Suggestion Design Contests Subforum Sticky

Hey guys.

I think the Design Contests Marketplace could do with a sticky to assist Contest Holders. The sticky should ideally outline a checklist of recommended information and requirements to be included in OPs. A properly written OP will ensure smoother and higher quality contests, while doing away with any ambiguities. Some of the items that you may want to consider adding include:

(i) Closing date (believe it or not, there are many contests without closing dates)
(ii) Format and resolution of deliverables (vector, DPI, etc. - it just makes sense)
(iii) Payment terms (immediate, after further amendments)

In addition, I fail to see the logic of CH requesting amendments of submissions from multiple participants. It's a contest, not a group brainstorming session. It's logical, even necessary, to request final revisions from contest winners, but asking participants to make amendments is just unfair.

There is also the problem of non-paying CHs. There's even one CH who claimed to have selected a winner, yet the CH refused to disclose his/her identity. They're probably just tapping into the ideas of contest participants. A big, easy to find report button might make it easier for everyone to report such CHs.

Another subject that bears some thought is CH reserves the right to not choose a winner. I can understand the rationale behind such a 'clause', but it is, again, unfair to participants. Plus, it gives unscrupulous logo thieves an excuse to hide behind.

On the subject of participants, a warning against using licensed stock images in their designs should also be included. Minor tweaks or color changes do not make copyright claims disappear. It devalues the community as a whole when winning designs contain copyrighted elements.

That's all I can think of now, but I'm sure you guys will be able to come up with a more comprehensive list.