I love the idea... I'm really new to this and I think doing contests would be a great way to learn new things, and sometimes I wan't to model something to get some practice, and I just can't think of what to do...

Well, I'm open to paying for a few prizes. Any ideas on what contest you guys would like to do?

These Ideas are really good. We have to remember some of the people on here are experienced 3d max artists who would walk away with any prize, simply because of their superior knowledge. I believe we should have an "original ideas" category where even beginners can show us something beautiful. Maybe a stills section and an animation section. The emphasis would not be on "how low the polygon count is" or "how real does it look". rather focus on originality and concept.

It would definitely open up the playing field to all levels of ability and give the beginner with an original idea as much chance to win as someone with 10 years experience.

I like that thinking, GM. You're right, of course.

We will need to structure contests so that a newcomer to Max and a veteran poly slinger have the same advantages (or none).

Historically, newcomers pop onto the site, grab some models and get back to Max. I did, so I understand this. We need to create a contest that grabs their attention when the register, but it needs to be interesting enough AND non-intimidating that they would take a moment away from their project to get involved. Let's work on some specific ideas, shall we?

Hi Dave,

Where I come from the definition of a polly slinger is someone who throws parrots.

What I am wondering however, is how you are going to define the parametres of the competition.

I think the competition would be cool if you used it to teach different parts of max. Each competition could use maybe one or two tools to create something. This would create debate and after many competitions you may use tools that you have never used before.

Here is an example. Create an interesting picture using only polys and the bend modifier.

Next competition could be using another tool.

Only the other day I was looking down the long list of modifiers wondering what a lot of them do you see.

Asimov

Hey that's a pretty good idea using the modifiers to drive it! Let's think about that.

And, after all this talk, do we have a contest or not?

Personally, I've been waiting for a long time for a MR's contest, I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER! :p

See you soon.

Hi dr_ocadiz,

Quote:

I don't think the problem is the competition, I think the problem is that a lot of us are tied up to our separate projects. Dave is probably very busy with his game. I have got 2 or 3 projects going at the same time, oh and plus work. I am sure we are all quite busy.

Mind you if a competition was set I would do my best to have a go.

I do think that creative people are always doing something however.

Did any of this post make sense??

Asimov

hey!
I think Asimov's idea of using a specific modifier or number of specific modifiers is great!

And I'd like to include a little bit different branch of the same idea
something like " you can use any 3 modifiers(as many times as you like) and build a specific object using only one standard geometry"

or perhaps to make a scene or an object (theme given) without a specific modifier!

Asimov,
that post makes perfect sense!
What it made sense to me is, whether there is a competition or not we won't leave 3Ds Max alone even for a single day!

Amen, Sasha, Amen