smcginnis wrote:it would probably take me two years to write 20 pages, not two months.
You don't need to write 20 pages. That is the absolute maximum - I'd much rather people write less than that!
But if two months is not enough time, how about three months?
Does this mean 20 pages of raw text + pictures or 20 pages including pics?
Just Text. But like I said above, try to avoid skirting the maximum. Remember someone has to read this.
should the ilustrations be strictly pictures of actual bricks or they can be drawings?
The same reason why you aren't allowed to submit drawings of LEGO models for the Colossal Contest - this is a LEGO contest, use as much LEGO as possible.
Now, having said that, I see fryslayer has started a little comic where his characters have a very simple drawn background. That is 100% ok! The rule is: characters must be LEGO, if the background is something they interact with, it should be LEGO as well.
1) Is the old "photoshop creates an army" trick allowed?
Photoshop effects are allowed, yes.
2) Are custom parts/flags/capes etc allowed?
3) Are clone brands elements (heresy! Twisted Evil ) allowed for story's sake?
4) Are non lego elements ( props, real life objects...) allowed?
Custom pieces (Lil Armory, RedBean, Decals, Anything you have made) are allowed. Clone brands and non-LEGO are generally not allowed.
If you have a cool idea that you think follows the spirit of this rule, but not the letter, contact me privately and we'll discuss it. For example, Nathan did a story for a while about a LEGO Knight traveling around his room. Something like this might be able to work, if we like the idea.
5) Any restrictions on the level of violence?
Normally, I'd say no. But I don't want to see any sexual violence, like rape, etc. Murder, maiming, blood, guts - I'm cool with as much of that you can dish out using LEGO pieces.
6) Date line is a bit tight for such short notice, any chance of further delaying a week or two?
I didn't think two months was short notice. But extending it another month would be no problem!
Question: does it have to be double-spaced or will the spacing in my prior stories be ok?
Your method is an excellent way to do an Illustrated story. Stories only need to be Double Spaced if you're making a word document and inserting the pictures into it. If you are doing something like Athos's method, that is perfectly fine with me!
Question: can we post installments on the boards or in our brickshelf galleries as we go? Or do we have to hold off until it is completed?
Installments are fine. Just email me when the entire story is completed and in one final location.
If our pics are a bit fuzzy, but the construction set is great, will we still lose marks?
The problem is that if your pictures are fuzzy, I won't be able to tell how good the construction is. But yes, presentation is part of the final evaluation.
There are many places where you can get help producing a clear photographic picture, and don't be afraid to ask for help in the Publishing area of our site. If you're still having problems, email me privately and I'll try to help as much as I can.
Does it matter what word program we use? Can we directly e-mail the stories to you? Is there a minimum lenght?
Nope, yep, and the minimum length is one word/one photo. Exactly how you convey a beginning, middle, and end with only a single word and image is up to you.
Sorry about so many questions, I would just like to know, and can we have our own settings, like in our own fantasy lands?
This is, in fact, strongly encouraged. Anything that starts with "my own" relates immeadiately to creativity! Be creative! Be creative! Strong points for creativity!
Excellent round of questions guys! I look forward to seeing what you are able to create!
-Lenny