"Big contests" - do they exist anymore?

[Nya-chan Production]

But, IIRC and AFAIK, there are only two people in the jury of AKROSS - and that tends to be more of "I like this style, let's give it more points" - aka "judging can't be objective". Sure you can try, but it won't be - that's a fact. Btw, I think that's the reason why AKROSS winners are mostly effect videos - the judges like them, so they win.

For me the voting starts being objective when at least, say, five people rate it - and the more the better, though with growing numbers of the judges the process gets to be more tedious and longer, which is a major hassle...

[godix]

But, IIRC and AFAIK, there are only two people in the jury of AKROSS - and that tends to be more of "I like this style, let's give it more points" - aka "judging can't be objective". Sure you can try, but it won't be - that's a fact. Btw, I think that's the reason why AKROSS winners are mostly effect videos - the judges like them, so they win.

Actually, AKROSS is kinda like AWA Pro in that the people who submit are the voters. They add complications to it, each persons vote counts differently depending on their level. I never really did figured out the details of the voting actually, partially because I never figured out what AKROSS levels actually mean. I know 1 is scumfuck who just joined and 7 is the cool kids club, but I have no clue what the in between levels are. Anyway, point is, AKROSS is basically editor voting with some complications tossed in.

[CorpseGoddess]

Since the .org is mostly for creators and less for fans, I always felt that most of us are already too experienced and desensitized (omg amvs r gay) to have that "joy" we once had when we started.

Interestingly enough, last week a friend of mine put this idea out very plainly. I was showing her some of the vids I've picked for my overnight, and was prefacing them with comments like, "Okay, the editing in this one isn't the best, but the concept is good", or "The lip sync is bad in this one, but blah blah blah" and she said, "You know what? I know you guys (me and Purplepolecat) pick videos you like because of stuff like lip sync and things like that, but I don't see those things most of the time. I just like to watch the ones I like because I enjoy them."

I think that as editors, our enjoyment of videos, and the way we watch them, will always be inherently different (and more critical) than your standard, non-editing anime fan. But that extends to everything in life, I suppose. The more you know about the bricks-and-mortar level of something, the harder it may be to just enjoy it for the thing itself.

[dwchang]

Otakon and AX both have lots of drama and bad blood with decent numbers of people. They used to be prestigious, but not so much any more. That concept was what fueled the idea behind the conversation that made me create the thread in the first place, actually.

There's drama and bad blood with respect to Otakon's AMV contest? I wasn't aware of this. I know it's the case with AX (it's well documented), but Otakon remains my absolute favorite contest to both submit to and attend. When I used to edit more regularly, I made it a point to make and premiere a video at Otakon every single year (2003 - 2007?). As someone said, no contest is perfect, but the "drama and bad blood" is something I wasn't aware of.

In terms of "big" though, the biggest contest (in terms of entries) that I can remember was Otakon 2003. It had 187 (or 183) entries. Those were the "good old days" when Matt Pyson was in charge (although Vic has done a good job too). It's tapered off since then, but it's still a good amount (i.e. > 130 entries). In terms of audience it's easily AX or Otakon since both have had showings of > 5,000 people before.

Since the .org is mostly for creators and less for fans, I always felt that most of us are already too experienced and desensitized (omg amvs r gay) to have that "joy" we once had when we started.

I'll agree that things change, but I'm not sure if your assessment of "omg amvs r gay" is correct. A lot of our mutual friends (and myself) may not edit anymore, but that doesn't mean we think they're gay or stupid. It just means people have moved on or aren't interested anymore. AMVs will always be special for me for a number of reasons, but I just do not have the time (nor desire) to edit at this time. Does that mean I will never edit? No.

But to have your video play in large venue with 5k+ people in attendance is an amazing feeling which is why AX and Otakon are held in high regard. However, they are far from prestigious behind the scenes.

Again, I must not be aware of something with regards to Otakon. I've always viewed it as one of the more prestigious contests. The only reason I attended my first one was because Tim "made me" go by guilt tripping me with comments about how big of a deal it was, etc. To this day, I don't regret it.

Then again, I haven't submitted in a number of years so perhaps things have changed that I'm unaware of. That would be a shame.

[Castor Troy]

Again, I must not be aware of something with regards to Otakon. I've always viewed it as one of the more prestigious contests. The only reason I attended my first one was because Tim "made me" go by guilt tripping me with comments about how big of a deal it was, etc. To this day, I don't regret it.

Then again, I haven't submitted in a number of years so perhaps things have changed that I'm unaware of. That would be a shame.

Well, I know Otakon has a far better track record than AX and I probably shouldn't have bunched them in together. Sorry.

[Castor Troy]

Speaking of bigness, you need some numbers.

AkrossCon'09 had 158 entries
AMVNews Big Contest had 109 entries

AkrossCon'10 had 178 entries
AMVNews Big Contest had 113 entries

Twice as many people registered preliminarily but failed to provide their works in time.
Important to note that almost 100% of these vids were exclusively made for the respective contests. And the competition was extremely tough.
Given that somehow there are no other noticeable online contests in the world, I'd urge the org people to take a bigger part in it.

I'd love to enter AKROSS, but the problem is that I and many others don't make a lot of videos anymore and one of their rules is that you have to make a unique video for their contest.

But if AKROSS gets *that* many unique entries, then it looks like it's in good hands and is a respectable contest.

[trythil]

NDK.

The attendance the contest gets relative to the con's size is amazing. Lots of NDK attendees also seem to go for AMVs with a passion I haven't seen at any AWA, ACen, or AX I've attended. (Haven't been to any other anime conventions.)

I wouldn't be surprised if NDK becomes one of the Big Contests within the next year or two, dwarfing AWA and ACen. In fact, I hope it does: Denver is much nicer than Atlanta and Rosemont.

[trythil]

Also, re: AKROSS:

00:46 <Kionon> You could have pointed out that AKROSS is a bunch of post-modern, excessively abstract claptrap.
00:47 <trythil> I could have also called it "crap"
00:47 <trythil> which is more concise
00:47 <trythil> or, less rude
00:47 <trythil> "not enjoyable to watch"
00:48 <trythil> it's like really well-lit photography that has absolutely no interest
00:48 <trythil> photos taken for catalogs
00:48 <trythil> they display a subject with craftsmanship and that's it
00:48 <trythil> you want to see it once, go to the next one
00:48 <trythil> utilitarian bullshit

[Lirinis]

But, IIRC and AFAIK, there are only two people in the jury of AKROSS - and that tends to be more of "I like this style, let's give it more points" - aka "judging can't be objective". Sure you can try, but it won't be - that's a fact. Btw, I think that's the reason why AKROSS winners are mostly effect videos - the judges like them, so they win.

Wrong.

Actually, AKROSS is kinda like AWA Pro in that the people who submit are the voters. They add complications to it, each persons vote counts differently depending on their level.

Less wrong.

Quick guide to Akross mechanics.
Akross has 2 stages. On the first stage, "the administration" who are indeed believed to be only two persons separate entries into two groups, A and B. Group B instantly loses. Group A advances to the second stage, "the finals". The finalists choose winners in the AWA Pro manner by circle voting. But all votes are equal.
Levels are in play only when it's about the viewers' voting (viewers choice prize and viewers' bailouts from group B). Viewers' voting is open to all users registered before the contest. Levels are given for posts and other social activity.

AMVNews rules have a number of significant differences but the principles stay the same.

Also, re: AKROSS:

Oh, I remember how Spoil received a shitshower here back in 2008. It's high in the tops and pretty much enjoyed nevertheless.

I'd love to enter AKROSS, but the problem is that I and many others don't make a lot of videos anymore and one of their rules is that you have to make a unique video for their contest.

You don't need a lot of videos, you only need one. Got one in Q1? You can go to Big Contest. Got one in Q4? Go to Akross. Besides, Big Contest does not actually prohibit already shown videos, it's just a common feeling and tradition that you should submit hot stuff to respectable contests.

[Bauzi]

@trythil:
At least AKROSS evolves. There are a lot of well designed and well crafted videos. To be honest I would consider hiring a bunch of people for commercial projects, if they would live in my area. It's state of the AMV Art. At least effectwise...

I would love to enter in AKROSS. Just for the sack to be in it, but well I lack the time. I need the few unique amvs per year for local cons.