Another Challenge?

[Acorncomputer]

I take it the program of events would be
1. announce that a challenge is going ahead
2. finalise the dates (with a little time in advance) and rules (including a final decision on assets) and
3. on the start date announce what criteria the route should include?

Just thought I'd ask to clarify.

Something like that but perhaps a little more notice about the route criteria.

[hertsbob]

Hi

Totally agree. You need to know the criteria right from the off.

As far as building custom assets for the route is concerned, I'm sure this is a massively tall order for one person in a week. Do not underestimate how long it takes to build the route itself. Last time around I spent literally every spare minute working on my route and until about 2:00am every day. Throw asset building into the mix and you'll either just get nowhere, or you'll implode.

Cheers

Bob

[Acorncomputer]

Hi

It is not envisaged that building any assets will be part of the Challenge but if anyone wants to do this then there will be some way to allow it. In view of the time limit, however, it would see that the time taken to build anything significant would be an inefficient use of time when there is a wide range of default assets and distributable third party assets to use.

[Trainguy76]

Hi, I think it should be all default, as those who might have a different download speed or have a premium account here will have an advantage for availability in assets, than one who has to wait an hour or two to download one asset.

[pjt1974]

After a bit of thought I think default only assets is the way to go.
Start everybody off on a level playing field
A bit like scrapheap challenge, "right teams, u've got 3 days to build a steam locomotive that'll break the speed record and u've only got that load of scrap to do it with"
Advantage is we have is we've got 7 days to do it,we're not trying to break a speed record and what we have to build it with is actually pretty good stuff.

[Acorncomputer]

Hi

Thanks for your thoughts.

With the proposal that the members of UKTS will be judging the routes with a Poll, the Challenge will require the route builder to use their skill to create an interesting route. It is possible that a route stuffed with third party and own assets may not be that impressive in the end and may not score very highly with the members. Good points have been made and it is tempting to stick with the basic default items but I think we need to consider the possibility of third party assets being permitted as well.

[Trainguy76]

Well, if multiple people use the same asset, that increases the file size, if we include extra assets, some may have issues with them and their compatibility on their computer. I hope it stays all default. (Although it might look nicer with more assets.)

[pjt1974]

Just a quick question. If it ends up that the members of UKTS decide the outcome of the challenge, would it be worth polling the members to see which rule they'd prefer?

[class43HS125]

hi,
just a comment from somebody who spent every awake hour possible of all 7 days to achieve a result in the last challenge, I seriously suggest that sticking to the "Default" concept will be the only way to achieve the goals of encouraging people to "have a go". There realy is PLENTY to do without hours and hours just slipping away sorting out assets. but then again theres all the hours and hours of preperation than can just be doubled by accumulating the right assets for the right spot. But I suspect that that will actualy discourage more than the option of freeware assets will actualy entice into putting up an entry.
Just thoughts around would I give another challeneg a go.

Ross
NZ

[Acorncomputer]

Hi

Thanks for your comments. There is a good argument for sticking to default assets but allowing two weeks to complete the Challenge might compensate for the extra time to choose and sort out third party assets.

The balls are still in the air

[Darpor]

Time to add my two penneth.

Last time proved a great success by just using default items and I believe we should keep it that way. Lets not forget, the whole spirit of the challenge is to encourage "anyone" to have a go, speficially for me, I like to see new builders joining in.

There is nothing to stop anyone planning their route out now and building/gaining permission for any extra objects you wish to have in the route but initially, I think the route should be completely default for submission to the judges. Then, there is nothing stopping you releasing an updated version once the challenge has ended and including anything extra you wanted.

[class43HS125]

hi,
I suspect I would not be alone on this one......
Once the actual build time clock starts ticking the objective of finishing the route "in time" takes on a life of its own. I honestly could not keep it up for 2 weeks. I personaly think there would be the inclination to think I have plenty of time, a whole week and a 1/2 yet.... and so the pace of progress woud slacken and OPPPS the whole week has gone, but then again thats a reflection of me. I think the one week time frame is good. it is also an excelent time frame for maintaining the interest of the spectators

Ross
NZ