Regarding the current screenshot contest (PLEASE JUDGES, PAY ATTENTION!)

[Punainen]

I noticed some entries within the thread were photoshopped for enhanced epicness.

PLEASE tell me that photoshopped entries don't qualify, as that's hardly fair. Most people posted up completely unaltered pics (as is fair), and others are trying to use the advantage of their expensive art programs and skill, which is NOT what this contest was about.

I think the photoshopped entries are STUNNING, but I also think they're unfair in a contest like this.

[Niqote]

If it is not restricted in the rules, they should have expected people would enhance their images. They need to be clear when setting out guidelines so that entrants do not end up feeling cheated.
If I was allowed to enter I sure as heck would have photoshopped.

[Punainen]

If it is not restricted in the rules, they should have expected people would enhance their images. They need to be clear when setting out guidelines so that entrants do not end up feeling cheated.
If I was allowed to enter I sure as heck would have photoshopped.

But its not very fair when what they say is 'post a screenshot' and then what you post is technically an artwork piece.
I'm pretty sure most people ASSUMED that would be against the rules and therefore didn't photoshop their entries.

[Jynx]

Doesn't say anything about it not being allowed. If I had submited a edited photo (Didn't enter this contest) to have is disqualified due to a unstated rule I'd be upset as properly editing a photo to look great takes more than just a "Expensive program"

Also "Skill" not being part of the contest is very subjective because taking a good Screenshot takes skill in itself, people are just using the skills they have to take and present the best screenshot they can. Photoshop isn't the only avenue to edit a photo to look good, there are alot of free alternatives that do just as good a job for something of this scale.

So it's really just in where/how people apply their skills. No ammount of Photoshop is going to make a crummy screenshot look good, and capturing the perfect shot in the first place will make any edits worthless and possibly damaging to the original shot itself.

Long story short: I don't see a problem with people editing their photos before submission.

[Shougun]

They mentioned SE screenshots but then a bunch of Japanese entries were accepted and were not following the guidelines.. so I think its open ended officially now lol (Sorry Rein if I screwed your story up :P)

I think they should have removed the entry but given those removed entrants an opportunity to replace it.