I think the format used by the 11secondclub works whereby the base dialogue/soundtrack is provided to animate to. Perhaps make it 30 seconds as muvizu is so much quicker to use?

Another one is I noticed the last contest was based on likes youtube likes. If your unaware this can be gamed easily there are exchanges that you can sign up for trading likes among other things. (although this is against youtube tos its an issue of getting caught hehe )

The best contest we had was the one last christmas where we had to decipher a code as that was not based on who has the best pc and who had the most skill and possibly formal training in film making.

Hi everyone,
Despite the fairly low number of stickmen massacres we had submitted, we’ve been debating the idea of running monthly themes for videos on Muvizu.


We’ve seen this done really effectively before with digital art and photography sites, sometimes around a single word or even with several set items. In fact I believe we’ve done it here before with providing a soundtrack for folks to animate?

As we have such a creative community here on our boards we thought it was worth sounding you all out about what you thought we could do to help get more good videos through the Muvizu gallery and to make the whole experience even more fun for all.

We reckon it can sometimes be that completely clear blank sheet of paper that is the stumbling block for new users.

So what might we do? What would work? Here’s one - November is Sweet Potato awareness month and a raft of vegetable-themed skits could give us some fun… or maybe not (blushes)… Movember is looming too? Any better ideas or thoughts about structure?

First, you shouldn't use Stick figures as the basis for any competition (sorry Stickman fans). Stick figure animation is for people who a) Can't draw b) can't animate c) have no imagination. (There, I said it. I'm "that guy"). That could be one of the reasons there were only 3 entries (we know the other reason).

Second, announce the contest/competition/survey right here, on your web site, not via email.

Third, the Golden Rule... Don't change the rules of the contest in the middle of the contest. Remember the 10 Second AMD Fusion contest? I had whipped up 2 ten-second videos while others were complaining that it was impossible. You changed the duration to 30-seconds and that completely changed the scope of my videos. I had no chance.

Fourth, do not use views/likes as a way to determine the winner. Views and Likes can be purchased.

I think that, no matter what parameters you set for a competition entry, it will never be 100% perfect or agreeable with everyone and there will always be someone who would like it to be a little different. The point of this competition was to be simple, and the Stickmen characters are a good representation of simplicity.
I don't think someone's ability to draw or animate really affects how easy it is for them to make Muvizu videos - that's the joy of Muvizu, ANYONE can use it regardless of art or animation skill level!

The imagination thing - I was actually impressed with the level of creativity and uniqueness in some of the videos (fazz68's use of Play+ face attachments was super clever) and I think it takes a LOT of imagination to craft something interesting with such non-specific character. Are we really trying to quantify imagination here, though? Again, I think it's a matter of opinion. It's a shame you did not enjoy the Stickman concept, but those who took part certainly seemed to enjoy it and I know I enjoyed watching it. Hopefully we'll have something better suited to you in the near future.

Second, announce the contest/competition/survey right here, on your web site, not via email.

Third, the Golden Rule... Don't change the rules of the contest in the middle of the contest. Remember the 10 Second AMD Fusion contest? I had whipped up 2 ten-second videos while others were complaining that it was impossible. You changed the duration to 30-seconds and that completely changed the scope of my videos. I had no chance.

Fourth, do not use views/likes as a way to determine the winner. Views and Likes can be purchased.

All taken on board, thanks. We've had a few changes in the Marketing team over the past year that should see our contests more rigidly observed and run, though there will always be teething issues and we apologise for when this occurs. We're learning what does and does not work as we go along and, again, hope that you find future events more agreeable. The input of yourself and others will help inform us with this, so thank you to everyone in this thread for your feedback.

Also stay away from something like tickets to somethign or other it runs on the assumption the person is able to use them and even lives in the area. I would imagine most cinema tickets would be for things in and around england and scotland. I like to go to events but not that far :P
edited by urbanlamb on 04/11/2013

I think it did nothing to promote Muvizu what so ever, sorry HQ, but that **** hot Laptop could have been well used by a good Muvizu film maker, and more good videos would have been made for the Muvizu gallery with it.

Funny, creative, yes, but it has to be entertaining, prizes, not a lot just a little, yearly prize, not a lot but a bit more.

A monthly comp should have prizes like, useful books, cinema tickets, Dvds, maybe the odd pc software, game?? T-shirts, posters, or if your feeling a bit stingy a packet of Tunnocks Tea cakes.