Animation Source Forums

I've created this guide for the new members, and for anyone else, on how to use Animation source properly. If there is anything you think should be added, post a response to this topic, and I will add it if it's worth adding.

Please take the time to read this! I've taken the time to write all of this out for your benefit!



?Before posting on the forums or site
You should always read the rules of a site before participating. Read the Animation Source rules here:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=832
These rules apply to both here and on the site.

?Posting
I'm aware this is in the site rules, but I still think it's worth putting here. When you're posting in a topic, make sure that the topic isn't old. Take this one for example: the-story-before-balto-t762-15.html This topic was posted in 2005. You can check the date a topic/post was made by looking up at the top right hand corner.

?How old is too old to bring up?
I would say if the topic was posted anytime before 2009 (this is just my personal thought), then that topic should just be left inactive.

If you find a topic interesting, and would like to discuss it, then this is what you should do. Make sure that there isn't a already newly made topic on this in the first 3 pages, and if there isn't, copy the original poster's text and mention in the new topic that you're reviving the topic by making a new one.

When you're posting in a topic, make sure your post isn't a short response (a sentence should be minimum). This is also in the site rules, but I see this happen from time to time. Example: Which Balto character is your favorite? Response: Balto!!!! I understand that a topic like that can generate a response like that, but you should take the time to explain why this is your favorite character. But don't feel as if you always need to make a lengthy response, just try and avoid one-worded responses.

Grammar, this is another one to keep in mind. I realize not everyone on here speaks English as a first language. If so, you should make a statement saying that your first language isn't English.BUT it's the those who just post something without bothering to use any grammar when they're native English speakers. Posts like this are annoying to the users:

"i like alue jena iz alo ccol and i thnk stele iz awsom!!!!!!!!!!!!! hoo d u thinkz iz the bested dog n balto?????? plzzzz repond!"

That is a bad example of what not to post. You should always put effort into your writing, even if this is the internet; your grammar matters everywhere. Plus, there are the those who don't speak English very well, and would highly appreciate it if you spoke more clearly. Not only does it make it clear for them to understand what you're saying, but it helps them learn the English language better. Avoiding using SMS is also a good idea. Not everyone understands it, and it's annoying. SMS, if you don't know, is shortening of words. For example: You = u. If you're just flat out bad at spelling, here are at least two options for you: Get a better browser than Internet Explorer. Here are some good ones that have a built in spell checkers.

?Firefox:http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/fx/
?Google Chrome:http://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=95346
?Opera:http://www.opera.com/
?Safari:http://www.apple.com/safari/

Another option for you, if you can, is to use Microsoft Word to correct your spelling and grammar mistakes.

You may also want to check out this site: http://www.englishclub.com/writing/index.htm

Using the emoticons properly

This tends to be a big one for new members. Don't use more than one of them in a single row, that's classified as spam. Emoticons are used to express your emotions further, so only use them when need be.

Incorrect usage: Hello! I'm new!
Correct usage: Hello! I'm new!

Excessive amounts of letters
Using some is okay, like if you're stretching out a word for instance. For example: Yeeeahhh. But using extra letters like this is unacceptable:
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sooooooooooooooooo cuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttttttttttteeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!


How to use the text editor
Go here to view the written tutorial on how to use the text editor used on the site, not the forums.
how-to-use-the-site-text-editor-efficently-t29719.html




Submissions to the sites
I've sadly seen members ask how to send something into the site. I would highly suggest that you try to figure out how to do that, or any other problem you may be having, before making yourself look silly in front of everyone else when asking a question.

? Just how do I send something to the site?

This is a very simple process. Go to send to the site found up on the site banner. The rest should be self explanatory.

? Using the questions page

Firstly, make sure the question you want to ask hasn't already been asked before. Use the search bar provided on the questions page for this reason. I would also suggest using the search bar on the site; I have found that sometimes the search bar on the questions page doesn't work very well. Lastly, don't use the questions page as a forum. Asking what character you like more is a question you would ask on the forums.

? Your first submission
Your first submission on the site needs to be related to the source you're sending it to. I will use the image gallery as an example. Taking a screenshot of Balto and coloring over him to the same thing is NOT acceptable. That's what one could consider cheating, as all you're doing is sending a screenshot basically. I've also seen cases where someone will re-mix a screenshot. They will cut out an image of a character and then put a render in of their character. This is a no no. There is NOTHING official about your characters. Fan character or not, they weren't in the movies. Unless you happen to have your own version of one of the puppies from Balto 2, that I can find more acceptable.

I will remind you that this is a fan site, not a place like Deviantart. I've seen galleries where there was nothing but images full of images that are of their characters. Though, I see less of this happening now. A lot of those galleries that I have used an example is from when there was an old set of mods who let anything slide. But anyway, I would suggest avoid smothering your gallery in your fan characters n' stuff. Viewing a gallery with related content is always nice. I would much rather see a gallery with fan drawings or images than seeing a gallery with the same colored lineart by some popular member.

Using the character icons
This seems to only be an issue with the fan images. But making a blank render, and using the Balto character icon is incorrect. This isn't a picture of Balto anymore, even if it is, but it isn't at the same time.

But if you're here to just send in character refs, lineart, renders, blank renders, drawings of your characters, and you intend to send nothing else, then I'll say this as nicely as possible. This probably isn't the best place for you. Again, this is a fan site, a place to for fans to express their fandom over one of the nineteen sites on the English side of Animation Source. You may not realize it, but Animation Source, at least on the English side, is mostly dedicated to their characters. Remember that. There is more character content than fan content.

If you wish to send in images or drawings of your characters, please try to keep a balance between the two.

? Renders
Renders are taking a screenshot and coloring over it. I've seen members ask how to do this multiple times. There are plenty of tutorials here on the forums on how to do so.
how-to-render-like-cat-t25070.html
warbler-s-way-to-render-t32997.html
saku-s-simplest-way-to-recolour-photoshop-t32499.html
I would suggest you to try and make your renders look as good a possible. Not only with neatness, but originality. Try adding some shading, add a different background, change the render's pose a little bit. Here are some examples of some good renders.
/balto/en ... 16653.html
/balto/en ... 17249.html
^ These are two great examples. They have used their own style and have shaded the renders.

?Graphics
Graphics are always nice to see in general; a nice break from the renders, etc. Graphics are things such as: desktops, avatars, signatures and collages. And you don't need fancy programs such as photoshop to create graphics. If you take your time you can use paint. I have done so here: /balto/en ... play=10000
Here is a list of free programs that can be used:
?Paint
?Gimp
?Photofiltre
?Pixlr
?Paint.net
?Lunapic Note: There is one thing about Lunapic that I would like to point out. I've not used this program, and I believe a lot of the effects are a one-click step, so this isn't one of my better recommendations for graphical use. But the most over-used effect is the water one. Using a screenshot of Balto and putting that effect on really isn't creative. If you're going to use it, use it so it makes sense.
Good example galleries:
/balto/en ... /6732.html
/balto/en ... /6198.html
/balto/en ... 21644.html
/balto/en ... 12847.html

?Sending in characters
There is a guide here you can view on the matter:
natti-s-guide-to-creating-characters-t34118.html




?Tips
Be respectful: You should always treat the other members with respect, especially new members. They won't want to hang around a site where the older members are mean to them.

Opinions: Respect someone else's opinion, even if you disagree with them. If you want to respond to their opinion you don't agree with, do so kindly. Tell them this is what you think about the matter. As long as you're being civil there should be no problems. If you feel there is a problem, report the person's post. You can do that by hitting the "!" button. So then a moderator can evaluate the situation.

If someone is bothering you through a PM, send the mods a copy of the PM. Do NOT reply to the person who is harassing you. You may end up getting yourself in trouble as well. Plus, this person is either a troll or a bully. You can also block this person's private messages, and posts on the forums if you use the forums. You can also block someone's messages in the shoutbox.

?Warnings
Flame-baiting: Never flame-bait (flame-baiting is saying something that will draw the other person into an argument) members. Try and avoid getting into a debate with the person who is creating an issue. As I said above, report the person who is causing the trouble and let a moderator take care of it.- If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all.

Fussing: Don't make a fuss because someone said something you didn't like. Remember, everyone has their own opinion. You don't need to draw attention to yourself. This will make the other members frown upon you, and bring unnecessary drama.

Personal problems: Keep your personal problems off the site. No one besides your friends want to hear about how bad your life is. Take it to PMs or off-site (which is what I would recommend) if you must talk about it. Talking about something like "my dog died." For example, is okay, as long as you're not complaining. In other words, don't come on here to make people feel sorry for yourself. people are here to have fun!




I hope this has been of some help. The last thing I will post is the FAQ page that may be of some further help.
Be sure to check back, I may edit this topic in the future.
/hub/en/custom/&nump=5270
This page was last updated on: 4/27/12

This is a very useful guide,and it seems completely handy,I'm very glad you took the time to think about all this.

-CK

-sigh- i wish i had seen this when i was a newbie xD

But this wasn't around when you were a newbie.

Nice job on this Mighty. I hope newbies to the site read through this thoroughly and remember it so they act more maturely. Again, really good work here.

Thanks this was very helpful. I see why your a good known mod. Yes it has really helped me!

I am not a mod.