COMPETING

Before you compete, it would make it a bit easier to lurk for a while (see more on Lurking later)

Info on Headshots, Assignments, Lurkers and more!

How do I join?

By submitting the things required. These things are different for every comp, but usually you send in a:

• Heashot
  
• Bodyshot
  
• Username
  
• Model's Name

But what if I don't have those things at the moment?
Then post saying 'Reserve'. This will alert the host that you want to join, but will get things in in a moment. They will 'Reserve' you a spot, like if there's only one left. Now go and get the things that they need.

What is a Headshot?
A Headshot is a picture of your model's head. Usually the ask for the Headshot to be on white, or a contrasting color.

BAD HEADSHOT

The lighting isn't good, the background isn't pure white, and we can't see the model's face.

GOOD HEADSHOT

Ah! Much better, isn't it? The background is pure white, the lighting is good and you can see the model clearly.
(see more on this later)


And so what's a Bodyshot?

Pretty much the same exact thing. Sometimes a Bodyshot will be waist up, or sometimes it's fullbody. If it is fullbody, make sure that no part of the sim's body is touching the edges.

What are Assignments, Cycles and Entries?

Assignments are the theme for that round. Sometimes Assignments have special requirements, like a border or two pictures or something like that. Read about the Assignment carefully.

Entries are the pictures that are submitted. Your photo is an Entry.

How do I submit my Entry?
It's different for every comp, but normally you just post the image directly onto the forums. Sometimes you send them via personal message (or PM) to whomever is hosting the comp.

When you submit, to make it easier, post it like this:

Code:

Username: Model's Name: Assignment Number: (photo) (description)

Do I need a Description?
Again, it's different for each comp but usually it's optional. Don't let it ramble on and use proper spelling and grammar.

Cycles are like seasons to a TV show. Sometimes comps have more than 1 cycle, and that is start the whole comp over again for a second (or third, or fourth or fifth) time.
Cycle 2 means that that comp has already been finished once, and now it's back again!

I need more time!
Then just ask for an Extension. Extensions are given to people who need them (going out of town, need more time, etc.) Usually extensions are two or three days and they just extend the due date, and give you extra days to get the entry done.

I've submitted my entry, now what?
Wait. Once you submit your entry, all you can do is wait until scores come out.

What are Drops, No Shows and Lurkers?

Drops are people that dropped out. If you can't finish an assignment for any reason, or you have to leave the comp, then let the host know.
Please don't join a comp if you know that you won't be able to finish it. Drop outs are very disappointing to a host, and so only drop if you cannot do it for whatever reason.

No Shows are pretty much the same thing, except they didn't let the host know. They just didn't show up. Sometimes you can't show up (and can't tell them that you can't show up) because you lost internet access or something like that. While disappointing, this is understandable. However just not showing up isn't very nice. You could at least tell them that you won't be continuing.

But what if I REALLY want to do a comp, but I'm going on vacation in a few days and so I'll just have to drop?
Oh well, there's always next cycle. You can always lurk or piggyback.

Lurkers are people that aren't competing in the comp, but check in often because they're interested. It's fine to watch a comp that you're not in (and don't be afraid to comment on it!) It's not weird and it's actually encouraged.

Piggybacking is basically doing an assignment in a comp that you are not in. If something interests you you can just do it, but you won't get judged.
You can even post it on the comp, although don't ask to be judged.

I've gotten scores. Now what?
Well, it's either good, bad or in between.

If you win, then great job! Your scores are above everyone else's!

If you're in the middle, then that's normal. Not the best, but not the worst.

If you're on the bottom, then the judges didn't really like it. If you're last place, then you might be eliminated.

No matter where you place, be sure to read your comments carefully. Good judges will tell you exactly what you did right and wrong, and they'll give you suggestions and tips for next time.
Also, be kind about your scores. Don't argue and put up a fight or make fun of somebody because of their scores. You won't be taken seriously and you'll hurt somebody's feelings.
However, you can explain some things.
Once I thought that somebody had a glitchy pose and so I dropped a quality point, but later she said that it was a tattoo; not a glitch.
Or you could say, "Well, I wanted to use a different background but it didn't work." that's perfectly fine.

Disqualifications and Eliminations

Sometimes you'll be Disqualified for not following the rules. Maybe it's a non-editing comp or you copied an idea, but it happens.

If you're on the very bottom of the scores, you might be eliminated. You may not be eliminated for some reasons. The most popular reasons are:

• Sometimes there won't be an elimination if people have dropped or not shown up.
  
• Often times the first (and sometimes second) assignments are non-elimination.
  
• Maybe the entire comp won't be elimination, like a Points comp (more later)

If you're disqualified or eliminated, feel free to piggyback or lurk.

Things That may Come Up

I'm going out of town. What do I do?
Just let the host know. Tell them you'll need and extension. No biggie.

I won't be able to compete any more.
Aw, too bad. Tell them you're dropping, don't just not show up.

I don't want to compete anymore
Well, too bad! You signed up!
You can either stick with it, or drop. Your choice.

I feel bad about my scores
I'm sorry you feel that way. You can try talking to the judges about it, or if you feel like they're being unfair, then maybe send the host an email telling them.

(feel free to add questions to the list)

JUDGING

Before you judge, be sure to compete a bit. Then you'll know what it's like to be on the other side of judging.


Info on Applying, Scoring, being fair and more!

How do I apply as a judge?
Applying as a judge is very similar to joining as a competitor. The things they most commonly ask for (although it changes for every comp):

• Headshot or Bodyshot
  
• Simming Email
  
• Username
  
• Preferred Name

Headshots and Bodyshots are usually of your simself, not just some random model.

Simming emails are email accounts that you use specifically for sims and sims related things. I have one too.
Some people use their personal emails, but most prefer simming emails. Be sure to check this email account often, because hosts usually email you extra information about the comp.

Preferred names are names that you'd like to be called, OTHER than your username. Sometimes people use their real names, but I like to keep mine a secret. If you want to be called your username, just let them know. I like to be called Spy most of the time.

So, I've applied. How do I judge?
Every comp has a special Scoring rubric that they want you to use. Sometimes they will email it to you, but most of the time it's on the thread that the comp was made in.
A scoring rubric from one of my comps works like this:

Code:

Model's Appearance: X / 10 Quality: X / 5 Relation to Assignment: X / 10 Quality of Story (description): X / 5 Background: X / 10 Effort: X / 10 Total: X / 50 Comments:

Feel free to use this rubric in any comp you want, although I suggest making your own.

Scoring
Use the Scoring rubric provided by the host, and start scoring! Be a fair and kind judge. It's good to give criticism is good, but make sure they can learn from it.
Compare these two comments:

Code:

The picture was ugly. It was so weird. I don't like it and I don't know why.

and

Code:

Hmm, I was slightly confused. I think your placement of objects was a little off, like that clock in the background. Be sure that your placement works ;) I think the main reason why this isn't working is because, why would she be wearing that outfit to a wedding?

I can certainly learn a lot from the last comment, but not so much from the first. Be sure to read over your comments to make sure it works.

Also, be fair with your scoring. I've seen some greatly thought out pics score lower than others because it didn't have flowers or something stupid like that.
Be sure to be unbiased (don't high score people you like and low score others you don't), fair, thoughtful and kind.

Sending in Scores
Often, a host will ask you to send scores in as they hand in entries. This is both good and bad.

Good because then the comp will move faster, and there won't be any lulls.

Bad because sometimes you're in a different mood. Like, what if your really angry while scoring one (therefore giving them a bad score for stupid reasons) or really happy while scoring another (therefore giving them a good score for stupid reasons)

Also, make sure that the scores are arranged neatly. I often do this:

Code:

[(username) with (model's name] (scoring rubric here) Total: Comments:

(again, feel free to copy and paste and use this in your own judging)

Things That may Come Up

I'm going out of town. What do I do?
Just let the host know. They'll either:

1. Get a guest judge
   Just for that one assignment, so you aren't being replaced!
   
2. or Just use the other judges, and not get a guest judge.

Some things have come up and I can't judge.
Like with competing, things happen and you should just drop (but let the people know). I've had a judge not show up, and it's not fun. You never know if they just aren't sending scores, or if they're really gone.

I don't want to judge anymore.
Too bad! You signed up!
You could either just finish it, or you could drop. Up to you.

They think I'm being unfair
Aw, that's sad. If you really aren't then tell them. Explain why you gave them the scores that they did.
And if you're being unfair on purpose, stop it. It's no fun for anybody.

(feel free to add to the list)

HOSTING

Info on Banners, Organization, If it's not going well and more!

Before we begin, let me just say that before you host you should compete and judge quite a bit.

I have a good idea. How do I start?

Wow, hosting is a hard job. You need to be organized and make smart decisions sometimes. Here's a list on what you have to do to be a good host:

The Idea
It's hard to come up with new ideas that aren't boring. There are two ways you could go:

MODELING COMP

These are very popular. They don't necessarily have a theme, so the assignments are usually generic (beach photo shoot, catwalk, etc.)

THEMED MODELING COMP

These ones are less popular, but usually more fun because of a theme. My comps have themes like Poetry, Water, Mythology and more.
Come up with a new idea. Make sure it's fresh, and not the same idea as someone else's or you may get less people signing up.
With a themed comp, the assignments are usually relating to the theme like in my Water comp, the assignments are 'Rain' or 'Water Sports' or 'Cruise'. Stuff like that.

The Name
Once you have your idea, now it's time to come up with a snazzy name.

'Sims 3 Modeling Comp' isn't going to catch eyes.
'The comp that is themed around books' is too long. I like my comp names between 1 and three words.
'Poetic Brilliance' is the name of my Poetry themed comp.

Once you have the name of the comp, decide what the Type of comp it is going to be.

Types

Usually, comps are Elimination comps. However, you could do Points comps. Here's info on each:

ELIMINATION COMP
These are the most popular. 1 person gets eliminated every assignment, or something like that.

POINTS COMP
These are non-elimination and in the end, the person with the most scores win. There can be drops and no shows, however (in some comps) they can still win if their scores qualify.

DROP-IN POINTS COMP
These are the same thing as points comps, but there are no sign ups or set models. People drop in and submit as they please.
The only problem with these is if nobody submits in one round, then what do you do?

***You don't need to use any of these Types, you could create your own variation***

Layout
Layout is also something you need.

Is it going to be hosted on the forums? or on another website?

If it's on the forums, will you create a different thread for every assignment, just update the first page, or create a new post for every assignment?

DIFFERENT THREAD
When it's time to post scores, create a new thread containing scores and the next assignment info. An example of a DT comp is here: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/385239.page

ANOTHER WEBSITE
Have signups on the forums, but keep all the information on a different website. An example is here: http://sims3unbound.forumotion.com/t660-hot-or-not-cycle-3-sign-up-now

UPDATE THE FIRST PAGE
Only have the first post contain all the information. Just update as needed. Here's an example: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/403176.page

NEW POST FOR EVERY ASSIGNMENT
Everytime you post scores or a new assignment, just create a new post in the same thread. Here's an example (which is actually my own comp): http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/406364.page#5761785

***Again, you don't need to use any of these variations. You can create one all your own***

THINGS YOU SHOULD KEEP IN MIND:

• Keep the layout simple and easy to use.
  
• I prefer layouts that keep past assignments and scores intact, like the last variation. It makes it easy and fun for lurkers and easier for contestants to go back and read past comments.
  

Great! I've got all that. How do I start it?

Organization
This is the biggest problem I have as a host. Keeping things organized is hard.
I suggest creating a Word document called whatever your comp name is.
Keep all the following info:

• Judges names and Emails
  
• A List of all models and competitors
  
• Scores
  
• Layouts of posts (type out the posts before you post them to the actual forums; it makes things so much easier)
  
• Any other info you need for the comp
  

Banners
Banners are an important part of the comp. It pulls people in, and makes them decide whether your comp is professional or not.

You can decide exactly which ones you want to use, but here is the list of banners I use:

• Header
  Has the name of the comp and maybe a tagline.
  
• Rules
  Specify if the comp allows editing or not. Can people be disqualified? If so, how? Is custom content allowed?
  
• Info
  Other information about the comp that won't fit into the 'Rules' section.
  
• Model Form
  A banner with the info you need to take in a model.
  
• Judge Form
  Same thing as a model form, just for judges.
  
• Prizes
  What will you be offering as a prize? Tell them here.
  
• Scores Rubric
  Pose the scores rubric here so that they'll know what they will be scored on.
  
• Models Header
  Different than the form. This just says 'Models' and you list the models underneath.
  
• Judges Header
  Again, same thing as the Models header but for judges.
  
• Assignment Header
  Just a header that says 'Assignments' and put the assignment underneath. Alternatively, you could just put the assignments info inside the image. Your choice.
  
• Entries Header
  Put entries under this header.
  
• Scores Header
  When it's scores time, put them under this header.
  

I may be leaving some out, but these are the ones I use. Feel free to make more or less depending on the comp.

Dos and Don'ts for Banners
DON'T
Use sparkly or glittery text. It's hard to read and doesn't look professional.

Create banners will too small or too big text.

Use big, distracting backgrounds. I prefer transparent or color-of-forum backgrounds.

Use blurry banners.

DO
Use fun (but readable) fonts.

Use pretty colors, but not hard-to-read colors.

Use proper spelling and punctuation.


(feel free to add to the list)

The comp is on the forums! Now what?

If Nobody is Signing Up
Just take your time! These things don't happen overnight! It takes a while.

Try adding new, more exciting prizes - but not things you can't deliver on! If you promise a signature and you can't make it, then ask a friend to.

Try getting the first assignment up as quickly as possible. When people get a taste of the comp, then they're more likely to join.

If it's been over a month and little to nobody has signed up, it may be time to cancel the comp. It's sad, I know. Just keep the banners and information and maybe you can pick it up later, mm'kay?

Once they start signing up!
Add usernames and model names to your list. Be sure to enter this stuff into your Word document to make it easier.

Create a model wall. With headshots (or bodyshots) of your models, make a model wall. This should include the username on top of the model's picture. Here's an example of a model wall in one of my comps: http://i51.tinypic.com/2cn9kox.png

But you can do whatever suits you best

(and if somebody drops or is eliminated, then do something to show that. Like making the picture black and white or something like that)

Make a judges wall as well (essentially the same thing).


They're Sending Entries In!
Great! Update the assignment post will the entries. I use this format for entries:

Code:

[size=18](Username) with (Model's Name) (smiley representing Turned In) [/size] (picture) (description)

But, again, do what feels right.

It's Time to Post Scores!
Great! Wait for all your judges to send scores, and then post them in the Word document. Like this:

Code:

(Username) with (Model's Name) (scores)

Total all the scores, and arrange the scores accordingly (first place is at the top, then second, then third, etc.).
(ah, another formatting tip)

Code:

(Username) with (Model's name) (total) (entry image) (scores)

Edit as much as you want, but having the image with the scores makes it easier for lurkers and other competitors to see the image.

Once you have the whole thing formatted and ready to go, copy and paste to the forums.

I Have to Post Another Assignment Now!
Great! Repeat the last steps, and you'll have a fantastic comp!

Things That May Come Up

Somebody says I'm copying their comp!
That sucks.
Talk to them. Be nice. Check out their comp (and see who posted it first; maybe they are the ones copying, not you)

But I've never even heard of their comp! How could I copy them?
Well, you couldn't intentionally.
Ask them what they want you to do about it. Ask them if they want you to take yours down. And they might, in which case you just need to suck it up and be the bigger person. Again, there's always next time.

I keep getting people dropping out!
Again, that sucks. Unfortunately you just need to keep on going until the end. Make it the best comp ever! Make these people sorry that they dropped!

(feel free to add to the list)

RANDOM ASSORTED TIPS

COMPETING

• To get a pure white (or whatever) background, go to:
  Build Mode > Wall Coverings > Paint > Flat Wall
  (Flat Wall doesn't have molding) Change the color, and go to Misc. in the pattern chooser. Then just choose your color and you're ready to go!
  
  
• For lighting, turn on Testing cheats and type in:
  buydebug
  Then go into:
  Buy Mode > Sort by Function > ? > ...
  And find the buydebug lights. These lights are super powerful, but are invisible once you go in-game!
  
  
• To get rid of the plumbbob, speech/thought bubbles and skill bars, type into the cheatbar:
  hideheadlineeffects on/off