Lucas P
Emperor
Global user
Registered: 09-2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 3362
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SWDA Rules and Intent
SECTION 1: WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO
1a. Statement Of Purpose -- The purpose of the Star Wars Design Alliance is to develop functional and plausible designs from all Star Wars sources. While originally intended as a resource for Star Wars role-playing games, we feel that the designs and blueprints are also an excellent resource for developing 3d models.
SECTION 2: DESIGN PROJECTS
2a. Eligible Designs -- Any ship, vehicle, or building from the Star Wars universe may be developed for inclusion on the gallery site. Design projects featuring vehicles, ships, or buildings from other sources will not be included on the gallery site; they are however allowed in the SWDA Design WIPs (Original) forum as modifications projects for personal use.
2b. The Design Development Process -- A ship is selected for development, then all possible reference material is gathered and examined closely, taking into account precedence of material, age of sources and canonicity. A heirarchy of the material is then composed to facilitate the design process.
External views are developed first, main features are assessed, like bulkheads and surface features, which indicate associated internal components. Once this is completed, the internal layout can be determined, with the intent of lining up features with external cues first, then developing other parts and accessories for the rest of the ship or vehicle in the most sensible and efficient way possible.
It is important to complete all prior steps before proceeding -- otherwise serious flaws can result and compromise the quality of the design.
2c. Feedback -- The works in progress are displayed publicly in our forums, so that all members can participate in the process if they wish to. Feedback is key to refining the designs and perfecting the final ship for display in the Gallery. It is vital that as many people as possible critique the design constructively so that accuracy and aesthetic appeal can be maximized.
2d. How To Contribute -- We at the SWDA realize that not everyone who wishes to contribute is an artist. However, we firmly believe that it is possible for non-artists to learn how to draw deckplans of SWDA quality with enough persistence and determination. Even if someone truly is not suited (or willing) for artwork, drawing is not the only way in which one can contribute to the deckplan development process. One can also research references for ship information, scan images, post stats/capsules, and more. We at the SWDA do not expect all our members to be artists, but we do respectfully request that all members do find some way to make a positive contribution to the process.
2e. Artwork From Other Deckplan/Design Websites -- Artwork from other design sites are not allowed as a basis for SWDA gallery site projects. They are allowed in the SWDA Design WIPs (Original) forum as modifications projects for personal use and public review -- however, they are not eligible for inclusion on the SWDA gallery website.
2f. Design Project Abandonment -- The intent of the SWDA is to ensure that the quality work by its membership on every design project is ultimately completed and displayed on the SWDA gallery site. Although each ship, vehicle, and/or floorplan from any official Star Wars source is ultimately the intellectual property (IP) of George Lucas, the design projects developed here in the SWDA forums is considered to belong to its members as a whole. Therefore, when an inactive project is determined by SWDA Management to be officially abandoned, it will be offered to a new artist. The original/previous artist(s) will still be considered a part of the development team and will still receive credit on the completed project.
If the abandoned design project is original in nature (i.e., not an existing Star Wars design), the original artist reserves the right to declare his/her project 'off limits.' In such cases, the thread will be closed and members will not be allowed to develop the project any further. However, the original artist must declare his/her intent publicly in the WIP thread and request its closure.
A design project will be considered 'abandoned' if:
1.) the current primary artist does not post an update for two months or more.
2.) the current primary artist publicly declares the project to be abandoned.
3.) the current primary artist leaves the SWDA Forums.
In the event that an artist needs to spend time away from a project but fully intends to resume work on it on a future date, he/she may request that it be officially placed 'on hold' -- in which the project will be reserved for that artist pending his/her return. However, the artist must publicly post the reason for his/her absence and request 'on hold' status. Furthermore, the artist must also update his/her status request every two months in order to keep the project from being considered 'abandoned.'
2g. Design Projects Hosted On Other Sites -- In the event that the primary artist on a completed design project is asked to display the project on another website, permission is granted on the following conditions:
a.) The images are not altered in any way.
b.) The SWDA (and the other contributing artists) are given credit for the image.
SECTION 3: INTERACTION PROTOCOLS
3a. Overview -- The fact that membership in the SWDA is free does not entitle its members to act in an inappropriate manner. As Lucas P is the owner and administrator of the SWDA Forums, we are all his guests and therefore are expected to act accordingly.
3b. Critique vs. Criticism -- Our goal is to produce the best designs possible. Whether feedback is positive or negative, please keep your comments constructive. If you disagree with a certain part of the design process, explain why you feel like you do and suggest ways to improve it. Simply making derrogatory comments like "this is a waste of time" is counter-productive and does not help anyone. Be a part of the solution -- don't just add to the problem.
3c. No Flaming -- Personal attacks are not tolerated. If you have an issue with someone, work it out with them privately. If you continue to have an issue, report him/her to the Admin or Moderators.
3d. No Trolling -- Posting inflammatory remarks that do not aid in progressing a particular discussion or project is considered unacceptable.
3e. Grammar -- Effective communication is vital to the design process. Therefore members are expected to use proper grammar when posting. Typos are inevitable, and members from non-English-speaking countries may not always have posts that translate accurately -- but this is not a chat room, IM, or text message and internet shorthand jargon is not welcome here.
3f. Profanity -- A profanity filter is in place for those who are offended by it. However, excessive use of it is still unnecessary and membership is asked to show at least some measure of self-restraint.
3g. Discipline -- In the unfortunate event that it becomes necessary to take disciplinary action against a member, the following measures will be followed.
- First Offense: Private warning via PM
- Second Offense: Public warning in thread where second offense occurred
- Third Offense: Banned for one week
- Fourth/Final Offense: Banned permanently
3h. Above all, enjoy your visit, our members are very helpful and very willing to provide positive and constructive discussion on any topic.
This section is still undergoing revision and will go through updates as time progresses.
Thank you very much!
The SWDA Management Team
Last edited by Lucas P, 8/24/2006, 5:07 am
--- Only 2 things are infinite; The Universe, and human stupidity and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
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