__ALex_J_ your idea of an automated server is great but remember that this will be a team contest so it is likely that there will be only a few entries (I'd bet on at most 10).
But you get a point and we still could use such an idea for two reasons :
- first, it would allow us to test a new way of maintaining a contest with one that won't probably have a great number of entries. We could then apply this method to individuals based contests which are more likely to get a high number of participants.
- second, it's a great idea and that alone is enough justification to do it.
Btw I'd bet you have a little idea on the way to implement such a server (as your http proposal shows), don't you ?

[edited by - trexmaster on May 2, 2002 4:32:38 PM]

Yes. I do have some ideas.

Unfortunatly, GameDev.net uses Micro$oft asp, something I'm not familiar with. If we wish to host this system at GameDev and the next contest begins too soon I'm afraid I will be unable to help much.

If we find an alternate server (or someone else who know asp ), this is how a very very summarized solution may looks like:


--------------
- Each participant must register his account with username and password on the system.

- At the time he register, the participant must enter a project title and a general description of it. He can also edit them later.

- Peraph can we set a limit for registration different from the competion deadline?

[So we have a participant db table]
--------------

- When he is logged on, a participant can update his entry . Each time he does so, he must write a small comment about it.

- The start time of a file transfer is recorded.

- When the transfer ends , the time is recorded.

- If the upload crash we keep record of it.

[We also have a transfer table]
--------------

- A participant can also review the informations concernig him.
This could look like this.

Project title: TITLE
Description: DESCRIPTION

Upload 1 | From 02/05/19 04:00 | To 02/05/19 04:15 | [link to the file] | First version

Upload 2 | From 02/05/20 04:00 | tansfer error | [No link] | Added fullscreen option

Upload 3 | From 02/05/20 04:30 | 02/05/20 04:40 | [link to the file] | Added fullscreen option

--------------

NeHe of course should be able to view anything that has been submited and the system could even send him the demos as mime attachment if he prefers it this way.


[edited by - __ALex_J_ on May 2, 2002 11:44:34 PM]

What do we do if NeHe wants to participate?

Sounds great ! And the fact that you have a pretty good idea on how to apply it is a good thing. The only thing we need now is someone who knows asp. I don''t.

quote:

---

Original post by llvllatrix
What do we do if NeHe wants to participate?

---

Hey why not ? As long as he isn''t one of the judges it doesn''t matter to me if he participate. In fact I''d appreciate if he wants to participate because that would mean that we''re giving back to him a (little) part of what he''s been giving us for so long.
Well, that''s how I feel it.

I like the idea of entering the Four Elements contest as a team and (if we win) donating the prize to NeHe - I''m in (if I have time)!

Enigma
------
... I didn''t say easy. ...

I think using cvs would be a great idea.

I''ve been dying to learn how to use it, and I think a team effort
over the net is probably one of the best times to use it.

The four elements contest also sounds really interesting,
It would be a great way to get to know a group before entering this group contest.

I''d be interested in joining a group. Is there anyone who could use some help?

I think I have a fair amount of experience with OpenGL, but like the rest of you, I''m always eager to learn more.


Frost-Byte

P.s. You can find out more about my programming background at
www.frost-bytes.com

I just have to say that I love to see the enthusiasm and creativity that springs out of this forum! You guys really inspire me!

Wouldn't it be cool to create cool retro-looking 2d games?
Half the time and just as fun.

That way the team could concentrate more on the game-play and make it a great game in both programming and playing aspects.



[edited by - Rimrok on May 4, 2002 12:53:01 PM]

How is the 4 elements contest working out? Does the team thing work?

The contest is not really team based... Is there already a team formed? Has the programming begun or only a few ideas?

I have started on my own entry.. when the team has been formed I would like to join