2006-11-25 [Dr.Mandarian]: This feels almost like a real revelation to me, [Time.] I always secretly hoped, you might give light to this art contest, and now... I am really immediately in love with your map. I adore the whole designing and most wonderful names, but especially that unique way of it's darkened old parchment look! Thanks so much for enrichening this collection of so different and still all the way so fascinating maps!

2006-11-25 [Time.]: Thank you, and your welcome. ^_^ It took me ages to design Nyan orignally; magic system, races, religions, history, geography, politics and all. But it was a hell of a lot of fun, and I'm glad to be able to do something with it now that the RP has died. :S

2006-11-25 [Dr.Mandarian]: I know how much efforts it takes to design some extensive and lovefully detailed out world as your world Nyan. And it is almost a shame, that so many brilliant and intriguing rp wiki's die all around. All I would really hope more than everything else, is that some people might get interested in it, by the scope of this modest art contest maybe. It would really really deserve it. * smiles encouragingly and in respect for that amazing world design of The Eye of The Dragon *

2006-11-25 [dayah]: oh wow...now I want to just sink to the depths...that is on ebeautiful map...*stares in awe in her dark corner*

2006-11-25 [Dr.Mandarian]: Sink into the depths? And being in your dark corner? * laughs softly *

2006-11-25 [Dr.Mandarian]: No offence, [dayah], I only wondered what kind of mood you could be in right now. * smiles *

2006-11-25 [dayah]: I be jealous is what I be...lol...not to mention stressed over trying to finish a story by the end of the year...sigh..

2006-11-26 [Dr.Mandarian]: By the end of the year? Oh, but that's also some very ambitious deadline. Sometimes pressure like that is getting you going, sometimes rather slightly blocking to times. Is that the story of that same travelling character, who navigates by your wonderful map, then?

2006-11-26 [dayah]: yes it is...I have a link to a few chapters if you would be interested in reading them...still in the rough stages alot of bugs to work out, but I must press forward instead of trying to go back and fix everything...I can do that when its done..so far its moving forward but slowly. I have been working on this story for ten years only recently has it actually gotten some true substance to it. I had the idea along time ago, but at that time I had no idea how to write...now I have a little experience.

2006-11-27 [Kuehne]: i know how you feel.. i'm trying to get a story going myself.

2006-11-27 [dayah]: I got the idea for this story when they first put my grandmother in the nursing home. My dad got her this journal, I still don't see why, her hands were so crippled she couldn't write anything, with this girl on the front. I told dad I wanted one just like it, so he went back later and got me one. The picture inspired me to write this story. It has basicaly been they same story from the very begning. a young girl given away at birth now looking for her mother and where she belongs. Just lately it has got some substance and a history background to it now.

2006-11-28 [Lady of Lore]: Hmm....the basics of my map is done....now to make it look authentic ^^

2006-11-28 [Dr.Mandarian]: * Mandarian has got huge baloon eyes, trying to creep into Lady of Lore's house and spy her out in excitement *

2006-11-28 [Lady of Lore]: lol! Out of my dorm Mandarin! That place is scary anyway (its old and worn out and in the halls etc its gross with hamburgers sruck to the walls of the elevator etc). You'll see it in soon my friend ^__^

2006-11-28 [dayah]: ewe...how fun...never got the chance for that dorm life..:( ah well..doesn't sound that great anyways..lol..*hugs lady*

2006-11-28 [Dr.Mandarian]: * strikes Homer Simpson pose and glides over to mouthwatered half-unconsciousness, tongue hanging out: Hmmmmm, Hamburgers! *

2006-11-28 [dayah]: lol...hahah...oh man...so much fun...

2006-11-30 [Lady of Lore]: Ack! Gross Mandarian! *pulls out the large Purell bottle she keeps and slathers him with it.* Thanks Daya, at least I don't have to pay for it. All my schooling is paid for by scholarship for the next for years ^ ^

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: - lol - PURELL? What's that which you 'slather me' with, dear Lady? Desinfection cream? Lotion against bad jokes?

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: * sniggers *

2006-11-30 [Lady of Lore]: lol, severe antibacterial ointment my friend....there have been odd outbreaks of wierd viruses in my dorm....scarily many of them like mono, kidney infections, flus, as well as much more unpleasent ones.....I make a point not to touch the walls or doors or railing on the stairs. I'd hate for you to catch the plague.

2006-11-30 [Lady of Lore]:

2006-11-30 [dayah]: lol oh man...that does not sound fun at all.

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Oh, yes indeed! My my my, then you soon have to walk around in some decontermination suit! No, but really. That isn't nice. * worries about Paula * For me the plague would be... some  liven up change, maybe. But I don't want my lovely Lady to get ill! * prepares warm compresses for Laura, serves her hot tea and puts some little bell on her dashboard to ring for bed service *

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Oh, But that's some pretty clear ground sketch, so far, Paula. A little bit of shades and structure, and further work, and it will turn out great, I am sure! * gives thumbs up! *

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: * drives back in telescope eyes *

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Have you come nearer to any opinion about that 'Throl' question, then, as well, already, mee Lady? * knows he just sounds to all others like speaking in a secret language *

2006-11-30 [dayah]: lol...slightly strange you speak, but understand, I do..:D

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ah, you belong to the conspirational circle of insiders about [Lady of Lore]'s world of 'The Four Realms' then! Heh yes, she and me looked for some cool names for the 'throls' yet unnamed. * winks and smiles *

2006-11-30 [dayah]: kool....:D LAdy is my hero...why..um...cus she is..*hugs*

2006-11-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Of course, of course she's a hero. Only take the amazing outputs she did to create her Art Store! She definately beats any super-human powers of that weight-lifting old little ladies, she has her own theory about on her house page. * watches Paula, stopping a speed-train with her hand right now *

2006-12-01 [Lady of Lore]: Awww....! ROFl
The Art Store was a product of all the artists, i just organized it :P Thanks Daya. Keep it up with your tales as well. As for the Throls I am considering several of the names you sugested. I haven't sat down to go through the naming etc of the places on my map because of studying for finals. I've also been carrying my story around with me and have written in it up to page 35 on the second rough draft now ^^ (inspired to keep it all going after learning the background of the kid who wrote Eragon ((He was REALLY young when the book was written and published!)) and am more determined to get mine to the point where I'll publish it. When I do I'll be sure to include some credit to Mandarian and Daya as well as a few others who've helped me. (Hee hee....daydreams of her book doing better than Harry Potter....)

2006-12-01 [Dr.Mandarian]: No, no, no, don't be so humble! You did some great work on a manies things like that! ( Too manies to mention, even )
Okay, that's absolutely no problem. * crosses fingers for Paula's finals * And: YAY! Go, Paula, go! First... you will get bigger than Harry Potter, and then... I myself will try hard to reach up to you, as poor attic room artist. XP

2006-12-01 [Lady of Lore]: ^^ Well my book will give you some good publicity especially since I would like to include all of the wonderful art, etc that people have made that was inspired by my work.
I'll have time this weekend to go through the Throls.

2006-12-01 [dayah]: yeah I know what you mean Lady...I dream that mine would be made into a movie like Christophers...the kid that wrote Eragon...love the boy...insanely inlove..lol...Though I have been told by friends that they think the way I explain my book that think its the new lotr...I hope but I think christopher beet me to that.

2006-12-01 [Lady of Lore]: Hee hee, mine is often copared to the LOTR as well as a series of books by Terry Brooks called the Shanarra series. Yet mine is unique as it has been written by me ^_^ your's is wonderful and unique because it is written by you ^^. Christopher beat us to publication but that deosn't neccisarily mean its a better book.....Look at C.S. Lewis and Tolkien's books. They were good friends and often bounced ideas off of one another. Lewis published his books one year after another while Tolkien worked on his three his whole life....I can't say either one is better because they are so good and so different ^^

2006-12-01 [dayah]: oh I love Terry brooks... mymother has every single book..yeah I guess so...but he beat me to the punch to make it into a moive...I have more of the idea in my head of what the movie would look like...but It would start so differntly..but I love the way you write..you have a great tallent for it..me I have problems repeating myself..but hey...once I get my rough draft done and done a few revisions I am sening out to my family so they can read over it and give me their imput and including a few her on Elftown I know that would not steal my ideas.

2006-12-01 [Lady of Lore]: Awesome! Keep at the rought drafting....I'm on my second draft now....:P I hope to have it ready to pubish by the time I finish college (3 years or so)....we'll see how it goes :P

2006-12-01 [dayah]: yeah...thats cool...I just hope I can get this rough draft done by the end of this year...I need to stop drawing and start writing...but when I get stuck or bored with what I am doing I avoid it.

2006-12-01 [Lady of Lore]: go back and forth ^_^. I write as the images etc of what happens comes to me in my head...I draw when an interesting image comes into my head. I go back and forth....Try different things with your writing too, try writing a specific scene or the ending or the introduction of a character...etc ^^ That helps to keep me entertained as well as productive.

2006-12-01 [dayah]: Well thats my problem I jump around in my story so much that I don't know what was said befor, so I was trying to flush out the chapters..I guess it don't matter to much for a first rough draft. I had decide on doing the story from three points of view. One from the main character, one by the guy that is traveling with her and one by the king. I was doing the king to show his cruelity and such, but I get so bored tring to work on his scenes, maybes its just I don't have a good enough idea of what needs to happen with him. sigh...still stuck on that part and also involoving a bit more action into it...then again thats why I roleplay it out with friends...

2006-12-01 [Lady of Lore]: You can also come up with a sketchy outline of the plot, fill in as much detail of things that are to happen then and then build from there ^_^ my sweetheart and i sat down and did that and laid out what themes my story is about...such as Good intentions can do a great amount of harm, good and evil people once started out the same and it is thier choices that shape thier lives...etc

2006-12-01 [dayah]: guess soo I basicaly have the ideas, I am still stuck on the real reason the king is after my girl..it seems so sketch at the moment...but basicaly its all about her journy...maybe I have to many twist now...just siting her thinking about it...wow..

2006-12-01 [Lady of Lore]: lol...so long as you write it in a way that the reader can understand it its all good -__^

2006-12-03 [Time.]: *ponders* Those are some pretty cool themes, and a lovely idea. *smiles* I wish I had time to just sit down and outline a story. Perhaps someday. ^_^ Why would the king be after your main character, [dayah]? Perhaps she has some royal blood that should supersede him? So, power hungry as most kings end up being, he wants to off her? Who knows. ^_^

2006-12-03 [dayah]: well, its a bit confusing..strangely enough he wants her for three reasons...but for three differnt identies whom he doesn't realise is the same person. One, he wants her dead because she is suppose to be his daughter, whom a truth seer told him that a heir to the throne would be his demise. He figured it was her and wanted her dead..but he thinks she dead now or long gone. Mother draged her off when she heard he was going to have the baby killed. Two, because she is the mother of Deaths Hand ( work in progress) a child who can kill with a single touch, her child which her husband sold to the king.(long story) and three, for the storyteller who tells stories in which are long dead, but to children who like today, believe in them for so long till they grow out of the fairytales. But since he has a rule about such things, he wants her dead. its all so confusing.

2006-12-03 [dayah]: But basicaly he doesn't know what any of the girls look like, except for the storyteller, which he doesn't know much about, because her look has change dramitacly. So basicaly he has hired a merc to off the story teller but has also has hired some one (not sure or not if its the same guy he hires or not) to capture and return the mother to deaths hand to him. But with the story, no ones really after them at the moment and it seems there needs to be some conflict going on..but my brain is on overload..maybe I am thinking to much about it.

2006-12-08 [3.00 x 10^8 Meters/Second]: lol, to change the subject, we just enter by putting a picture up, right?

2006-12-09 [Dr.Mandarian]: Welcome [Torr-maat]! Great that your wonderful map has found it's way into this map contest!
And... hmmm... ( hum hom ) [3.00 x 10^8 Meters/Second], right, you 'enter by putting a picture up' yes. Except it should somehow be a MAP. ( And follow the rules and scopes explained above )

2006-12-09 [3.00 x 10^8 Meters/Second]: Well, yes, this is a map-making contest, so the picture should comprise of some sort of topographical reference. I'll have mine up soon, I just need to turn it 90*.

2006-12-09 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ha ha ha, okay! Rethorically well articulated analysis! Don't mind my ent fits! Hm, okay, give it a go then, [3.00 x 10^8 Meters/Second]! Turn that thing around!

2006-12-09 [Lady of Lore]: ^^ The sahding is coming along on mine...I'll update tonight...^^

2006-12-09 [3.00 x 10^8 Meters/Second]: woo and yay, it actually worked (my browser stopped working and I thought I might have just nuked elftown, man that would suck). A larger version can be found at http://charlie.cajianruler.googlepages.com/cajia along with some more drawings if anybody's interested.

2006-12-09 [Dr.Mandarian]: Nice map! Hm, and * laughs mumblingly * that is the same thought that ran through my head as well many times... 'Nuke elftown'... - lol - Well, even better would be some bigger version of your map. ( Like the one you have got in your wiki ) And shades, also - just in the case this is no work in progress. Mh, but that is your decision. And now I also suss your username: cajian ruler. Interesting. 

2006-12-09 [Dr.Mandarian]: Your link tells me by the way, the page I requested could not be found.

2006-12-09 [3.00 x 10^8 Meters/Second]: allright, the link has changed (there was a stupid comma at the end that shouldn't have been there...). Yes, a bigger version would have been better, but I was going for more detail than the other map, so it somehow became smaller.

2006-12-09 [Dr.Mandarian]: What a small wicked comma can all do... But good that you fixed it. Well, my comment was only because I think personally, that the names and legend specifications of your map of Cajian might especially be interesting. ( And in the smaller version they are just partly hard to decipher )
But they might be included as criterions in the later judgement, nonetheless.
I in any case love that conceptual sketch of that dragon, you used for your world!

2006-12-19 [Dr.Mandarian]: OOoh, but these are only cut out's so far - but they are brilliant! ( As far as I can maek it out )
Very tolkienesque, but very high claribre. Glad, that you entered this contest with such qualities as mapper, Ocean.
Maybe you really find the originals of them - Or as well make another new map. Looks very nicely drawn and styled, I must say.

2006-12-19 [Ocean Soul]: It took hours and hours to make, too... I really need to find that scan :( Or install my scanner, ne ._.

2006-12-23 [Estantia]: I have made a plan of a building as found on an evil guy's computer database, but with so much interest am I still allowed to submit it? (or shall I upload it to another wiki first for you to check?)

2006-12-24 [Ilana]: This seems like a really awesome contest! Must enter...

2006-12-26 [Dr.Mandarian]: Well, [Estantia]. I don't suss that little story of yours about your potential contribution to this contest, completely. You 'made a plan of a building as found on an evil guy's computer database'. That sounds a little enigmatic to me, to be honest. Should it mean, that you only copied an already existing building plan of someone else, you cannot use it as an entry - no matter if the guy you took it from was 'evil' or not. I am sorry. The entry has to be your OWN design. And also to accord to the rules for this contest, as specified above.
Generally much interest is fine, and any own, original entry is welcome. So, that you could try to design an OWN building plan and enter with it. But in any other way - and if the plan you want to submit is somebody else's design actually, this won't be according to the basic conditions here. 

2006-12-26 [Estantia]: oh no it's completely my own design, both the good and the evil characters are mine/a friend's, the picture completely mine, I just wondered whether I was allowed as no-one else had done a building plan and it was a computer based map rather than a paper based one. I'll enter it and you can decide then.

2006-12-28 [xido]: I have entered with the map for Tearra Rehm...


Shameless advertising for Dragon lovers:
Dragons - Biology, Sociology, and Magic


-will

2006-12-28 [Time.]: O.O *pounces the link that is shamelessly advertised*

2006-12-28 [Yncke]: This is my first real go at a map, so if it is not map-ish enough, just say so and I'll withdraw my entry.

2006-12-28 [Ilana]: There are 10 entries... does this mean the contest is closed now?

2006-12-29 [Lady of Lore]: Oh crimeny! I haven't had time to spiff mine up with the names of places etc...aw well....such is life, lol. Real life often calls more than my hobbies these past few weeks....

2006-12-29 [Estantia]: er, my map isn't that good... and as it's the odd one out if someone has a really good entry I could remove it

2006-12-29 [Yncke]: Why? Just because it's not your typical fantasy map? Quote the rules: "It can more go towards the direction of a layout or even groundplan". ;)

2006-12-29 [Ilana]: I don't think you should remove your entry to make room for another one...

2006-12-29 [Cia_mar]: hmmm wow that was fast... i never got around to finisheing mine... i could remove it... or we could mait for mandarian to say the contest is closed..

2006-12-29 [Yncke]: Most of the limited number of entries contest I know waited a bit before closing if people said they were close to finishing their entry.

2006-12-29 [Cia_mar]: yeah i know.. and he is pretty patient!

2006-12-29 [Yncke]: And I bet he'll be curious to see the finished result, just like me. ;P

2006-12-29 [Cia_mar]: :)

2006-12-29 [Time.]: That's such an amazing map, [Yncke]! I think it would be map-ish enough. I love it ^_^ It has a very unique style to it.

2006-12-29 [Estantia]: I know, it is amazing..

2006-12-30 [Yncke]: *happy blush* Thank you. :)

2006-12-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Wooh! I return and there are THREE NEW ENTRIES, suddenly, all in one throw! This is really some surprise! And they are all great! No worrying about 'un-mappishness' or not fitting the theme. Sorry, Estantia, for my grumpy approach, when I answered to your question about your entry. It must have been some misunderstanding, only. And a groundplan like this really enrichens this contest.
You are all right, there are ten entries made now. But Yncke and Cia do know me. I am very curious and patient. So, everybody having a work in progress here yet to finish, and to put some last touches on their maps, and any quick cartographer fellows jumping on the boat in the last minutes like Ilana shall have some extra time to work on their entries. 
So, Estantia's groundplan will count as an own seperate category ( that can theoretically be still added with further entries. ) And the contest will not close, before the W.I.P.'s are finished and new last entries are made until some reasonable deadline. I will announce the exact date when the contest is closed, soon then.
But, do not worry. You will have got some enough time to once again run up the motors.
Thanks still already for all entries, until now. It has been very much fun and joy to have the opportunity to meet you all and delve in your worlds and maps. Each one of them has got their own style. And I am for diversity. So, please do not think about withdrawal. You have all delivered brilliant work.

2006-12-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: If you all agree with this, and there is enough request, I could even also higher the maximum number of entries. I just saw, that the contest is still advertised on main street. And... You never know! Maps have their very own times, to come in, unpredictably, quick, as it seems.

2006-12-30 [Yncke]: I agree, the more the merrier. :)

2006-12-30 [Cia_mar]: yes...perhaps now it should be raised....

2006-12-30 [Ilana]: WOO! Extra time! The more the merrier, right?

2006-12-30 [Estantia]: it seems a popular contest (and I would welcome more groundplans, it doesn't seem fair to only have one entrant in a category)

2007-01-01 [Lady of Lore]: The more the merrier indeed! (rejoices in having more time!)

2007-01-03 [Dr.Mandarian]: [Glad that you go for more. This will enrichen the diversity of the contributions.
I think it is reasonable to close the contest by the last day of this month, january 31 2007.
Until then any contestant is now allowed to make up to FOUR different entries.
For all who think they would not be able to finish a whole complex map, in time, I suggest to open an own new WIND ROSE CATEGORY only for windroses, and encourage less extensive GROUNDPLANS, AREA PLANS and CUT OUT PLANS. 
( With the advice to also concentrate on the names, features of the world / locality and practical qualities as specified as most important criterions of assessment above, in the introduction to the contest. )

Concerning the own category for GROUNDPLANS a contribution is only judged by other criterions than the other maps. But belongs to the same pool of maps, still. Until there are at least three of them.

The new WINDROSE CATEGORY - in cases of artworks with windroses alone - will count as a special own area of the contest, if it finds request. And contributions to it will be judged seperately.

Any opinions, suggestions and critics for rules for the deadline and the scope of the contest are still welcome!]

2007-01-13 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ehrm, he will have his own reasons... But does anybody know why [Torr-maat] withdrew his entry - without explanation or commentary?

2007-01-13 [Ilana]: A good question... I don't know.

2007-01-14 [Ilana]: Ah... well, I'm sorry to see you go.

2007-01-16 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ah, okay. Bad news to hear that some creative elftowner as you intend to leave. But I respect that.

I still hope you other cartographers go on and enjoy this contest.

[I already concepted some more new frames, scopes and extended rules for map categories, if necessary, and an overview of all the prizes incl. respective criterions of judgement.

By the official deadline, stated, 31. jan 2007, the contest is officially closed, for any new entry of contestants who are not already part of the contest yet.
W.I.P's will most probably allowed to be worked on further, until max. the 15. FEBRUARY - as long as the entries as work in progress are respectively announced by status of W.I.P. before the official deadline and before the contest is officially closed.

Changes of entries ( selecting a different map instead of another ) are allowed until max. 15 february as well.

Further new entries of contestants who are already part of the contest, yet, after the official deadline - if having request - will probably only allowed by a reservation list,
and reservations ( or also definate announcements ) made before the official deadline.
In agreement with me - and in cases of doubt also in agreement with the other contestants.

Prizes will be a master cartographer prize as highest jury prize for the map with most sophisticated concept and overall design, best aesthetic qualities, names, features and authenticity ( truth to scale and practical qualities ) of any category or form.
There will be a jury prize for most creative, aesthetical area or cut out map / most creative authentical area or cut out map
and a prize for best world map / extensive groundplan or lay out map
an own groundpan / layout map prize - if contributed at least by three maps of the same category,

there will be a best map prize by public poll, and a prize for the best look and design, originality and 'flair' and highest aesthetics of a windrose, judged by me personally.

Aaand - I also plan to create a SISTER WIKI MAP ROOM linked up to this contest itself, for any map / lay out, groundplan or sketch / draft of anyone who wants to expose it - w/o any reservations and 'out of competition'.
To make it possible for any other elftowner to visit it and marvel at them.
And to honour all the work done, by the cartographers themselves, and also anybody else involved, in form of tributes, lists of co-designers and credits.

As place for further info, statements and links - with comment section in 'guest book function'.

All of you who plan to work further on their entries, have some empowered and inspirated work!
And run up your motors! * winks encouragingly *

All you who might find fun in drawing / designing further entries, windroses pointing the directions of north, south, west and east, or other maps - let them roll in!

I will soon be back and also post a reservation list, if you all agree with that handleing!

Opinions, critics or suggestions are of course more than desired!]
~ Your [Dr.Mandarian]
 

2007-01-17 [Torr-maat]: Sorry, I talked to xido and I am not leaving elftown, I've been going through some bad stuff, one of my really close family members just died..I guess it's easier for me to get mad at some inane stuff than sad. So again I appologize to all of you and hope that you still accept me back into the contest.

2007-01-18 [Dr.Mandarian]: I personally am glad that you decided to stay, [Torr-maat]. And I have got understanding for your situation. For my part you are very welcome back. No question that you are still accepted from my side out.
I think your entry does enrichen this contest. * smiles and winks with both eyes *

Ahh, and how about all you others? Are you still in your own map scriptorium's sometimes?
* drives out telescope eyes again * 

2007-01-18 [Cia_mar]: i am still working on mine though i have been busy with other projects... i hope to finish in time for the deadline though

2007-01-18 [Dr.Mandarian]: Fine, fine, Cia! * smiles * Well, as your own present entry is already announced as W.I.P. in your entry specifications you have even got time until 15. february, to work on it, actually.
While your map is by the way both: An area map of main category - AND a continent map, at the same time.

2007-01-18 [Cia_mar]: cool... i need to finish labeling and to make the parchment that it is supposed to be painted on...
i do not think i will make another more detailed map though, i just seem to have too much to do lately and not enough time to use Gimp to finish all my WIPs...lol

2007-01-18 [Dr.Mandarian]: I am already excited about that parchment effect, really. The only way I myself ever dealed with that was more of... 'experimental kind'.
( Burning the edges with a lighter, 'painting' it with coffee by brush, ironing it with a cloths flatting iron and pressing it then inbetween heavy telephone books to dry - or also let them wrinkle and wave dried at the top of the heatening in my room ) * squints *
Ah, - lol - I guess you in special have got more WIP's in work than stars are in the sky! * winks friendly * Mhh, one entry is more than fine. If you really wanted to draw a second one I would suggest you to draw some wind rose.
This should be quicklier done and not all too extensive of nature.

2007-01-18 [Cia_mar]: hmmm if i have time i may...
yes i always have more irons in the fire than i can handle... one of these days i will actually finish my WIPs... right now i am doing one that is posted on my house, and in my wip wiki.. it is a first for me to draw guys that way!

2007-01-19 [Ilana]: I know what you mean about being busy. I have something in the works, but I don't know if it'll be done in time... Stupid Physics assignments...

2007-01-21 [xido]: Mandarian, make sure you get with me when you make the poll to decide the winner for this contest, and we can make sure it is featured on the Guild pages of your choice. I can only do so much for advertising, but I can allow you to do your own advertising on the WFR pages too. ;)
-will

2007-01-23 [Dr.Mandarian]: I will surely do that, Will. Although it is yet still a little bit time away, since the public poll will be up.
I am very glad, that you advertise this contest where you can, as you do - with so much enthusiasm.
And any more attention onto the maps of all the cartographers here is of course the more the better.
So, you will be one of the first in the know, if the poll is coming.
And... * smiles a bit impishly * as long as you don't bring along some personal fan-club, as big as a soccer stadium, I think an advertisement on the guild pages can only be of advantage for every mapper involved round here. * looks friendly * 

2007-01-23 [Lady of Lore]: Updated mine ^__^ Yay, geology class paid off....lol

2007-01-23 [Dr.Mandarian]: Hey, wow! You re-concepted and re-drew that completely! * is amazed *
This is great! And even has got some extra-ordinarily own, individual and original mapping style!
Give your geology teacher some big smack for that!

2007-01-23 [Dr.Mandarian]: Throllomania!

2007-01-24 [Dr.Mandarian]: Sorry folks, I just noticed that I made a very bad slip with the specified date of the deadline for W.I.P.'s and changes!
You have got time until the [15. FEBRUARY] of course, not 15. JANUARY, to work on them!
Being also the same correct deadline date for all the other options explained above.
I corrected that now.
Sorry for any confusion that this little impish mistake of date might have caused with you.
It was my fault. * bows gracefully in pardon *

2007-01-24 [Cia_mar]: lol... i had assumed that that was the problem! no worries

2007-01-24 [Dr.Mandarian]: The decision which entries will win in each category will be HARD!
They are all so magnificent and different!
( I almost cannot get enough of them, to look at! ) ^_^

Glad that the jury and not I myself will have to consider this.
* peeks into hidden pit where the secret jury sits and where it explores the maps hands a huge, old fashioned magnifying glass *

2007-01-28 [Dr.Mandarian]: Wow! Holy Moly! This INDEED looks cool, [Torr-maat]! Well, I personally think that I can see, that it might have been generated with a little help of a fractalic map generator like worldgen - please correct me if I am wrong - but still it is beautiful, and shaped very gracefully. Some very stylish design, in the whole! I especially like the shapes of the two continents - and the complex little island patterns, interwoven with each other in such nifty way.

2007-01-28 [xido]: believe it or not, Mandarian, that is his own work, and done in MS Paint...  ;)

I have used Worldgen, and it is okay, but often a bit chaotic for my tastes. I have done it a few times... Still not sure about it... but maybe some day I will enjoy it.
-will

2007-01-28 [xido]: I like [Ocean Soul]'s and [Yncke]'s maps too. ;)
-will

2007-01-28 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ah, okay, for [Torr-maat] did not specify his used medium and for it looks so well-shaped and nifty, ( by high degree )I only wondered.
Brilliant work, even more then! Respects!
Yes, worldgen in particular is rather pretty random and most the results I got were also not so the mega-blast, right.

I also already have got several personal favourite's. Also including [Ocean Soul], [Yncke] - and more than a few others, which are all equally high calibre in my eyes.

Even much better, no, the BLISS about [Ocean Soul]'s entry would be, if she menaged to track the lost original map from her depicted world Nyratar back, somehow, before the definate deadline.

[Ocean Soul]? Did you receive that... sub-liminal message of mine?

2007-01-28 [Ocean Soul]: Actually I don't think I still have the scan or if I do, it's on a disc thing (the old format, small and squared) that my notebook cannot read anymore. However, I will try to at least take a better photo of it (digital camera instead of webcam) and maybe digitally fix the things that the camera screws up.
Bah I'm really sad the scan's lost :/

2007-01-28 [Dr.Mandarian]: Oh, don't get me wrong, there! These photo's as cut-out map's are already pretty high calibre, by how they are yet!
( Not at all 'crappy' )
Just as [xido] already said above also. I only... got 'greedy'.
And was actually hooked by your own promise upon some even more extensive cut-out's - and some SUPERLATIVE of the yet already magical and most intriguing entries, there! * eyes above to Ocean, being so sad and flashes an encouraging smile *

2007-01-28 [Ocean Soul]: Haha you sure got me smiling ;) In return I will definitely feed you with more detailed photos (not now, but I will before the deadline's reached)..
I'm very flattered by everyone who likes my map although I still think the photos don't do it any justice (much less so as I really worked on it for days :/).

2007-01-28 [Dr.Mandarian]: * smiles mildly * Don't be angered about that so much. You can see in the love to detail, the whole flair and great conception / design of these cut-out's, how much long and dedicated work and thought was once put into those maps.
Even a one-eyed, and myopic GNOME would see that, only by looking at them, really!
( Assumed, he is any versed in Fantasy maps ) ^_^

2007-01-28 [Dr.Mandarian]: But: YES! FEED US!

2007-01-29 [Dr.Mandarian]: [Last opportunity to enter this contest with a new entry! Last opportunity to add yourself into the reservation list above - if you plan to MAYBE! make a further entry, AFTER the 31. january!
This isn't nesessarily obliging, to also make USE of it! It is a pure OPTION!
So, be encouraged to enter the reservation list!]
( You never know, if some creative mapping attack might come over you, you do not reckon with, at the moment! ) * smiles and winks *

[Also last opportunity, to declare offical statusses of WORKS IN PROGRESS for your entries, in order to be able to work further on them until max. 15. february!

WINDROSES can be entered until max. 15. february STILL!
By ANYONE! ( Also by elftowners who ARE NOT YET CONTESTANTS and enter as complete NEW-BIES, with an own entry in form of a windrose! )

But... After WEDNESDAY THE 31. january the main season is over, fellows!
After that, only the one's who reserved further entries by reservation list above are allowed to enter!

And: ONLY W.I.P.'s ( works in progress ) are allowed to be worked on further until max. 15. february!
Then the contest will finally also close for THEM! And the votings by poll, and the judgement phase of the secret jury will begin!]

2007-01-29 [Dr.Mandarian]:

[By the official deadline, stated, 31. jan 2007, the contest is officially closed, for any new entry of contestants who are not already part of the contest yet!]
( Except WINDROSE ENTRIES! )

[W.I.P's will be allowed to be worked on further, until max. the 15. FEBRUARY - as long as the entries as work in progress are respectively announced by status of W.I.P. before the official deadline and before the contest is officially closed!

Changes of entries ( selecting a different map instead of another ) are allowed until max. 15 february, as well!

Further new entries of contestants who ARE already part of the contest, AFTER the official deadline will only be allowed by an entering into the reservation list, above!
And by reservations ( or also definate and clear announcements ) made before the official deadline of the 31. january!]
In agreement with me - and in cases of doubt also in agreement with the other contestants.

[Prizes will be a master cartographer prize as highest jury prize for the map with most sophisticated concept and overall design, best aesthetic qualities, names, features and authenticity ( truth to scale and practical qualities ) of any category or form.
There will be a jury prize for most creative, aesthetical area or cut out map / most creative authentical area or cut out map
and a prize for best world map / extensive groundplan or lay out map
an own groundpan / layout map prize - if contributed at least by three maps of the same category,

there will be a best map prize by public poll, and a prize for the best look and design, originality and 'flair' and highest aesthetics of a windrose, judged by me personally -]

2007-01-29 [Yncke]: Cool, an exception for wind roses. :)

2007-01-29 [Ilana]: Whoa... that was big.

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: I hope, there will also BE some windroses. Drawing or art-working windroses is FUN, actually.
( And they in fact also do not require too much time to sit down and make them ) ;)

- lol - Hope I did not scare you too much with that bigness, [Ilana]. ^_^
Even if... * chuckles * I was led in temptation for some seconds, to post text in HUGE font right in here. * squints *

2007-01-30 [Estantia]: *winces* mine's being made!

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Yes, ha ha, no worries, [Estantia], you have got your sheeps in the dry, like we say in german.
Mh, and yours is a good one. I wished from the beginning of this contest on, that there would be groundplans or layouts.
I love groundplans. Mh, I myself am not very versed in drawing groundplans or layouts. But exactly this makes them appealing to me.
And they are SO MUCH MORE important for roleplaying, aren't they?
I still have go some left from my own active roleplaying time in a real group of friends. And they remember me of the good old times, each single one. * laughs *
See how old I am! I even already begin to talk nostalgic!
But, no, seriously. Your groundplan has got it's very own appeal and flair.

2007-01-30 [Estantia]: I meant my wind-rose, I'm only doing it in B&W for the mo, but it should be pretty striking.

You have no idea how much debate went into that groundplan, for one thing I thought the building was only two floors originally...

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Oh, your WINDROSE! Wasn't aware just now, that you meant that!
But this is some great idea! You are one of the very first with that own category, then! Even if I know... that [Torr-maat] does also plan to make a windrose.
This is great! ^_^ Then there will be a real competition - and also an exciting one! Hm, maybe others even feel encouraged to follow your example, then.
Mh, black and white is more than fine, and if it is striking, I am sure it will be a monster-entry! Monsterly GOOD, I mean. * winks *
Aah, yes I can imagine that. But: Morphing rooms and dark clones - Wish I had been part of that adventure! It sounds very intriguing, only going by this map of yours!

2007-01-30 [Estantia]: Hehehe, there are rather a lot of clones hanging round the 11th clan, but the notes down the side are the funniest; All the different ways they tried to get in and failed miserably..

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Clones... Hanging around... Mh, yes. What do clones do with their day, actually?
What hobbies would they have got?
Wouldn't they follow their genetical heritage? I mean, clones produced exactly with the same DNS as mine, should actually tend to also have got the same hobbies and habits than me.
So clones of myself would also play guitar, compose songs, write and draw, and... they would probably also smoke and watch the same things on T.V. like me.
Except, they socially grew up in a completely different environment, or under completely different circumstances...

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]:

2007-01-30 [Cia_mar]: i need to be cloned!!!!! been wishing for it for years! i could get so much done!... kind of like in that movie with micheal keaton, multiplicity! great movie!
huggles...on my way out just thought i would post my 2 cents worth! lol

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: - lol - I even see that right before me, right now! An army of CIA'S, being busy each with another thing! Ha ha! ( Cia 'needs to be cloned' - lol - )
* smiles and huggles back *
Oh, but I think [Estantia] thinks I am completely crazy now - by what kinds of bizarre jokes I make here...

2007-01-30 [Cia_mar]: i am an army of one!!!! lol

i wish!

2007-01-30 [Lady of Lore]: Cia, you'd be one mighty army of one I can tell you that....as for me I'd settle with being able to mak several of myself like the mutant from X-men or at least a time turner so I could get everything done in time....lol ^_^ College can be crazy sometimes...

2007-01-30 [Cia_mar]: i would like to manipulate time also, or maybe be like the silver surfer... all the power of the cosmos!!! no that i am power hungry or anything.. then again a little bit of teleportation would be my fav... since i walk everywhere, then all i would have to do is think of a place and go!!!!

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: Aaah, yes, wow! The SILVER SURFER! THAT's a cool superhero!
But if I had to choose with which super-hero to drink a beer, I would still choose 'The Thing'. He is my kind of chap. And... I like his skin problem.

2007-01-30 [Cia_mar]: well either him or wolverine.. i think that they both would make good drinking buddies!

2007-01-30 [Dr.Mandarian]: The Wolverine yes. That dude can probably drink a lot. He copied my beard style.

2007-01-30 [Cia_mar]: lol... i would not tell him that, never tell a man with claws of adementium that he is not the originator of a cool style! lol

2007-01-31 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ah, pah! I don't fear his adamantine claws! I still have got my old ancient Katana, made from titanium / mythrill alloy, being folded 10,003 and a half times, extinguished with the tear of a fire dragon, forged hands a summoned lightning flash, by the great conjuncton of the planets around lunch time of a supermighty hag, and then polished with the liquid from a Manticore's liver, dusted with magical powder made from high vampires, and dipped in the blood of a titan.

It... mainly looks like a potatoe peeling knife, somehow. But that is only appearance.

2007-01-31 [Cia_mar]: lol... yes beware the deceptive appearances of the potato peelers! they can really slice you up if you are not careful! a most dangerous weapon indeed!  *tries to hide a giggle*

2007-01-31 [Dr.Mandarian]: * brandishes wildly and sillily around with his potato knife *
I am a mighty dragon slayer, better shudder in awe before me!!

2007-01-31 [Cia_mar]: maybe... if the dragons were made out or carrots and potatoes! lol

2007-01-31 [Dr.Mandarian]: * is akimbo * This woman is mocking me!

2007-01-31 [Cia_mar]: *gets in a ti chi ready stance*
i fear no potato peeler weilding man or beast!... *wink*

2007-01-31 [Lady of Lore]: *joins in with the tai chi* "Tai chi chien..."

2007-01-31 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ha ha! This was fun! Sorry to all others around here, that I 'abused' this comment section for some personal silly fits of mine, yesterday. I thought, now, as the contest is as good as closed, I could once again open a barrel of random goofing around.

Well, by tomorrow, the first february this contest will be officially closed, like already announced.
Because my exchanges of comments meanwhile swallowed up the deadline and contest scope rules, I still once more post them here.
Thanks a lot you all, for participating in this! It was more than inspiring and fun to moderate this contest and come to meet so many gifted and creative cartographer fellows here!
While this contest wouldn't be complete and lacking, with just only one single entry lesser!
You all did some excellent work! And I am already looking forward in excitement, towards the W.I.P. finshing and judgement phase, that begins tomorrow! 

2007-01-31 [Dr.Mandarian]: [Tomorrow, by the official deadline, stated, 1. february 2007, the contest is officially closed, for any new entry of contestants who are not already part of the contest yet!]
( Except WINDROSE ENTRIES! )

[W.I.P's will be allowed to be worked on further, until max. the 15. FEBRUARY - as long as the entries as work in progress are respectively announced by status of W.I.P. before the official deadline and before the contest is officially closed!

Changes of entries ( selecting a different map instead of another ) are allowed until max. 15 february, as well!

Further new entries of contestants who ARE already part of the contest, AFTER the official deadline will only be allowed by an entering into the reservation list, above!
And by reservations ( or also definate and clear announcements ) made before the official deadline of the 31. january! So, until tomorrow!]
In agreement with me - and in cases of doubt also in agreement with the other contestants.

[Prizes will be a master cartographer prize as highest jury prize for the map with most sophisticated concept and overall design, best aesthetic qualities, names, features and authenticity ( truth to scale and practical qualities ) of any category or form.
There will be a jury prize for most creative, aesthetical area or cut out map / most creative authentical area or cut out map...
AND a prize for best world map / extensive groundplan or lay out map...
An own groundpan / layout map prize - if contributed at least by three maps of the same category...

There will be a best map prize by public poll, and a prize for the best look and design, originality and 'flair' and highest aesthetics of a windrose, judged by me personally -]

Aaand - I also plan to create a SISTER WIKI MAP ROOM linked up to this contest itself, for any map / lay out, groundplan or sketch / draft of anyone who wants to expose it - w/o any reservations and 'out of competition'.
To make it possible for any other elftowner to visit it and marvel at them.
And to honour all the work done, by the cartographers themselves, and also anybody else involved, in form of tributes, lists of co-designers and credits.

As place for further info, statements and links - with comment section in 'guest book function'.

All of you who plan to work further on their W.I.P.'s, over the next half a month, have some empowered and inspirated work!
And run up your motors! * winks encouragingly *

All you who might find fun in drawing / designing further entries, as windroses pointing the directions of north, south, west and east - Let them roll in!

Opinions, critics or suggestions are - as always - of course more than desired!
~ Your [Dr.Mandarian]
 

2007-01-31 [Estantia]: Sorry for not replying, I'd gone to sleep ^_^'

mostly the clones do similar things to their counterparts, so mostly that's training, annoying each other, playing computer games, kicking evil butt... that sort of thing :) more info on the 11th clan if you're interested.

2007-02-01 [Dr.Mandarian]: Okay, heh heh, I already worried a bit, you might be... shockingly touched by my weird sense of humour, over there.
( You never know what exactly happens with the person on the other end of the line )
But... Clones seem likeable to me. I will surely visit that info wiki. ^_^

2007-02-01 [Dr.Mandarian]: Okay, fellows! Contest is officially closed now. Lift ye drink and pay salute to it, once more, as it now goes into the judgement phase! ( YAY! )

[Entries being allowed to be changed yet, as W.I.P.'s and exception cases of entries with selection options, please message me for the password, in order to be able to post the final results, which you want to have definate!]

The secret judges are partly already busy exploring each entry.

So, thanks again to all proud participants! It was the very first contest I ever moderated / hosted. But it was more than pleasure and fun, until now. * lifts his were-doctor's top-hat, smiles and winks through his monocle *

2007-02-01 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ah, yes, and I almost forgot about that part! >_< WINDROSES CAN STILL BE ENTERED AS SEPERATE CATEGORY, UNTIL THE 15.FEBRUARY! BY ANYBODY! AND WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS!

These entries will probably be posted in a seperate own map contest room, linked up with this main map contest room.
I will install that room soon, and hope that there will be request!

So, take a good example by [Torr-maat]'s new fine entry in form of a windrose, draw your pencils, start your art program or even doodle with a wind rose!
This part of the contest will be an own contest category, which's entries will not be judged by the secret jury then, but by myself.
The most original or authentical windrose / the windrose with the best look, design, flair and aesthetics will then receive a prize of it's own! 

2007-02-01 [Lady of Lore]: Yay! Windroses....(scribbles away.....)

2007-02-01 [Estantia]: er, except I can't add my windrose entry because I don't know the password...

2007-02-01 [Yncke]: I think that, as soon as [Dr.Mandarian] sees your message, he'll take care of that. ;)

2007-02-01 [Estantia]: ah ok :)

2007-02-02 [Dr.Mandarian]: Great! ( Windrosomania! ) ^_^ Mh, no worries, [Estantia]. You will be able to post your windrose. In fact you'd have got time until the 15. feb with that.
And in the very next days I will also create that extra contest map room wiki only for windroses. Where [Torr-maat]'s, yours and all following windroses will be exposed, then.
But... if it is really urgent, and you want to show them as son as possible, you can message my house and I'll send you the password to add your windrose, even now.
( As long... As you you will only add your windrose and will change nothing else before discussing that with me, of course )

2007-02-02 [Cia_mar]: or they can post the windrose to you in a message and then you can put it here with out ever worrying about such a thing!!!

2007-02-02 [Dr.Mandarian]: Yes, right! That is even better, maybe! Thanks Cia, for that useful tip!
( Not that I am not trustful, towards anyone here, apart from that. )
Did you notice that, then, [Estantia]?
You are very welcome to send your own windrose to my house as [Dr.Mandarian] by MESSAGE, and I'll immediately post it here, as soon I have got the time!

2007-02-02 [Estantia]: of course, I'll do that then, it is up in my house but I'll upload it to a wiki first.

2007-02-03 [Dr.Mandarian]: Okay * steaming mad professor hair-do * An extra contest map room only for windroses is actually way too fussy. I think I should just post all the windrose entries that will come in until the 15. feb right here, and only in a seperated section like above.
These first two are already great! I like the clarity and look of [Torr-maat]'s and I like the idea and conception in forms of symbolic attributes, by [Estantia] both a lot! And I hope there will yet come in more windroses, as aesthetical and original like that! 

2007-02-09 [schitzo]: [To be contributed further by ANY CREATIVE ELFTOWNER, who likes to try his or her hand at creating a COMPASS ROSE by own design until the 31. february 2007!] i thought that feb only had 28 days ? so is it open untill the 3rd of march? or do i miss the point entirely?

2007-02-09 [Lady of Lore]: Ok, as soon as I can I've got 3 or 4 compassroses I've been working on, soon I'll choose my fav. and get scanning ^^

2007-02-09 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ha ha ha! Right, [schitzo]! Stupid me! Nobody has reckoned with the wicked trick of the february! ( Or even the leap year! ) Yes, sorry, typically me. * squints *
No, you did not miss the point, because there isn't any. I wrote that over-tired and besides myself. So, the deadline is of course until the [15.feb]! This was only a slip. But I'll change that. Why? Are you interested to contribute an own windrose?

Aaah, very good, Paula. ^_^ Excited, how they will be! Well, there is no max. limit to number of windrose entries, yet. So, you could theoretically also post more than one. But that's only up to you. * winks and smiles *

2007-02-09 [schitzo]: I will attempt my hand at this very important piece of art, i'm not sure if i will get it here in time though, which is fine i'm already working on 2 other drawings....

2007-02-20 [Yncke]: I was wondering if anyone knew if [Dr.Mandarian]'s alright? He hasn't been online for a while, and it's not in his character to drop a project like this great contest, and... well, I just hope it's just real life getting in the way. :)

2007-02-20 [Dr.Mandarian]: * smiles * I am very fine, and... still alive, no worries. It indeed has been only real life, keeping me away for a pretty while. Even in two ways, at the same time!
My com crashed down AND I had a lot buzzing around my ears, lately. But - Sweet that you wondered about my welfare, Yncke. ^_^
No, I would never drop this contest. I am not 100% sure yet, how to get this baked ( without having any functioning com in my place ) but I would suggest spontaneously, that every contestant already sends me her or his final versions to any W.I.P. and new windrose entry, how she or he likes to have it in end result - And that contestants like [Ocean Soul] send me the final version of their cut-out`s as well. As soon I will be able to return then, I will post every entry the way it shall run into competition into the contest page above.
I think the secret jury will soon be able to discuss with me, carefully, which entry should win in each respective prize category. Until then please have a little patience with me. I hope that my com at home will be repaired and again running, next weekend.  

2007-02-20 [Yncke]: Oof. I'm glad it's only a technicality that was getting in the way. :) *burns a candle for the welfare of [Dr.Mandarian]'s comp*

2007-02-20 [Dr.Mandarian]: Ha ha ha! Occult VOODOO MAGIC for me, and my comp? ^_^ You are really dear! ^_^ No, my comp could really use any power available. ( From what side of candle magic ever ) And - Thanks a lot again really for your wondering and 'oofing'!
* the doctor's comp beginning to emit steam and randomly starting to recite Shakespear * 

2007-02-21 [Yncke]: Random Shakespeare, huh? Other people need a thousand monkeys randomly hitting the keyboard for that. ;)

2007-02-21 [Estantia]: Mine's jsut stubborn, like me *hugs* *griffin puts up with it... grudgingly*

2007-02-21 [Torr-maat]: Just so you know I changed my name, don't ask why, I just did. I was Quinidar but I am now [Torr-maat]

2007-04-12 [Torr-maat]: When do we find out who won?

2007-04-12 [Yncke]: When [Dr.Mandarian] comes back. (Which is soon, I hope. :) )

2007-04-12 [Ocean Soul]: :( Ages ago I sent him the scan of my image... seems he's being busy with other things (life and such ;P) >>

2007-04-12 [Estantia]: Has anyone noticed that my windrose has the elements in exactly the same positions as the one after?

2007-04-12 [Lady of Lore]: He'll get to this as soon as he can. Don't worry. ^_^

2007-04-13 [Yncke]: @[Estantia]: I hadn't noticed there were elements in my windrose. :)

(I've just taken a city which should do map making in my fantasy world, and filled the points of the rose with the main characters of the people in the four directions. )

2007-04-13 [Estantia]: It's amazing how coincidences like that work though isn't it? Maybe subconscious :P

2007-04-13 [Yncke]: Well, maybe, the one in the south lives in the mountains, so that could work, but the one on the left is a desert dweller... :(
(Unfortunatly. I really like the interpretation you've given.)

2007-04-13 [Estantia]: (ah I mistook the flash on the blade as water dripping off it...)

2007-04-20 [xido]: intriguing.... ;)

2007-06-14 [Cia_mar]: it has been an awfull long time since the good doctor has been here on ET... is there any here that may know if he is ok?

2007-06-14 [dayah]: Where Has Oli Gone? We are all very worried about him.

2007-06-22 [Yncke]: Just for the record: [Dr.Mandarian]'s back. :D

2007-06-22 [dayah]: oh thank you yncke I forgot to say anything in here...heheh yes he is..yay!!

2007-07-06 [xido]: Voting now open:

FMAC_Poll
FMAC_Compasses

2007-07-06 [Yncke]: Er, [xido], why don't we wait for [Dr.Mandarian], after all, it is *his* contest. I believe there's still a compass in his mailbox.

2007-07-06 [Estantia]: ah fair point, i'll just leave my voting on the main thing as i did vote on compasses, not for overall best though, and I didn't vote mine.

2007-07-07 [xido]: I know it is his, but as I know that many people have been waiting for quite some time for this, I figured I would put forth some effort to make his job easier.

Also, I incorporated all of the elements of his judging criterion on these polls, so that people can both critique and vote openly. I do not see why we should not vote for our own, as long as we are honest. No one will be harassed for how they vote.

Also, I know how difficult it can be to get a group of people together to judge an event like this. It is nearly impossible in most cases to network people that well. I did some really productive group projects in school where we did that, but everyone knew how to be on the same page, because it was outlined openly on the online school site.

I did not realize that we still had entries that were not posted... Especially since the Contest had been closed.

I for one feel that we have been patient enough, and that the work I have done here will not be too out of line. If anything, I have given Oliver a very good outline of how to poll things like he wanted to have judged by a jury panel.

2007-07-07 [Yncke]: I know you mean well and took a great effort, but well, personally, I'd be quite pissed if someone took hold of a contest I organised while I'm lacking internet access.

Perhaps [Dr.Mandarian] had already a group to vote in mind, and not necessarily Elftowners. ;)

I'm not sure about other entries, but the contest iwasclosed for the maps, the windroses could still come at that time.

Personally, I have contests I've waited for far longer, I think it's more a matter of politeness not to hijack someone's contest without at least asking. Just my opinion.

2007-07-07 [Estantia]: I'm agreeing with Yncke on the politeness thing. it is a very good way of polling (It takes so much into account ^_^) but you do tend to push things at times xido.

2007-07-07 [dayah]: though he might not be back for about three months I believe is what he said..but I agree...he should be the one to give say to if it goes onward...

2007-07-09 [Ocean Soul]: Uhm >> I sent Mandarian a message aeons ago, with the proper scan of my entry, so it's not really fair to have the poll now, with only the crappy photos >> <<

2007-07-11 [Dr.Mandarian]: Heya, I am back now - definately. * wink! * Hm, I am really sorry that I neglected things here like this contest, while I was away... And apologize therefore.
That [xido] took initiative and the further organization of it in his hands does not really anger me. No, in fact I'd rather even be relieved, he did. And the way he designed the public poll for this contest seems well done to me.
So, if every participant of the contest will agree to his administration and the way he designed the poll, I would give it into his responsibility.
The only thing that's really not so good would indeed be about [Ocean Soul]'s entry. It is correct, that she sent me the up to date worldmap of hers yet in time, once. And for this map is still in my mailbox, but the poll is already opened and running, this weighs me a bit. Hm, what do you think, [xido]? Could you consider [Ocean Soul]'s entry yet in any way, still?

2007-07-13 [xido]: I appreciate everyone's opinions, but I anticipated [Dr.Mandarian] wanting at least a little bit of help. This was a huge project to take on, and I felt like helping. I am sorry if my direct and proactive stance on helping may have appeared controlling, but I can't help the polls saying that I am the Administrator. This is Oliver's contest, and I am just helping. I will remove my entry from the contest if that is what is necessary to appear formal about it.

For the record, Elftown is a volunteer site, and to volunteer should be looked upon with respect, not impoliteness. Lending a hand can appear one way on the web, even if that was not the intention. I am not going to stop being nice, just so I appear polite. I am polite; crazy, but polite.

I am personally happy to have Oliver back, and welcome any and all input he has on this, now that he is more able.

Also, [Ocean Soul]'s entry was updated on two polls on FMAC_Poll. Everyone should take a look at it once more, in case it changes their mind about its quality. I for one thought it was much more professional looking in full.

Thanks for the word, Oliver. Best wishes,
-will

2007-07-16 [dayah]: ITs great you did xido and its even better to have olivers go on it...I just say its best to always be safe than sorry..:) but Oli mad? kind of hard to beleive he would ever be..*smiles* so a kind person...coudln't even imagin..heheh. so yay...go go go.. :D sorry hyper.

2007-11-19 [Dr.Mandarian]: Hey all you cartographers! I just voted for the entries for fantasy maps in: FMAC_poll - and am once more amazed again over what high level of brilliance and calibre they are. So it was kind of a hard task for me to judge them. It is a pleasure to have such manies of high quality artworks gathered here. I once again have to thank all who participated in this! And I also want to express again, in this place, how sorry I am that the whole process of the running contest has been so unfortunately interrupted for so long, due to my absence - and kind of dragged along then. I assure you that it has got nothing to do with a lack of interest in this, to any time. I just first have been forced by personal circumstances to not be able to get online for a pretty long while. And after I returned to town, I missed energy and time enough, to dedicate myself more to the outturn of the contest procedure here.
I hope that you are not badly disappointed about that.
Still I wanted to ask you all, if you'd like to finish this contest soon, after all, or if you'd maybe like me to first yet care a bit for advertising the poll more over the next days - as for example trying to apply for a main street place for it? I don't know exactly, what [xido] planned for the further scope of the contest end, but I will in any case contact him soon and discuss with him, about the evaluation of the poll he kindly created, and the finish of the whole contest. Having a winner in each category and a badge for each winner then, how I hope.

2007-11-19 [Yncke]: I agree that it could use a bit more votes. :)

2007-11-19 [Dr.Mandarian]: Yes, I think the contest actually absolutely deserves to become known by a broader public, yet, before it closes with a winner. As long as the contestants here haven't lost the enthusiasm for it already. Which would be a pity. I might write to the main street poll responsibles and try to bring it there.

2008-03-18 [Dr.Mandarian]:

Contest poll procedure closed and winners of each category announced, now finally at: Fantasy Map Art Contest Winners!

2008-03-19 [xido]: Great job, everyone. A lot of really amazing talent here. ;)
-will