what the heck do CC holders look for in winners???
By
Angryellow,
Posted on: 2009-07-12 24:47 in Player Questions
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I'd disagree, again using personal shield/armor powers as an example. Characters who have those tend to get access to them pretty early -- level four or so. On the other hand, a true "costume part" that creates a similar visual effect doesn't open up until level 30. So again, a Human Torch-like design, where a power or energy effectively is the costume, is sort of left out of the fun. So if anything, such a rule places more weight on high-level elements for characters like that.
Besides, if having an element in a design that others don't have access to for whatever reason is some kind of unfair advantage, does that mean shields or weapons should be disqualified too? What about vet rewards, or unlockable items, or items from booster packs?
If it really detracts from the costume's look, fine -- I guess that character won't be winning, then, just like if they had an awesome costume with a dumb-looking hat or something.
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Running any power aura is also unfair to the contestants you're standing next to. Lineups in CCs can get shoulder-to-shoulder tight and a person who's worked hard on a detailed or delicately coloured costume is washed out, clashes or otherwise ends up not showing to best effect when they're standing a foot away from Captain Glowie McFirebulb. The whole point of a good, contest-winning costume is that it shouldn't require an aura as a prop to bring it together.
Of course you can't force people to turn off auras, you can only ask. If someone refuses... well they don't win.
My beef is with people who insist on CCs in full darkness during night mode when you can't actually see the costumes properly. Jeez, wait ten minutes until morning.
"He may be arrogant, but he happens to be correct" - Ellis
"The server is full of crazies" - New_Dark_Age
Rainbow Arcana / Diamond D: Legion of Freedom - Virtue
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Running any power aura is also unfair to the contestants you're standing next to. Lineups in CCs can get shoulder-to-shoulder tight and a person who's worked hard on a detailed or delicately coloured costume is washed out, clashes or otherwise ends up not showing to best effect when they're standing a foot away from Captain Glowie McFirebulb. The whole point of a good, contest-winning costume is that it shouldn't require an aura as a prop to bring it together.
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This makes some sense, I suppose, though I hardly think it's an issue with every contest. As I said before, I understand not wanting disruptive area effects like Shadow Fall or Steamy Mist that are going to affect others' appearances. However, if things are so tightly-packed that a personal-effect power is hampering the judges' ability to see someone else's design, then maybe that person could just be asked to step out of line for a second while they look at the people next to him?
I don't really consider a well-placed energy effect to be a "prop," though. Plenty of characters have energy effects integrated right into their visual design. I hate to keep harping on the Human Torch, but he's not memorable for the way he looks when he's not using his powers. Nor is Firestorm or Chamber or Iceman or any number of characters for whom a power effect is a primary element of their visual design. If those elements are "props," what about Archangel's wings? Thor's hammer? Green Arrow's bow? Wolverine's claws?
FUN FACT: That burst of light when you level up is actually the effectiveness escaping from your enhancements all at once.
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This seems as good a place to ask as any...
Why do so many contest organizers insist on a "no powers" rule? I mean, I understand not wanting some jerk to disrupt everything by having Shadow Fall running the whole time, but telling, for example, a low-level fire tank that he can't have Fire Shield running seems unfair, especially when stuff like weapons or combat auras are usually considered okay. A lot of the time, powers are just as much a part of a character's visual element as their costume is; you think the Human Torch was designed to look cool when he's not on fire?
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Because it's a Costume Contest, not a Costume with Power Accents Contest. Your character can "look cool" when their costume and powers are combined, but that was never the point in the CCs I ran. I frequently design a costume around the powers of the set while simultaneously making sure that the costume itself can stand alone on its own merits. Powers can make nice accessories, but they're no substitute for a good costume.
Besides, when I'm judging a CC, I don't want to have to try to find a costume under a myriad of power effects and auto-cast aura spams. Allowing powers just opens the door for far too many headaches to be worth it.
Main Hero : Annilixxion -- Lv50 Blaster
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"You will bend to my will, with or without your precious sanity." --Dragon Mage
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Because it's a Costume Contest, not a Costume with Power Accents Contest. Your character can "look cool" when their costume and powers are combined, but that was never the point in the CCs I ran. I frequently design a costume around the powers of the set while simultaneously making sure that the costume itself can stand alone on its own merits. Powers can make nice accessories, but they're no substitute for a good costume.
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So it's a semantic hang-up? The term is "costume contest," so only actual clothing elements count? Skin color, choice of face, hair, horns, ears, beard, build, scaling, tails, wings, and any other element that's not a "costume" doesn't factor in?
Look at a real-world fashion show. Yes, the point is to show off the clothes. But the models are chosen based on their own appearance, on what's going to present those clothes in the most appealing way. Moreover, those models have their hair and make-up done in certain ways so as to accent the clothes in the most interesting, complementary or memorable way possible. Music and lighting and set decoration are even factored into the presentation. The way the model walks, the look on her face as she does...
The idea is to present a total package that makes everything look better. Otherwise, why not just have the designer bring the dress out on a hanger?
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Besides, when I'm judging a CC, I don't want to have to try to find a costume under a myriad of power effects and auto-cast aura spams. Allowing powers just opens the door for far too many headaches to be worth it.
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This has more merit, but again, I think this just comes down to disruptive behavior more than powers themselves. People feel the need to call out powers as a whole for this kind of thing, but nobody feels like they need to make a "no emotes" rule or a "no acting like a disruptive jackass in Local while everyone else is waiting to be judged" rule. Why? Because disruptive behavior in any form is rightfully just assumed to be unacceptable, and people who can use tools like emotes and chat responsibly shouldn't have to suffer for the one or two idiots who can't.
FUN FACT: That burst of light when you level up is actually the effectiveness escaping from your enhancements all at once.
<QR>
Usually when I hold a cc I ask that there be no powers OR weapons... this includes shields, swords or guns. Many people get really upset with me but when I host cc it's all about the costume not the accessories. Your costume should tell all that there is to know about you.
There was this one "Spartan King" on Virute who got really pissed I wouldn't let him use his shield... he griefed my 10 mill cc for about 10 minutes... it was hilarious.
If its broke, don't fix it... I like the chaos!
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Yeah I know of some SG's out there that hold CC with massive rewards, insane rewards and all these rewards go to SG alts. Makes the SG look generous, gives them exposure and they don't loose profit in the process.
It's all business and they recruit during the CC.
*Spooky music*
Trust no one!
@_@
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I belong to one of the SGs that ran several large CCs in the past. We try and keep it fair by having all SG members review the entrants and pick their top 10 in order of preference, then we combine the tally and select 1st, 2nd and third by number of votes.
On several occasions we ended up recruiting the winner, but I don't think we ever knowing awarded the prize to a current member or his/her alt.
I really don't think CCs are rigged as much as people say. But then again, I like to believe the best in people until proven otherwise.
We don' need no stinkin' signatures!
(QR)
I don't know what I really "look" for when I host CCs. I just find people who have good costumes that catch my eye. I don't look for specific qualities usually, outside of "I like that costume." Sometimes I look for things I can't personally pull off, like a good robot. If you'd like to see some of my picks, I have a thread here in the Virtue forums. I do a redside CC once a week.
I know what I DON'T look for. I DON'T look for people who have overly skimpy outfits where they're not wearing anything. It's not a costume if you're just in a bikini. I also don't look for people who are just wearing a set. You may look good in your all-Valkyrie costume, but there's nothing unique or interesting about it. I've seen it before 1000 times.
Ultimately though, no matter who I pick, someone always feels like they deserved to win. Just about every other time I have someone complain that so-and-so (or the person themselves talking) should've won, or I have no taste, or something like that.
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Originally Posted by PRAF68_EU
Dispari has more than enough credability, and certainly doesn't need to borrow any from you.
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As the official judge of the MONTHLY AOW (ALL-OUT-WAR) 25 MILLION COSTUME CONTEST on champion server held under atlas statue first sat. of each month at 7pm est. here is my view.....
To make the event fair we invite a co-judge not from our sg and we have a different sg represented each month.
We hold 3 categories: Best Costume (Main Event), Best Biography, and Best Costume Under Level 20. There are prizes in each category for the top 10 finalists. Main Event grand prize is obviously 25 million, Bio and Under lvl 20 grand prize is 10 million.
Why 3 events: because ppl do work hard on their costumes and bios, and those under level 20 are at a disadvantage not having auras and capes.
Other CC's are spontaneous, i am the judge, this is my contest, and this is who will win. Nothing wronge with that and the winners are based on the mood and likes of the judge. Judges work hard for their prestige and should be thanked for even thinking of giving it out to make the game more fun.
Now for the good part....How to win a Major CC.......
Big CC's are usually advertised early and if there is a theme find out about it (ask questions). Do not ask questions during the CC please it is distracting, but it is ok to voice your opinion if you are not participating in the CC, it is good to get the crowds reaction.
AOW has no set theme.
The first thing i do is stand in the middle of the plaza as the contestents line up, this immediately tells me who stands out the most. If the contestants are mainly black/white, the most colorful stand out and you can see if they are good or bad costumes. Opposite is true too, if everyone is wearing bright colors, black/white will do very well (Abyss of Destruction and Smexxy won once with solid Black/White well done outfits).
No stealth powers allowed for obvious reasons. Powers and Auras are allowed since you are showing off and competing. If you really want a good shot at winning make a few outfits since you can have up to 5. When you get to the CC you can see what others are wearing and choose the outfit you think stands out the best.
After standing in the middle i move in close to see details. Characters with good coloring and a good mix of costume pcs that blend well together works. The best way to judge this for yourself is try different pcs in the editor until you see something you really like you dont see other ppl using very often, you dont want to be generic.
The best way to see if your outfit is as good as you think it is....ask your sg mates, teammates, or judges you know what they think. Remember your opinion matters most but listen to others advice then see how you feel about your outfit. Also look at what other people are wearing and what combinations you like most. One good way to get great ideas is look at other winners and see what they are doing right!
Many of the best dressed are big sg leaders and well known heroes....on champion......
Kiana Marie, XxBudweiserxX, Steel Brigade, End of All Hope, Mondavi, Undead Cyborg, Wiccan WatchTower, Cherry-2000, Ravi, and Osiris-Ka all come to mind. other notables are FireBreath, Grazzit, and Shifter.
This months winner was Shaytana 2 (DarkGuard) with a FULL body metallic costume, sides stripped with white and lime green, and a white body and eye glowing aura.
Hope this little guide helps 
I AM DIVINE
The next to last costume contest I was in was won by a Dr. Doom knock-off, I was appalled. Then, some months later, I got into another one while running my rabbity MM named Watership Doom ...do the math, yeah... she's not a total rip-off, just sort of thematically related.
Talking to one of the cc organizers, I made a joke about that last contest and that it meant I should win this one. I came in second! The guy who came in first really had a good one and all the final runner-ups were pretty strong. I can't recall the name of the SG, but those were decent folk who obviously recognized people who did put effort into their toons, and I say that not just because I came in second (although it probably helps ).
I think next time I'm on Virtue and see the announcement for a CC, I am finally going to have Twilight Vixen model her Formal Wizardess costume that she had sent from her home world/dimension when she hit 40.
Of course, I don't expect her to win. The inf isn't important to her, since she makes her money the old fashioned way.
I just like putting my high level characters in CCs just to plant fresh ideas into new players' heads for costume designs.
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Usually when I hold a cc I ask that there be no powers OR weapons... this includes shields, swords or guns. Many people get really upset with me but when I host cc it's all about the costume not the accessories. Your costume should tell all that there is to know about you.
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Personally, I'd think that a well designed costume would have those elements (weapon, shield, whatever) as part of their total package. After all, if you're a gun- or sword-wielder, that style should be reflected in your outfit..... but it's also based *around* said weapon. So the weapon should be carefully chosen and colored to support the rest of the costume.
Conversely, *badly* chosen accessories (weapon, shield, clashing and overlapping auras/powers) are a sign of *bad* costume design. If someone thinks lighting off half a dozen toggle auras looks good.... they deserve to lose.
/shrug
(Obligatory real-comics example: I can't see presenting Captain America's costume without the shield. The shield is a big part of his image.)
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Usually when I hold a cc I ask that there be no powers OR weapons... this includes shields, swords or guns. Many people get really upset with me but when I host cc it's all about the costume not the accessories. Your costume should tell all that there is to know about you.
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Personally, I'd think that a well designed costume would have those elements (weapon, shield, whatever) as part of their total package. After all, if you're a gun- or sword-wielder, that style should be reflected in your outfit..... but it's also based *around* said weapon. So the weapon should be carefully chosen and colored to support the rest of the costume.
Conversely, *badly* chosen accessories (weapon, shield, clashing and overlapping auras/powers) are a sign of *bad* costume design. If someone thinks lighting off have a dozen toggle auras looks good.... they deserve to lose.
/shrug
(Obligatory real-comics example: I can't see presenting Captain America's costume without the shield. The shield is a big part of his image.)
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Agreed. Items like weapons and shields are just as much a part of a costume as Upper Body>Chest Detail, Head>Detail 1 or auras.
How about holding a "Classic Hamidon Raid" costume contest? No capes, auras, wings or extra details allowed.
Dr. Todt's theme.
i make stuff...
In all of the ones I entered the winner either had barbed wire or spikes all over, with a demon head, or a girl with eden and bikini 3 for the costume picks. I think all of the contest holders are teenage boys.
I'm colorblind and I hold CC's all the time..
Sorry guys. 
not tryin to thread jack, but if you think the CC's are bad, there is an sg on Infinity that won't promote you by prestige but by how good your cotume is. of course this means that you could sit in the bottom of the barrel forever. funny part is i asked if my costume was better then the current super leader if i would nbe the new super leader, to which i got the relpy, "yeah good luck with that."
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I'm colorblind and I hold CC's all the time..
Sorry guys.
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Well, that explains it.
"I used to make diddly squat, but I've been with the company for 16 years and have had plenty of great raises. Now I just make squat" -- Me
Pediatric brain tumors are the #1 cause of cancer related deaths in children.
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not tryin to thread jack, but if you think the CC's are bad, there is an sg on Infinity that won't promote you by prestige but by how good your cotume is. of course this means that you could sit in the bottom of the barrel forever. funny part is i asked if my costume was better then the current super leader if i would nbe the new super leader, to which i got the relpy, "yeah good luck with that."
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lmao im on infinity and its true ! this girl i know in the game said "do u think u can give me an opinion on my costume? i really wanna get promoted in my VG" i asked her what she meant and she replied " ive been in the VG for a few months and actively recruit, help newbies with infany, make them builds, teach them the ropes of the game, etc and i still havent gotten promoted. the reason is cause u need a really kool costume to get promoted and it sux cause all the ones that do get promoted look like the leaders, and i dont want to change my toons looks to get promoted".
RED CAP DAGGERS: if you want them red side on infinity, send a pm i have the mission to get them for dual blades.
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not tryin to thread jack, but if you think the CC's are bad, there is an sg on Infinity that won't promote you by prestige but by how good your cotume is. of course this means that you could sit in the bottom of the barrel forever. funny part is i asked if my costume was better then the current super leader if i would nbe the new super leader, to which i got the relpy, "yeah good luck with that."
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lmao im on infinity and its true ! this girl i know in the game said "do u think u can give me an opinion on my costume? i really wanna get promoted in my VG" i asked her what she meant and she replied " ive been in the VG for a few months and actively recruit, help newbies with infany, make them builds, teach them the ropes of the game, etc and i still havent gotten promoted. the reason is cause u need a really kool costume to get promoted and it sux cause all the ones that do get promoted look like the leaders, and i dont want to change my toons looks to get promoted".
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at that point i'd say screw them and join a SG that appreciates what you do for them, as opposed to how "cool" you look, since, you know, that's stupid.
I only hold "Worst Costume Contests"
re subject line, they look for anything they want.
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I only hold "Worst Costume Contests"
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lol nice.
i wonder if half the CC held are those, since the worst seem to win
RED CAP DAGGERS: if you want them red side on infinity, send a pm i have the mission to get them for dual blades.
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This seems as good a place to ask as any...
Why do so many contest organizers insist on a "no powers" rule? I mean, I understand not wanting some jerk to disrupt everything by having Shadow Fall running the whole time, but telling, for example, a low-level fire tank that he can't have Fire Shield running seems unfair, especially when stuff like weapons or combat auras are usually considered okay. A lot of the time, powers are just as much a part of a character's visual element as their costume is; you think the Human Torch was designed to look cool when he's not on fire?
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And...a CC is usually for the best costume, not how many/few powers you have. Lots of powers detract from the look of a costume anyway and also give mid/high levels an advantage over lower levels. So the 'no power' rules is usually one that makes for fairness.
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I'd disagree, again using personal shield/armor powers as an example. Characters who have those tend to get access to them pretty early -- level four or so. On the other hand, a true "costume part" that creates a similar visual effect doesn't open up until level 30. So again, a Human Torch-like design, where a power or energy effectively is the costume, is sort of left out of the fun. So if anything, such a rule places more weight on high-level elements for characters like that.
Besides, if having an element in a design that others don't have access to for whatever reason is some kind of unfair advantage, does that mean shields or weapons should be disqualified too? What about vet rewards, or unlockable items, or items from booster packs?
If it really detracts from the costume's look, fine -- I guess that character won't be winning, then, just like if they had an awesome costume with a dumb-looking hat or something.
FUN FACT: That burst of light when you level up is actually the effectiveness escaping from your enhancements all at once.