Beginner or not?

[123456789]

So, does this mean I can't compete in beginner contests anymore?
I still consider myself a beginner since I've only chopped a total of about 120 images since getting PS five months ago, and since my knowledge of the program is still very limited (despite doing as many tuts as I had time for - 20 or so,) just ask libra and burndog! I would miss the new beginner series contests since I've already learned a lot doing the first two. They just happened to be about things I could already do. The next one (on fine masking) is something I haven't done a lot of and would benefit greatly from the experience, but if I'm gonna' spend the (enormous amounts of) time on it, I would want it to count. If not, I may do it anyway, but just to post it in the critic's thread for some feedback. I am here to learn as much as possible and I think that these contests are perfect for me to do just that. I've tried not letting these past wins go to my head because I know that source pics and concept are probably the most important aspects of an entry's 'voteability' and that the technical aspect is (more or less) secondary. I've had luck finding pics, and have had (some) help with concept. Not being allowed to compete in the beginner contests puts me in a class of choppers to which I don't think I belong. I've also noticed that I would be the first to be 'promoted' due to three beginner wins. Although flattering, I don't feel I really deserve my graduation, but maybe it's time to swim with the big fish and learn in that way. I'm gonna miss the comments, and feel that I may enter less in hopes of 'picking my contests' wisely, but that wouldn't help me learn, would it? I've picked contests that go with my strengths but now I may have to pick them to go with my (many) weaknesses.
:blah:

[Dave]

Ya know, I got a feeling you were going to say something on your three beginner wins (congrats on achieving them so well). Although the rule was only introduced here recently now that there are almost enough entries to justify preventing the more skilled members from entering just to make up the numbers it is not uncommon practice on photoshop contest sites as far as I'm aware.

The initial draft of the rule was amended to exclude photographic and illustration wins from the ruling to encourage people to diversify.

Another member had the same problem, skilled in some areas but they contended not so well skilled in others.

So, what can I advise, practice the beginner contest skill sets, practice and practice and practice .... ask for critique by all means you know how freely all kinds of advice is given here.

Meanwhile go knock 'em dead in the intermediate and advanced contests ... stretch your abilities, you don't want to stay in the first grade with me do you? Heck I don't want to! :)

[libra]

It has been discussed before here http://www.pixeladdiction.com/bb/showthread.php?t=2233?do=markread

I dunno, I also feel like I am floundering at the moment 1-9... in fact I have never even won a beginner contest so you are 3 up on me.

Silky has said that she will include beginner concepts if we ask for the higher levels though.

[Silky]

1-9 and libra, I'm going to go ahead and give you both permission to compete in the beginner contests for now. We still don't have a lot of people competing in the contests, and neither of you have really won much in the other contest areas. What we were trying to do was keep those who've won repeatedly in the other contests from setting up residence in the beginner contests and not giving the true "beginners" an opportunity to participate there. But...while we still only have a few competitors there, I'm going to go ahead and let you both participate there if you'd like. So far we've had less than 10 entries in the beginner area, actually usually 5-8 is more common, and I think it'll be fine if you want to take advantage of the beginner contests that are geared toward certain aspects of Photoshop.

If there's anyone else who feels that they'd like to be able to compete in the beginner area for the purpose of learning and practicing the specific tasks that the contests are focusing on, just PM me and I'll check your contest stats and let you know if you "qualify" for the reprieve or not. :)

EDIT: Maybe one of the conditions on continuing to participate in the beginner area is that wins would not count towards placement in the HOF. Hmmmm...this deserves some serious thought. :)

[Dave]

Brilliant as ever Silky :)

[libra]

[QUOTE=Silky]1-9 and libra, I'm going to go ahead and give you both permission to compete in the beginner contests for now. We still don't have a lot of people competing in the contests, and neither of you have really won much in the other contest areas. What we were trying to do was keep those who've won repeatedly in the other contests from setting up residence in the beginner contests and not giving the true "beginners" an opportunity to participate there. But...while we still only have a few competitors there, I'm going to go ahead and let you both participate there if you'd like. So far we've had less than 10 entries in the beginner area, actually usually 5-8 is more common, and I think it'll be fine if you want to take advantage of the beginner contests that are geared toward certain aspects of Photoshop.

If there's anyone else who feels that they'd like to be able to compete in the beginner area for the purpose of learning and practicing the specific tasks that the contests are focusing on, just PM me and I'll check your contest stats and let you know if you "qualify" for the reprieve or not. :)

EDIT: Maybe one of the conditions on continuing to participate in the beginner area is that wins would not count towards placement in the HOF. Hmmmm...this deserves some serious thought. :)[/QUOTE]

Wow, just read this as I was rushing out to fetch my monsters so I have had some time to think about it. Thanks for the very kind offer Silky, but I doubt I will take you up on it. I mean I don't know how to select a monkey and make it blue, but that is a stage that I am missing in areas of my knowledge and it is my responsibility to learn as I go along. I will do a blue monkey one day in one of the other contests, because in all honesty my conscience would get the better of me if I tried it in competition with new Photoshop users, even if I have had 10 years of practice cloning out pimples on cover model's faces.

I do honestly think that the way that you were going before to allow the true beginners an opportunity is the best option. The level of participation in there is already very high and since the object is to get more people participating then I would rather the playing ground remained fair.

Yes, I am floundering, but I won't forever - gonna whip all your arses one day.... yes even you Jolt! :p

[123456789]

I would just like to say that I appreciate the 'exception' to the rules and I hope that my continuing in the beginner contests won't elicit feelings of preferential treatment for me in the other members. If this causes a problem, I'll bow down, but, as I said, these contests could really help me improve on my skills. Maybe I shouldn't compete in the regular beginner contests but perhaps only in this special learning series (which I think is the coolest kind of support the admins could ever lend to the less experienced members - BRAVO.)
:D :D :D
A big thank you Silky et al.

-edited-
libra posted just before me, and now I'm in a quandry. I won't try the next contest and will take the weekend off to think about this a little. I think libra has a point, even if I haven't spent the last ten years doing this.

[Chris49]

I'm glad you can compet 1-9, I've been runner up to you the last two times, and I'm looking for a bit of revenge ;)

[Dave]

Haha go get 'im Chris! :duel:

[Newby]

[QUOTE=chris49]I'm glad you can compet 1-9, I've been runner up to you the last two times, and I'm looking for a bit of revenge ;)[/QUOTE]

I'm smell a Cage Match in the near future for you two :D:D:D

[123456789]

Revenge, Chris? I dare you. C'mon ...the gloves are off now. Anytime, anyplace, any subject.
Just kidding, this last one was close and I've been getting pretty lucky lately. It's just a matter of time, 'cause your skills are there. I'm glad I can still compete, too. :)

As for a cage match, I don't know... Dave taught me a lesson last time, one I won't soon forget. :!!!: :aargh:

Speaking of cage matches, aren't you supposed to go up against D Rock, Dave?

[Dave]

[QUOTE=123456789]Speaking of cage matches, aren't you supposed to go up against D Rock, Dave?[/QUOTE]:shhh:I'm hoping he's forgotten, lightning doesn't strike twice you know! :)

[Chris49]

[QUOTE=123456789]Revenge, Chris? I dare you. C'mon ...the gloves are off now. Anytime, anyplace,[/QUOTE]

I would be two scared to fight, I think 1-9 is packing HEAT ;)

no but I think this is going to be a realy good set of entries and good luck.

[123456789]

I'll be back for the next one after the week-end, good luck on this one, Chris. Maybe you can win one in my absence. :neener:

:jk:

[libra]

[QUOTE=chris49]I would be two scared to fight, I think 1-9 is packing HEAT ;)

no but I think this is going to be a realy good set of entries and good luck.[/QUOTE]

I'm with you Chris, I think 1-9 is packing 'heat' too and I wouldn't be caught in an alley competing one-on-one with the man.... (why else would I turn down competing in a beginner contest :p)

[Chris49]

Outch!! I think your just turning the color of those smiles ;)
:kisses:

[123456789]

Yeller', am I?
:violin:
Nice try.
:2cool:

[libra]

You guys are talkin' American methinks because it might just be me, but I have no idea what the last 2 posts have been about... Please could someone interpret them for me. :.

[Chris49]

you really should try to compete, this is a really good contest. Even if you can't' get it in on time the practice is a true benefit

Being yellow means ( sacred) and yeller' is slang for yellow

[Dave]

[QUOTE=libra]You guys are talkin' American methinks because it might just be me, but I have no idea what the last 2 posts have been about... Please could someone interpret them for me. :.[/QUOTE]
They're psyching each other up with a bit of friendly name calling, I'm digging out the boxing gloves for them both (so when they do a chop I stand a chance of winning)

:)

[123456789]

Ok, it'll be in on time. You really don't want to win, do you?
-unpacks HEAT-
:spank:

[Chris49]

Here's your problem
:spank: <This is you
^This one's me

[123456789]

Well you'd better stop feeling my butt and start chopping if you hope to have a chance. ;)

[Chris49]

I'm almost done so i'll have plenty of time to.... ;)

[123456789]

I'm almost done...
Just finding a picture of Lenny Kravitz's drummer's hair does not mean almost done. ;)
Now if you'll excuse me, I haven't even found a pic yet (but I'm still gonna beat you - whether I win or not.) :D

[123456789]

Actually, Chris, I'm gonna' have to beat you some other time. I got a little carried away earlier and really don't think I'll have the time this week-end. I'll save my chopping for weekdays. Good luck anyways (you're gonna' need it - heheheh.)

[down2earth2]

[QUOTE=libra]Wow, just read this as I was rushing out to fetch my monsters[/QUOTE]
Wow! You have monsters! Kool.

[libra]

[QUOTE=down2earth2]Wow! You have monsters! Kool.[/QUOTE]

lol d2e2, nearly choked on my drink... yes I have 2, a 6 year old one and a 3 year old one. They aren't ugly though, they are their father's children....

That's the one..... http://www.pixeladdiction.com/Contest_entry.php?id=1611&cad=209&type=c

That's the arm of the other one.... http://www.pixeladdiction.com/Contest_entry.php?id=1444&cad=197&type=c