SitePoint.com

Rick · Jul 1, 2003, 03:21

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The Beauty of Style : SitePoint Community CSS Website Design Competition

Note: The contest.prestontalk.com website has now been removed, so links to pages at that address will no longer resolve.

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What it's all about

Fancy yourself as a bit of a designer? Well, why not try your hand at our CSS design competition?

We'll supply you with the HTML template for a web page, your task is to use your CSS skills and style it! All we ask is that you don't change the HTML code we supply in any way. However, you may use whatever CSS and design trickery you wish!

Inspiration

If you're thinking of entering, then you might want to check out CSS Zen Garden, which was a huge inspiration to us when planning the contest.

Prizes

The winning entry will receive a copy of SitePoint's brand new book, HTML Utopia: Designing Without Tables Using CSS by Dan Shafer, generously donated by Sitepoint Pty. Ltd.

Judging Process

Judging will take place once the competition has closed, by a panel consisting of staff and members: Sketch, redux, zoo, Bill Posters and cyborg_from_dh.

Entries will be judged on aesthetics and technical merit. For example the following items will be looked at when judging the entries:

Rendering correctly in Mozilla 1.4, IE 6 and Opera 7; how well the colour scheme fits together; how easy / intuitive the navigation is; innovation; creativity; imagination; originality; and standards compliance, etc.

As mentioned above entries will be tested in Mozilla 1.4, IE 6 and Opera 7.

When the deadline for receiving entries has passed, all entries will be examined and judged by the panel. Shortly after the winner will be announced in the SitePoint Community crier.

How to enter

To enter the contest, first think of a name for your design, and then send your CSS stylesheet and any images you have used to spf.contest@prestontalk.com along with the name of your design and your SitePoint Forums username.

Technical Details

Our only requirements for entry into the contest are that you don't change the source code in any way, you are a registered SitePoint member and that your entry is not obscene or illegal.

Terms & Conditions

Judges' decision is final.
No correspondence will be entered into.
No entries will be accepted after the closing date and time specified.
No cash alternative to advertised prize.
We reserve the right to substitute the prize stated with one of an equal or lesser value.
Staff may enter.
You may enter as many times as you wish.

Deadline for Submission

The deadline for submitting entries is the 31st August 2003, at midnight GMT.

Thank you

Huge thanks go to the following people: zoo, Sarah, Adam P., Ian Glass and VGarcia as well as the members of the judging panel. Special thanks go out to redux who designed the default and example styles for the competition. With out their help this contest would not have been possible.

And Finally...

This competition is meant to be a means for all of the people involved to have fun and perhaps learn a little. So with that in mind, have fun and please don't be afraid to enter. We look forward to seeing your entries.

And most importantly, Good luck!

Rick · Jul 1, 2003, 14:38

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Technical Infomation

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Name your design

Once you have completed your design you must think of a name for it before sending in to us. A list of the current designs and their designers can be found here, please use this list to check that the name you have decided on is not already in use.

Images

Your more than welcome to use images in your design, and this has been provided for in the HTML code in a number of places. Along with the HTML code you'll find, attached to this post, two images that you may use to show the page as being valid XHTML 1.0 and valid CSS (in place of the current valid XHTML 1.0 and valid CSS text links).

Location of images etc

Your stylesheet and any additional images you have used will be uploaded to the following foler: /designs/[your_design_name]/ Please use this location when linking any images you have used in your stylesheet.

Note: Any special characters (non-alphanumerical characters) and spaces in your design name will be replaced with an underscore (as demonstrated above - Your Design Name becomes your_design_name) Please keep this in mind when linking images etc.

The HTML Code

The HTML that we will be testing designs on has been written by a number of SitePoint Forums staff members, and was written to be as flexible as possible. You can find the HTML code that your design will be tested on is attached to this post. As has already been stated you must not edit this code in anyway - only your stylesheet and images will be uploaded when we recieve your design.

Changes to the Code

Designers should note that certain elements of the html code are dynamicly generated and so may change.

These sections are the design list (dDesigns) and the options list (dArchives)

The designs list will contain between 2 and 6 links (in the default view it will contain 6 links) and the options list will hold either 3 or 4 links (3 links in the default view)

Submission of Entries

Please send your entry, complete with any additional images you have used,0 your design name and sitepoint username to spf.contest@prestontalk.com

Once again, good luck. We look forward to recieving your entry

Note: Sneaky change to HTML code because I just spotted an error!

Technosailor · Jul 1, 2003, 20:47

Stickied.

DPC · Jul 1, 2003, 21:12

Sounds like an excellent competition.

CreedFeed · Jul 2, 2003, 00:41

Maybe I'm missing something here, but...

Quote:

We'll supply you with the HTML template for a web page

Where do we get the HTML template?

Rick · Jul 2, 2003, 01:47

Sorry about the lack of code guys - I wasn't expecting the thread to be moved so soon. Anyway I've attached it so as soon as an advisor validates it you can design away

Sketch - Thanks

Sarah · Jul 2, 2003, 01:48

CreedFeed - go here http://contest.prestontalk.com/ and view source - I shall get a zip file posted up asap!

redux · Jul 2, 2003, 01:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoo

I've attached it so as soon as an advisor validates it you can design away

done

to all people entering the competition...good luck and most important of all have fun. i know i had a blast creating the two example styles...

vgarcia · Jul 2, 2003, 04:47

I see many questions appearing in the CSS forum very soon

.

Technosailor · Jul 2, 2003, 04:56

Actually it's not stickied. I think the Stickier is now broke...

vgarcia · Jul 2, 2003, 05:21

Seems to be working now

SJH · Jul 2, 2003, 06:21

Just a question, I've saved the page that was attached, do I download the CSS from the http://contest.prestontalk.com/index/ page?

Thanks.

-Sam

SJH · Jul 2, 2003, 06:27

Also, can we apply background images?

-Sam

Technosailor · Jul 2, 2003, 06:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devilware.net

Also, can we apply background images?

-Sam

RTFM.

Quote:

Location of images etc

Your stylesheet and any additional images you have used will be uploaded to the following foler: /designs/[your_design_name]/ Please use this location when linking any images you have used in your stylesheet.

Note: Any special characters (non-alphanumerical characters) and spaces in your design name will be replaced with an underscore (as demonstrated above - Your Design Name becomes your_design_name) Please keep this in mind when linking images etc.

Sarah · Jul 2, 2003, 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devilware.net

Just a question, I've saved the page that was attached, do I download the CSS from the http://contest.prestontalk.com/index/ page?

Thanks.

-Sam

Sam,

Its up to you whether you want to start with that css file or create your own from scratch! as long as you use the HTML file your css can be anything you like.

Sarah

Rick · Jul 2, 2003, 06:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devilware.net

Just a question, I've saved the page that was attached, do I download the CSS from the http://contest.prestontalk.com/index/ page?

If you want to use an existing CSS file as the basis for your own then you could always use something like this example css code that Redux wrote: http://contest.prestontalk.com/css/gothic/, however the idea is that you start from scratch and write your own.

Background images: As I said in my post, you can use whatever CSS and Design trickery you like as long as you don't edit the html code! If you take a look at our example design (http://contest.prestontalk.com/index/gothic/) you'll see that a number of background, heading, bullet images etc have been used. So feel free to do what you want

Cheers
ZOO

SJH · Jul 2, 2003, 07:20

Cheers for the answers guys. Time to get working!

-Sam

Rick · Jul 2, 2003, 08:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devilware.net

Cheers for the answers guys. Time to get working!

No problem - I look forward to seeing your entry

Adam P. · Jul 2, 2003, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoo

If you want to use an existing CSS file as the basis for your own then you could always use something like this example css code that Redux wrote: http://contest.prestontalk.com/css/example/, however the idea is that you start from scratch and write your own.

Background images: As I said in my post, you can use whatever CSS and Design trickery you like as long as you don't edit the html code! If you take a look at our example design (http://contest.prestontalk.com/index/example/) you'll see that a number of background, heading, bullet images etc have been used. So feel free to do what you want

Those two links are blocked by the login. Not sure if you knew that.

Rick · Jul 2, 2003, 09:02

OK changed the links.

I hadn't planned for more than one example (we have two now) so I had to change a few things to accomodate both of them

blakems · Jul 2, 2003, 10:21

Sounds like a good competition, but the winning prize doesn't sound like much incentive since whoever wins will most likely know most everything covered in the book. Am I right or wrong?

vgarcia · Jul 2, 2003, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakems

Sounds like a good competition, but the winning prize doesn't sound like much incentive since whoever wins will most likely know most everything covered in the book. Am I right or wrong?

Yes, but you get to prove that you are the CSS KING OR QUEEN OF SITEPOINT. That's gotta be good for something!

Edit:

Gender-neutral title

Jeff Lange · Jul 2, 2003, 10:24

And how can you go wrong with a free book!

Smarky · Jul 2, 2003, 11:01

Nice prize but the problem is won't the prize be less suitable to the winner since they prob have the CSS skills the book teaches, those that don't know and want the book to learn won't know how to do this so they can't enter?

Smarky · Jul 2, 2003, 11:06

I see someone already pointed that out, I should read further down a post more

Jul 1, 2003, 03:21	#1
Rick SitePoint Wizard Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 4,362	The Beauty of Style : SitePoint Community CSS Website Design Competition . The Beauty of Style : SitePoint Community CSS Website Design Competition Note: The contest.prestontalk.com website has now been removed, so links to pages at that address will no longer resolve. . What it's all about Fancy yourself as a bit of a designer? Well, why not try your hand at our CSS design competition? We'll supply you with the HTML template for a web page, your task is to use your CSS skills and style it! All we ask is that you don't change the HTML code we supply in any way. However, you may use whatever CSS and design trickery you wish! Inspiration If you're thinking of entering, then you might want to check out CSS Zen Garden, which was a huge inspiration to us when planning the contest. Prizes The winning entry will receive a copy of SitePoint's brand new book, HTML Utopia: Designing Without Tables Using CSS by Dan Shafer, generously donated by Sitepoint Pty. Ltd. Judging Process Judging will take place once the competition has closed, by a panel consisting of staff and members: Sketch, redux, zoo, Bill Posters and cyborg_from_dh. Entries will be judged on aesthetics and technical merit. For example the following items will be looked at when judging the entries: Rendering correctly in Mozilla 1.4, IE 6 and Opera 7; how well the colour scheme fits together; how easy / intuitive the navigation is; innovation; creativity; imagination; originality; and standards compliance, etc. As mentioned above entries will be tested in Mozilla 1.4, IE 6 and Opera 7. When the deadline for receiving entries has passed, all entries will be examined and judged by the panel. Shortly after the winner will be announced in the SitePoint Community crier. How to enter To enter the contest, first think of a name for your design, and then send your CSS stylesheet and any images you have used to spf.contest@prestontalk.com along with the name of your design and your SitePoint Forums username. Technical Details Our only requirements for entry into the contest are that you don't change the source code in any way, you are a registered SitePoint member and that your entry is not obscene or illegal. Terms & Conditions Judges' decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. No entries will be accepted after the closing date and time specified. No cash alternative to advertised prize. We reserve the right to substitute the prize stated with one of an equal or lesser value. Staff may enter. You may enter as many times as you wish. Deadline for Submission The deadline for submitting entries is the 31st August 2003, at midnight GMT. Thank you Huge thanks go to the following people: zoo, Sarah, Adam P., Ian Glass and VGarcia as well as the members of the judging panel. Special thanks go out to redux who designed the default and example styles for the competition. With out their help this contest would not have been possible. And Finally... This competition is meant to be a means for all of the people involved to have fun and perhaps learn a little. So with that in mind, have fun and please don't be afraid to enter. We look forward to seeing your entries. And most importantly, Good luck! __________________ Rick Last edited by zoo; Nov 7, 2003 at 16:33.. Reason: Taken note of the fact that contest.prestontalk.com no longer exists.

Jul 1, 2003, 20:47	#3
Technosailor Prolific Blogger Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Before These Crowded Streets Posts: 9,483	Stickied. __________________ Aaron Brazell Technosailor

Jul 2, 2003, 01:47	#6
Rick SitePoint Wizard Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 4,362	Sorry about the lack of code guys - I wasn't expecting the thread to be moved so soon. Anyway I've attached it so as soon as an advisor validates it you can design away Sketch - Thanks __________________ Rick

Jul 2, 2003, 01:48	#7
Sarah blonde.... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Berkshire, UK Posts: 9,003	CreedFeed - go here http://contest.prestontalk.com/ and view source - I shall get a zip file posted up asap! __________________ Regular user

Jul 2, 2003, 04:56	#10
Technosailor Prolific Blogger Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Before These Crowded Streets Posts: 9,483	Actually it's not stickied. I think the Stickier is now broke... __________________ Aaron Brazell Technosailor

Jul 1, 2003, 21:12	#4
DPC SitePoint Addict Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 234	Sounds like an excellent competition.

Jul 2, 2003, 04:47	#9
vgarcia ☆★☆★ Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: in transition Posts: 21,423	I see many questions appearing in the CSS forum very soon .

Jul 2, 2003, 05:21	#11
vgarcia ☆★☆★ Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: in transition Posts: 21,423	Seems to be working now

Jul 2, 2003, 06:21	#12
SJH SitePoint Wizard Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 2,213	Just a question, I've saved the page that was attached, do I download the CSS from the http://contest.prestontalk.com/index/ page? Thanks. -Sam __________________ Sam Hastings

Jul 2, 2003, 06:27	#13
SJH SitePoint Wizard Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 2,213	Also, can we apply background images? -Sam __________________ Sam Hastings

Jul 2, 2003, 07:20	#17
SJH SitePoint Wizard Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 2,213	Cheers for the answers guys. Time to get working! -Sam __________________ Sam Hastings

Jul 2, 2003, 09:02	#20
Rick SitePoint Wizard Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 4,362	OK changed the links. I hadn't planned for more than one example (we have two now) so I had to change a few things to accomodate both of them __________________ Rick

Jul 2, 2003, 10:21	#21
blakems SitePoint Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Utah Posts: 59	Sounds like a good competition, but the winning prize doesn't sound like much incentive since whoever wins will most likely know most everything covered in the book. Am I right or wrong? __________________ blakems.com "reaching more of your brain cells"

Jul 2, 2003, 10:24	#23
Jeff Lange "Of" != "Have" Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 2,060	And how can you go wrong with a free book! __________________ Who walks the stairs without a care It shoots so high in the sky. Bounce up and down just like a clown. Everyone knows its Slinky.

Jul 2, 2003, 11:01	#24
Smarky BoOm-Rocka! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: England Posts: 1,319	Nice prize but the problem is won't the prize be less suitable to the winner since they prob have the CSS skills the book teaches, those that don't know and want the book to learn won't know how to do this so they can't enter? __________________ Garlic bread, I've tasted it, it's the future

Jul 2, 2003, 11:06	#25
Smarky BoOm-Rocka! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: England Posts: 1,319	I see someone already pointed that out, I should read further down a post more __________________ Garlic bread, I've tasted it, it's the future

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