Ronin Draw off # 1 voting poll!!

[Victor Cabanelas]

Ok, so, we only had 4 entries for our first draw off (where is everybody else!!!!!!) and here is the poll to see who is going to be the winner and take the girls, the glory and the money to his home. Well, actually you are not going to win anything except a "Congratulations" and what (maybe) is a great line to pick up ladies. Well, at least you are going to be the winner and that ought to count for something, right?

Anyhow, here are the 4 entries (as they arrived) that we had so, Vote!

Will Caligan
http://artwanted.com/images/large/9138_187389.jpg

Victor Cabanelas
http://img252.echo.cx/img252/6653/radrawoff1color2copia4gu.jpg


Robert Robinson
http://dremworks.co.uk/ra.jpg

Daniel Silva
http://img82.echo.cx/img82/6725/lowres4ow.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

Oh, and I guess that there should be a deadline for the poll as weel, so what do you think if we leave this open until the next draw off´s deadline (next sunday)?

[Victor Cabanelas]

Oh, just to let you know. The votes are secret and you can only vote once. Anyhow, if you want to make a public statement about your vote, you are more than welcome.

My vote is on Will. I love how he used the lamest colors for a superhero and made it look extremely cool. Also, the mask kicks some serious ass!

[RAB]

Hooray!

I wasn't sure I was going to be able to set up the poll today (I'm starting to enter finals week, have three papers to write... two due on Wednesday and just barely getting over a bout with the flu :ugh: ) but you beat me to it!

Have I mentioned how much I love you (platonically) because of stuff like this? :09:

My thought was to have the polls end on the next Monday (making sure we get a full week of voting), then wait a week before doing Ronin Draw-Off#2. That way artists can have time to relax the drawing muscles and get the necessary work out of the way before playing again :D

Now it's time to figure out who I'm gonna vote for... as it's gonna be hard!

[John Schlim Jr]

Come on, people! We have over 200 members and only 9 votes?! Show some love for these talented artists!

[ant]

I am sorry I wasn't able to post my picture but I just ran late with it. Next draw off I will be there so whomever is doing the next one let's get that going!!!!!!!!!!!

[RAB]

I made my vote, but before stating who I went for, I'll give my thoughts on all the art.

Will: Like some have mentioned already, I loved the old-school Super-Hero feel of this piece. More than that, I loved the mask with the chin-guard. I don't know why, but I always liked seeing chin-guards on super-hero masks. I also love the gloves, as I can see how the orange part on the back of his hand is where energy would eminate from to form shields, swords and the like. The colors work well, too.

Victor: I like yours because it really captures the feel of Egyptian garb/armor, also incorporating some elements of Egyptian Mythology into the piece (the head of Ra).

Bob: I love yours because of the unique, almost symmtrical, design. That and the colors of the costume are ones I would have thought would NEVER look good together but damn, they look fine there!

Daniel: I like yours because it too resembles a traditional super-hero costume, but it also looks like a space-suit, showing off Ray's astrological background. I also like the nice touch of the eye-mark from Mythology, the gauntlets and overall look of the costume. The colors work nice and I like the almost rainbow-esque color palette for the wings.

The choice was extremely hard to make... especially since any and all of them could work in the framework I've got stored in me noggin'.

But ultimately, I went with Bob's. The reason is that the design is honestly something I could have never envisioned (when it comes to symmetrical designs and/or color schemes I'm admittedly rather 'blah') and it's one of those things that if you would have tried to describe it to me I would've thought it sucked, but it works great in execution (IMO).

But don't worry, I definitely want to use all four designs when I finally get this book off of the ground ;)

[SPECTRUM]

It seems like there is alot of "members that's only out for themselves. these guys here and some others, like Noble and stuff...the editors, they seem like they care about stuff at Ronin. I'm new, my name is Tony Costa and I am not claiming to be the ultimate Ronin guy...I used to check out the boards before they went down as a guest and noticed the same thing when you did a same kind of thing with writers and artists and nobody voted. I just think that as a community there should be more supporting of each other. 200 people but only 9 put their money where their mouth is! Something is very worng with that.

[SPECTRUM]

BTW...I voted for Will but it was a tough decision for me...all have their values...But Chris's jumped out more.

[Thomas Mauer]

oh yeah, the first vote for Vic's drawing was mine. :cool:

[Dave Wachter]

It seems like there is alot of "members that's only out for themselves. these guys here and some others, like Noble and stuff...the editors, they seem like they care about stuff at Ronin. I'm new, my name is Tony Costa and I am not claiming to be the ultimate Ronin guy...I used to check out the boards before they went down as a guest and noticed the same thing when you did a same kind of thing with writers and artists and nobody voted. I just think that as a community there should be more supporting of each other. 200 people but only 9 put their money where their mouth is! Something is very worng with that.

We don't support each other around here? Did you get off on the wrong floor or something?



To use your poll as an example, let's compare Ronin to , say, Digital Webbing. (Remember, they have an entire section devoted to Draw-offs and their entire forum is designed around submission and critques of artwork.) On the first page of the Draw Offs, the highest number of voters they have for any poll is 86. That's out of 4,440 members. That makes %1.9. For Ronin, 18 voters out of 209 members = %8.6.

And this is the first Draw-off style contest that that I've seen here. So I think we're doing pretty damn good.

Not to mention, that when you're working on projects you tend to get a little busy. But I guess those folks are only "out for themselves."

[ant]

Here I go again so cover your ears boys and girls...I have to agree with Spectrum. I came into Ronin super excited.

That lasted for a while and that was that. You have to understand that this is a bunch of people with different goals and different wants.

I myself have enjoyed this place and I am currently commited to do Tyr issues 7-10. After that I will never work here again. But that is just my thing. Each one of us has to decide whether this is the best place and if this forum will expand your horizons. If it is then great. If it's not, bounce.

[Robert Robinson]

Thanks RAB. I actually based the design (loosely) on this guy:

http://www.users.bigpond.com/MSN/gary_fletcher/ra.jpg


Nice to see a good few votes coming in. In fact I think we're doing pretty well to get so many, considering this is a pretty low-key sketch draw off. I should own up to being one of the non-participants anyway.

[SPECTRUM]

I know that there is support here...It just seems like a clique mentality. I'm not trying to stir the pot. I just see some that more interested and involved than most others. You are one of them that supports truly. I have yet to submit anything but when I do I know that I will get comments only from the people that comment regularly. probably the same 8.6% that you mention. You cannot honestly tell me that all 200+ member of Ronin are supportive.

[Dave Wachter]

Hey, I don't come to your house and spit on the carpet.

You get out of Ronin what you put into it. Plain and simple.You come in with certain expectations and you may be disappointed.

Become a full participant and lead by example, not some hit and run criticism. Put it the time and effort while maintaining an open mind and a professional attitude. Then you might just realize what a great place Ronin really is.

[SPECTRUM]

Man...you are one touchy guy Nick Nolte! I am not spitting. I made clear that I was not insulting or starting anything. My Apple powerbook is not at my disposal right now or I would be submitting coloring samples. There is a problem with a Ram slot that needed to be take care of. #3 weeks with out it so far! and they say #2 more! So when I am back with the apple, I'll be a "full participant". But do you mean to say that I am not entitled to make an observation? I never say Ronin is not great. I say that before people talk of 200+ members...take count of which members really have your back. Scar tissue is available. have you sold 200+ copies? surely every one of your 200+ supportive members must have purchased a copy right?

[Grant Chastain]

On a slight sidebar, I plan on interjecting the phrase "You're a touchy guy, Nick Nolte" into my everyday conversation immediately.

[SPECTRUM]

On a slight sidebar, I plan on interjecting the phrase "You're a touchy guy, Nick Nolte" into my everyday conversation immediately.
heh...that's funny.

Seriously...I mean no disrespect. I'm just being realistic. If I'm wrong, then I will admit it. But proof is pudding as they said.

[Victor Cabanelas]

oh yeah, the first vote for Vic's drawing was mine. :cool:

Thanks, Tom! :cool2:

BTW, Dave´s right. It´s just the first and I bet that a lot of members don´t even know of this forum.

[SPECTRUM]

my last thing to say about this...because I don't want hate for me to surface here....
If people just check new posts everyday...then they know about this forum. right? It's not on another site that was unannounced here. it is within the community. Vic, John, Ryan, Dave (Nick {joke}), among others...you guys really are supportive...I just mean that you are in a league of your own. I don't want to make enemy!

[Victor Cabanelas]

To me, Ronin Creators are supportive (at least they are with me!) and I try to be as supportive as I can, as well.

In my humble opinion, you can´t expect to have every single member make a comment on what you have drawn/wrote/etc.

[SPECTRUM]

and I don't expect that...You just see the same people doing it all the time is all. Anyway...soon I will see.

[Thomas Mauer]

Spectrum, you're not making enemies by voicing an opinion. At least I hope everybody's level headed enough to take an opinion and criticism for what it is. What it's not is a personal inult.

I know where you're coming from with this argument. It really wouldn't take too much effort to point and click in a poll. Hell, ya don't even have to reply in the thread. I guess that messageboards everywhere work like this though: there are a few vocal people who keep the ball rolling and a lot of people who prefer to lurk.

Hell, I should give more criticism to scripts and stuff, but I just don't find the time to read everything, and I suppose the the time factor is what keeps most people from replying, too. This sucks for the people wanting criticism or in the current thread's case, the artists who have this draw-off. But it comes with the territory and can't really be changed.

It's my hope that the active people are so fired up about what they do that they can eventually convince people in the industry of their talent and break out of self-publishing sooner or later. That in turn may lead to others catching fire and busting their asses more as well.

Ant, I'm curious why you said your enthusiasm has faded, to the point that you'll turn your back on Ronin Studios after you're done with Tyr. If there are things you think need to be improved around here, please talk about it so these things can be addressed. It's your decision of course, but maybe it's something that needs to be addressed anyway sooner or later, so your input would help a lot.

[Dave Wachter]

Man...you are one touchy guy Nick Nolte! I am not spitting. I made clear that I was not insulting or starting anything. My Apple powerbook is not at my disposal right now or I would be submitting coloring samples. There is a problem with a Ram slot that needed to be take care of. #3 weeks with out it so far! and they say #2 more! So when I am back with the apple, I'll be a "full participant". But do you mean to say that I am not entitled to make an observation? I never say Ronin is not great. I say that before people talk of 200+ members...take count of which members really have your back. Scar tissue is available. have you sold 200+ copies? surely every one of your 200+ supportive members must have purchased a copy right?

Make all the observations you like. I just don't think you should go around scolding people because they don't all applaud when you jump off the diving board.

[Dave Wachter]

what Thomas said.

[J. Andrew Clark]

I'm not sure I understand the argument here, Spectrum.

There are 200+ members of Ronin, but not all of them are overly vocal or lead from the front. I got that part.

Is it your contention that this level of involvement is somehow a problem?

I think it's safe to say that everyone in Ronin--that I've encountered, anyway--is very supportive of each other and of the studio as a whole. They may not openly post as often as some of us, they may lurk here, but so what? Every forum is like that. Many of the members here don't post all the time because they're busy working on Ronin books! (In fact--why aren't you drawing, Dave? Back to work!) Personally, I should be spending more time writing than posting here, but there's administrative work to be done and I also believe that my participation is important.

Like it's been said before, you get out of it what you put into it.

[Dave Wachter]

(In fact--why aren't you drawing, Dave? Back to work!)

:sleeping1

[SPECTRUM]

Not Scolding!! Not at all!...more like just noticing something that could stand improvement much like my english grammar...heh I actually speak english...I speak no other language...just when I type I get lazy
so I know I need improvement there. I am not looking for anyone to do a pee pee dance because I show a picture...I haven't show a picture yet. I will though...and I don't expect people to applaud...but I'm not talking about for me! I am talking about for others. for this forum here...why can't people just vote? I saw this beefore when you had more members, in the 300's...and like maybe 50 people voted. sure...they are working on they're own books...but lurking is like...just being around...but not being a part...I only want to make things the best...

[RAB]

Not Scolding!! Not at all!...more like just noticing something that could stand improvement much like my english grammar...heh I actually speak english...I speak no other language...just when I type I get lazy
so I know I need improvement there. I am not looking for anyone to do a pee pee dance because I show a picture...I haven't show a picture yet. I will though...and I don't expect people to applaud...but I'm not talking about for me! I am talking about for others. for this forum here...why can't people just vote? I saw this beefore when you had more members, in the 300's...and like maybe 50 people voted. sure...they are working on they're own books...but lurking is like...just being around...but not being a part...I only want to make things the best...

That's cool, man. I think part of the problem is that people don't come every day and it is easy to miss posts on this type of forum style (I visit here everyday and I find myself missing whole threads because they move fast, every post isn't highlighted, ETC). That and while some might have seen this thread, they may not like judging art, it may not have been to their fancy, or some other reason.

Still, every vote is appreciated and I like to think that the people who love this sort of thread and voting will find their way here, eventually ;)

No hard feelings on my end!

[John Schlim Jr]

Yeah, I miss posts all the time and I'm fairly obsessive about visiting. I don't think Spectrum meant any disrespect and I don't think he was pissing on Ronin. I think he just thought that with more than 200 members participating why have so few taken the time to look at a few pictures and click a vote. I was wondering the same thing. However, Dave's statistics are very enlightening and changed my opinion completely. Especially when you consider how many people have signed up and never posted at all, or never come back. There's more involvement and support here than shows on the surface, Spectrum. People participate in different ways.

I'm more concerned with Ant's remarks. Dude, that was a pretty sharp statement. I certainly respect your decision to move on, but to throw that out there without an explanation was disappointing. I agree with Tom that it might be beneficial to all of us if you explained what pushed you away.

[Victor Cabanelas]

I usually come here every 1 or 2 hours (when I check my mails) an I still miss a lot of posts.

Ant´s departure surpised me as well and I think that it would be great to know what happened to you and I truly hope that it doesn´t involve a bad relationship with anyone here.

Regarding Spectrum comments, all I can say is that perhaps those persons are not involved with the studios as the rest of us. Perhaps they even saw the thread and said: "what a bunch of losers!" and didn´t vote. I think that we also have to give this some time (this one is the first!!) and wait to see what happens on future draw-offs.

[ant]

There are several reasons as to why I won't be working here anymore Vic.

Now it would be terribly wrong for me to hang dirty laundry for everyone to see but I have my reasons. I am commited to Craig and to Tyr for the four issues and then I will be going onto something else.
There is some really great talent here it is very unfortunate that this is only a forums board and not a "real" company with structure, direction and foundation.

[J. Andrew Clark]

You're right--this isn't a traditional publishing company. It's a STUDIO, a group of creators who all work together to try and make comics. It's basically a self-publishing support group.

There's not a lot of other studios like this where anyone can come and hook up with the resources required to make comic books. If you want to self-publish, this is the best place to do it.

If you want to work with a "real" publisher, get a submission package together and send it around, and hope for the best.

[Diana Greenhalgh]

Okay.... admittedly I could've done without that um.... particular.... analogy.

I don't know what's happening with everyone else, but I know that this is the first time I actually saw the Draw-Off thread.... I don't get the chance to check a lot of the subforums what with homework and the books I'm working on.

Oh well. I voted. These were neat. I'll be around when I can.

[Victor Cabanelas]

Okay.... admittedly I could've done without that um.... particular.... analogy.


Yeah, me too!

[Thomas Mauer]

Hmm, I do think hanging out dirty laundry and voicing valid criticism about the workings of the Studio are two different things. If we don't learn what needs to be improved, we can't do it.

[Noble Larimer]

I voted, I just didn't have time to type up an answer on who I voted for.

But rest assured, I'm supporting everyone here 100 billion percent, even if you don't always see me doing it.


...


What are you still doing here?




...




Oh you want to know who I voted for?






....





WHAT?!?






...




Oh, I voted for...


Hey cookies!

[SPECTRUM]

Hi Noble...I know that you support. Of COURSE you support! HAH...this is your baby...right? No question there. And I know that there are people who voted and didn't get a chance to post, or just didn't feel a need to or whatever...and I think that this has been beatin' into the ground...I don't think anyone REALLY understood what I was saying, too many people with the proverbial chip on their shoulders...so quick to jump on the defensive at the mere thought that ALL 200 mambers are not that supportive. But those of you that have responded to my "outrageous" comment are not even the ones who were in question. obviaously you guys are supportive of the people that come to Ronin. But you would think that my "rediculous" statement would have set a fire under everyone's ass. But alas...those that always support and carry Ronin on their broad shoulders, have once again stepped up to the plate and done what they have always done...while those that have always lurked in the shadows, or are only here to be called a member or whatever, do what they have always done...I love this place and look forward to the opportunity to contribute. I am not "spitting on your lanolium" or whatever. I was just wondering if there were really 200 members that have each others backs? or maybe a solid 75-100 members and a bunch more that don't really care...whatever...hate me if you want...my colors rock and I'll show you as soon as Apple sends me my laptop! I took my time typing this so that it is not misunderstood.

[Bram Cayne]

Well, dude...I hear what you're saying. Maybe I fall into the category of what you're saying.

But honestly, just because I'm not a posting machine like many of you doesn't mean that I don't support everybody. I'm just one of those people on messageboards that dont post unless i feel I have something interesting, vital or humorous to say. Or maybe everyone's like that and I'm just rarely interesting, vital or humourus ;)!

But yeah, that's just the way I post. However, it doesn't mean i don't support everybody. I check these boards all the time, try to read everything i can, and try to check out every book. Rest assured, I'll no doubt be buying most if not all of the Ronin books in Chicago. I really feel everyone here is putting out some amazing stuff. And, quite frankly, I feel really lucky to be a part of the studio. I feel really privaleged and honoured to be working with all of you, as just checking the boards and seeing what everyone is doing really inspires me and makes me bring my A-game (That, and the phenominal scripts Ryan Brandt is always letting me draw!).

Anyway, just making my feelings known. Though I don't say it much, and most of you dont even know who i am- i support you guys!

And, spectrum, of course, in an ideal world, every time someone posts a thread like this, we'd have 400 responses, and 400 votes. However, just because that doesn't happen in the real world doesn't mean that this studio (and this message board) isn't supportive or friendly to one another. I mean, compare this to any other message board. Nobody here bashes each other, everybody speaks to each other respectfully and constructively. You can't get much better than that.

/rant.

[Mike Fugere Jr.]

Hi Noble...I know that you support. Of COURSE you support! HAH...this is your baby...right? No question there. And I know that there are people who voted and didn't get a chance to post...etc.

I understand what you're saying, spec. But like I've said before...I love this forum. I've recieved some great feeback and comments from several other members of the site. Never have they been negative. I know that I'm a strong dedicated member. And I feel I have developed as a comic writer here. I also feel that Ronin has the potential to become huge.

Someone once said on this forum, "this is what Image was suppose to be, but never was..." I kind of agree.

Thanks to: leebone, noble, geniusj, G.M.Cox, Thomas Mauer...just to name a few. ::walks off forum with award:: :icon16: I'll shut up now.

[SPECTRUM]

BRAM!, Fugere, nice words...and this is what I was hoping to see...prove me wrong! you've started it now let's see everyone else...I am throwing down the gauntlet here folks! Make me see the light!!!!! YES!!! MORE!!!!! Motivation is the key people! Stand up and be heard!

[Thomas Mauer]

LOL! This just reminded me of Blues Brothers. :D

[Will Caligan]

Uhm...how long are we voting on this one? I would like to start a new one. Let's not let the draw off die. I know this one has been low number but I think the more we do and on a regular basis the more people will vote.

[Mike Fugere Jr.]

BRAM!, Fugere, nice words...and this is what I was hoping to see...prove me wrong! you've started it now let's see everyone else...I am throwing down the gauntlet here folks! Make me see the light!!!!! YES!!! MORE!!!!! Motivation is the key people! Stand up and be heard!

Spec, are you a writer, an artist or a fan? I'm looking for some dedicated people who want to work on a project this summer. PM me for more info if you're interested.

[Diana Greenhalgh]

Fugere: I think Spectrum mentioned that he does colouring

[RAB]

Uhm...how long are we voting on this one? I would like to start a new one. Let's not let the draw off die. I know this one has been low number but I think the more we do and on a regular basis the more people will vote.

It ends in an hour :)

I stated it would end monday, so once it hits 12 o'clock, Victor can close the polls and we'll have our winner ;)

[Thomas Mauer]

Next time, you should set the timer when you create the poll, folks. ;)

[RAB]

Next time, you should set the timer when you create the poll, folks. ;)

Hey, this is our first try!

We're allowed to make mistakes ;)

:bsflag:

And ignore the flag. :p

[Thomas Mauer]

Why you!







That was actually funny :lol:

[Robert Robinson]

We probably ought to wrap this up before we get into the next one. Good work everybody, but of course congratulations to Will.

Whatever other folks might feel about the voter turnout, I'd consider this a successful first draw-off. Cheers all.

[Victor Cabanelas]

I agree,


:fest30: Congratulations, Will!! :fest30:

[Will Caligan]

Thanks guys. I think everyone did a great pic. I had fun. Thanks again.