FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Voting
Do I have to be a member to vote?
How many batches can I vote on?
Do I have to vote on every batch?
Why isn't the voting here screened?
What's the proper way to comment with my votes?
Why do I have to give a reason for my choices?
Does my reason have to be long/elaborate?
Can I vote in the Header contest as well?
Submitting Batches
Do I have to be a member to submit my icons for judging?
What do I have to do to gain posting access?
Where is the application?
What's an icon batch, anyway?
Can I submit more than one batch?
Am I allowed to submit icons I've entered in other icontests?
Can I submit animated icons?
Can I submit someone else's icons?
Can I invite my friends to come and vote on my icons?
What's the proper way to submit an icon batch?
How do I make the table for my icon batch?
When do I receive my ribbons?
Do I have to display my ribbons on my LiveJournal?
Will my 1st place icon be displayed on the side of the community's front page?
Monthly Header Contest
When does voting begin, and when is the winning batch decided?
If I submit a batch for regular judging, do I have to participate in the header contest?
Besides competing against other icon makers, how does the header contest differ from regular judging?
How many batches are entered?
Who decides which batches compete?
How long will the header be used?
Does the winning icon maker receive the usual ribbon, or do they receive a banner?
Voting
Do I have to be a member to vote?
No, joining the community is not a prerequisite for voting. The only thing we ask is that you read the Voter's Rules before posting a comment. It is a good idea to friend Pick My Best, however, so that you'll know when knew batches are submitted that you may like to vote on.
∆TOP
How many batches can I vote on?
You can vote on as many batches as you like.
∆TOP
Do I have to vote on every batch?
No. Vote on as many or as few as you wish to.
∆TOP
Why isn't the voting here screened?
So that the Icon Maker can see the votes for themselves, and read all the reasons given for a particular choice. If it were only the Mods who could read the comments, there would be little point to this community.
∆TOP
What's the proper way to comment with my votes?
5th Pick: #7
I like how you used so much white space with the smaller, vivid image.
4th Pick: #38
The text placement is phenomenal.
3rd Pick: #22
Your composition is so unique, and I love how you used several different textures.
2nd Pick: #47
The lighting on this icon is fantastic, I really like how it makes her skin glow.
1st Pick: #12
Your use of color in this icon is amazing. It immediately drew my eye!
Copy the code for quick pasting into comments:
5th Pick: #00 Reason. 4th Pick: #00 Reason. 3rd Pick: #00 Reason. 2nd Pick: #00 Reason. 1st Pick: #00 Reason.
∆TOP
Why do I have to give a reason for my choices?
The more specific a comment about a particular icon, the more an icon maker will understand what their audience appreciates. A majority comments for icons aren't much more than, "I love it, thanks!" which doesn't really tell the icon maker anything. With a specific reason (or reasons), they might be more inclined to make more in that style, so it benefits you as much as the maker to leave more specific comments.
∆TOP
Does my reason have to be long/elaborate?
No, although that would be really lovely of you, no one is looking for a poem singing their icon's praises. A simple remark about why you like the icon your picking is plenty good enough.
∆TOP
Can I vote in the Header contest as well?
You certainly can!
∆TOP
Submitting Batches
Do I have to be a member to submit my icons for judging?
Yes. To make certain everything posted in the community has to do with icons, you'll have to join the community as a member and fill out a small application. Then you'll get posting access and can start submitting batches of icons.
∆TOP
What do I have to do to gain posting access?
First, join the community. After you've done that, read the Maker's Rules and then follow the link to the application. Answer the questions. Provided everything is satisfactory, one of the Mods will grant you posting access.
∆TOP
Where is the application?
There is a link to it on the rules page.
∆TOP
What's an icon batch, anyway?
An icon batch is basically a posting of several icons. In the case of this community, it is no fewer than 25 and no more than 50.
∆TOP
Can I submit more than one batch?
You can submit one batch per round. However, once you've submitted an icon in one batch, that icon cannot be submitted again in another batch--ever.
∆TOP
Am I allowed to submit icons I've entered in other icontests?
So long as the round you submitted the icon in is over, go ahead and enter it here.
∆TOP
Can I submit animated icons?
Animated icons are allowed.
∆TOP
Can I submit someone else's icons?
You may post a batch of icons by another icon maker, so long as the icon maker is aware you are posting their work in this community, has given you permission (a link to a comment/post with such permission must be included), you make it absolutely clear the icons in the batch are not your creation, and you host the icons on your own server (NO HOTLINKING). Also, do not mix your own icons in with a batch of someone else's, or we'll consider that a violation of the rule against claiming someone else's work as your own.
Can I invite my friends to come and vote on my icons?
Because you're not competing against other icon makers, asking your friends to come and vote for your icons is perfectly fine.
∆TOP
What's the proper way to submit an icon batch?
Subject: Round 1 - Batch of 50
Header Contest: Yes/No
[Icon Preview] [Icon Preview]
[Icon Preview] [Icon Preview]
(Pick My Best) <--- LJ-Cut
----ICONS----
∆TOP
How do I make the table for my icon batch?
Here's the code. Remember to replace
http://yourdomain.com/icon.jpg" border="0"> with the URL of your icon.
You can also try out 77words' Icon Table Generator. Control colors and easy pasting of icon addy.
∆TOP
When do I receive my ribbons?
We give every batch a week for votes after submissions close, and then the ribbons are handed out.
∆TOP
What happens if there's a tie?
A Mod will make the deciding vote.
∆TOP
Do I have to display my ribbons on my LiveJournal?
No, although it's appreciated. Especially when there's a link to go with it. However, we don't require it.
∆TOP
Will my 1st place icon be displayed on the side of the community's front page?
The Mods choose the icons to go up on the side, and since it involves messing about with the layout, they aren't constantly updating it. So the answer is it might or it might not.
∆TOP
Monthly Header Contest
When does voting begin, and when is the winning batch decided?
Voting begins during the last week of the month, runs for seven days, and then the votes are tallied. The winner is announced when the new header goes up, which is the day the voting closes or the day after.
∆TOP
If I submit a batch for regular judging, do I have to participate in the header contest?
No. Participation in the Header Contest is voluntary.
∆TOP
Besides competing against other icon makers, how does the header contest differ from regular judging?
The votes are all screened, and do not require any reasons from the voters. The award given is also different. And, of course, the winning batch is turned into the community's Header.
∆TOP
How many batches are entered?
Ten batches.
∆TOP
Who decides which batches compete?
The community moderators unmasked_icons, crazydiamond_, sanami276, silaquiholimion, and brighty11 pick the ten batches.
∆TOP
How long will the header be used?
Until the next month's winner is announced.
∆TOP
Does the winning icon maker receive the usual ribbon, or do they receive a banner?
They receive a special version of the Header to display in their LJ (if they want to).
∆TOP
If you still have questions, feel free to ask.
Voting
Do I have to be a member to vote?
How many batches can I vote on?
Do I have to vote on every batch?
Why isn't the voting here screened?
What's the proper way to comment with my votes?
Why do I have to give a reason for my choices?
Does my reason have to be long/elaborate?
Can I vote in the Header contest as well?
Submitting Batches
Do I have to be a member to submit my icons for judging?
What do I have to do to gain posting access?
Where is the application?
What's an icon batch, anyway?
Can I submit more than one batch?
Am I allowed to submit icons I've entered in other icontests?
Can I submit animated icons?
Can I submit someone else's icons?
Can I invite my friends to come and vote on my icons?
What's the proper way to submit an icon batch?
How do I make the table for my icon batch?
When do I receive my ribbons?
Do I have to display my ribbons on my LiveJournal?
Will my 1st place icon be displayed on the side of the community's front page?
Monthly Header Contest
When does voting begin, and when is the winning batch decided?
If I submit a batch for regular judging, do I have to participate in the header contest?
Besides competing against other icon makers, how does the header contest differ from regular judging?
How many batches are entered?
Who decides which batches compete?
How long will the header be used?
Does the winning icon maker receive the usual ribbon, or do they receive a banner?
Voting
Do I have to be a member to vote?
No, joining the community is not a prerequisite for voting. The only thing we ask is that you read the Voter's Rules before posting a comment. It is a good idea to friend Pick My Best, however, so that you'll know when knew batches are submitted that you may like to vote on.
∆TOP
How many batches can I vote on?
You can vote on as many batches as you like.
∆TOP
Do I have to vote on every batch?
No. Vote on as many or as few as you wish to.
∆TOP
Why isn't the voting here screened?
So that the Icon Maker can see the votes for themselves, and read all the reasons given for a particular choice. If it were only the Mods who could read the comments, there would be little point to this community.
∆TOP
What's the proper way to comment with my votes?
5th Pick: #7
I like how you used so much white space with the smaller, vivid image.
4th Pick: #38
The text placement is phenomenal.
3rd Pick: #22
Your composition is so unique, and I love how you used several different textures.
2nd Pick: #47
The lighting on this icon is fantastic, I really like how it makes her skin glow.
1st Pick: #12
Your use of color in this icon is amazing. It immediately drew my eye!
Copy the code for quick pasting into comments:
5th Pick: #00 Reason. 4th Pick: #00 Reason. 3rd Pick: #00 Reason. 2nd Pick: #00 Reason. 1st Pick: #00 Reason.
∆TOP
Why do I have to give a reason for my choices?
The more specific a comment about a particular icon, the more an icon maker will understand what their audience appreciates. A majority comments for icons aren't much more than, "I love it, thanks!" which doesn't really tell the icon maker anything. With a specific reason (or reasons), they might be more inclined to make more in that style, so it benefits you as much as the maker to leave more specific comments.
∆TOP
Does my reason have to be long/elaborate?
No, although that would be really lovely of you, no one is looking for a poem singing their icon's praises. A simple remark about why you like the icon your picking is plenty good enough.
∆TOP
Can I vote in the Header contest as well?
You certainly can!
∆TOP
Submitting Batches
Do I have to be a member to submit my icons for judging?
Yes. To make certain everything posted in the community has to do with icons, you'll have to join the community as a member and fill out a small application. Then you'll get posting access and can start submitting batches of icons.
∆TOP
What do I have to do to gain posting access?
First, join the community. After you've done that, read the Maker's Rules and then follow the link to the application. Answer the questions. Provided everything is satisfactory, one of the Mods will grant you posting access.
∆TOP
Where is the application?
There is a link to it on the rules page.
∆TOP
What's an icon batch, anyway?
An icon batch is basically a posting of several icons. In the case of this community, it is no fewer than 25 and no more than 50.
∆TOP
Can I submit more than one batch?
You can submit one batch per round. However, once you've submitted an icon in one batch, that icon cannot be submitted again in another batch--ever.
∆TOP
Am I allowed to submit icons I've entered in other icontests?
So long as the round you submitted the icon in is over, go ahead and enter it here.
∆TOP
Can I submit animated icons?
Animated icons are allowed.
∆TOP
Can I submit someone else's icons?
You may post a batch of icons by another icon maker, so long as the icon maker is aware you are posting their work in this community, has given you permission (a link to a comment/post with such permission must be included), you make it absolutely clear the icons in the batch are not your creation, and you host the icons on your own server (NO HOTLINKING). Also, do not mix your own icons in with a batch of someone else's, or we'll consider that a violation of the rule against claiming someone else's work as your own.
Can I invite my friends to come and vote on my icons?
Because you're not competing against other icon makers, asking your friends to come and vote for your icons is perfectly fine.
∆TOP
What's the proper way to submit an icon batch?
Subject: Round 1 - Batch of 50
Header Contest: Yes/No
[Icon Preview] [Icon Preview]
[Icon Preview] [Icon Preview]
(Pick My Best) <--- LJ-Cut
----ICONS----
∆TOP
How do I make the table for my icon batch?
Here's the code. Remember to replace
http://yourdomain.com/icon.jpg" border="0"> with the URL of your icon.
| [01] | [02] | [03] | [04] | [05] |
| [06] | [07] | [08] | [09] | [10] |
| [11] | [12] | [13] | [14] | [15] |
| [16] | [17] | [18] | [19] | [20] |
| [21] | [22] | [23] | [24] | [25] |
| [26] | [27] | [28] | [29] | [30] |
| [31] | [32] | [33] | [34] | [35] |
| [36] | [37] | [38] | [39] | [40] |
| [41] | [42] | [43] | [44] | [45] |
| [46] | [47] | [48] | [49] | [50] |
You can also try out 77words' Icon Table Generator. Control colors and easy pasting of icon addy.
∆TOP
When do I receive my ribbons?
We give every batch a week for votes after submissions close, and then the ribbons are handed out.
∆TOP
What happens if there's a tie?
A Mod will make the deciding vote.
∆TOP
Do I have to display my ribbons on my LiveJournal?
No, although it's appreciated. Especially when there's a link to go with it. However, we don't require it.
∆TOP
Will my 1st place icon be displayed on the side of the community's front page?
The Mods choose the icons to go up on the side, and since it involves messing about with the layout, they aren't constantly updating it. So the answer is it might or it might not.
∆TOP
Monthly Header Contest
When does voting begin, and when is the winning batch decided?
Voting begins during the last week of the month, runs for seven days, and then the votes are tallied. The winner is announced when the new header goes up, which is the day the voting closes or the day after.
∆TOP
If I submit a batch for regular judging, do I have to participate in the header contest?
No. Participation in the Header Contest is voluntary.
∆TOP
Besides competing against other icon makers, how does the header contest differ from regular judging?
The votes are all screened, and do not require any reasons from the voters. The award given is also different. And, of course, the winning batch is turned into the community's Header.
∆TOP
How many batches are entered?
Ten batches.
∆TOP
Who decides which batches compete?
The community moderators unmasked_icons, crazydiamond_, sanami276, silaquiholimion, and brighty11 pick the ten batches.
∆TOP
How long will the header be used?
Until the next month's winner is announced.
∆TOP
Does the winning icon maker receive the usual ribbon, or do they receive a banner?
They receive a special version of the Header to display in their LJ (if they want to).
∆TOP
If you still have questions, feel free to ask.