Ideas for more structured shootouts

[Compaq]

I've been thinking. Maybe (just maybe) it would be beneficial to have some "ground rules" with this thing. I've seen, in my limited time as participant, that there have been some common problems, or misunderstandings.

For example, and I've sinned this one as well, uploading raw files. It seems most people want to use high res JPEGs, as not all use software supporting raw files. It takes a few minutes converting 5-6-7 raw files to JPEGs.

Secondly, using an upload site is all well and good, but if we got together in a thread with our e-mails, we could easily create a TPF Shootout Dropbox folder. Of course, everyone who wanted to participate would need to join the dropbox group, and that may be a challenge.

These shootouts are very much fun, and it they became a little more structured, the game might benefit? I'm not talking insane amounts of rules and legislation here, just a couple of suggestions.

[Ads]

[Bynx]

Dropbox is a great idea. Its easy to join and easy to use. But to a few easy isnt easy enough Im afraid. As for original Raw files, anyone with a Mac should have the free program from Adobe called Adobe DNG Converter. It converts any Raw file to a DNG file which can be opened by Photoshop.

[Compaq]

It would be sort of neat if suddenly several exposures dropped by my folder, and I would know a new shootout was ready Anyone with internet and a computer is able to use the dropbox system. If their connection is good enough to download from the web, it's good enough to use dropbox. And you only need to join up once, and you're done for the future of shootouts.

If more people voiced their opinions, it would be more clear if it was worth a shot.

[EDL]

I like the dropbox idea.

As for formats, I don't think it's much of an issue really. There are tons of free format converters, even ones that should convert the various RAW files.

[Compaq]

Not much enthusiasm for the dropbox thing. I think it would work very well. There are many regulars to this subforum that have yet to give their opinion. Maybe today is a bad day to expect a high level of activity :P