Okay, work is well underway on the community screen saver project. I dont know if I will make the January goal I had set due to split time elsewhere. But fret not, work is progressing. That said, I have a few questions.
1. Recognition and Credits
Some of you expressed a desire to have credit on the pictures you submitted but the large majority never commented on this. So Im asking here, what would you like to see?
A. Just your ScreenName on the photo
B. Your ScreenName and real name on the photo
C. A contributing list posted in the forum, perhaps stickied for a month or so
D. Nah, I was happy to contribute and help out I dont need any other recongnition
2. Background Music
I would like to include some background music (which can be selected to play or not) with the screensaver. However, I would like to at least get some input from the community. That said, keep in mind that I also desire this to be a tool to reach out to others and perhaps pique their interest in joining the community so as much as I would like to accommodate all requests, its going to have to come down to one with the largest appeal.
Also, bare in mind I may ultimately choose something different from what everyone wants if there is a copyright issue. Though the screen saver is not going to be a 'for sale' item, I still dont want to have any issues with the music used. Also bare in mind I do not want any objectionable lyrics or anything that would otherwise cause an ill reaction from someone that is outside the community that may want to join up.
So, the choices here are:
A. I have no preference, just choose something good
B. I would like to hear [Insert Song Title here] by [Insert Artist name here]
C. Why do we need any background music
D. Im undecided
E. Lets use a group/musician from the community
3. Image sizes
I have received a wide array of image sizes. I had hoped to find a way to get them all to one size and use that (part of the delay in getting this done) but I just havent come up with one. With that I had to consider a cutoff resolution. Downsizing is much easier than upsizing. I know there were some that submitted pictures that were below what I decided upon and so a decision will have to be made. I wanted to include everyone because I wanted it to truly be a community project, something that everyone had a hand in making. But it does not appear I will be able to do that with just one screensaver (perhaps make another that includes the lower resolutions). So I decided that 1024 X 768 would be the cutoff point. I dont really know of anyone in the community that cannot support at least that. My oldest laptop which is approaching 6 years old can do at least that so I felt that that resolution was a fair one.
So with that, the choices are:
A. I'll take new shots if mine dont meet the limit
B. Ive got pictures in that range, just let me know if you need them
C. Ive got a solution to upsize that wont ruin or distort the picture
D. Im okay if mine dont meet the limit and will just wait for another opportunity to contribute.
When you submit your replies, first answer the questions. If your answer to question 1 is C, then use 1C as your answer and then answer the rest in similar fashion. After you answer the questions, if you have a comment, include it after the answers.
I'll keep tabs on this and try to make some quick decisions. Ultimately, however, I would much rather the project be delayed some and have as much input as possible than to have the screensaver out by the end of the month as I had originally wanted.
Thanks for everyone that has contributed. I have had 37 people contribute so far. Some of you did not include your screen name or your first and last name with the submissions, so as I need to I will contact those people to get the necessary information.
