Organising the Artistic Requests section

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Organising the Artistic Requests section
Topic Started: Jun 17 2009, 03:57 AM (244 Views)
Gale	Jun 17 2009, 03:57 AM Post #1
<3 Posts: 1,776 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #3,090 Joined: October 23, 2007 Gender: Female Favorite System: PC Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Rush Current Mood: <3	Okay, first of all - sorry, this topic is a bit tl;dr. It's also probably quite poorly written. However, please bare with me and read to the end of my post. I hope it is not too difficult to understand. If you've read through the pinned GFX Army topic in the Information Kiosk, you might have noticed that we had a small discussion about the current state of the Artistic Requests section. Basically, we've determined it's poorly organised, and needs a lot of changes put in place to increase the efficiency of the board. Personally, I find the lack of an efficient system to be extremely offputting to both potential requesters and people capable of fulfilling requests. I would never post my own requests there due of the lack of organisation, and similarly, I rarely check the forum for any requests I might be able to do simply due to the fact that reasonable (and legible) request topics are few and far between. I would like to propose that we organise the section in a way similar to what you'd expect from a larger request forum: There would be a stickied topic containing a form and/or set of guidelines about how to post a request appropriately. It should detail the kind of requests that we will and will not do, and tell people how to ensure their request is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. If a request topic fails to follow the request specifications written in the sticky, the topic is locked by an Artistic Requests moderator (I would recommend the section having its own moderators) and the topic title is marked with the prefix [FAILED]. Once a request topic is completed (basically when it receives the approval of the person who originally made the request), a request moderator locks it and the topic title is marked with the prefix [COMPLETED]. Optionally, to distinguish request topics from "shops" (I'll go into detail on these in a moment) they could be marked with the prefix [REQUEST], or possibly different prefixes depending on the type of request - for example, [SPRITE], [ART], [GFX] or [OTHER]. I'm not sure if this prefix system would work - the section might benefit from the use of this code. Another point that was mentioned in the GFX Army topic is the question of what we should do with the "shop" topics (click here for an example of what I mean). Here is a list of some of the possibilities that spring to mind: We create a different subforum for artist shops. I would not recommend this course of action, but it has been written nonetheless. Shops are given the prefix [SHOP], or similar. Shops that offer a common service (such as drawing or sig making) are removed entirely. People who run such shops tend to neglect the topic after a while and get bombarded with people who request simply for the sake of requesting. If people wish to request a specific artist, they should PM said artist. Following up to that final point, it may be possible to create an "artist's directory" within the Artistic Requests section, consisting of a list of artists/graphics designers/spriters, whether or not they are currently accepting requests as well as examples of their work. So basically, please post your thoughts on the suggestions I have made and also post your own thoughts on how we could better organise the section.
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The Melancholy of Crusader (TUC)	Jun 17 2009, 04:15 AM Post #2
Okay, who gave the Pathifer an Evoker? Posts: 4,033 Group: =SB= Governors Member #6,733 Joined: March 17, 2008 Gender: Male Favorite System: Playstation 2 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Current Mood: For Lady Fury!	This concept seems sound, but I have my suspicions that it would fall apart after a while. Many artists nowadays don't feel compelled to keep up with requests and such, and I doubt that a fully-functioning system would do much to change that.
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Cy-Fox One	Jun 17 2009, 07:25 AM Post #3
Sandopolis Act 1 Posts: 2,017 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #3,975 Joined: November 29, 2007 Gender: Male Favorite System: Wii Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic 2 Xbox Live Gamertag: Amadeus2XM10 Wii Friend Code: 3248-5141-6324-4987	Yeah, unfortunately there's some lazy people out there, but we could give it a fair shot.



Neo Metallix	Jun 17 2009, 12:02 PM Post #4
~=Metal Overlord=~ Posts: 13,422 Group: =SB= Emperor Member #1 Joined: April 8, 2006 Gender: Male Favorite System: Playstation 3 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Adventure Playstation Network ID: Doc_Of_D	I like the idea and a fair shot sounds good.



Tseven	Jun 17 2009, 12:28 PM Post #5
Mushroom Hill Act 2 Posts: 538 Group: B-Rank Soldier Member #9,478 Joined: November 2, 2008 Gender: Male Favorite System: N64 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Adventure 2	I like the idea. I say go for it.
	"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"


CrimsonArcanine (Blaire)	Jun 17 2009, 01:47 PM Post #6
Time to show you my true power! Posts: 8,229 Group: RP Knights Member #9,640 Joined: January 9, 2009 Gender: Female Favorite System: Wii Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Unleashed Current Mood: Epic, what else? ;)	I too like the idea. I say we should give it a shot.
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Gale	Jun 17 2009, 01:49 PM Post #7
<3 Posts: 1,776 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #3,090 Joined: October 23, 2007 Gender: Female Favorite System: PC Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Rush Current Mood: <3	Okay, is anybody actually going to discuss anything I mentioned beyond the second paragraph...?
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Lil Avii	Jun 17 2009, 10:43 PM Post #8
Life Support... 39% Efficiency Posts: 528 Group: B-Rank Soldier Member #6,894 Joined: March 24, 2008 Gender: Female Favorite System: Xbox 360 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Adventure Current Mood: Optimistic	No. xD Anyhoo. I say, down with the shops and up with a directory. I also think the prefixes would be a smart idea, as well. ^^ Those two options should keep things simple. I don't think incorrect form should cause the topic to be locked, simply because the section would be cluttered with "redo" topics. Instead, just telling them to edit the wrongs and then self-bump their should be enough. Also, requesters should be made to label their own topics closed. Moderators doing so should be a back up option. Methinks ;D
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Gale	Jun 27 2009, 04:32 AM Post #9
<3 Posts: 1,776 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #3,090 Joined: October 23, 2007 Gender: Female Favorite System: PC Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Rush Current Mood: <3	Lil Avii Jun 17 2009, 10:43 PM I don't think incorrect form should cause the topic to be locked, simply because the section would be cluttered with "redo" topics. Instead, just telling them to edit the wrongs and then self-bump their should be enough. You have a point when it comes to the fact that members may be able to fix their request. Lil Avii Jun 17 2009, 10:43 PM Also, requesters should be made to label their own topics closed. Moderators doing so should be a back up option. Ahem: Quote: Once a request topic is completed (basically when it receives the approval of the person who originally made the request), a request moderator locks it and the topic title is marked with the prefix [COMPLETED].
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Gale	Jul 29 2009, 09:03 AM Post #10
<3 Posts: 1,776 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #3,090 Joined: October 23, 2007 Gender: Female Favorite System: PC Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Rush Current Mood: <3	Bump, since this was never really resolved.
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Neo Metallix	Jul 29 2009, 09:38 AM Post #11
~=Metal Overlord=~ Posts: 13,422 Group: =SB= Emperor Member #1 Joined: April 8, 2006 Gender: Male Favorite System: Playstation 3 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Adventure Playstation Network ID: Doc_Of_D	I will implement these things when i get internet back to my computer (on psp right now) if no one else does so first. Sorry it has taken so long, i kind of forgot about this.



BlizShadow	Jul 29 2009, 10:27 AM Post #12
whistle! click-click! Posts: 3,837 Group: =SB= Queens Member #6,722 Joined: March 16, 2008 Gender: Female Favorite System: N64 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Unleashed Current Mood: Chillin'	Indeed, I unfortunately forgot about this topic as well. Nevertheless, the entire plan seems sound and I even enjoy the prefix code (something that could probably be used in other places), although I have two things to note: 1) Would it further facilitate the GFX Army's activity to simply enlist you all as moderators of the board? I see no reason to create what would basically be another artistic-related group when we already have one. xP 2) On the subject of shops, I think we should keep them, but hold them to strict standards so as not to have a bunch of inactive ones lying around. They should specifically and clearly state what work they do, approximate time limits that they can complete each request, and be given the option to have short lists of people and halt requesting if it becomes overbearing. If they are able to hold to their word, then the shop stays open, and conversely if they are constantly slipping (without stating that they are leaving the forum, of course) then it's closed.
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Neo Metallix	Jul 29 2009, 10:31 AM Post #13
~=Metal Overlord=~ Posts: 13,422 Group: =SB= Emperor Member #1 Joined: April 8, 2006 Gender: Male Favorite System: Playstation 3 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Adventure Playstation Network ID: Doc_Of_D	Making them moderators of the board would work. Not global moderators, but just moderators of that specific forum.



CrimsonArcanine (Blaire)	Jul 30 2009, 04:55 PM Post #14
Time to show you my true power! Posts: 8,229 Group: RP Knights Member #9,640 Joined: January 9, 2009 Gender: Female Favorite System: Wii Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Unleashed Current Mood: Epic, what else? ;)	There would be a stickied topic containing a form and/or set of guidelines about how to post a request appropriately. It should detail the kind of requests that we will and will not do, and tell people how to ensure their request is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. I agree with this one. Some well-written rules (use of proper grammer, what they can and cannot request) would very well help with people getting request completed. If a request topic fails to follow the request specifications written in the sticky, the topic is locked by an Artistic Requests moderator (I would recommend the section having its own moderators) and the topic title is marked with the prefix [FAILED]. Now this one, I don't agree with. As Lil Avii pointed out, it would clutter the forum if people kept reposting topics because an unclear request topic had to be locked. I too think the mods should simply tell the orginal poster to fix their request and let them edit the topic as needed. Once a request topic is completed (basically when it receives the approval of the person who originally made the request), a request moderator locks it and the topic title is marked with the prefix [COMPLETED]. I fully approve of this idea. This could be used to prevent any possible spam after the request is complete. Optionally, to distinguish request topics from "shops" (I'll go into detail on these in a moment) they could be marked with the prefix [REQUEST], or possibly different prefixes depending on the type of request - for example, [SPRITE], [ART], [GFX] or [OTHER]. I'm not sure if this prefix system would work - the section might benefit from the use of this code. I also agree with this suggestion. The prefix idea sounds like a good idea.
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SuperShadowgal	Jul 30 2009, 06:26 PM Post #15
The Female Ultimate Life Form! Posts: 2,205 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #59 Joined: April 29, 2006 Gender: Female Favorite System: DS Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic 3 & Knuckles Current Mood: Obey Weegee	I am glad we are addressing the request forum. I have to agree, I wouldn't mind fulfilling requests, but it's hard to do anything when someone says "Can you sprite ____?" and that's all they ask. No desrciptions, nothing. Some of the requests are too vague, some of the "shops" don't show their own work or whatever. I think that it would be great to set up a guideline for posting request and have [Shop] [Req] [___] and what not to define what is what. I'm curious, instead of adding another team of mods for requests, what if part of the GFX Army's duty was to moderate requests? I know we had the discussion slightly... I'm really hesitant about the thought of adding more moderation teams/groups. I have no problem with people who want to make shops for drawing or signature making. Maybe something could be worked out. Possibly note the responsibilities and work involved in running a shop, if the topic goes dead or the member can't handle the work load then maybe the topic should be locked. I dunno, but I think common services like that should be an option, despite the fact these topics sometimes die. Edited by SuperShadowgal, Jul 30 2009, 06:26 PM.
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Gale	Jul 31 2009, 03:56 AM Post #16
<3 Posts: 1,776 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #3,090 Joined: October 23, 2007 Gender: Female Favorite System: PC Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Rush Current Mood: <3	Agent Blaire Jul 30 2009, 04:55 PM If a request topic fails to follow the request specifications written in the sticky, the topic is locked by an Artistic Requests moderator (I would recommend the section having its own moderators) and the topic title is marked with the prefix [FAILED]. Now this one, I don't agree with. As Lil Avii pointed out, it would clutter the forum if people kept reposting topics because an unclear request topic had to be locked. I too think the mods should simply tell the orginal poster to fix their request and let them edit the topic as needed. Of course, it would make it a lot harder for people to find valid requests, which defeats the whole point of reorganising the artistic requests section. In that case, requests that could potentially be reworked to be valid could have some other prefix such as [CAN] (in addition to the type of request such as [SPRITE], of course) meaning "Creator Attention Needed", and remain open for about twelve days before they are locked and marked as [FAILED] - giving the original creator plenty of time to fix it up? By the way, another thought: In order to enforce these new guidelines, should we just place the whole requests section under moderation, meaning that they need approval before they'll be posted up? Would this be helpful when it comes to reducing clutter or would it just irritate people? Should it be temporary (used only when guidelines are first introduced) or should it be permanent?
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CrimsonArcanine (Blaire)	Jul 31 2009, 08:38 AM Post #17
Time to show you my true power! Posts: 8,229 Group: RP Knights Member #9,640 Joined: January 9, 2009 Gender: Female Favorite System: Wii Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Unleashed Current Mood: Epic, what else? ;)	In that case, requests that could potentially be reworked to be valid could have some other prefix such as [CAN] (in addition to the type of request such as [SPRITE], of course) meaning "Creator Attention Needed", and remain open for about twelve days before they are locked and marked as [FAILED] - giving the original creator plenty of time to fix it up? This sounds like a good idea. After all, some people 'never learn,' so to speak, and this would make things less stressful on the mods. By the way, another thought: In order to enforce these new guidelines, should we just place the whole requests section under moderation, meaning that they need approval before they'll be posted up? Would this be helpful when it comes to reducing clutter or would it just irritate people? Should it be temporary (used only when guidelines are first introduced) or should it be permanent? I'm not sure how this would work. How would it be run?
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Gale	Jul 31 2009, 09:28 AM Post #18
<3 Posts: 1,776 Group: S-Rank Hero Member #3,090 Joined: October 23, 2007 Gender: Female Favorite System: PC Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Rush Current Mood: <3	Quote: By the way, another thought: In order to enforce these new guidelines, should we just place the whole requests section under moderation, meaning that they need approval before they'll be posted up? Would this be helpful when it comes to reducing clutter or would it just irritate people? Should it be temporary (used only when guidelines are first introduced) or should it be permanent? I'm not sure how this would work. How would it be run? Admin CP -> Forum Sections -> Museum of the Arts -> Artistic Requests -> Moderate forum: Moderate topics only In other words, putting a forum under moderation is an integrated feature of Zetaboards. It means that new topics would not appear in that section until approved by staff.
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CrimsonArcanine (Blaire)	Jul 31 2009, 09:33 AM Post #19
Time to show you my true power! Posts: 8,229 Group: RP Knights Member #9,640 Joined: January 9, 2009 Gender: Female Favorite System: Wii Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Unleashed Current Mood: Epic, what else? ;)	Thanks for the clarification.
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Neo Metallix	Aug 3 2009, 07:14 PM Post #20
~=Metal Overlord=~ Posts: 13,422 Group: =SB= Emperor Member #1 Joined: April 8, 2006 Gender: Male Favorite System: Playstation 3 Favorite Sonic Game: Sonic Adventure Playstation Network ID: Doc_Of_D	Ok I set up these rules on the artistic requests forum. The rules are displayed at the top for everyone to see.



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