It is not about how many filters you have, but how you use them. The very fact that you need to download Plug-ins for PDN for even the standard user already tells you how underprovided the program is. Compare that to GIMP, which can work straight out of the box, and will only require plug-ins for more high end, professional work. As of yet, the only plug in set I've downloaded for GIMP was the Grey-C-Storation plug in. Everything else just works. I've used PDN for pretty much about 10 minutes and got sick and fed up at how ridiculously limited it is. It is not about how many filters you have, but how you use them. The very fact that you need to download Plug-ins for PDN for even the standard user already tells you how underprovided the program is. Compare that to GIMP, which can work straight out of the box, and will only require plug-ins for more high end, professional work. As of yet, the only plug in set I’ve downloaded for GIMP was the Grey-C-Storation plug in. Everything else just works. I’ve used PDN for pretty much about 10 minutes and got sick and fed up at how ridiculously limited it is.

2009-11-23T07:21:50-08:00

true

1487821

65698

2009-11-23T07:21:50-08:00

275947

It looks ok, but what happens is that it lacks professionalism. Impressive drawing, but when it comes right down to it, unless you are keeping the style consistent, it is good to pay attention to the nitty gritty details. Things like light sources and the effect on objects, etc etc, should be at least kept in mind to make it feel more professional. I'm not too sure about Corel, but a few post-drawing work such as contrast adjustment, hue adjustment, curves/levels and so on could easily make it a better and more interesting piece. This is especially so if you are not very used to using brushes or digi-painting methods to accomplish these tasks. It looks ok, but what happens is that it lacks professionalism. Impressive drawing, but when it comes right down to it, unless you are keeping the style consistent, it is good to pay attention to the nitty gritty details. Things like light sources and the effect on objects, etc etc, should be at least kept in mind to make it feel more professional. I’m not too sure about Corel, but a few post-drawing work such as contrast adjustment, hue adjustment, curves/levels and so on could easily make it a better and more interesting piece. This is especially so if you are not very used to using brushes or digi-painting methods to accomplish these tasks.

2009-11-23T07:17:15-08:00

true

1487817

65963

2009-11-23T07:17:15-08:00

275947

Dragon, remove the scanlines, please. That's, IMO, the only issue that I have with that sig which is significant to mention. Dragon, remove the scanlines, please. That’s, IMO, the only issue that I have with that sig which is significant to mention.

2009-11-22T07:58:17-08:00

true

1484865

1201

61252

2009-11-22T07:58:17-08:00

275947

for me, the cheapskate and inaccurate way to do it would be alpha to selection, then paint it orange. Might leave an outline, but oh well >.> for me, the cheapskate and inaccurate way to do it would be alpha to selection, then paint it orange. Might leave an outline, but oh well >.>

2009-11-21T08:23:31-08:00

true

1481852

65698

2009-11-21T08:23:31-08:00

275947

40k breached, with 40,005 words at the time of this post. Quite pleased so far :) 40k breached, with 40,005 words at the time of this post. Quite pleased so far :)

2009-11-21T08:21:19-08:00

true

1481848

207

56002

2009-11-21T08:21:19-08:00

275947

Hmm Kong ate my reply. Anyway, Pivot, try to show the reader what is happening, and not tell us what is happening. Show us that he is losing his memory by his inability to remember things, or something like that, instead of telling us that he did. bq. Before he could make out what was happening, before he could yell for help, something like an explosive gunshot erupted through the air. James' world blacked out, as fluid dripped from his chest. Hmm Kong ate my reply. Anyway, Pivot, try to show the reader what is happening, and not tell us what is happening. Show us that he is losing his memory by his inability to remember things, or something like that, instead of telling us that he did. <blockquote> Before he could make out what was happening, before he could yell for help, something like an explosive gunshot erupted through the air. James’ world blacked out, as fluid dripped from his chest. </blockquote>

2009-11-21T07:17:37-08:00

true

1481733

6304

43755

2009-11-21T17:31:01-08:00

275947

Is it possible if we could extend this to [Game] Threads. It would be nice to have a directory of them, and to prevent half hearted or short attempts that do not lead to anywhere. It would also limit the clutter on the first page. Just my $0.02 Is it possible if we could extend this to [Game] Threads. It would be nice to have a directory of them, and to prevent half hearted or short attempts that do not lead to anywhere. It would also limit the clutter on the first page. Just my $0.02

2009-11-20T08:10:16-08:00

true

1479071

410

40344

2009-11-20T08:10:16-08:00

275947

Nearing the 40k mark, which is 4/5ths of NaNo done. I'm extremely impressed with my progress so far. I might spend the whole of tomorrow or Sunday to write, or maybe some of the next week. I still have the Extended Essay to finish, which so far is quite manageable. What I've noticed in my writing is that I'm horribly skimming through one of the best things about my writing: description. Lately, I realised I spent more and more concentrating on what happens to the characters and the story and relationships, instead of the simple meticulous details that always give me a nightmare. I'm happy with my progress. Basically, I just never go back over my work. If it was crap, I just let it be there. Ideas are ideas, and they could be refined or removed. I spend a lot of my free time brainstorming ideas that are more interesting, especially during transit, as I am normally unable to open up my laptop to type. This combination of planning and writing has helped me loads in continuing the word count. Additionally, I realise I only have like 2 real main characters, and about 4-5 not so main, but also important, characters. I normally spend more time on the former though, so I'm starting to run dry on ideas. Until I thought of a library in the middle of a town and wrote on from there. :D The pep talks are quite encouraging sometimes. Nearing the 40k mark, which is 4/5ths of NaNo done. I’m extremely impressed with my progress so far. I might spend the whole of tomorrow or Sunday to write, or maybe some of the next week. I still have the Extended Essay to finish, which so far is quite manageable. What I’ve noticed in my writing is that I’m horribly skimming through one of the best things about my writing: description. Lately, I realised I spent more and more concentrating on what happens to the characters and the story and relationships, instead of the simple meticulous details that always give me a nightmare. I’m happy with my progress. Basically, I just never go back over my work. If it was crap, I just let it be there. Ideas are ideas, and they could be refined or removed. I spend a lot of my free time brainstorming ideas that are more interesting, especially during transit, as I am normally unable to open up my laptop to type. This combination of planning and writing has helped me loads in continuing the word count. Additionally, I realise I only have like 2 real main characters, and about 4-5 not so main, but also important, characters. I normally spend more time on the former though, so I’m starting to run dry on ideas. Until I thought of a library in the middle of a town and wrote on from there. :D The pep talks are quite encouraging sometimes.

2009-11-20T08:05:31-08:00

true

1479059

206

56002

2009-11-20T08:05:31-08:00

275947

==*nudges chat for some love*== *nudges chat for some love*

2009-11-20T06:30:44-08:00

true

1478965

65583

2009-11-20T06:30:44-08:00

275947

So, I've broken the 35k mark. And Im hitting a dead wall. Almost. Still thinking of a sub plot, or maybe it is time to foreshadow more of the main plot. Or, maybe, just write at a tangent and come back to it later. Just read the NaNo History page. ==*has newfound respect for NaNo now*== New NaNo-novel ideas are now stirring in my head. Hmm... So, I’ve broken the 35k mark. And Im hitting a dead wall. Almost. Still thinking of a sub plot, or maybe it is time to foreshadow more of the main plot. Or, maybe, just write at a tangent and come back to it later. Just read the NaNo History page. *has newfound respect for NaNo now* New NaNo-novel ideas are now stirring in my head. Hmm…

2009-11-19T07:36:01-08:00

true

1476414

204

56002

2009-11-19T07:36:01-08:00

275947

<blockquote><cite>Originally posted by <a href='/forums/5/topics/43755?page=249#posts-1473612'>NoteyMan</a>:</cite> I have an idea… but it probably wont work… should I steal flash cs4 off my school computer?</blockquote> Not a good idea. GIMP is more than sufficient for the average user. I basically believe that if you really need Photoshop CS4, that means you have the means to afford it. If you don't really really need it, then you are unlikely to find the value for your cost, or unable to purchase it. I don't plan on getting it anywhere in the near future, unless offered, but we'll see. <blockquote><cite>Originally posted by <a href="/forums/5/topics/43755?page=249#posts-1473612">NoteyMan</a>:</cite> I have an idea… but it probably wont work… should I steal flash cs4 off my school computer?</blockquote> Not a good idea. GIMP is more than sufficient for the average user. I basically believe that if you really need Photoshop CS4, that means you have the means to afford it. If you don’t really really need it, then you are unlikely to find the value for your cost, or unable to purchase it. I don’t plan on getting it anywhere in the near future, unless offered, but we’ll see.

2009-11-18T07:47:33-08:00

true

1473631

6216

43755

2009-11-18T21:45:43-08:00

275947

I'm not very good with digital painting, to be honest. More to do with the lack of tools to do it properly. Hence Im more into writing :) I’m not very good with digital painting, to be honest. More to do with the lack of tools to do it properly. Hence Im more into writing :)

2009-11-18T07:08:06-08:00

true

1473590

6213

43755

2009-11-18T21:45:43-08:00

275947

jump into the trashcan. (wait does this lead to a dead end? As in, really, a "dead" end? :P) jump into the trashcan. (wait does this lead to a dead end? As in, really, a “dead” end? :P)

2009-11-18T06:52:04-08:00

true

1473582

65268

2009-11-18T06:52:04-08:00

275947

My pace is slowing down due to work. Sigh =/ Nearing 35k though. 15k more to go. :D My pace is slowing down due to work. Sigh =/ Nearing 35k though. 15k more to go. :D

2009-11-18T06:47:49-08:00

true

1473580

201

56002

2009-11-18T06:47:49-08:00

275947

I was basically using a mouse to paint a tree on Photoshop Elements... The people there were trying to teach us how to colour something differently with hues and balances. Ironically, they can't even use the path tool or lasso tool to do a layer mask and resorted to the eraser to erase the layer with a diff colour hue than another one to achieve the desired blue/purple look. =/ I was basically using a mouse to paint a tree on Photoshop Elements… The people there were trying to teach us how to colour something differently with hues and balances. Ironically, they can’t even use the path tool or lasso tool to do a layer mask and resorted to the eraser to erase the layer with a diff colour hue than another one to achieve the desired blue/purple look. =/

2009-11-18T06:46:02-08:00

true

1473578

6211

43755

2009-11-18T21:45:43-08:00

275947

Im actually more interested in bringing things like writing competitions, writing collabs, etc, to the forums, more so than to take over the aim of Writer's Block, although that could be something that I would love to look at too. The issue is that I think, it would be nice to have it a little better ogranised, and to probably start something from scratch as a better place to allow the showcasing of material through profile bios, instead of just a communal sharing place. Just a little bit more than just sharing, I guess. We'll see first. I'm still more interested in things like a writing collab than anything else atm. I might start that early Jan. I'm also interested in a writing style RPG, much like what is being done with drawings instead. Like I said, we'll see, but I would really like to participate in heading any Literary movement. :) Im actually more interested in bringing things like writing competitions, writing collabs, etc, to the forums, more so than to take over the aim of Writer’s Block, although that could be something that I would love to look at too. The issue is that I think, it would be nice to have it a little better ogranised, and to probably start something from scratch as a better place to allow the showcasing of material through profile bios, instead of just a communal sharing place. Just a little bit more than just sharing, I guess. We’ll see first. I’m still more interested in things like a writing collab than anything else atm. I might start that early Jan. I’m also interested in a writing style RPG, much like what is being done with drawings instead. Like I said, we’ll see, but I would really like to participate in heading any Literary movement. :)

2009-11-18T06:44:27-08:00

true

1473577

407

40344

2009-11-18T06:47:00-08:00

275947

nice one raw :D nice one raw :D

2009-11-18T01:38:17-08:00

true

1473428

6207

43755

2009-11-18T21:45:43-08:00

275947

I'm interested in taking over Writer's Block and renaming it as "Literary!" This might happen after NaNo, so I was wondering if there are any issues with my choice of actions? I’m interested in taking over Writer’s Block and renaming it as “Literary!” This might happen after NaNo, so I was wondering if there are any issues with my choice of actions?

2009-11-17T05:58:39-08:00

true

1470655

404

40344

2009-11-17T05:58:39-08:00

275947

<blockquote><cite>Originally posted by <a href='/forums/5/topics/36465?page=15#posts-1458255'>meaperson333</a>:</cite> BUT they don’t have to be. </blockquote> Technically speaking, *all pieces of fiction SHOULD be in past tense*. Publishers have forced writers to rewrite all present tense fiction simply because of this. This is pretty much convention. Of course, not all rules are set in stone, but if you are writing about something that has happened in the past, then definitely you should be writing in past tense, as that would make sense. <hr> "Eight Bells":http://www.kongregate.com/forums/5-art/topics/36465-group-writers-block?page=14#posts-1457517 I actually had to google the symbology behind the "Eight Bells", but I realised that it was not very significant. Or, I don't think so. Anyway, to the poem. Try to split up your stanzas, to make it less of a wall to read. <blockquote>Should I move fast, And pass all this by? Or should I slow down And give flight a try?</blockquote> I don't really like this. It is an interesting 4 lines, but I don't think "give flight a try" and "pass all this by" contrast properly. Perhaps you mean to pass all this by as in to not experience it all, or to slow down and miss out on what's to come. The contrast in your set is good, but I do not think it fully emphasises the power of moving through life fast, or enjoying life by going slow. <blockquote> Love and loss, And lack and light. Talk and whisper, And yell and fight. </blockquote> Another interesting set of lines. May I suggest to mimic the contrast between "love" and "loss" in the 3 lines that follow, to further show the contrast? In general, I think you are trying to talk about the passage of life and the problem between going fast, or moving slow. When we go fast, we miss out on the subtle and special things in life. There is the conflicting tone between the many different thoughts of the persona. There is a heavy use of questions to show the conflict, as well as the multitude of "question" words. I think my only serious issue with the poem is the lack of relation between "Eight Bells" and the rest of the poem. If you chose to use a particular image, it is useful to reinforce it with the poem, be it via contrast or similarity. You may know the image better than I do, and it is effective to subtly hint at what the imagery means, especially if it is more unique to you. Overall, an interesting piece to read. It would be very nice if you could split up your work into stanzas. :) <blockquote><cite>Originally posted by <a href="/forums/5/topics/36465?page=15#posts-1458255">meaperson333</a>:</cite> BUT they don’t have to be. </blockquote> Technically speaking, all pieces of fiction SHOULD be in past tense. Publishers have forced writers to rewrite all present tense fiction simply because of this. This is pretty much convention. Of course, not all rules are set in stone, but if you are writing about something that has happened in the past, then definitely you should be writing in past tense, as that would make sense. <hr> <a href="http://www.kongregate.com/forums/5-art/topics/36465-group-writers-block?page=14#posts-1457517">Eight Bells</a> I actually had to google the symbology behind the “Eight Bells”, but I realised that it was not very significant. Or, I don’t think so. Anyway, to the poem. Try to split up your stanzas, to make it less of a wall to read. <blockquote>Should I move fast, And pass all this by? Or should I slow down And give flight a try?</blockquote> I don’t really like this. It is an interesting 4 lines, but I don’t think “give flight a try” and “pass all this by” contrast properly. Perhaps you mean to pass all this by as in to not experience it all, or to slow down and miss out on what’s to come. The contrast in your set is good, but I do not think it fully emphasises the power of moving through life fast, or enjoying life by going slow. <blockquote> Love and loss, And lack and light. Talk and whisper, And yell and fight. </blockquote> Another interesting set of lines. May I suggest to mimic the contrast between “love” and “loss” in the 3 lines that follow, to further show the contrast? In general, I think you are trying to talk about the passage of life and the problem between going fast, or moving slow. When we go fast, we miss out on the subtle and special things in life. There is the conflicting tone between the many different thoughts of the persona. There is a heavy use of questions to show the conflict, as well as the multitude of “question” words. I think my only serious issue with the poem is the lack of relation between “Eight Bells” and the rest of the poem. If you chose to use a particular image, it is useful to reinforce it with the poem, be it via contrast or similarity. You may know the image better than I do, and it is effective to subtly hint at what the imagery means, especially if it is more unique to you. Overall, an interesting piece to read. It would be very nice if you could split up your work into stanzas. :)

2009-11-17T05:45:58-08:00

true

1470649

367

36465

2009-11-17T05:56:33-08:00

275947

For a chapter, a tad too short. As you are writing in first person, spend more time looking at the thoughts of the character. For example: bq. I brushed away the clothes, and to my horror, found a mutilated arm, pointing to a random direction. Could be rewritten as: bq. I brushed away the clothes. In the dim light of the basement, I could not make out what was hiding behind them. Groping around in semi darkness, I could feel the fleshy exterior and wet, sticky liquid covering it. In pure shock, I retracted my hand, realising it was a mutilated arm, still bloody. It seemed to be pointing into a direction further into the darkness. I could feel my stomach retching again. If you are trying to create a feeling of fear, keep your readers in suspense. Don't be too blunt, but make the reader think about what is happening. For a chapter, a tad too short. As you are writing in first person, spend more time looking at the thoughts of the character. For example: <blockquote> I brushed away the clothes, and to my horror, found a mutilated arm, pointing to a random direction. </blockquote> Could be rewritten as: <blockquote> I brushed away the clothes. In the dim light of the basement, I could not make out what was hiding behind them. Groping around in semi darkness, I could feel the fleshy exterior and wet, sticky liquid covering it. In pure shock, I retracted my hand, realising it was a mutilated arm, still bloody. It seemed to be pointing into a direction further into the darkness. I could feel my stomach retching again. </blockquote> If you are trying to create a feeling of fear, keep your readers in suspense. Don’t be too blunt, but make the reader think about what is happening.

2009-11-17T05:43:28-08:00

true

1470647

65176

2009-11-17T05:44:07-08:00

275947

mea, first things first. A story *does not consist of just pure dialogue*. As you are writing from a first person point of view, you should try to concentrate on your main character's (MC) thoughts and feelings. For example, you could turn that into something like: bq. I *placed the journal gingerly onto the table*. This was, *definitely*, by far the toughest case *that* I *had* ever worked on. There *were not* any fingerprints or footprints. *The lack of any incriminating evidence was frightening*. *In the short span of a week, all the kids have disappeared.* *For all I know,* my most likely suspect was some fictional monster a terrified kid *thought* he saw. Just wait till I send that report to the director. I bet he’ll be thrilled. Things to take note of: 1. Never use contractions unless it is in dialogue. This rule tends to be strict~ish, as it is conventional grammar. 2. Learn to style your writing to make it unique and special. Make it different. Don't just write what happens, but put feeling into the piece. 3. Try not to start 2 lines with the same word or same tense of words. Don't start two sentences with "the" and "the", or "Thinking" and "Flowing". Try to vary the choice of words to make it more interesting and less repetitive. 4. If you are really interested in writing out the story, try to plan out your work a little bit to have a rough idea of what you want to write. :) <hr> You are getting somewhere, but you must remember, dialogue should only be used to enhance the writing, not take up the majority of it. It is important, also, to signpost, occasionally, who is talking, so people do not get lost. It is the most subtle of description that really set a text apart from the others. It is about subtly conveying the ideas you want to convey, and building a subconcious image in the readers' mind, even without them thinking about it too much. mea, first things first. A story does not consist of just pure dialogue. As you are writing from a first person point of view, you should try to concentrate on your main character’s (MC) thoughts and feelings. For example, you could turn that into something like: <blockquote> I placed the journal gingerly onto the table. This was, definitely, by far the toughest case that I had ever worked on. There were not any fingerprints or footprints. The lack of any incriminating evidence was frightening. In the short span of a week, all the kids have disappeared. For all I know, my most likely suspect was some fictional monster a terrified kid thought he saw. Just wait till I send that report to the director. I bet he’ll be thrilled. </blockquote> Things to take note of: 1. Never use contractions unless it is in dialogue. This rule tends to be strict~ish, as it is conventional grammar. 2. Learn to style your writing to make it unique and special. Make it different. Don’t just write what happens, but put feeling into the piece. 3. Try not to start 2 lines with the same word or same tense of words. Don’t start two sentences with “the” and “the”, or “Thinking” and “Flowing”. Try to vary the choice of words to make it more interesting and less repetitive. 4. If you are really interested in writing out the story, try to plan out your work a little bit to have a rough idea of what you want to write. :) <hr> You are getting somewhere, but you must remember, dialogue should only be used to enhance the writing, not take up the majority of it. It is important, also, to signpost, occasionally, who is talking, so people do not get lost. It is the most subtle of description that really set a text apart from the others. It is about subtly conveying the ideas you want to convey, and building a subconcious image in the readers’ mind, even without them thinking about it too much.

2009-11-17T05:36:27-08:00

true

1470639

6197

43755

2009-11-17T05:39:59-08:00

275947

Raw. Good look into the texture and style. I think the fur could look better and more textured, but it is a nice piece. Good job! Raw. Good look into the texture and style. I think the fur could look better and more textured, but it is a nice piece. Good job!

2009-11-17T03:32:21-08:00

true

1470559

65116

2009-11-21T14:53:16-08:00

275947

<blockquote><cite>Originally posted by <a href='/forums/5/topics/43755?page=247#posts-1467691'>rawismojo</a>:</cite> While it is by no means near as powerful, the polygonal lasso tool can do a lot of the things that the pen tool can, provided you have enough patience. That said…. I could never work without my pen tool. I’d go nuts.</blockquote> I would totally have used GIMP instead, if only GIMP didn't lag like hell at A4 size, unlike PS:E. =/ On hind sight though, I should probably have made like a 1500*2500 image on GIMP and then bring it into an A4 canvas on PS:E. =/ <blockquote><cite>Originally posted by <a href="/forums/5/topics/43755?page=247#posts-1467691">rawismojo</a>:</cite> While it is by no means near as powerful, the polygonal lasso tool can do a lot of the things that the pen tool can, provided you have enough patience. That said…. I could never work without my pen tool. I’d go nuts.</blockquote> I would totally have used GIMP instead, if only GIMP didn’t lag like hell at A4 size, unlike PS:E. =/ On hind sight though, I should probably have made like a 1500*2500 image on GIMP and then bring it into an A4 canvas on PS:E. =/

2009-11-16T07:15:43-08:00

true

1467694

6161

43755

2009-11-16T07:16:23-08:00

275947

"Why I suck at art":http://i37.tinypic.com/bjid6f.jpg "Why I suck at art v2":http://i36.tinypic.com/in8w2p.jpg This is why I don't like PS:E. Lack of path tool ftl. =/ Did this as part of the T-shirt design workshop i took today, cause it was quite easy. Didn't really learn much since Photoshop Elements was kinda weak. <a href="http://i37.tinypic.com/bjid6f.jpg">Why I suck at art</a> <a href="http://i36.tinypic.com/in8w2p.jpg">Why I suck at art v2</a> This is why I don’t like PS:E. Lack of path tool ftl. =/ Did this as part of the T-shirt design workshop i took today, cause it was quite easy. Didn’t really learn much since Photoshop Elements was kinda weak.

2009-11-16T07:07:22-08:00

true

1467682

6159

43755

2009-11-16T07:10:16-08:00

275947

Free bump! Haven't done any writing yesterday, mainly because Im trying to get some ideas in. Hope today's a little better. Free bump! Haven’t done any writing yesterday, mainly because Im trying to get some ideas in. Hope today’s a little better.

2009-11-15T05:35:22-08:00

true

1463195

196

56002

2009-11-15T05:35:22-08:00

275947