General Forum |
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Early CCSF 2013 Discussion 1 | 2 | |
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Jessica
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4/28/2013 | 1 |
It's about that time! The CCSF 2012 concluded about five months ago, and it's never too early to start thinking about our big annual event. I wanted to open up a preliminary discussion, mainly to share the results of the CCSF 2012 poll, and to start getting some thoughts together for our next one. I hope no one minds I've taken this on... I figure as last year's coordinator, I at least have the responsibility of passing on the torch and making sure that planning begins early on!
Visit the CCSF 2012 Site
CCSF 2012 POLL RESULTS
Note: There were 31 respondents, with one respondent choosing the lowest rating (terrible) for everything with no details. This response has been included, even though it is more of an outlier. Percentages have been rounded in some cases, which is why the numbers do not add up to 100%.
At the end of last year's CCSF, I posted a poll to gather feedback about the festival. On the whole, most responses were neutral to very good. Here is a quick breakdown:
Overall Rating of the CCSF
3 Negative Responses (9%) - 1 Rated Terrible (Lowest Rank)
3 Neutral Responses (9%)
26 Positive Responses (81%) - 8 Rated Amazing (Highest Rank)
Favorite Days
1. Day 13 - 9 Responses (29%)
1. Day 14 - 9 Responses (29%)
3. Day 1 - 4 Responses (13%)
Least Favorite Days: 5, 9, and 10 (0 Responses)
Activities Rating
3 Negative Responses (9%) - 1 Rated Terrible (Lowest Rank)
6 Neutral Responses (19%)
22 Positive Responses (70%) - 11 Rated Amazing (Highest Rank)
Blog Posts Rating
3 Negative Responses (9%) - 1 Rated Terrible (Lowest Rank)
3 Neutral Responses (10%)
25 Positive Responses (80%) - 14 Rated Amazing (Highest Rank)
Comments Rating
1 Negative Response (3%) - 1 Rated Terrible (Lowest Rank)
10 Neutral Responses (32%)
20 Positive Responses (65%) - 7 Rated Amazing (Highest Rank)
Daily Shee Chapters Rating
2 Negative Responses (6%) - 2 Rated Terrible (Lowest Rank)
5 Neutral Responses (16%)
24 Positive Responses (77%) - 15 Rated Amazing (Highest Rank)
Star System Rating
2 Negative Responses (6%) - 1 Rated Terrible (Lowest Rank)
11 Neutral Responses (35%)
18 Positive Responses (58%) - 9 Rated Amazing (Highest Rank)
Selected Comments About Favorite Aspects
"I was rather fond of the fact that the releases were scattered over the course of the day rather then all of them getting dumped at the start, like past CCSFs had done. It made the entire thing a bit more exciting and built up suspense, which I say was a smart move."
"I loved the activities! I wish there were more of them!"
"The activities were great. I thought that announcing all the activities at the beginning, instead of making them "surprises" at different times during the festival, was an excellent way to do it. People could pick and choose which contests they wanted to participate in and make time for them, instead of feeling like they were coming out of left field... and it meant all contests had a nice long window of opportunity for people to participate in them."
"Loved the Shee story. Very creative and a great way to tie things together."
"I liked being able to leave comments on each post or chat with others. I believe that interaction was important and being able to thank all the creators and the organisers as well."
"The new format is a nice change from the usual website."
"The activities. I personally did not participate but it made the festival interactive, not just an early creatures Christmas in which many receive but are unable to give."
"The backstory. The whole idea of rather than having just stuff released at random, having a semi-coherent backstory to go along with it was a massive improvement over previous years. Also, the backstory was well-written."
"I loved seeing everyones entries whether they were new releases or just artwork or stories!"
"Also love that the site was updated a few times every day instead of one large update per day."
Selected Comments for Improvement/Changes
"There was a lot of art posts, and sometimes it seemed a little much."
"More consistent coverage of community features would be good to see. Like, I know there was supposed to be a CCSF Ask Laura special, but there was so little news coverage for it that it basically dropped off the radar after the first day. It's kind of a shame when someone tries to do something for the CCSF and it's essentially ignored--we need to make sure people know they're welcome to participate and that their contributions are valuable."
"Although I do wish more people (myself included) had been able to take part in all of the activities. I think that would have helped bring the community together more."
"A few days also felt a bit thin, but not much you can do about that. The activities could have gotten a bit more notice from you; I didn't notice then until half-way through."
"The website. The runic banners were brilliant, but the background is only earth and the bare links are somewhat stale."
"I found the blog format a little tricky to work with and would prefer a list of released content on an individual page rather than a blog post showcasing several at once."
"I couldn't figure out, or really understand the point of the star rating system. Also, the contest prizes consisting of good-quality agents in a Creatures Community which is dying out due to lack of people playing seemed odd to me. It probably would have been better in my view to use something like the golden shee trophies as prizes, and release the agents."
"The layout of the site felt a bit confusing (I'm really unfamiliar with how blogs are constructed) and the ?captcha? codes was often hard to read."
Many other responses mentioned wanting more downloads and releases, which is something we can always improve upon with enough planning!
Participation in the CCSF 2013
No - 4 Responses (13%)
Maybe - 7 Responses (23%)
Yes - 20 Responses (65%)
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Feel free to get the discussion started for the CCSF 2013! I'm planning on holding a series of polls, which has been done for the past few years, and seems to get everyone's ideas organized a little more easily. Discuss away!
Discover Albia |
Puddini
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4/28/2013 | |
I barely even know about CCSF and this will be the first time I'll see one. Could you please explain? |
magpie-angel
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4/28/2013 | |
the creatures community spirit festival is held every year to celebrate creatures and its generally when people band together to make things for the community be it breeds, agents, artwork or anything creatures related in general. its a lot of fun and this year will be my third time seeing it in action :3 |
Puddini
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4/28/2013 | |
Sounds fun! |
Sixty Third
Karias
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4/28/2013 | |
I've been asked before to join in on the CCSF but this year I'm going to be serious - I've got a lot of ideas for agents, breeds, and metarooms but one thing that's stopping me is that I've no experience in CAOS or PRAY. If there's people willing to help me or develop a team that would be superb. I'll do the sprites and majority of the ideas, as some of them are too complex for me to learn CAOS quick enough to accomplish, so it would be great if I could find someone willing to team up and help with the coding?
-Karias; a bit fruity and gone bananas in the wrong climate! |
Wee Scrivener
Trell
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4/28/2013 | |
I hope to have a few Norndolls all finished up and able to be sent out in time for the CCSF.
Trell
"Holy crap in a casket!" |
Feddlefew
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4/28/2013 | |
I hopefully will have a genetic breed ready for CCSF this year. 8^) |
magpie-angel
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4/28/2013 | |
i'll probably just be doing fan art again this year since i'm no good at coding or spriting or anything like that and none of the programs like to work on my pc for the games anyway |
mip
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4/28/2013 | |
There's a (grendel!) breed project I'm working on that is a bit more ambitious than the City Norns - it would probably be a good candidate for CCSF '13! I'm about 1/5 through the sprites and only have concepts for the breed genetics currently so there's a lot of work to go on it. Still, there's a long way to go until CCSF so I would like to think that I could finish it by then.
The other thing I would like to attempt is learn how to make patch plants for Garden Box. CAOS frightens me so this is less likely to happen for CCSF... but you never know. It would be nice to release some thematic agents to go with the new breed but the breed is my top priority.
Exploring the Ark
A journal for C3/DS - updated last: 5 May 2013 |
Jessica
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4/28/2013 | |
Sounds like there will be a bunch of new releases for this year's festival!
What about thoughts on the format of the CCSF site, themes, dates, etc.?
Discover Albia |
Wee Scrivener
Trell
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4/28/2013 | |
With the release of Creatures 4 right around the corner, it's easy to see that everyone is super excited about that. But while new stuff is nice and undiscovered, how can we beat the tried and true classics? Why not dedicate this years CCSF to the love and nostalgia held in the older games? Just my suggestion.
Trell
"Holy crap in a casket!" |
Caves Dweller
Rascii
Administrator
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4/28/2013 | 1 |
Since it's the first festival after the release of C4 I think that could be a great theme, but I suppose if 3rd-party mods are not available for the game it might not be very useful.
- Rascii |
Puddini
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4/28/2013 | |
I have begun to try out gengineering, but for now the best way to contribute for me is fanart. |
Tea Queen
Laura
Manager
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4/29/2013 | |
I definitely plan to release more this year; I've caught the developing bug and already have a lot of ideas!"More consistent coverage of community features would be good to see. Like, I know there was supposed to be a CCSF Ask Laura special, but there was so little news coverage for it that it basically dropped off the radar after the first day. It's kind of a shame when someone tries to do something for the CCSF and it's essentially ignored--we need to make sure people know they're welcome to participate and that their contributions are valuable." I don't know who wrote this comment, but the lack of coverage over the Ask Laura event felt like a real shame for me; I have to agree with the suggestion about having more coverage over events and features. It meant that few questions were submitted throughout the festival, just some at the beginning after the initial news post. Perhaps regular updates which highlighted the questions I'd already answered would've helped! Maybe it's something we can re-kindle for the CCSF 2013? I wouldn't mind giving it another go, if it's something people would like.
I'd love to see a theme about love and nostalgia for the older Creatures games, like LilyNorn suggested, but I'm wondering if this has been amply done already with previous themes. I do love the classics though!
In an attempt to think up a different theme, what about a 'Sphericus' theme where our releases could collectively invent what the world would be like, ahead of the release? It could be fun and imaginative one to do. |
Malkin
Manager
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4/29/2013 | |
What do we want to see in the CCSF?
I loved the fiction and art posts, but I felt that there were substantially fewer download releases and tutorials compared to fiction and art in the 2012 CCSF compared to the 2011 CCSF.
My TCR Norns |
magpie-angel
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4/29/2013 | |
yes i think it should really concentrate on releases but still have art and fiction but it did feel like nothing was really released last year. i mean the stuff that was, was brilliant don't get me wrong but it did feel like it was lacking |
Sanely Insane
RisenAngel
Manager
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4/29/2013 | 1 |
On a theme: I'm tempted to say "ignore C4 again; it had its chance in 2011," but seeing as it has a good chance of getting released this year I wouldn't be opposed to a theme that revolved around welcoming it to the family (so to speak). I'd still prefer a theme that ignored C4 in favor of either a theme based on the older games (ala Lily's suggestion) or a theme based on something not explicitly Creatures-based (for example, nostalgia), though.
On stuff to see: I'd like to see at least one proper release a day, even if it's something simple like a toy or a pack of creatures. Days like Day 5 of the CCSF 2012 are admittedly rather boring and make me feel like the day's being wasted (though I loved the concept behind 2012's Day 5 from a story standpoint). That being said, I liked the artwork and articles, and the contests weren't bad either (even if I didn't see it fit to participate in any of them).
Another thing: While I didn't mind the fact that a day was dedicated to C1 last year, it honestly felt like that it happened that way only because C1 was the coordinator's favorite game. It didn't help that C1's anniversary was completely ignored in 2011, and C3's anniversary was completely ignored both in 2011 and 2012 (granted, that day fell on the first day of the festival both years, but it's worth noting). Considering there's only three games (counting C3/DS as one and ignoring C4 since it's not going to be moddable upon release), an entire day dedicated solely to one of the games just feels a little biased (anniversary or not).
Probably should have said that on the post-CCSF survey, but oh well.
On what I'm doing: I'm hoping to get a metaroom out this year (like I have for the past two CCSFs), but I haven't thought about what (if anything) I'm going to do beyond that.
~ The Realm ~
Risen Angel's Creatures Blog
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Jessica
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4/29/2013 | 1 |
Unfortunately, we had a bit of a slide in activity across most of the community just before the CCSF. I was going crazy trying to gather up releases and downloads from anywhere and everywhere! Those boring days were necessary so that we could have some activity on those days. I honestly was a little worried that we didn't have enough content to fill in all 14 days last year, but I hope it went over well enough! I think the biggest thing we need is activity and submissions! I'm even open to having people submit releases really early, like over the summer, just so we're ensured a good amount of content. Still, that's just me!
Many have suggested this before, but I fully support having a team of organizers, rather than a single person. I loved putting it all together last year, yet it really is a whole lot of work for just one individual!
Discover Albia |
Prodigal Sock
Ghosthande
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4/29/2013 | |
I wholeheartedly agree. I know that last year, initially, there were plans to have two CO-coordinators, but for some reason that idea ended up being wiped at the very last second. Why it had to happen that way I don't know, when we did have experienced volunteers who could have lent a hand to split the workload and help make sense of it all. Given that the CCSF seems to get a little bigger every year, promoting a single coordinator just isn't as reasonable as it might have been five or six years ago.
It does raise an interesting question, though: out of those who have, and who haven't coordinated a CCSF in the past, who would be interested in coordinating this year?
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Wee Scrivener
Trell
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4/29/2013 | |
I'd like to help out, if I can.
Trell
"Holy crap in a casket!" |
Jessica
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4/30/2013 | |
I'm still up for taking on an active role this year, though I would be more than happy to pass the torch along! There are a lot of behind-the-scenes things that have to happen... Many of which often aren't always apparent during the CCSF. I have a lot more appreciation for past coordinators after handling it last year! I probably would have changed a few things, but overall, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Definitely hoping that this year's will be the best one yet!
Discover Albia |
Tea Queen
Laura
Manager
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4/30/2013 | |
I would really like to be a member of the coordination team this year. |
Prodigal Sock
Ghosthande
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5/4/2013 | |
Me too! I think it could be lots of fun.
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ham5ter
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5/7/2013 | |
I Would love to contribute by developing Stuff for Creatures3/DS
Also i am Willing to Provide a "Price" for some Contests, like a 10$ GOG.com Gift
or something like that (nothing to expensive though)
moep!
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Jessica
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5/14/2013 | |
Any other thoughts? I'd like to get a survey posted within the next week or so with voting options for dates, themes, the inclusion of C4, etc. Any ideas for the theme? Do we go theme-less?
We also need a coordination team: Is anyone against the idea of having 2-3 people coordinate this year? The CCSF has grown tremendously over the last few years, and I think Laura can also attest to how much work has been involved for the coordinator in the last two years! So far, I see the following people volunteering for the job:
- LilyNorn
- Laura
- Ghosthande
- Jessica
Is anyone else interested? Keep in mind that there is a lot of work and responsibility involved in coordinating a CCSF: It's very enjoyable, but prepare to be deeply involved before the festival and on practically every day during it!
Discover Albia |
Tea Queen
Laura
Manager
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5/14/2013 | 1 |
Looks like we're shaping up to have a good team there. I'd be happy to work with everyone listed so far. And yes, bloomin' hard work, so much so that I'm glad it's been decided that we have a team of co-ordinators this year! We're going to need every single volunteer if the previous two years are anything to go by.
I look forward to taking part in the survey. The 'Sphericus' or 'Nostalgia' themes are my favourite ideas so far. |
Tea Queen
Laura
Manager
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5/15/2013 | 2 |
In fact, since we have a number of volunteers already, may I suggest something?
I've noticed that every volunteer on that list is already an old hand at co-ordinating the CCSF, all except our own, sweet Lily! With this in mind, might it be nice to have a fresh approach this year by electing a volunteer, who hasn't had a go before, to be the main co-ordinator "in charge" (i.e. Lily, if she wants to and agrees?) and have the rest of the volunteers acting as assistant co-ordinators? This way someone new would still have the chance to experience what it's like to co-ordinate the CCSF, but would also have support in the role, and could delegate to avoid feeling overworked if necessary.
After all, this has been the concern hasn't it, and the reason why we’re looking to elect a team of co-ordinators this year: the fact that our annual festival has evolved into such a monumental event that there's too much work and organisation for just one person to handle. I know how Jessica felt that she could've used the extra help last year, and the previous year I had to ask AquaShee to assist on a couple of days!
I know that I’d happily support any new co-ordinator in the role if asked. |
Prodigal Sock
Ghosthande
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5/15/2013 | |
I like that! I'd be very happy acting as a backup co-coordinator alongside you guys. I think that's a good compromise for keeping everything organized and letting someone new take the spotlight, while still having experienced backup and letting more people participate.
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Devil COBbler
GirlySatan
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5/15/2013 | |
Yea I like this idea a lot as well. In case I want to help with anything, it gives the option for me to do some work as well!
Devilishly Yours,
GirlySatan |
Wee Scrivener
Trell
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5/15/2013 | |
Wowie, this is all very exciting! I never even thought I'd see one of these, let alone be able to help co-ordinate one!
When does all this start? I've got boatloads of school at the moment, and won't be let off till end of June. :c
Trell
"Holy crap in a casket!" |
Prodigal Sock
Ghosthande
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5/15/2013 | |
It usually runs the first two weeks of November.
The CCSF polls often include questions about when people want to see it, but November is pretty standard; earlier dates have been suggested in the past but didn't work out, since people didn't have enough time to get ready for it.
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Wee Scrivener
Trell
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5/15/2013 | |
Ohh! I'll have loads of time then!
Trell
"Holy crap in a casket!" |
Air Guitarist
kezune
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5/15/2013 | |
Wow. November isn't -any- good for me. XD But I've never participated in a CCSF before, anyway. :3
Updated Rehosting Policy[/title] |
Spykkie
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5/15/2013 | 1 |
The things I'm working on will probably be done this summer, so I don't know if I'll have anything for that event. Maybe I'll try to draw something if i have the time around then.
What I'd like to see is, starting NOW (if possible), in prevision of the CCSF in November: resources and help being brought to the front and to everyone's attention.
I've seen a few "newbies" mention they'd like to make things, but they lack the skills or knowledge to do it alone (which is normal) but I haven't seen them posting in the help section.
They may be shy, or afraid of being turned away/ignored. There are websites that will ridicule you for not knowing as much as the "oldies", after all. If we want more people to participate in actually making things for the CCSF, we should make sure everyone, old or new, knows that's not the case here. Here, people will answer your questions. Here, if you ask for help, chances are someone will be available to help you out! We need to say this out loud, bold, front and center!
I suggest a front page news starting with something to the effect of "It's ok to ask for help in the help section! If you have a question, or need help with a project, just post! We'll help you out! "; Followed by a listing of links to the best resources for agent coding, att writing, genetic works, free art programs, etc., for those who prefer to work alone or just want to learn more about these subjects.
PS: Sorry If this post seems more serious then usual, my brain is in "work mode".
Twitt Stuff
Insta Arts |
Jessica
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5/15/2013 | |
This is a really great idea to give someone new a chance at coordinating the CCSF, while ensuring that the workload isn't too crazy. I certainly could have used a little help last year, but I was being rather stubborn and figured I had to follow in the footsteps of everyone previously and do it alone. Don't make that same mistake! Better to accept help and work as a team. I didn't realize how much work goes into the CCSF behind-the-scenes, so I'm definitely in favor of a team this year!
Is there anyone else who wants to be on the coordination team? We usually hold a vote, but I'm thinking that Lily (main coordinator), Ghosthande, Laura, and myself will be able to get everything done. We've all worked together at one time or another, too!
I'm thinking I'll have the first preliminary survey out this week!
That's a good idea about posting resources, Spykkie. It's a good idea to get people creating stuff way in advance of the CCSF: Should ensure that we get a lot of downloads! Last year was a little light in that department, but I still think it was an overall success. Let's hope this year's festival is the biggest one ever!
Discover Albia |
Devil COBbler
GirlySatan
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5/15/2013 | |
Maybe Lily should do the preliminary survey so she can start getting a feel for things?
Devilishly Yours,
GirlySatan |
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