzybar: I just want to say that I was initially leaning towards adding to the already asked question of restricting the use of background, since the eye-candy surely plays a great part in voting. But since working on my Highly Explosive-entry I’ve come to realize how invaluable backgrounds are in the portrayal of certain creatures, and how necessary they are to give the cow:s the ‘background’ they deserve. So I am glad you keep allowing them and hope you will continue doing so.

One thing that could be done, by such an almighty and just administrator as you, is to make judgment on whether or not the background-stuff is strengthening the creature or simply glimmers to charm the voters. But this is simply a suggestion of a change-of-rules that crossed my mind, and which I leave for you to regard the effect of.

One thing that I would like to see a change in (after only three weeks here) is a restriction in size. Not in width or breadth, but in what camera-salesmen like to call Megapixels. Thus any kind of format would get the same amount of actual pixels. As it is now my 1280x1024 monitor resolution is not sufficient to see some Bermuda-entries without scrolling, which means your recommended 800x600 is exceeded by quite a bit.

[Maieth]

I'm in with cloister on bnoth those points.
800x600 should be enforced i think. Its plain annoying to have to scroll, you simply cant get the effect of the complete image. so sticking to it would certianly aid the artist as much as the viewer.

As for backgrounds, I suck at them so i'm going to be biased and say that while i think its definately right to allow them, i like the idea of advising people not to be taken in too much by them. It is, ater all, the creature and its concept being judged, a great deal more than a full artpiece. (a pig is still a pig, whatever the backdrop)

my thoughts anywho

[Maieth]

argh, and im sorry for beingt such an annoying newb, but cna someone PLEASE tell me where i add an avatar. its doing my nut. feel free to trash talk me (a little bit) for being a shamelss newb.

[Cloister]

Maieth: Look for the 'MY ACCOUNT'-link (to your upper right), press it and you'll find a submenu called 'Settings'. Press that one and to your right you'll see a square with yet another link called 'Profile Picture'... that's where you upload your avatar... I think... (took me a while as well.)

(Now where do you change the text under the profile pic that initially says 'registered user'?...)

[Maieth]

cheers matey

[Fozzybar]

background
i know the problem with having a great background is manipulating the votes...but still at the end an awesome rendered image is nothing i want to reject or miss in here...also in the past we had many winners without a background at all, so at the end it comes to the strength of idea, design and execution. Use the background to support the concept...

resolution
The 800x600 preference is a suggestion if your piece is fine with this format and you can read everything...but sometimes you need a horizontal or vertical canvas or maybe details are getting lost when keeping it at 800x600...so if your piece needs it break out...other than that, most users have at least 1024x768, actually 1280x1024 i think, so the resolution rule needs an update actually :)

Thanx for your comments, i think it's good to question the rules or standards from time to time to improve the activity.

[Mydrim]

Hey... Where's this week's theme? I am just stupidly refreshing the forum. Can't there be an aprox. time of displaying the topic in the future? Thanks(just in theoretical case if someone'll reply:)

[Fozzybar]

the new topic will be up 24-48 hours after the official deadline...usually at the afternoon or evening 1 day after the official deadline day...

[Mydrim]

So this week's topic(previous deadline 6th, today 7th) will be, by the ussual way, at... like... now? Hmm.. Ok, I'll keep refreshing. Thanks for the reply anyway.

[Fozzybar]

hehe, you got it :)

i was setting up the threads as you wrote...

[Mydrim]

Oh yeah, bless you- finally there's it!:)

[Moai]

Say, Fozzybar, are there any plans to do a CoW ortho topic like they did over in ChoW? I ask because Oblio mentioned in the 3D competition thread that later concepts would come from the other weekly activities, CoW, EoW, etc.

[Fozzybar]

i don't know...no one talked to me about that...

[Sundance]

Hey you red type muppet thing...when are you coming back to 3CH? Hmmm...don't think getting quoted in ImagineFX makes you too special for the best (bi)weekly challenge in the WORLD!

[ikuru]

this forum is hard getting started in... How come I cant post my pics in my gallery?

[Fozzybar]

Hey you red type muppet thing...when are you coming back to 3CH? Hmmm...don't think getting quoted in ImagineFX makes you too special for the best (bi)weekly challenge in the WORLD!I never took part in 3CH only trash talkin, haha....well currently i have sooooo much to do in work and it will continue like this until the end of the year...until then i doubt that i will have any freetime to do some personal art. But meanwhile keep trashtalking to yourself for me, so you won't feel alone :)



this forum is hard getting started in... How come I cant post my pics in my gallery?Don't know, i did it in the beta-phase, about months ago but it worked back then.

[Evxyza92]

is it okay to post even if you think its not gonna be that good and a few things might be off?

[Sundance]

I never took part in 3CH only trash talkin, haha....well currently i have sooooo much to do in work and it will continue like this until the end of the year...until then i doubt that i will have any freetime to do some personal art. But meanwhile keep trashtalking to yourself for me, so you won't feel alone :)


You are such a liar...you entered the very first one...and it doesn't take that long to belittle people, so even if you come back just to partake in the chest thumping, that would be great!

As a sign of good faith...:down:

is it okay to post even if you think its not gonna be that good and a few things might be off?


Of course it's OK! Surely you've seen some of my entries!



I'm watching you bar...I'm always watching

[arttorney]

Get a room. j/k

Generally, don't worry about posting. The worst that can happen is you don't make it into a poll voted on by a bunch of people you don't know, because somebody else you don't know didn't include you. You have to be extremely lame to get banned. I should know. I've survived on these forums for several months and I haven't had a real art class for 40 years.

By saying this, I am not suggesting you be extremely lame. You must try your best or we will all laugh at you behind your back, not that you should feel any pressure or anything (another j/k).

[ikuru]

Hey! Can anyone explain how I change my avatar/signature in this forum?

THANX!!!

[Fozzybar]

Hey! Can anyone explain how I change my avatar/signature in this forum?click on "User CP" on the top left of the menu, there you can change anything related to your Profile, except your underwear.
btw did you realize that this is a COW related thread? :P



Sundance
damn, you're right i entered the very first one...how could i forget...Viag ruled us out of the solar system back then :)
If i will have time - like in 2-10 months (hehe) i will enter several activities...i guess...hoho...



is it okay to post even if you think its not gonna be that good and a few things might be off?You can enter whenever you want, but it might happen that your entry will be rejected when it doesn't fulfill certain quality standards or breaks any rules...but that's the worst that could happen, not being taken to the poll...it doesn't hurt really :)

[ikuru]

thanx fozzy, and sorry for posting it here, but I did not know where to post it!
Check out my beast in the COW then!

[Fozzybar]

*crouches out of cave*

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn

*goes for duty*

[redehlert]

bwahahahaaa! classic.

[cherryworx]

ahaha i've found it!! the random thread for ranting an raving an talking rubbish!! erm.....hello, i'm fairly new to ca so pardon the momentus stupidity thats about to take place. first off, i've found out how to put a link to my sketch book by my posts but is there any way i can save myself the hassle of typing it out EVERYTIME i post something? like a kind of signature feature type thing?*prepares for laughter and ridicule*:lens:cherrytastic sketchyness:lens:

[ikuru]

mOAHA;HA! Ofcourse therese a way!
I'm gonne tell you how to do it... woops, hold on! somone at the door here...............
got to go,
tell you next time.

[Sundance]

ahaha i've found it!! the random thread for ranting an raving an talking rubbish!! erm.....hello, i'm fairly new to ca so pardon the momentus stupidity thats about to take place. first off, i've found out how to put a link to my sketch book by my posts but is there any way i can save myself the hassle of typing it out EVERYTIME i post something? like a kind of signature feature type thing?*prepares for laughter and ridicule*:lens:cherrytastic sketchyness:lens:

I strongly suggest that you review the FAQ section...

That stands for "Fucking Assinine Questions".

I could tell you...but you won't fucking learn it if you don't figure it out on your own. And, well, that would just lead to more FAQ's.

Seriously though...while this is a thread for rubbish...it isn't this "type" of rubbish. Something like your question would be better suited for the Lounge. This thread is specifically about rubbish that relates to the weekly activity of COW (Creature Of the Week).

Well... I guess I don't feel like being a total smart ass... so, here you go (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/faq.php).

[cherryworx]

SUNDANCE-thanks for the link to FAQ. I suppose i really should have read it when i joined the site. an i'll keep my posts related to COW in this thread from now on:)
IKURU-If the person at the door didn't bring food or alcohol then charge them an entry fee! by the way i checked out your website, very nice!

[ikuru]

SUNDANCE-thanks for the link to FAQ. I suppose i really should have read it when i joined the site. an i'll keep my posts related to COW in this thread from now on:)
IKURU-If the person at the door didn't bring food or alcohol then charge them an entry fee! by the way i checked out your website, very nice!
he, he, but what if they came for sex then?
Thanx btw!

[cherryworx]

he, he, but what if they came for sex then?
Thanx btw!
every rule has it's exceptions!:)

[Fozzybar]

thanx Mike, i am on my way...going to set up the threads now ;)

[cherryworx]

i'm bored. can someone think of something i can do? be it arty or otherwise.(although if someone tells me to go make a cup of tea i will gladly obey)

[cherryworx]

woohoo! that last random post just took me to level 2!! i did at first think that the gladatorial level was down to art skill(fool that i am) and i had to sit down and cry for a bit when i saw some level 1's with amazing talent. gladly this is not so and can rise up the gladiator levels without a thought for my failings as an artist :)

[Fozzybar]

if you don't wanna say something like

"WHERE THE F*** IS THE POLL!!!???"

or

"TOO MUCH FREEDOM IN COW, WE NEED MORE INTERVENTION BY FOZZ!"

then you are completely wrong in here and didn't understand the purpose of this thread... :perv:

[cherryworx]

if you don't wanna say something like

"WHERE THE F*** IS THE POLL!!!???"

or

"TOO MUCH FREEDOM IN COW, WE NEED MORE INTERVENTION BY FOZZ!"

then you are completely wrong in here and didn't understand the purpose of this thread... :perv:
sorry!! i'll be good from now on.:bashful:

[dragon4lunch]

Fozzy-man, where is the poll??? Hallihallo!

[Sundance]

Fozzy-man, where is the poll??? Hallihallo!


It's up his ass...

I know... I put it there...

But please understand, he paid me $100.00 to do it.

[Wasker]

A question for COW and concept art,

I noticed you got a rule that the creature should be without accessory/clothing. Is this a rule used due to its connection with commissioned concept art in the field? Should creatures/monsters created in concept art generally not have anything but what they were born with?

[Fozzybar]

A question for COW and concept art,

I noticed you got a rule that the creature should be without accessory/clothing. Is this a rule used due to its connection with commissioned concept art in the field? Should creatures/monsters created in concept art generally not have anything but what they were born with?
No, this rule is only made for COW, because i want that the entries are done and judged by the design of the creatures anatomy, showing a species not an individual.

For example if aliens discover the human race and want to show them in a scientific book like an encylopedia, would they show a man in business cloths typing on a laptop or a naked man? We show humans naked as well when we want to learn about anatomy and biological subjects...so that's why i want to have them without any accessoires if possible ;)

You understand how mothers feed their babies when shown naked, you can't tell if you see them dressed.
You understand why humans have the muscle structure they have when you see them naked in context with how they move, you can't tell if you see them dressed.
etc etc etc

[life on the sofa]

yeah but if an alien saw me naked i dont think he wd wanna come to earth...i think they wud fly at topspeed in the other direction, but if i had clothes on they wdnt be able to resist:D hehe. ...*THOUGHT TO SELF*(hmm make it relevant, relevant..aha! i know)..WHERE THE F**k IS THE COW IN ALL THIS?..:0

[TomCardin]

You know...a poll is an ugly thing...and I think...its...about damn time we had one! Git'er done!

[ChaoticKnight]

You know...a poll is an ugly thing...and I think...its...about damn time we had one! Git'er done!
srsly its poll time (does the poll dance ((not to be confused with pole dance(((which is not a bad thing...((((im really tired.)))) ))) )) )

[yoitisi]

You know...a poll is an ugly thing...and I think...its...about damn time we had one! Git'er done!

My words exactly :) what happened to Fozzy??

[ChaoticKnight]

Question: what are these sketch group things I keep seeing? Is there a thread for that?

[Sundance]

Question: what are these sketch group things I keep seeing? Is there a thread for that?

Yes...

[ChaoticKnight]

Yes...
Cool thanks for the help. Thats quite a link there, with its invisibility and all.

[Sundance]

Cool thanks for the help. Thats quite a link there, with its invisibility and all.


I didn't remember you asking for a link. If you had asked for one I would have put one in my response...

I simply answered the question asked.

[Saise]

YES!
I CAN DO IT!
...
Fozzy, where is the POLL!? :3

--------------------


EDIT: Shit, you got me :>

[Fozzybar]

Fozzy, where is the POOL!? :3
hmmm, dunno....isn't it too cold for swimming anyway? :perv: :devil:

[cherryworx]

well the poll thread is there, but it's cloooooosed! umm thats it really..
good topic this week by the way.

[cherryworx]

ok i retract that previous statement, the poll is now open! yay!

[Iddi]

I have a question! I've been kind of inactive, but I'm a long-time lurker. I've recently gotten the hang of 3D modelling, and am therefore wondering if I can make 3D COWs? I mean, do I have to paint an image digitally or traditionally to get it accepted, or can I do whatever I want as long as I don't brake the rules? Like modelling in 3D?

[Fozzybar]

currently i won't take 3d entries to the poll...but you are welcome to post it in the posting thread, so you will get c&c and bring fresh impulses to the community ;)

[dragon4lunch]

Hey Fozz, the "lava swimmer" poll is closed! You need to fix that. Danke.

[Fozzybar]

it is closed, because i am writing some stuff for it currently ;)

[ChaoticKnight]

Was njoo just owned for trying to get the book thing going, or is the person who cut his thread out working together with him? Because until njoo said something it didn't seem like anyone was jumping on the idea. I don't know the whole story so I'm gonna be jovial and hope that everyone's working together.

[njoo]

There apparently's some talk already going on for CA book, not specifically COW but I was asked to discuss with Jason a bit more before proceeding this heh :P I guess I'll see what's going on and update ppl on it :)

nJoo

[dragon4lunch]

Whoa, I just logged on to Conceptart.org (Activity section) and it said 952 people were viewing the COW section. That can hardly be true, because it is usually between 10 and 30. I've also notice a slowing down of Conceptart's Activity section (connection speed). I hope this site isn't being attacked or something. Admins, is everything Ok?

[yoitisi]

hehe I see lots of people logged in, I guess we're all waiting :P

Fozz, my hands are ITCHIN'...where's the new poll and topic?!! :D

[Cloister]

Was this the last COW ever?.... or to put it mor traditionally; Wher the f*** is the Poll? Get that red fur a good shower, run a few laps around the world, and post the new topic....pleeeeiiiizz!

[Fozzybar]

ok enough waiting for the blood-thirsty masses, i am on it! In approx. 1-2 hours the new threads are up...

[Spitch]

Got some serious problems with the threads. I always gotta log out to have a chance goin'on the forums. Is it the server or have I some kind of a curse with my computer...

[damouse]

total newbie, just found COW, thought awesome i'd love to try. now i'm a bit confused should I start working on a creature for a deadline thats already two days past, or wait for the new creature? how long does this normally take?

[Azathoth]

Fozzy the admin is a busy boy working in the Biz and he get's around to it when he has time. It is best to wait until the new one to give yourself more time to work on it. Plus you can always work on other weekly posts, or just the sketchbook posts.

[damouse]

:bashful: okidoki

[TomCardin]

Arrgh! My arctic undead creature was rejected because my 3 lines of text written in 10 minutes wasn't clear enough to describe that every storm has a spirit and when a particularly strong and destructive storm rises in the arctic a wendigo will rise with it to hunt. So my description of a spirit was not done well...Fozzy made mention at the start of the arctic undead creature cow that spirits this time would be allowed...I really thought I was following that lead, given permission to make a spirit I went ahead and described a spirit...that I was describing an individual is ambiguous at best.

12 hours of art was rejected for 10 minutes of bad english.

Many other pieces CLEARLY defined individual unique characters and made it to the poll - those artists texts wasn't ambiguous at all...I think this is wrong and I feel like I was not given equal consideration among those other artists. Why did their text get overlooked and mine didn't?

I would really like an explanation of the distinction...I very much want to know what I need to do or not do to insure my time spent on art is not wasted by the few minutes I spend on description.

I didn't do cupids pet because it really stings to be rejected for something that so many other artists did and got away with it. It still stings.

I have had work rejected by bosses and colleagues many times in my career and education, but universally they have discussed their decision and offered constructive comments with which I could grow and learn. I have never had the experience of being rejected for something that other artists pieces did and were still accepted.

Well I have now and I don't like it.

[Fozzybar]

TomCardin
I already apologized if i misunderstood your concept. And i also mentioned that i didn't have the time to read all the concepts...

I founded COW and was taking care of all rounds and entries until now. I always wrote reasons why i rejected pieces and mostly if i had time i commented directly in the posting thread so artists could react. It's the first time for the last 2 rounds that i didn't do that because of lack of time and people are ranting and complaining.

I am sorry that i am not having the time for the last rounds as i had a deadline project going on and also was/am moving to a new flat.

I think it's not very fair to rant and complain, particularly after your comment in a different thread, that you learnt much in COW and after my note to all that i won't have time for this phase.

It would have been easier for me to announce a break for COW for a few weeks to get my business done and return to COW. Instead i decided to keep this activity going, just because i wanted to provide this platform for ca members and artists. As i did the summer break back then many people were upset, i thought it would be good for all not to do a break, but i think i again learnt from the community.

My thoughts were just confirmed by this again, you can't please everyone. For the future i think i will just do what i think is right to do.

[yoitisi]

Fozzybar: Just to let you know: you're doing an awesome job as it is. Just taking time every week to keep this going is something I deeply respect.

I think people are taking this challenge far too serious latetly and forget this is all about having fun. As a result, people get very frustrated when not even getting to the poll. I can understand that, I wouldn't like that either after working on it for hours, but it would only make me want to do better next time instead of blaming Fozzy for it.

With the Arctic Undead Creature challenge I saw some people complaining about how their piece was rejected for being a character while other pieces which were just as much of a character were taken to the poll. Well, the point here is: I guess they're just as guilty as you for braking the rules but they were lucky to be overlooked by Fozzybar. If you want to be absolutely sure it will be taken to the poll, don't try to find out where the mazes in the rules are. There's plenty of other ways to come up with an original creature without do this, so don't go yelling it limits the creativity. If you still want to be creative and do something the rules don't seem to cover completely, feel free to do so I'd say but remember that in the end it's Fozzy who decides.

You're in it for the fun and experience (that is to say: I am), and Fozzybar happily provides it..what more can you ask?

[TomCardin]

I didn't see any apology but I accept your above post as one. Thank you.

I posted here because it seemed more appropriate to post a complaint here due to the title of this thread.

I appreciate your time to address my concern.

[Envisor]

Im not sure if anyone has asked this before, but is it ok for us to post the finished pencils instead of a colored piece? Just wondering because I dont have PS or any other program for coloring, and no way of attaining one at the moment.

[Fozzybar]

yoitisi
thanx a lot. You have the right attitude. People forget that this is all about fun :D And you can learn and improve a lot as well if you have the right attitude.

TomCardin
You're right, i apologized to someone else who had the same reason for rejection, that's why i mixed it up. So i apologize to you especially ;)

Envisor
Finished pencils are fine ;) There is no need for colors as long as the b/w piece is finished and good enough.

[sve]

Fozzybar, I read about you moving to a new flat and being very busy because of deadlines... so best luck to you and I will wait until you are able to answer my questions... I apologize for not posting them in the proper thread before... My bad.
I read all written rules for COW and what I found were some explanations in the FAQ thread where you started from explaining what Cow was started for and how you see this activity.
I read that you would prefer a creature to be a composition, of fantasy, not existing before... just because it is more challenging and enjoyable to look... bu I didn't get impression that it is strictly what it should be... you used a word "recommendation". That's a bit vague.. is it a rule or just preferences, a guidance?

I understand that it is about fun... but it is a model of real life project in a way where artist should follow certain requirements... I wish you were as clear as possible about what exactly is very important and where an artist can have some more freedom.

The other thing you mentioned that it shouldn't be a humanoid... because it makes it an easier task.

Sketches and images with not enough efforts put into it will be rejected...

You said the professional artwork will never be rejected for its artistic value... or educational value...
I would like to ask you to explain about the requirement that creatures shouldn't be characters... because frankly speaking I don't know what it means in this context...the word character has few meanings.
Thanks in advance.
With respect.
Sveta

[Fozzybar]

I would like to ask you to explain about the requirement that creatures shouldn't be characters... because frankly speaking I don't know what it means in this context...the word character has few meanings.Let's say we are a very old and advanced alien race. We have to make an encyclopedia of beings we met in our million year long history and journeys through the galaxies...

What would you put into an encyclopedia when you want to present the species "homo sapiens sapiens"...considering anatomy and typical vizualization??

I think it wouldn't be a photo of a dressed Michael Jackson with his name under the photo.

It would be a photo of a naked anonyme man or woman, just like we find it in the biology books in schools.

Michael Jackson is a character.
The naked anonymous human is a representative of our species in common.


I read that you would prefer a creature to be a composition, of fantasy, not existing before... just because it is more challenging and enjoyable to look... bu I didn't get impression that it is strictly what it should be... you used a word "recommendation". That's a bit vague.. is it a rule or just preferences, a guidance?It is definitely not a rule, more a guidance for the participants. I just want to avoid people drawing existing animals without nothing new in them. Of course 99% of us are starting with known patterns and animals in our head, but the question is how far away is the result from the starting (known) animal.


You said the professional artwork will never be rejected for its artistic value... or educational value...i don't know if i said "never", but even if it is of course meant this way as long as the entry is sticking mainly to the topic and rules. I am only more forgiving to the pros ;)




I hope this will answer some questions now, also for masque who might have asked the same questions ;) ;) ;)

[sve]

Thank you so very much for explaining this. I sure appreciated. I think for everyones good it would be useful to cut and paste your clarification to the thread where all rules are. I can do it myself, it seems tobe allrigth thing to do with mentioning your name,,, but it will be on the bottom of the thread, not where all rules are listed.

..


Michael Jackson is a character.
The naked anonymous human is a representative of our species in common...


:). OK, it is like when a movie director wants to have actors with fresh unknown faces casted in a new movie... with purpose to get rid of all possible associations with other masterpieces. I can understand this... It makes an artist's job harder and the fun activity to have certain direction... but it is all right in my opinion. That's your vision.

I have to say, Fozzybar and I'm saying this believing that you were not aware of it... just because I think very good about you and trust you... well. this rule about creature not being a character was not documented in rules... it was mentioned in threads with art, but only now it is explained for me fully...It could be easily skipped by people, IMO...
So, Fozzybar when you said that it was a known fact, a rule but it was ignored by an artist (rules being bent) you were not being fair I think... it was not written in rules unfortunately. And the requirement I thought was crucial... his entry being a stylized animal as you just confirmed to me is just a recommendation, not a strict rule.
Chip is an honest man like you, I think... he wouldn't do such a thing...From what I know about him he is very serious about rules, and few times he pointed to my own careless attitude about them... So... I hope you see things through my eyes.

You don't need to rule this activity overcoming opposite opinions forcefully,,, you have much bigger force... your good sympathetic fair nature and the fact that you are well liked...I would say loved... you know... love from your subordinates and respect are much more powerful, everlasting and durable force than fear. Much more productive too. You have it, no need to use a whip or plug, you can have your way with simple fair reasoning.. I would like to ask you, please, don't be silent when it is about rules ... explain your position and people will understand because I believe in your good choice and common sense.

I'm sorry for saying this to you, but it was done with total respect and because it hurts me seeing this misunderstanding between two people I love and respect equally.

All the best
Sveta

[masque]

hey, Sve, thanks for the nice comments, but i have to disagree and say that the "new" explanation of what a character is in regards COW doesn't clarify a thing, and instead just makes things less clear.

first off, Michael Jackson would never appear in COW because he's a humanoid (barely, some might say ;) ), but even so, as an example to clarify what constitues a "character," there isn't any new information. Foz claims Michael Jackson is a "character," but says nothing about why. he seems to assume everyone would know why he'd make that distinction, but there's no reason to assume that. so lets look at what distinguishes Michael Jackson from the anonymous human Foz leads us to believe is not a "character" in his estimate.

Michael Jackson has a proper name. in fact, most humans do, afaik, even mister "anonymous". and, in many cases, non-humanoids do also. my cat's name is Casseopeia. that doesn't make her a "character," does it? she is a bit of a flake :teeth:, but if the proper name makes her (or a COW submission) a character, then say so.

Michael Jackson is famous within some cultures. does fame make one a "character"? if so, how could that be applied to a non-human? i guess any well-known non-human could be a "character," but if portrayed in COW, then the originality rule would probably apply more appropriately, so fame isn't a relevant aspect of a "character" for COW. anyone using a well-known character would be roundly chastised by the entire CA community!

is Michael Jackson a unique organism and not part of a species? well, again, some wiseacres might say so, but unfortunately, he is actually part of the human species, though a poor specimen of such imo. in any case, the question of a unique organism being a "character" is still open. does being one-of-a-kind constitute being a "character"? if so, say so.

so what other ways can Michael Jackson be considered a "character"? since the only COW "character" definition mentions no accessories, lets strip all those away (there's goes my appetite!). no clothes, no makeup, no wig, hairdo, whatever. just ol' MJ, unplugged. still a "character"? if so, why? what other qualities not already mentioned define him as a "character"?

simply saying he's a character doesn't define the nature of a character, it simply expresses Foz's opinion about Michael Jackson. i'd like to know what informs that opinion, since it seems to be the only source for the COW "character" rule.

[sve]

because Chip when 100 artists are asked to draw or paint Michael Jackson, I guarantee to you you will not see blond with blue eye looking at you from the paper. You will see certain eyes and hairdo and even certain style in his cloth... I bet more than 50% will base their picture on the same image they saw of him... the character has certain well recognizable features which will not allow you to mistake him with someone else, IMO.

[chaosrocks]

jeez I hate to weigh in...

as I see it
A.. Creature is define as not indulging in anthrpomorphic antics ie carry ing guns, wearing clothes etc.

B. A character is an individual. period ... yes your cat is a character... in that sense it is very difficult to portray one animal and have it NOT be a character
but the goal is to protray the species. not the individual

sveta and chip.... kiss and make up... foz you can too....
/me watches
giggle
chaos

[masque]

because Chip when 100 artists are asked to draw or paint Michael Jackson, I guarantee to you you will not see blond with blue eye looking at you from the paper. You will see certain eyes and hairdo and even certain style in his cloth... I bet more than 50% will base their picture on the same image they saw of him... the character has certain well recognizable features which will not allow you to mistake him with someone else, IMO.that's because of his fame, Sve. already covered that aspect. if he wasn't famous, no one would know what he looks like except his friends and acquaintances.

hey, roxie, me and Sve got no tiff goin', we like to gnash our teeth at one another now and then, always with respect and love :teeth: really! i respect her opinions very much, and always like to hear 'em, even if i don't agree with 'em, and i'm not tryin' to convince her of anything. an exchange of views is always useful if done politely and with respect.

i like hearin' your opinions, too. in this case, the question of an "individual" being a character is another one of those tricky ones. if my cat's an individual and thus a character, how about a single unnamed cat? isn't that an individual example of a species? "individual" means a discreet (but not necessarily unique) entity, so every member of a species is an individual. you can't portray a species without portraying at least one individual belonging to the species.

now if my cat's a character and an anonymous cat isn't, since they are both individuals, then it's just the name that makes her so. that's part of what i'd like to have clarified.

also, if the goal is to portray a species, then all submissions that are singular entities, not part of a species (and there have been many in many COWs, not just Arctic Undead), shouldn't pass muster, if the rules are to be applied consistently and without bias. that's the main concern i have, that rules which are ill-defined are not being applied consistently.

[Fozzybar]

masque
You forgot the story part.

If an alien race writes down the life story of Michael Jackson, what his preferences are, what he does to earn money, how and why he dresses etc etc etc it wouldn't be representative for the species of humans in any form - not at all.

So if you make an entry, design a creature as a representative of a species. If you for whatever reason can't keep your hands off characters, don't tell a story about their individual life or personality, call your cat "Casseopeia" and write only about common facts about the species cat...you might spice it up with small funny personal details for gods sake, but if the concept(art) leaves the species track too much i will intervene...

I hope really that you finally understand what this is about...

sve
Updating the FAQ might be a good idea...still i will do that when i have really time to care about all that and maybe change more than 1 rule update...and in my eyes it is still not so important, just because 2-3 people didn't get it in the last 2 weeks of 2 years of COW now...ask all the winners and participants of the last years how they managed to understand all the rules and make awesome artwork, learnt a lot with entering and participating in the community...COW didn't change, i didn't change...so it's all working and fine as before ;)

[ATAnderson]

I have played with the idea of seriously getting involved here, but this is way cooler I thought.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/8506/naemessinwe6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Adam.

[masque]

masque
You forgot the story part.

If an alien race writes down the life story of Michael Jackson, what his preferences are, what he does to earn money, how and why he dresses etc etc etc it wouldn't be representative for the species of humans in any form - not at all.

So if you make an entry, design a creature as a representative of a species. If you for whatever reason can't keep your hands off characters, don't tell a story about their individual life or personality, call your cat "Casseopeia" and write only about common facts about the species cat...you might spice it up with small funny personal details for gods sake, but if the concept(art) leaves the species track too much i will intervene...

I hope really that you finally understand what this is about...
finally, this is a fairly objective criterion that can be used to evaluate what you feel makes a "character" in regards COW. thanks for making it somewhat clearer.

looking back over the past few COWs, i've found a number of submissions taken to poll where the story focuses on an individual, or the story is about a creature that is inherently individual, not part of a species at all (about as far from the "species track" as possible):

COW76, Dungeon Cleaner: edujante, cotletan
COW77, Gluemaker: jfwalls, Carnifex
COW78, Heart Harvester: TomCardin, Akeley, Vorace, BlkCelebration
COW79, Lava Swimmer: njoo, ikuru, Ham-e, TomCardin
COW80, Winged Healer: hurricane, Cloister, Delmar, Spitch, xgabo, Einen, njoo
COW81, Living Trap: none! cool!
COW82, Arctic Undead: Splitch, VegasMike, prepsage, Tommoy, Kredepops, edujante, silver-sanity, MarkHerschberger, BlkCelebration, Staniero, SprayNation.
COW83, Cupid'sPet: character rule waived.

when so many submissions are taken to poll that fit this aspect of a "character," and in the absence of anything that says this is part of the "character" definition, how could anyone know (as you seem to think i did in COW82) that the way the story is told is part of the "rule?"

also, there have been a number of submissions that went to poll with no stories at all -- that tends to make it seem like the story is less important than you now are saying.

when rules aren't clear, only examples can be used to make a decision, and i found many examples in only a small number of the 84 COWs that do what the Randolph story does.

but it's been clarified now. hopefully this aspect of the character rule will be applied consistently.

addendum: i assume that if my story had been:
"This is a reinder that got turned into a zombie and now eats Santa's elves."
that it would not have violated the character rule. i did "spice it up with small funny personal details" (relationship to Rudolph, POV of the story) but i guess it was just too funny or something.

[sve]

Thank you for listening and answering and analyzing ... I don't care too as far as good art will be created, but people need to have all information that is there to prepare a proper picture :). I wouldn't disregard ambitious nature of some artists too... it is a very strong motivation to grow and produce better art. I know you will shrug your furry shoulders on this motivation... but it is a fact...people progress in their skills from all kind of reasons, better to use this to attract more participants to the activity ;).
Why are you not wearing beautiful blue eye buttons I chose for you with such love and considering the hue of your fur to match... Ohhh, you didn't like them :(...it's spring, time for grooming :).

[Fozzybar]

addendum: i assume that if my story had been:
"This is a reinder that got turned into a zombie and now eats Santa's elves."
that it would not have violated the character rule. i did "spice it up with small funny personal details" (relationship to Rudolph, POV of the story) but i guess it was just too funny or something.No, i still wouldn't take it to the poll, since your concept would base on an individuals fate and not describing a species. :yawn:



sve
The eyes are not the problem, the eyebrows are :perv:

[sve]

well it is a proper thread for complains and crits.. so I'm not happy with color of your eyes... Those are not my buttons...would it kill you to change the color?

[masque]

No, i still wouldn't take it to the poll, since your concept would base on an individuals fate and not describing a species. helpful. this clarifies the rules even more, prohibiting submissions which are not members of a species.

[bluefooted]

Hey Fozzy!

I just wanted to say thanks so much for taking the time to run COW! I've really enjoyed participating and the sense of community here is the best part of the forums. A lot of that is due to you being there every week (with few exceptions ;)) to put up the polls and topics and yell at us.

So, cheers!

[ATAnderson]

I agree with bluefooted, plus if Foz turned around and said he'd had enough, COW just wouldn't happen, or at least not in the way it does just now. I really stuggle with creature design and this is a great way for me to improve. As Foz makes clear, he doesn't have a huge amount of time, but still has to spend a lot of it justifying things, it is after all just an activity.

Thanks man, Adam.

[Fozzybar]

bluefooted, ATAnderson
thanks people...i just want to have a nice platform for creature lovers like you and me, nothing else...fun and creativity within given guidelines, what could a conceptartist want more? ;)

masque
seems that the fog of confusion is vanishing ;)

[PixelVillain]

Can anyone help me out with posting an image in Chow?
The FAQ link isn't working and when I just posted a link to my image it got lost in the chat.

Thanks guys

[KLEVR]

What's a wip? I've been scanning a couple of threads for an explanation and having trouble finding it so if anyone could just quickly explain that would be Super.

[infinitemonkey]

WIP = Work In Progress

There are a few related terms I've encountered, mostly in the publishing world but who knows they may apply to illustration work too:

WIS = Work In Submission (you've sent it to your editor or publisher, awaiting feedback)
WIR = Work In Revision (you've received feedback and are modifying)

[infinitemonkey]

I have about 3 weeks off between semesters, which makes this the first time since I joined I actually have the time and inclination to participate in COW. I really wanted to give Silver Tooth a shot but had to prepare for finals instead. I came to Korea figuring I'd have all this free time after classes, but it didn't turn out that way. So where's the poll??? I want to get started on the next one! :bashful:

[infinitemonkey]

Alright, where the f*** is the poll?

[Michael Jaecks]

Fozz, is you all right?

Sorry if I sound like a mother hen. Late polls are cool, but when we havent seen you for a couple of days I start to worry/wonder.

I'm sure all is well, just busy. Looking forward to your return. :)

[Cloister]

:rolleyes: .....

[Moai]

I think we're all jonesing for a new topic, fozzywozzy.

[Miss A]

y'know
reading about that, Moai, it almost makes us all sound like we're addicted
...like
maybe Fozzy is a pimp? we need our weekly dose of drugs. I'm getting the shakes!

[Charanty]

Why can't we ask other moderator to make a poll?
PS
What? Noone knows Fozzybear's e-mail?

[Michael Jaecks]

Does anyone who is in direct contact with the Fozz-machine on a regular basis have any insights?

I'm not so worried about the poll, I'm more concerned with the muppet. I hope he's all right.

[Sangmort]

I think I've checked the site at least 3 times every day since sunday...

addictions are hard to stop :x~

[yoitisi]

Yep I hope everything's allright with you Fozzy, it's been a bit quiet here...

[Joey-b]

ow man, im an addict as well

i even entered CHOW and EOW, just because i need COW..

thats bad right? .. on the other hand.. i did draw more than ussual..

nvm..

fozzy where art thou?>

[Thalion]

Hey?
Where is Fozzy? I hope he is all right?

[Dark Musashi]

I'm getting worried too. Does anyone know if he's all right?

[Fozzybar]

hey, guys thanx for your worries :) Makes me feel not being a threadstarter only for you :D

As i came back from the trip i had a few things to manage for the new flat and also a nice bunch of work cumulated (?) while i was away...so i had to look after this things first...but now it's time to insert the COW injection again to the addicted junkies, so the comforting warmth can fill your emaciated artisty brains...


:zzz: :inject:.......... :drool:.............. :xpld:

[Michael Jaecks]

Oh Fozz, you're not just a threadstarter ... you're more like our drug dealer. You have much more power over us than is safe to admit.

Imagine if Fozz was like a bartender and started cutting us off when we got too drunk.

"No more COW for you, youngster! Go home and sleep it off and come back tomorrow."

Well it's good to know you were the good kind of "too busy" and not the bad kind. Welcome back.

[Joey-b]

hurray fozzy is saved hehe, well good to hear twas nothing

and as for being a .. well MJ said it hehe :)

[Dark Musashi]

Whee!
We were in such an agony without the poll, yanno. :bashful:

[Fozzybar]

you know....i am really worrying about you and your minds now...maybe i am doing something totally wrong with this COW shit...:perv:

[Sangmort]

Pot/COW doesn't kill, it only makes you stupid. :D~

[ikuru]

"Where the f*** is the Poll?" -Hey sorry, sorry, Im just quoting the headline... and while Im at it here's another quote: "Where the f*** is the Poll?"

[Fozzybar]

will be up today or tomorrow...really :)

[ikuru]

no worrys man.

[Keenir]

does anyone know when C.O.W. #99 will begin?

I'm just wondering, as I don't have any ideas for #98.

thank you.

[Sangmort]

A. When COW 98 ends.

B. When the Foz has time to set up the poll & new thread.

C. All of the above


:D

[Keenir]

A. When COW 98 ends.

I heard it was ending on the 13th.

...hence my question.

B. When the Foz has time to set up the poll & new thread.

that goes without saying.

C. All of the above

no need to be facetious (or sarcastic)

:D


:)

[Sangmort]

I wasn't being sarcastic. :) I was answering your question in the most blunt way possible. ;)~

[Keenir]

I wasn't being sarcastic. :) I was answering your question in the most blunt way possible. ;)~

ah. my apologies.

to Fozzy.

[Lenorekitty]

Im wondering if I might have submitted my entry wrong or something for the COW #98 my entry is the only one in link form and I need to know what I can do to make it appear as everyone elses???

[Sangmort]

Im wondering if I might have submitted my entry wrong or something for the COW #98 my entry is the only one in link form and I need to know what I can do to make it appear as everyone elses???

It might just be a technical err. You can try pming Foz about this if he asn't taken care of it already :)

[Fozzybar]

he has ;)

[Overdose]

im not very handy with a pencil and a sketchbook, but i do use 3d graphics software to create stuff. would it be alright if i submitted something i made in that?

[Fozzybar]

No 3D allowed.

[Jake Kobrin]

Well... what's next?

[ZebraHDH]

Feel better foz.

Maybe we could get a hint for the next topic?

Like... What letter does it start with?

For god sakes today I sketched a circle that looked more like a square. I need direction!

[Lalilulelo]

Yeah, when's the next CoW coming up? come on!!!
*nag nag nag*

[Nexus]

Fozz will get to it when he's ready. In all likelihood he's still feeling sick and still having to work at his real job. When you're sick you have energy just enough for the necessities. I imagine he's barely got enough juice to finish up the things he gets paid for much less something he does on the side. Get better Fozz my man. Besides, everyone, if you're looking for a C.O.W. to do.....there are 108. Do one of the ones that you have missed. I'm making it a personal goal to do a design for every single one....all of them...all 108.

[ZebraHDH]

Fozz will get to it when he's ready. ....I'm making it a personal goal to do a design for every single one....all of them...all 108.
Hey Nexus!
I see you are Foz's 'knight in shining' coming to stick up for him. I think we all understand from the previous thread that he is sick, and overworked right now. I'm guess it didn't come through when I started my post by saying "feel better".

I was in the mood to complain, luckily I found this thread. Being that it is devoted to discussion/complaining/trashtalk, I figured I would make a joke about how I am anxious to get a *new* topic. Wasn't very funny, I know.

I like how you are doing previous topics. Sounds neato. Do you have a place where you are posting them all. I wouldn't mind taking a look at them as you finish. In my lurker days before registering, I would sketch ideas for each topic, but mostly on the back of mail and flyers so i never saved any. I wish I saved some of them. It would be nice to look at.

I've been checking in with cow since either 23 or 24... not sure, maybe it was already at poll, so even 25. Personally, I'm not interested in doing old topics. Firstly for me, its the non-choice in what I am drawing that makes it a challenge. Being able to pick an old topic, takes that away. It's very easy to say, I don't want to do #47, I would rather do #66. In that case why bother do a cow, I should just draw anything I want. The second thing is deadline. Having a short amount of time to do something under a specific guideline makes it like a job. If I am going to concieve, design, and complete, I need to put time aside to do so. Obviously, I'm not doing that if I am doing old topics at my leisure.

However, I do appreciate you trying to help. Its good advice to someone who can use it. And anyone that didn't know why there was no new cow up, now knows foz is sick and busy. So thats good. :yayca:


Now where the fozzing heck is the new fozzing topic, for fozzing out loud!?!:wtf:

[Nexus]

Well, the couple people who posted weren't around for the last round and so they might not have seen his post bout being sick. I saw your post and figured it was implied that I wasnt talking to people who were informed. All in all it was a cautionary reminder that he does have a life outside of C.O.W. and I've seen people get pretty impatient.

So no, I'm not his knight in shining armor as he's a grown man and can defend himself. As far as the 108 challenge goes, I did make a sketchbook thread titled The Menagerie and posted my comet rider entry in there. I'll have more sketches later on but my computer has been having issues restarting so I'm attending to that first. I love and hate computers at the same time. Looking forward to seeing everyone's A game at the next C.O.W.....you'll need it.

[Azathoth]

Get well soon Fozzy. I may be a small potato but I appreciate all the extra curricular hard work that you put into COW. A humble thanks.
:vodkamachine:

[Lalilulelo]

Besides, everyone, if you're looking for a C.O.W. to do.....there are 108. Do one of the ones that you have missed. I'm making it a personal goal to do a design for every single one....all of them...all 108.

You and your sensibility! Bah! >:{ :frustrated:

[Nexus]

Man, I sure hope Fozz is ok. Haven't heard anything from him for over a week now.

[Michael Jaecks]

Yah, I agree with Nexus, this hiatus is longer than usual.

Fozz: it's been scientifically proven that sending out psychic waves of internet love cures all manner of illness... so consider the waves sent!

:lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge:

[Lege1]

Fozz: I agree with Michael Jaecks and hope you get through whatever it is you're going through so we can all get tamed out by the COW.

-=Lege

[Sangmort]

We'll be here for you when your return Fozz! :yayca: ~

[Lalilulelo]

Hope he's doing alright/gets better soon. Everyone seems to be sick lately. Sucks :(

[ZebraHDH]

Hope he's doing alright/gets better soon. Everyone seems to be sick lately. Sucks :(

It really does. I was sick all last week with the worst sore throat of my life. I'm still not right.


Does anyone feel like doing an interim COW in the main Community Activities (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=74) area?

[Michael Jaecks]

Yah, I think I'm at the point of asking if anyone out there has had any contact with Fozzy? Is everything okay?

As for an interim COW... sure, why not.

[misledtomisery]

i think a "cow for now" would help keep people in a groove. maybe even get my lazy ass in a cow this year...

[Arteater]

I was taking a look at the thread with all the cow winners, man there is some good stuff in that tread. I think I will try some old cows until a new one pops up.
Get well soon Foz.

[ZebraHDH]

I started an Interim C.O.W. Thread in the main community activities area.

Maybe now that I did it, Fozzy will return making my efforts futile. But that would be great because it's a lot of work to do it. Hoping you get back soon Foz.
Anyway, the topic is Has Six... (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118255)

Hopefully, some of you will show your faces.

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118255

[Moai]

Fozzy Wozzy Fozzington Fozzenheim Fozzworth Fozzwell Fozzenberger Fozzerfeller FitzFozzy del Fozzino, come back to us! We love you!

[Thalion]

Hey:)
I've some information about Fozzy:

Probalby, he will return on Monday. Fozz was sick and now he have to work hard. (JakkaS was talking with him.)

"Patient must you be!" (Master Yoda)
;)

cheers!:)

[ZebraHDH]

Hey:)
I've some information..

Super! Thanks for the info!

Foz- When you do return, there is an interim c.o.w. set up in the community activities forum, link is a few posts up. It is set to end on wednesday(20th). If you want to make this topic "Has Six..." COW#109, thats fine with me. If not, thats also fine, I will just end it as planned and do a poll, thus, completing interim cow until the next time it is needed.

[Fozzybar]

Yah, I agree with Nexus, this hiatus is longer than usual.

Fozz: it's been scientifically proven that sending out psychic waves of internet love cures all manner of illness... so consider the waves sent!

:lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge: :lounge:


OMG!!! It worked! :perv:

Thanks for all the kind words guys...i am better since a week but had to catch up a lot of work, which was waiting for me...COW is continuing now as usual ;)

And thanks to ZebraHDH for the inofficial COW round ;) This saved my life from being raped by the masses :D ;)

[ZebraHDH]

This saved my life from being raped by the masses :D ;)

Ah yes... It wasn't the first time I have saved someone from such a fate... and perhaps not the last.

Good to have you back :asskisser:

[ZebraHDH]

Foz, what ever happened to MikeVegas' Tutorial for the Glacier Terror?

edit: sorry for posting twice in a row. I know some forums are touchy about that.

[Fozzybar]

I dunno...was he doing one?

[Sir Bret]

Why, I would like a star or two. Though I don't think that's so possible. I'll settle with levelling up maybe. That would be nice. Quick question for COW: Will you kick me out if I post Ronnie Corbett/Joe Pasquale combination creature as well as my other? Because they're both entirely new species, and Joe certainly makes that noise! :tihi:

[Tipa]

Why the poll isn't like the CHOW's?
It's just too hard to pick just one :(

[Fozzybar]

Multiple vote is for sissies :perv:

[Tipa]

=O

Hm, since I'm a girl, I don't mind to be a sissy,
Please make it multiple =D
XD

[Arteater]

Foz: Did I miss something? Its like a ghost town around the creature thread. Where is everyone?

[DefiledVisions]

Something big's happening today! wait and see :)

[UCT]

something so big is happening that the molecules of the internet have shrunk it to nothing.

[DefiledVisions]

in other words, its humongous

[Fozzybar]

Hang on people...today or within the next 3 days there will be an announcement...

[Nexus]

An announcement....that sounds ominous. I wonder what you're cooking up Fozz, it must be something pretty cool.

[Fozzybar]

It's not me, it's more...go here for more details:

http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=125585

[Adele]

is it like a mega combined challenge between all the challenges??? if so, thats huge and im not sure if im ready for that?! :D

[Fozzybar]

It is huge and everyone should be ready for that :perv:

[UCT]

EDIT - excited.