Aussie monthly route building competition:
Small self-contained routes can be great fun, and a good introduction to new Trainzers. And, even if you don't 'win', it just means another Aussie route one the DLS, so who can complain? In a way, we all win.
The rules are as follows:
1 - Each competition shall last two months, aside from this first one. This shall run for one month to allow '04 and '06 routes before they are unable to be uploaded. A judging thread will be started after all entries are uploaded by the end date. This shall last for two weeks. As soon as each competition is finished though, the next one starts unless there are only a few entries. If that is the case, I'll stop bothering. I say that if this works out, we just keep the ball rolling!
2 - Each route must be able to be uploaded to the DLS.
3 - Voting is by poll, from the whole community. I would hope that people judge with regards to quality, interest, fun, possibilities for activities, and such. With this first round being the only one allowing routes made for 06 and below, I hope folk don't judge the routes which are well made but don't use the 'bells and whistles' of '09 and '10.
4 - Between five and nine baseboards. No more, unless they're just some background scenery with some hills and trees and such. In other words, five to nine baseboards of trackwork and industries or other things 'essential' to the route. Also, it is encouraged, but not set in stone that the routes are able to work for sessions without future modifications. If one is unsure about say, signalling or such, just ask!
5 - As long as permission is granted by the Author, using modules as a part of the routes from others is fine. It would help if folk who have created small modules to mention in the main thread if they're willing to let anyone use/modify their modules if they have a good few out there.
6 - I'll leave it open for the creators of the routes to chose what version of Trainz to use. That way, we don't exclude people who aren't fond of the latest versions. I will stress though that there is a deadline for uploading content for '06 and older. Which means this first round will be the only one allowing old versions of Trainz. Keep in mind though that entries for TC3, '09 and '10. After september, 06 and '04 uploads to the DLS will be disallowed according to Auran.
7 - Non DLS content shall not be used.
8 - The route must be functional enough to add sessions, and it would be advisable to include one basic session merely having the locos and rollingstock where they should be as a separate upload. This means people can download the session, and get all of the stock with it.
9 - There will always be a theme. Although this may change in the future, we'll have a different state with each competition that the theme of the route shall be based upon. It'd also be fantastic if people who don't know much about railways in other states to give things a go anyway. For example, there aren't many Tasmanian style routes on the DLS. So, if one of these competitions ends up being based in Tasmania, why not help everyone out and make a good attempt and creating their impression and give folk from the smaller states some good routes?
10 - I see no problems with people 'buddying up' and making a route together as a team. Keep in mind though, if you work as a team the prize must be shared evenly. That's up to the group. Any arguing or such if you have a group of people working on one entry is none of my business.
11 - Anyone can enter any time during the competition 'period', but no unfinished routes will be voted upon. Keep in mind that if you don't finish one, you can always see if you can use it for the next entry.
12 - Progress of routes and notifications of updates posted in the main thread will likely attract more interest from the people who vote. Keep that in mind. It also helps me know if it is worthwhile to keep these competitions going.
13 - Upon release of the routes at the end of the month OR completion of a route, you must make a post with
three screenshots, a description, links to the route on the DLS. If the advisable (as mentioned before) session is made including appropriate rolling stock, then that must be included also.
14 - At least one baseboard with track must be at a heigh of 0m, and if for example the theme involves an intersection with a main line, this would be the baseboard to use for the 0m or default new baseboard height. This is so that people can perhaps merge them if they wish. Basically, this would be at the start of the route.
15 - No payware.
16 - No private messages to me asking questions. It is more helpful to ask them in public, as others might have the same questions. And it also means that answers will be there for all.
17 - If need be, these rules can be changed. They may change from each competition. But I think the basics are solid, and rules will only change slightly due to themes and the amount of responses.
A few last notes: I would hope that during the voting period everyone should try out each entry, unless they don't have the appropriate version of TRS. This is also a friendly competition, so help each other out if need be!
Don't get too bogged down with small sections or try to go overboard with everything! Think of an idea that relates to the theme and try to stick to it. This will make it easier to finish the route on time. And always ask for help if you need it!
Oh, and if you want to make a prototypical route, I see no problems. Just keep in mind that proto routes take up much more time. For the first competition, I'd probably advise against it.
If there are enough finished entries, I may increase this prize, and include smaller 2nd and 3rd place prizes.
If there is only a a very small amount of entries, I'll not bother with future competitions. If a good amount of folk enter and release their routes, this may end up with bigger prizes.
If there are problems with the DLS at the end of the competition, then the voting period will be extended appropriately.
First competition prize:
The first prize will be $50 from me, but it MUST be through Paypal. I now live in Scotland, and I do not wish to transfer $50 via wire or such means, as the fees will be silly. If that isn't possible I still have a Westpac account and can send the prize money with online banking, but this is only for people who have no Paypal account. For example, if the winner is too young. If you are young and don't have a bank account or Paypal account, ask your parents first before entering, and let them know. I probably could have come up with a more imaginitive prize, but this is out of laziness. I'll likely end up adjusting the prize according to the responses and how this 'experiment' turns out.
If there are enough finished entries, I may increase this prize, and include smaller 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Also, if there are enough entries the prize may be increased.
Any questions or problems with these rules?
Let me know early, and they can be changed. I'd rather have something set in stone, and not have to change things much.