Like in the case of 1024X768 wallpapers, is there a limit for how many iPhone wallpapers can be submitted per day prior to the unlocking of the new iPhone website?
I'm getting a similar problem, however this seems to be happening for just wallpapers in general. Like my backroom is saying that you submitted this wallpaper on 02/22/12. Glitch?
I got this error too; I get updates from people I haven't subscribed to (the "Title" link part in the backroom updates points me to their submissions) but the "Member" part is someone I've subscribed to >_>"
Tl;dr: I get updates from unknown people, which appear to be from those I've subscribed to but aren't.
Edit: this only happens with iPhone walls, the rest of the gallery updates seems to be OK.
Last edited by sweetdevil at 2:16:06 AM CST on February 22, 2012.
WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA!~
You see, I'm very much of an iPhone freak and I'm on mine practically 24/7. I usually use apps to make a cool wallpaper by cropping and stuff, because there's a limited number of already-made anime/manga 640 by 960 wallies out there. So this is apsolutely a fabulous idea, Adam! I applaud you once more.
When theO becomes mobile-friendly and get it's own mobile site, then I'll die of happiness. 'Cause I've always wanted to go on TheOtaku via my phone when traveling. :)
*submits more iPhone walls* I don't care for iPhones either (don't own any Apple products) but I see no harm in resizing some old walls or something. If you don't like it, don't submit/participate/waste your time complaining about it (not directed towards anyone in particular, btw).
I do agree that iPhone walls should be merged with existing wallpapers (where applicable), but having a separate section for them within the Wallpapers section makes sense to me.
I'm with you on the fact that it would be good to see what others have submitted. You'll hear no argument from me there. However, I do disagree with most of the rest of what you posted. I'll just go point by point.
First, just because you don't care about mobile wallpapers doesn't mean there's not a market for them. And the fact that there very much is a market is why a dedicated section can be justified. You could certainly just use the filter but, especially once support for other devices comes, it will be much easier for users to select "iPhone" or "iPad" than it would to search through for what are seemingly mobile resolutions. This, of course, could also be done in the current filter but the content is for another platform entirely so it works either way but there's no harm in separating them out (and later merging them if it turns out that it doesn't work well this way).
I think you're putting just a little bit too much meaning into the word ambitious. I simply take it to mean that it's a huge challenge (as in, the term is being applied to the challenge itself, not to the category of mobile wallpapers). No deadlines, large numbers, and the results will go to start a new section of the site. I'm not entirely sure what you're so hung up on there but I'm definitely open to hearing you out if you can explain it.
Finally, while I agree that not everyone is artistic enough to participate, I'm really not sure how that's an issue. It's optional. I can't do this stuff so I'm not participating. It's as simple as that. Participants aren't getting any special recognition, extra features, or any other tangible benefits. The end result - opening a new section of the site with what we can hope to be many quality wallpapers - will benefit everyone from guests to members who participated.
...and this kinda goes for Pleiades Rising's reply as well, but I wouldn't be unnerved enough to leave a comment if this entire thing wasn't worded in all the wrong ways. I couldn't give a flying leap about mobile wallpapers and probably will never make any unless things majorly change for me. Mobile wallpapers is really just something that should be shoved in the resolution filter under our existing wallpapers section, not given an entirely new section. If the new section is really necessary, the word "ambitious" shouldn't be used to describe anything related to it at all. You could call it "fun" if you want, but never "ambitious", as those are really two totally different things.
I personally participated in the comment challenge, which I thought was a little bit of silly fun. The difference between a challenge like that and a challenge like almost all the rest that have followed is the fact that anyone can make a comment, but not everyone has what it takes to draw or pixel or Photoshop. It's okay that not everyone is artistic, but the severe emphasis that has been placed lately on user submission in order to get things done really bothers me. Not all of the 1000 wallpapers are going to be "quality". Some of them are probably going to be junk. Hey, I've submitted junk to the site before, so I'm not exactly mocking or knocking or even judging, but if a mobile wallpaper section is deemed necessary, it'd probably garner more interest to let people see what's been submitted already so they can go "I can top that" and go from there. Stuff shouldn't be dangled over the users' heads until they sit and roll over. Really? That's really not cool at all, no matter what it is. I don't agree with the mobile wallpapers being "ambitious", or that we even need them, but I'm sure as heck not cool with how this is being played out.
Hmm. Interesting.
I like the idea of making wallpapers for mobile devices more than an actual computer screen. This would be great if we were able to incorporate Android devices along with iPads...
Already made a couple and they are fun to make and experiment. I see for what this might be, there are many anime fans even outside theOtaku. Them looking for a good wallpaper for their might help if they would stumble on us here and we would be proud because they would actually use one of your wallpapers.
Not to mention, that resolution, even if suited for the latest Apple iPhone, is still usable by even other mobile phones. It is not like that it is protected by code or anything. I mean, I might even use it for my phone and it is a Samsung Galaxy II, which means an Android based one.
They'll be optimized size-wise for the iPhone but you could use them on any phone with the same or smaller screen regardless. You just might have to crop them a bit to use them on a non-smartphone screen.
I'd like to jump in and just mention a couple of things really quickly. The first is the issue of catering only to Apple. As has already been pointed out, they hold the most consistently large market share. And more importantly, they only have one resolution to deal with. Android is huge, and will likely see a section once the site goes live but logistically, it's difficult since there's no consistency to the devices.
As for people not using mobile wallpapers, there are plenty who do. Retrofitting an existing wallpaper requires cropping it, as does using a self-taken picture. While that works and is easy enough, there are plenty of people who would like quality wallpapers designed with that screen in mind. There are plenty of other sites that offer random assortments of iPhone wallpapers to attest to that fact.
And finally, about forcing members to work for new features, I think that's a bit of a stretch. With the other two, I suppose it's a bit closer but I viewed them as more of a game - a way to get the community to come together and do something great. I sincerely doubt we wouldn't have seen the new features had the challenges not been met (let alone lost existing ones). The proof there is that the preview feature was already being developed (and indeed, included on the site) before the challenge was complete.
That brings us to this challenge and it's far less of a game. In this case, it's basically required and the reason why is simple - launching a new site/section of the site would be pointless without quality content to go with it. Sure, it could be opened up right now but there would be nothing there and that would reflect poorly on the site when people came looking for wallpapers. By making a challenge to create wallpapers and then unlocking the new site, it starts out with 1,000 pieces right away and continue to grow from there.
Oh, and for the record, I was with you for a long time on your dislike of Apple products. I had the first ever Android phone (the T-Mobile G1) and the G2 before eventually getting an iPhone 4s and where I originally would have agreed that they were completely overrated, owning one somewhat diminishes that feeling. It's just a much more solid, stable, and well-supported platform. Does it justify people camping outside of stores or spending double market value for an unlocked one? No. But is it a solid piece of hardware with a good OS? Absolutely. And its market share attests to that. I'm not by any means trying to convert you, as it seems you dislike smartphones as a whole, but it's also a bit unfair to attack something without having any real first hand experience with it (which I was very guilty of myself for the longest time - playing with a friend's for two minutes doesn't really give you enough of a feel for the device to truly comment on it, as I learned). Just some food for thought.
Though you speak of bad business in another context, I think it would be bad business to not initially focus on a mobile device that has the largest share of the market. Like the Q&A says, if half the visitors use an iPhone or iPod Touch, and if iPhone has the largest slice of the market pie, then for a multifaceted social networking site like theO to not tap into that potential would be a bad decision. In due time after the technology and market shows a reliable pattern of what's going where, then the site can expand and refine itself to include different specs for different devices. It just makes sense to start here.
The second point you raise rings true as things currently stand, I'll admit. Nevertheless, I don't agree that having a new site would be redundant. It's trying to build a solid stock of images custom made for iPhone (and some Android) specs so that those users don't have to modify prexisting images. That way it's much simpler, which is something both any astute webmanager/developer wants and users themselves want. Again, it makes sense to start building a stock of readily useable images so that certain users have even more available choices. It's hard to see how it could be redundant if some users are only using pictures or are modifying wallpapers. This project seems to explore something else; it has a different goal and gives more options.
Your third point involving how some sites basically roll-out new features without trimmings (e.g. side quests or events), I'll also admit, has merit and is true. But does challenging the members to create works imply the site is somehow marginalizing and therefore excluding certain members? I'm not sure how those statements are connected to one another. If for example I don't make, say, fan art or even visit the section, and the site releases an update for that section, in what way am I being "alienated" and "undeserving" of the update? As things currently stand, when I look at the update for the cleaner submission categories, it benefited everyone. Again, the 7-Day Challenge Slam's prize opened up benefits to everyone, where anyone could have entered as a challenge creator - i.e. something not necessarily requiring the making of neat, shiny objects. Lastly, the Comment Slam was the most open of all challenges, and again it had site-wide benefits.
If I were to take a more cynical approach to it, I might say that those of us who didn't participate in the challenges have themselves taken advantage of other members who did participate, by basically free-riding on their hard work. Notice that the site didn't take advantage of its members - some members did that on their own. And here, I'd have to call myself a free-rider who reaped the rewards, since I only participated in the Comment Slam. If this unsettling interpretation is more accurate, I'm not sure why this objection wasn't voiced loudly by those participating in those past challenges, and for that reason they decided not to participate at all.
But they did participate in large numbers every time, and did so enthusiastically regardless of who wasn't participating. This suggests that both your interpretation and my cynical, unsettling interpretation aren't the right ones. On the contrary: they had fun. Even this potential feature seems to be supported by the majority of the commentators here. To reiterate, no one is being taken advantage of by anyone. If that were true, I doubt any of these challenges would have succeeded, since members wouldn't have bothered trying in the first place. I don't interpret these challenges as some form of coercion that excludes members from beneficial goods (I don't think you're saying that it really is coercion, but your comment suggests something similar). Rather, I think they're instances of the site revitalizing itself by encouraging its members to engage with one another - to be ambitious. I applaud the determination theO members have shown this new year, a determination which shows me that all of this was other than the seeming necessary site "work" resulting in spoils for the "deserving."
I think it's important for any social networking site - which strives to have a successful future - to be in tune with mobile devices and their capabilities. To do otherwise would be a misstep in how to run a site such as this. I like the idea!
Also, I like the idea that this grants everyone - from Otakuite to Eternal to Moderator - the potential to be, in a sense, founders in how it shapes up. It really gives anyone who chooses to participate the chance to define a part of this site as their own by their own unique creations. I look forward to seeing how they do so.
Although I use the internet via a windows XP PC, I guess it won't hurt to do a first try in making an iPhone wallpaper. I'll see what I can think of doing.
I don't know how I feel about this. 'Cause if I set aside my severe dislike for Apple products (not to mention the newfangled phones with touch screens and internet to being with) for a moment and try to look at this objectively, I simply cannot. Call me a rebel or an old-fashioned fogey, but it's just not feeling right.
Why? For one, it seems like a love letter to one specific company/platform. That's wrong, no matter which company/platform you choose. Two, I've seen people with these overrated smartphones and most don't use mobile-specific wallpapers, but pictures or modified versions of existing wallpapers they've found... which makes the point of a specific section for mobile wallpapers kind of redundant. Third, the fact that this is being called the "most ambitious site-wide challenge yet" sends off all the wrong vibes. I have no problem with calling it a challenge, or saying that it's site-wide, but this isn't exactly the most ambitious we've ever been. Tons of ambition was put behind things like Art of Otaku or the NYAF logo competitions... these recent challenges make it seem like you're only going to do updates if we work for them, and therefore "deserve" them, when most other places would just kind of announce there's new features coming and release it without forcing its members to do or die. What these challenges are doing is taking advantage of everyone and alienating the people that can't make shiny graphics. Don't alienate the people who can't do anything about it one way or another, because that's just as bad for business as not doing anything at all. Your wording concerns me, Adam... it really does.
Is it possible for people to see their own creations?
BTW, dunno if it's me, but there's no point in scrolling with 2 fingers on the iPOD touch 'cause the whole comment box won't show. You'd have to zoom out but that makes the words very hard to read.
I think this is a good idea although there are other things to improve too but the world is always improving and i cant keep up. my computers been having problems and i dont know if its my computer or if its the website but when I go to post a comment it just shows me the comments and wont let me post one or even reply to one, is it my computer or the web?
(im only posting this comment because im using a diffrent computer)
Last edited by fuko chan at 7:10:39 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
This is definitely awesome! But, we should also remember that a lot of the wallpaper will be blocked by stuff like the apps, or the time/unlock bar. So, it'll get some getting used to. ^^
I wish I can hurry up and make wallpapers.....in 3 days I can! :D
Alternatively, maybe there could be a subgroup for ones specifically for wallpapers, or for lock screens. The rest, with just pretty pictures, could simply be a "neutral" subgroup, or lack a subgroup altogether.
Last edited by kittens 3 at 5:32:39 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
*was blown away at the number* Um... well... if we did 5,000 comments in a day, then we can do this!! Oooh, that's cool, mobile walls!! I'll try >_> to get some in... Good luck everybody!
Call me blind, but I can't see the link to what others submitted >_<
And can we update wallpapers we've already submitted with the 640 x 960 versions? It'd be much easier *is afraid of spamming people's backrooms with tens of submissions of already-made walls*
Last edited by sweetdevil at 2:53:56 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
Mistress Fan Fic (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Where can you go to view what was submitted? Its nice to see whats going on with the others so you do have like 100 wallies of the same image just different BG's.
The Stalker (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
This so so exciting to me! For a while, I really wanted to do this for myself, but didn't wanna upload on something like photobucket, or take the time sending an attachment to myself. This will be so much better.
What about lock screens, though? I actually change that WAY more often than the wallpaper. Will those be accepted too?
Sinbad of Sindria (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Adam, Just a question since it is a challenge, can you give us a link to see what others might be doing or are we just making regular wallpapers? I suppose I am a bit confused but I just would like a reference of what I am doing to help with this.
i really love this idea :) ♥ i sometimes use my ipod touch to get on here and i have a hard time trying to view comments (which i hope can change one day) but having the iphone wallpapers is an improved and a good start :) i can't wait for more changes in the future ♥
stararnold
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/22/12 | Reply
Like in the case of 1024X768 wallpapers, is there a limit for how many iPhone wallpapers can be submitted per day prior to the unlocking of the new iPhone website?
sweetdevil
Embracing Insanity (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/22/12 | Reply
@Ritona:
Mon Dieu, you're right, it's happening to normal wallpapers too. After checking again, cards and fan art are OK, only wallpapers are affected by this.
Ritona
Hunter (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/22/12 | Reply
@sweetdevil:
I'm getting a similar problem, however this seems to be happening for just wallpapers in general. Like my backroom is saying that you submitted this wallpaper on 02/22/12. Glitch?
"You won't like me when I'm psychoanalyzed."
smoking crimson
Sunrise (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/22/12 | Reply
@Hulaberry32:
I shall enjoy your spam, even I don't have an iPhone. :D
Mighty RED RANGER
sweetdevil
Embracing Insanity (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/22/12 | Reply
@:
I got this error too; I get updates from people I haven't subscribed to (the "Title" link part in the backroom updates points me to their submissions) but the "Member" part is someone I've subscribed to >_>"
Tl;dr: I get updates from unknown people, which appear to be from those I've subscribed to but aren't.
Edit: this only happens with iPhone walls, the rest of the gallery updates seems to be OK.
Last edited by sweetdevil at 2:16:06 AM CST on February 22, 2012.
Hulaberry32
Primadonna (Otaku Legend) | Posted 02/21/12 | Reply
I'm going to spam the mobile wallpapers with smexy korean idols, kthxbai.
Felcie
Unicorn Lover (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/21/12 | Reply
@SakuraDust:
I can see them through [this link] :) I just removed the "submit" part in the url of the link given on that post. :3
Kami-chan.x3
Bubblegum'd! (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/19/12 | Reply
WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA!~
You see, I'm very much of an iPhone freak and I'm on mine practically 24/7. I usually use apps to make a cool wallpaper by cropping and stuff, because there's a limited number of already-made anime/manga 640 by 960 wallies out there. So this is apsolutely a fabulous idea, Adam! I applaud you once more.
When theO becomes mobile-friendly and get it's own mobile site, then I'll die of happiness. 'Cause I've always wanted to go on TheOtaku via my phone when traveling. :)
-Kami
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 02/19/12 | Reply
@:
Submit as many as you like!
sweetdevil
Embracing Insanity (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/18/12 | Reply
*submits more iPhone walls* I don't care for iPhones either (don't own any Apple products) but I see no harm in resizing some old walls or something. If you don't like it, don't submit/participate/waste your time complaining about it (not directed towards anyone in particular, btw).
I do agree that iPhone walls should be merged with existing wallpapers (where applicable), but having a separate section for them within the Wallpapers section makes sense to me.
SomeGuy
Canadian Liaison (Team) | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
Been busy at work while I wasn't looking, I see.
Good man.
Petie
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@SakuraDust:
I wouldn't call this a fight. Just two people discussing opposite opinions ^_^
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@SakuraDust:
You can't yet!
SakuraDust
Moderator | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
Guys, seriously, you get into fights for iPhone wallpapers õ_o
Anyway, silly question, but how can I see the walls submitted till now?
Petie
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@Nehszriah:
I'm with you on the fact that it would be good to see what others have submitted. You'll hear no argument from me there. However, I do disagree with most of the rest of what you posted. I'll just go point by point.
First, just because you don't care about mobile wallpapers doesn't mean there's not a market for them. And the fact that there very much is a market is why a dedicated section can be justified. You could certainly just use the filter but, especially once support for other devices comes, it will be much easier for users to select "iPhone" or "iPad" than it would to search through for what are seemingly mobile resolutions. This, of course, could also be done in the current filter but the content is for another platform entirely so it works either way but there's no harm in separating them out (and later merging them if it turns out that it doesn't work well this way).
I think you're putting just a little bit too much meaning into the word ambitious. I simply take it to mean that it's a huge challenge (as in, the term is being applied to the challenge itself, not to the category of mobile wallpapers). No deadlines, large numbers, and the results will go to start a new section of the site. I'm not entirely sure what you're so hung up on there but I'm definitely open to hearing you out if you can explain it.
Finally, while I agree that not everyone is artistic enough to participate, I'm really not sure how that's an issue. It's optional. I can't do this stuff so I'm not participating. It's as simple as that. Participants aren't getting any special recognition, extra features, or any other tangible benefits. The end result - opening a new section of the site with what we can hope to be many quality wallpapers - will benefit everyone from guests to members who participated.
EnvyScarlet
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
Sorry I can't help in this challenge I am on vacation so I can't make wallies but I will cheer you all on^^
Last edited by EnvyScarlet at 3:19:48 PM CST on February 17, 2012.
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@:
Thanks for being a good sport!
Nehszriah
Hits Self With Axe (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@Petie:
...and this kinda goes for Pleiades Rising's reply as well, but I wouldn't be unnerved enough to leave a comment if this entire thing wasn't worded in all the wrong ways. I couldn't give a flying leap about mobile wallpapers and probably will never make any unless things majorly change for me. Mobile wallpapers is really just something that should be shoved in the resolution filter under our existing wallpapers section, not given an entirely new section. If the new section is really necessary, the word "ambitious" shouldn't be used to describe anything related to it at all. You could call it "fun" if you want, but never "ambitious", as those are really two totally different things.
I personally participated in the comment challenge, which I thought was a little bit of silly fun. The difference between a challenge like that and a challenge like almost all the rest that have followed is the fact that anyone can make a comment, but not everyone has what it takes to draw or pixel or Photoshop. It's okay that not everyone is artistic, but the severe emphasis that has been placed lately on user submission in order to get things done really bothers me. Not all of the 1000 wallpapers are going to be "quality". Some of them are probably going to be junk. Hey, I've submitted junk to the site before, so I'm not exactly mocking or knocking or even judging, but if a mobile wallpaper section is deemed necessary, it'd probably garner more interest to let people see what's been submitted already so they can go "I can top that" and go from there. Stuff shouldn't be dangled over the users' heads until they sit and roll over. Really? That's really not cool at all, no matter what it is. I don't agree with the mobile wallpapers being "ambitious", or that we even need them, but I'm sure as heck not cool with how this is being played out.
Be true, be you and of course, be otaku.
Ritona
Hunter (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
Hmm. Interesting.
I like the idea of making wallpapers for mobile devices more than an actual computer screen. This would be great if we were able to incorporate Android devices along with iPads...
"You won't like me when I'm psychoanalyzed."
LightFykki
Drachen Herz (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
Already made a couple and they are fun to make and experiment. I see for what this might be, there are many anime fans even outside theOtaku. Them looking for a good wallpaper for their might help if they would stumble on us here and we would be proud because they would actually use one of your wallpapers.
Not to mention, that resolution, even if suited for the latest Apple iPhone, is still usable by even other mobile phones. It is not like that it is protected by code or anything. I mean, I might even use it for my phone and it is a Samsung Galaxy II, which means an Android based one.
Petie
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@Karisan:
They'll be optimized size-wise for the iPhone but you could use them on any phone with the same or smaller screen regardless. You just might have to crop them a bit to use them on a non-smartphone screen.
Karisan
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
Uhm, can these walls also be uploaded to a normal mobile phone too?
Karisan
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@TheDarkAngel:
Oh, yeah, me too....T______T
I mean i don't have the money for an iphone either...but maybe i take a part in this too...
Last edited by Karisan at 10:54:30 AM CST on February 17, 2012.
Petie
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@Nehszriah:
I'd like to jump in and just mention a couple of things really quickly. The first is the issue of catering only to Apple. As has already been pointed out, they hold the most consistently large market share. And more importantly, they only have one resolution to deal with. Android is huge, and will likely see a section once the site goes live but logistically, it's difficult since there's no consistency to the devices.
As for people not using mobile wallpapers, there are plenty who do. Retrofitting an existing wallpaper requires cropping it, as does using a self-taken picture. While that works and is easy enough, there are plenty of people who would like quality wallpapers designed with that screen in mind. There are plenty of other sites that offer random assortments of iPhone wallpapers to attest to that fact.
And finally, about forcing members to work for new features, I think that's a bit of a stretch. With the other two, I suppose it's a bit closer but I viewed them as more of a game - a way to get the community to come together and do something great. I sincerely doubt we wouldn't have seen the new features had the challenges not been met (let alone lost existing ones). The proof there is that the preview feature was already being developed (and indeed, included on the site) before the challenge was complete.
That brings us to this challenge and it's far less of a game. In this case, it's basically required and the reason why is simple - launching a new site/section of the site would be pointless without quality content to go with it. Sure, it could be opened up right now but there would be nothing there and that would reflect poorly on the site when people came looking for wallpapers. By making a challenge to create wallpapers and then unlocking the new site, it starts out with 1,000 pieces right away and continue to grow from there.
Oh, and for the record, I was with you for a long time on your dislike of Apple products. I had the first ever Android phone (the T-Mobile G1) and the G2 before eventually getting an iPhone 4s and where I originally would have agreed that they were completely overrated, owning one somewhat diminishes that feeling. It's just a much more solid, stable, and well-supported platform. Does it justify people camping outside of stores or spending double market value for an unlocked one? No. But is it a solid piece of hardware with a good OS? Absolutely. And its market share attests to that. I'm not by any means trying to convert you, as it seems you dislike smartphones as a whole, but it's also a bit unfair to attack something without having any real first hand experience with it (which I was very guilty of myself for the longest time - playing with a friend's for two minutes doesn't really give you enough of a feel for the device to truly comment on it, as I learned). Just some food for thought.
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/17/12 | Reply
@Nehszriah:
Though you speak of bad business in another context, I think it would be bad business to not initially focus on a mobile device that has the largest share of the market. Like the Q&A says, if half the visitors use an iPhone or iPod Touch, and if iPhone has the largest slice of the market pie, then for a multifaceted social networking site like theO to not tap into that potential would be a bad decision. In due time after the technology and market shows a reliable pattern of what's going where, then the site can expand and refine itself to include different specs for different devices. It just makes sense to start here.
The second point you raise rings true as things currently stand, I'll admit. Nevertheless, I don't agree that having a new site would be redundant. It's trying to build a solid stock of images custom made for iPhone (and some Android) specs so that those users don't have to modify prexisting images. That way it's much simpler, which is something both any astute webmanager/developer wants and users themselves want. Again, it makes sense to start building a stock of readily useable images so that certain users have even more available choices. It's hard to see how it could be redundant if some users are only using pictures or are modifying wallpapers. This project seems to explore something else; it has a different goal and gives more options.
Your third point involving how some sites basically roll-out new features without trimmings (e.g. side quests or events), I'll also admit, has merit and is true. But does challenging the members to create works imply the site is somehow marginalizing and therefore excluding certain members? I'm not sure how those statements are connected to one another. If for example I don't make, say, fan art or even visit the section, and the site releases an update for that section, in what way am I being "alienated" and "undeserving" of the update? As things currently stand, when I look at the update for the cleaner submission categories, it benefited everyone. Again, the 7-Day Challenge Slam's prize opened up benefits to everyone, where anyone could have entered as a challenge creator - i.e. something not necessarily requiring the making of neat, shiny objects. Lastly, the Comment Slam was the most open of all challenges, and again it had site-wide benefits.
If I were to take a more cynical approach to it, I might say that those of us who didn't participate in the challenges have themselves taken advantage of other members who did participate, by basically free-riding on their hard work. Notice that the site didn't take advantage of its members - some members did that on their own. And here, I'd have to call myself a free-rider who reaped the rewards, since I only participated in the Comment Slam. If this unsettling interpretation is more accurate, I'm not sure why this objection wasn't voiced loudly by those participating in those past challenges, and for that reason they decided not to participate at all.
But they did participate in large numbers every time, and did so enthusiastically regardless of who wasn't participating. This suggests that both your interpretation and my cynical, unsettling interpretation aren't the right ones. On the contrary: they had fun. Even this potential feature seems to be supported by the majority of the commentators here. To reiterate, no one is being taken advantage of by anyone. If that were true, I doubt any of these challenges would have succeeded, since members wouldn't have bothered trying in the first place. I don't interpret these challenges as some form of coercion that excludes members from beneficial goods (I don't think you're saying that it really is coercion, but your comment suggests something similar). Rather, I think they're instances of the site revitalizing itself by encouraging its members to engage with one another - to be ambitious. I applaud the determination theO members have shown this new year, a determination which shows me that all of this was other than the seeming necessary site "work" resulting in spoils for the "deserving."
blue dragon123
Rising Blue Flame (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Im in! I don't have a iPhone, but I can use my iTouch. This is going to be fun.
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
I think it's important for any social networking site - which strives to have a successful future - to be in tune with mobile devices and their capabilities. To do otherwise would be a misstep in how to run a site such as this. I like the idea!
Also, I like the idea that this grants everyone - from Otakuite to Eternal to Moderator - the potential to be, in a sense, founders in how it shapes up. It really gives anyone who chooses to participate the chance to define a part of this site as their own by their own unique creations. I look forward to seeing how they do so.
stararnold
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Although I use the internet via a windows XP PC, I guess it won't hurt to do a first try in making an iPhone wallpaper. I'll see what I can think of doing.
Nehszriah
Hits Self With Axe (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
I don't know how I feel about this. 'Cause if I set aside my severe dislike for Apple products (not to mention the newfangled phones with touch screens and internet to being with) for a moment and try to look at this objectively, I simply cannot. Call me a rebel or an old-fashioned fogey, but it's just not feeling right.
Why? For one, it seems like a love letter to one specific company/platform. That's wrong, no matter which company/platform you choose. Two, I've seen people with these overrated smartphones and most don't use mobile-specific wallpapers, but pictures or modified versions of existing wallpapers they've found... which makes the point of a specific section for mobile wallpapers kind of redundant. Third, the fact that this is being called the "most ambitious site-wide challenge yet" sends off all the wrong vibes. I have no problem with calling it a challenge, or saying that it's site-wide, but this isn't exactly the most ambitious we've ever been. Tons of ambition was put behind things like Art of Otaku or the NYAF logo competitions... these recent challenges make it seem like you're only going to do updates if we work for them, and therefore "deserve" them, when most other places would just kind of announce there's new features coming and release it without forcing its members to do or die. What these challenges are doing is taking advantage of everyone and alienating the people that can't make shiny graphics. Don't alienate the people who can't do anything about it one way or another, because that's just as bad for business as not doing anything at all. Your wording concerns me, Adam... it really does.
Be true, be you and of course, be otaku.
Allie Elric
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Is it possible for people to see their own creations?
BTW, dunno if it's me, but there's no point in scrolling with 2 fingers on the iPOD touch 'cause the whole comment box won't show. You'd have to zoom out but that makes the words very hard to read.
Hanaro Souhi
Addicted to Sweets (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
I don't have an iPhone,but let's go!Yay!XD LOL!I think this is an awesome idea!^_^ And it looks fun!~ XD
I promise I'll do my best!^ w ^
fuko chan
Senior Otaku | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@Adam:
I think this is a good idea although there are other things to improve too but the world is always improving and i cant keep up. my computers been having problems and i dont know if its my computer or if its the website but when I go to post a comment it just shows me the comments and wont let me post one or even reply to one, is it my computer or the web?
(im only posting this comment because im using a diffrent computer)
Last edited by fuko chan at 7:10:39 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
TheDarkAngel
Pathetic Diabetic (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
I wish I had an iPhone, just so I could use this feature...
*is too poor to afford one* XDDD
I might still make a wallpaper, though. What's the resolution size?
And, then... I met you.
Aria Sky
Senior Otaku | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
This is definitely awesome! But, we should also remember that a lot of the wallpaper will be blocked by stuff like the apps, or the time/unlock bar. So, it'll get some getting used to. ^^
I wish I can hurry up and make wallpapers.....in 3 days I can! :D
angel2084
Otakuite+ | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
ooh, this sounds like fun! im in!! :D
can't wait to make a wallpapper, i might even have a few ideas for the lock wallpaper x3
kittens 3
The Stalker (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@Adam:
Thats true, but I was thinking something like how this is for the wallpaper: http://krapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/troniphonewallpaper2.jpg
and this for the lock screen (so pretty much something with a border behind the "unlock screen" and the time. these arent very good examples either.) http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/090/Purple/d6/1f/91/mzl.wdxpbavk.320x480-75.jpg
Alternatively, maybe there could be a subgroup for ones specifically for wallpapers, or for lock screens. The rest, with just pretty pictures, could simply be a "neutral" subgroup, or lack a subgroup altogether.
Last edited by kittens 3 at 5:32:39 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
vampirehitsugaya
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
I'm a vampire!
wallpaperotaku
The Hero of Time (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Might just modify my current wallies.... ? :D
I'll make it work.
~Wall-iE
edit: does the new fan art collaboration idea work here also?
Last edited by wallpaperotaku at 5:02:12 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
Morbid Dollie
Strawberry (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
No time limit? Cool. I'm in, whatever. xD
-those with the biggest hearts hurt the most
fma17
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
OF COURSE this happens right when my iPod breaks... -.- My luck is awful
Arctic Summer
Otaku Legend | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
That's very cool idea since I always look for Hetalia Ipod touch wallpapers.
beloved blood
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
*was blown away at the number* Um... well... if we did 5,000 comments in a day, then we can do this!! Oooh, that's cool, mobile walls!! I'll try >_> to get some in... Good luck everybody!
sweetdevil
Embracing Insanity (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Call me blind, but I can't see the link to what others submitted >_<
And can we update wallpapers we've already submitted with the 640 x 960 versions? It'd be much easier *is afraid of spamming people's backrooms with tens of submissions of already-made walls*
Last edited by sweetdevil at 2:53:56 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
kitabug69
Mistress Fan Fic (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Where can you go to view what was submitted? Its nice to see whats going on with the others so you do have like 100 wallies of the same image just different BG's.
Kita
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@Katana:
iPhone displays are high-resolution, which is why they have to be twice as big as normal. They'll display 320x480 but it won't look as sharp and nice.
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@kittens 3:
Lock screens and wallpapers are the same thing
twilight samurai
Redeemed (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
It would be nice if we could find the link to the iPhone Wallpaper submission page other than here. Or am I not looking in the right places?
This sounds like fun!
Question: Is fan art allowed?
Last edited by twilight samurai at 1:30:46 PM CST on February 16, 2012.
Kaerlyn
Tea pixie (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
I'll give this a go :D
kittens 3
The Stalker (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@Katana:
It confuses me too. Anything smaller looks surprisingly fuzzy :I. I don't like it.
kittens 3
The Stalker (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
This so so exciting to me! For a while, I really wanted to do this for myself, but didn't wanna upload on something like photobucket, or take the time sending an attachment to myself. This will be so much better.
What about lock screens, though? I actually change that WAY more often than the wallpaper. Will those be accepted too?
Angel Satina
Grand Otaku | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
oh yeah!! i'm soo into this!! this is the first time i'm gonna contribute to these challenges and i'm very excited! ^o^
come on otakus! lets do our best!!! woot woot!! ^O^
Katana
Goggalor (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Wow, that is a huge resolution for mobile walls. 960 pixels tall? this is why I don't understand technology.
"In Kat's wor we trust."
Team Plasma N
Sinbad of Sindria (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@Adam:
Thank you very much! :)
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@Team Plasma N:
I added a question to the FAQ for you
Team Plasma N
Sinbad of Sindria (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Adam, Just a question since it is a challenge, can you give us a link to see what others might be doing or are we just making regular wallpapers? I suppose I am a bit confused but I just would like a reference of what I am doing to help with this.
hackerblackrose
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@Adam:
thank you! i've been wondering how i do that and i never figure it out! :D this made my day
Dark Flame 3479
Infiltrator (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Challenge accepted Bossman! Sounds like a lot of fun~ I'm sure this mobile resolution will be easier to work with than desktop ones~ :D
Last edited by Dark Flame 3479 at 11:40:26 AM CST on February 16, 2012.
"Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead."
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
@hackerblackrose:
If you swipe down with two fingers you can swipe through comments
Felcie
Unicorn Lover (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
Let's say I'm in, I never tried that resolution before so... That sounds interesting :3
hackerblackrose
Otaku Eternal | Posted 02/16/12 | Reply
i really love this idea :) ♥ i sometimes use my ipod touch to get on here and i have a hard time trying to view comments (which i hope can change one day) but having the iphone wallpapers is an improved and a good start :) i can't wait for more changes in the future ♥