OK, to settle this question of whether requiring one of Cimerone's STORE products in the contest is illegal or not,... it's NOT illegal. I asked a lawyer, and here is the explanation: The contest is technically a performance contract. You are free to create the conditions of your contract and can include whatever you want. (Your contest/contract is limited by the TOS of the forum/site which can be viewed as the same as say a master lease with a sublease.) If you require the use of any particular theme, product or products or not is really your choice. They can either comply and then you judge them and they are eligible for the prizes or they don't comply and you do not have to judge them and they are not eligible. The terms are conditions precedent, that is they must be met before the contract is made. These conditions are generally stated as the "rules". This will be the final word I issue on this subject. Frankly, I'm exhausted, LOL. I still thank everyone who voiced an opinion, I've learned a lot, and I look forward to the contest entries. The rules as stated above, therefore, will stand. I will definitely take everyone's opinions into consideration, though, for future contests. :) Again, I will post a sample image in my gallery before the start date of June 21, where the rules again will be summarized there, and comments/ratings on the image will be DISABLED, as the submissions will be. Again, something different from the last contest... if it doesn't work for this one, the next contest will have yet another approach. :O) Thank you all for your interest and patience.:O) Jessie.

Thank you, Karen, that means a lot.... although I think the "ancient Greeks" might beg to differ with you on the man/woman thing. Remember Spartacus. :) I have no problem with contests featuring couples other than man/woman... I've participated in them, and I would again, and I would hold such a contest in future. I just choose this time to conduct the contest with stricter guidelines... a different sort of experiment. Was never meant to insult anyone. :O) The thing with Cimerone still stands,though. One item from her store. Thanks again everyone for your comments, both yea and nay.

I can promise you, brynna, they are great brushes. She has them for all levels of Photoshop.

Thanks, Nathalie. :)

I'm looking forward to it, paintgirl!! :)

ARgon, thank U. If it's legal, it stands. It is true that DAz requires use of their store products in order to participate... and it is true that the contest at renderotica required use of products by a certain merchant... so if it's legal, it stands. I'm checking into it, because here I have two conflicting realities... From a personal standpoint, I don't see a problem with it. AT renderotica, if I hadn't had one of the required characters, I simply would not have entered the contest. IF this engenders animosity from some people, I am truly sorry for it, but if I don't have to, I will not change my position. If this causes you and/or others to refuse participation, that's unfortunate... $50 is a nice prize, I think. Las, thank U. :)

Tony, my point is that I was and am fully aware of the range the romance/erotica genre covers (I just recently participated in a contest at renderotica, for example, where there were all types of submissions: hard core/sensual, male/female, f/f, m/m, and groups). Furthermore, my sister writes historical romances, and the contest is to honour her passion in life. Both she and I have always loved the artwork featured on them. That's the bottom line. And the final word. :)

Armorbeast, if that is in fact illegal (I wasn't aware, can anyone else confirm this?), then the contest can be modified (obviously) to NOT require a purchase of a Cimerone product, and therefore her item in free stuff would be ok. And Gina has already graciously agreed to give the winner his/her choice of 5 items from her store, so... :)

Hopefully this clears things up. :O) ***Adding this in edit: I forgot to write this earlier, but artwork must be new and not previously posted anywhere... sorry, that was in the last contest I did, and I've taken it for granted. And Cylithera: that's TRUE -- the contest I entered at renderotica required the use of one character from DTG studios, and thankfully I had one, otherwise I wouldn't have entered... so if my contest can be seen in the same light, I'd prefer it be left as is... if not, it will be modified... *** OK, here endeth the monologue. LOL

Message edited on: 06/11/2004 16:31

Tony & PapaBlue, I realize that, and have done my research. I'm simply addressing the mainstream romance novel market here. This contest is restricted to depictions of mainstream romance novel cover subjects. :) No disrespect meant, but the contest rules will stay as is for this one.:O)

Message edited on: 06/11/2004 15:04

I'm really sorry about that, DarkStar...maybe you'd step in to help judge? Small consolation, I know... :(

NOT rich... NOT AT ALL. I'm just having so much fun running these I have to do another one... and lol I had to do THIS one before someone else came up with my idea, LOL

Not generous... SELFISH. I swear I had so much fun running the last one, I need the rush. hehehe

And thanks to Cimerone too, and to ann0314 who both so far have donated prizes. :) Thank U, Wildflowers, I hope everyone has a good time with it. I'm anxious to see the images too. :))

Message edited on: 06/11/2004 13:41

Ok, ann0314, who so generously compiled ALL the entries for my last contest into an amazing screensaver, has offered the following as prizes: 1st place: In addition to the $50 and the 5 picks from Cimerone's store, the winner will receive a screen saver from ann0314, with the following choices: either a compilation of 20 of their own images or an animation of one of their images. Screensaver prizes can also be offered to 2nd and 3rd place winners... as the prizes become offered, I will amend the prize lists. :) If it's confusing for anyone now, it will get better, I promise. :))

Well, I'm really sorry. :( I don't know what else to say. :( I'll definitely keep this in mind for the next contest.

Note: Because someone asked "Why Cimerone's store?" Well, why not? She makes wonderful stuff. And when I did the contest at renderotica, one of the rules was you had to use on character from a certain merchant, which I thought was a great idea, because it generated business for that merchant...Gina is also a friend of mine, so I thought it would be a nice way to promote her store a little bit too. PLUS her prices to me are very reasonable. I'm hoping to continue this trend in future contests. I hope also that no one is offended by this, as it was a sincere intention on my part to make this as much a benefit to everyone as it could be. :)

Gina, that's AWESOME, thank you!! Now I DID say to send me an IM, but I actually think now putting it in the forum is better since EVERYONE can see it, and I can't be accused of making stuff up. :) to be FAIR.

Thank you, guys!! I will go and get him!!! :))))