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The new minimum-entries rule has inspired me to enter the LDraw.org Model of the
Month contest. I have a few questions:
1. Should entries that use unofficial parts (real LEGO parts that are not yet
LDraw certified) include those parts in the MPD file? I know there is no rule
requiring this, but I am curious if it would be helpful.
2. Does the rule against official LEGO models and box art-inspired models apply
to entirely custom alternate models as well? (By "alternate models" I mean
"MOCs" created only with pieces from a single set.)
I assume for the purpose of the contest, if not in general, the answer to the
question I pose at http://news.lugnet.com/cad/dev/?n=10660 is that submodel
names should indeed be conservatively treated as filenames.
One incidental point I would like to make about MOTM voting is that to me, the
composition of an LDraw file is as important as the screenshot in judging how
"good" the model is. For example, a well-composed model may be comprised of
articulated submodels for each moving part, whereas a less impressive model
might not utilize submodels, making it difficult to "pose" or otherwise
manipulate the final creation. For other people, the STEP sequence may be
important for creating intuitive instructions.
In either case, I propose that the contestant LDraw files be made available to
voters as part of the ballot. This requirement would have two advantages.
Firstly, it would allow voters to incorporate substantive criteria in their
decision by inspecting the structure of the actual LDraw file (after all, this
is an LDraw contest). Secondly, it would be an excellent opportunity to
encourage LDraw "best practices." As the LDraw format itself moves towards
standardization, why not emphasize the value of well-designed models?
Admittedly, this value is rather abstract, but with all the fuss about the
standard and part certification, it seems reasonable to celebrate models that
aspire to the same quality as the system with which they were built.
So those are my two questions and my two cents!
Jim
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