LITTLE BIG COMPO!
Sponsored by: ST-Computer +++ Paskud +++ AtariFan +++ Therapy Seriouz
Software +++ DurSoft +++ Patrick Eickhoff +++ Triple A Mag +++ Woller
systems +++ Didier Mequignon +++ RGF Software +++ Application Systems
Heidelberg +++ Mario Becroft +++ Matthias Jaap +++ MyAtari +++ Elmar
Hilgart +++ Prof. Herbert Walz +++ Martin Elsässer +++ More to come!
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1. Introduction
2. Big ports, little helpers, a new look
1. Big Ports
2. Little helpers
3. New look
3. Little big sponsors
4. Registration and Support
5. Rules
6. Deadline
7. The Team
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1 .: Introduction
Following the enormous success of last years MagiC Game Contest, MagiC
Online and the Place2be are proud to present their next generation
competition, that will once again unite the existing community and
breathe new life into the Atari platform. This year the organizers are
able to provide not just one contest, but three. Besides two coding
contests, the "Little Big Competition" also features a special graphics
contest in cooperation with the Atari Icon Library.
Dedication, Skill and Creativity. The Atari 3 In One.
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2 .: Big ports, little helpers and a new look
We have decided to split this years contest into three categories.
... big ports The aim of this contest is to create the best possible
software port to the Atari platform. There is an abundant amount of
quality software packages available, complete with sources, waiting to
be ported to our platform. Why not take the challenge to create the
best possible Atari version?
* see rules for the exact requirements of the port
* see suggestions page or this page for possible ports to the Atari
platform
... little helpers
The aim of this contest is to create a (relatively) small and useful
tool or utility; a program which simplifies everyday use and/or
increases overall productivity. Interested entrants may examine
features from other platforms, deciding to merge the best features of
these systems with the elegance of the Atari environment. More Creative
participants may choose to implement their own innovations; innovations
that will dramatically increase the ease of use and/or efficiency of
certain tasks. Will you be the one who revolutionizes the Atari
platform?
* see rules for the exact requirements of the tool/utility
* see suggestions page for a possible little helper
... a new look
Every user is not a skilled programmer; but every user is equally
important to the survival of our platform. This contest celebrates this
fact by encouraging the use of artistic and aesthetic skill: to create
a modern new look for the "Atari Desktop 2001". For a long time, the
Atari desktop has been an eclectic mixture of Icon Sets, background
pictures, and winframes which were mainly adapted from other platforms.
Our aim is to create a new coherent and original looking desktop. So
here's the plan: -
1. icon set: Originally, the Milan II had planned on introducing
Glow Icons to the Atari platform, but now it's up to us. The first part
of the Atari Desktop 2001 competition is to create the best looking set
of glow icons. If you are not familiar with this style, you are
encouraged to view the following sample images of some Amiga
conversions. (Courtesy of Joachim Fornallaz)
1. background pictures: Create the best looking background picture
for use in our favorite Atari desktops.
2. winframes: N.AES 2 and MagiC 6 both introduced the possibility to
change the appearance of the window elements by using winframes. So the
aim is to create the best looking winframe.
* see rules for the new look contest for the exact requirements
Any individual who wants to take part can contribute to one of the
subcontests mentioned above. You don't have to create an icon set,
background picture(s) and winframe(s). At the end of the contest the
Atari Community will separately vote for the best icon set, picture and
winframe. After that we will compile a package out of the best
contributions (and possibly fill in some Amiga glow icons, which
otherwise might be missing) into the "Atari Desktop 2001" package. All
icon sets will be added to the Atari Icon Library.
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3 .: little big sponsors
Our contest would not be possible without the kind help of our
sponsors. Here is the place to say thank you and introduce:
st-computer
st-Computer is the largest Atari computer magazine in circulation. With
a full-color layout, professional staff, and a generous spirit; st-
Computer is truly a winner.
Paskud
Grzegorz Pancher is a popular musician who has utilized the powerful
elegance of the ST in a Studio-setup to produce some very popular
polish CD's. He shares his passion for Atari computers with others by
producing and selling several products, (including an IDE interface for
the ST and Falcon RAM cards) and servicing Atari computers. "Paskud"
has generously sponsored (5) of his ST IDE interfaces (for HDD and CD-
ROM).
AtariFan
AtariFan is the premiere Polish magazine that has already established a
proud name for itself, even in its infancy. They are kindly sponsoring
a free subscription of AtariFan for the year 2001 with a free CD
Therapy Seriouz Software
Therapy Seriouz Software are the developers of Smurf, the graphic
manipulation program that blows away its counterparts in both functions
and speed. They are kindly sponsoring one full copy of Smurf.
DurSoft
DurSoft Developments has made it possible for all Atari computers to
take advantage and utilize Digital Cameras. By packing features into
PhotoTip, DurSoft has provided all of us with the definition of quality
software. DurSoft is supporting us with one full copy of PhotoTip
Patrick Eickhoff
Patrick Eickhoff is the developer of the great multimedia tool
FunMedia. It has been in development for some years now and proves that
you do not have to stray away from the Atari platform to have access to
innovative multimedia tools. Patrick is kindly sponsoring one full copy
of FunMedia (on CD)
Triple A Mag
Triple A Mag, the once Atari-only magazine, has recently expanded its
horizons and now covers the Amiga, Atari, and Acorn platforms. Their
attention to detail and support is outstanding, and so are their
contributions to this competition. Triple A is supporting us with 100
DM in prize money and 3 full subscriptions
RGF Software
Richard Gordon Faika is one of the most active Shareware authors for
the Atari platform. Tools like Arthur or the outstanding editor Luna
are in daily use by many Atarians. Richard sponsors two "Moon"-Packages
which include Arthur 2000 (+ all libraries), the latest Luna version
and the latest release of the Luna Text Compiler. Worth 174 DM
Woller systems
Woller systems is a well respected Atari dealer as well as the
initiator of many new products for our platform. Some of their products
are: N.AES, GEM-TV Milan, Milanblaster. Like last year woller is
generously sponsoring 3 copies of N.AES.
Application Systems Heidelberg Information Pending
Mario Becroft
Mario is the well known hardware (and software) developer that
continues to release must-have products at affordable prices. Whether
it's connecting a PC keyboard to your ST or adding some extra Midi
ports, Mario has just what you need. Mario kindly supports us this year
with one Atari and Amiga serial mouse interface.
MyAtari Magazine
Mathew Bacon, the father of Cadenza software, and now the President and
CEO of the funky new online magazine, MyAtari.net, has decided to show
his continued support by donating (3) electronic copies of the
excellent Web.Wizard and (1) copy of the respected Enchant!
Matthias Jaap
Matthias is one of the most dedicated and productive Atari users left
in our community. When not coding famous programs like the HomePage
Penguin, Matthias is hard at work developing crucial webpages, namely
the Atari up-to-date list and the Atari magazine archive page. Matthias
is kindly supporting us with (3) limited edition CD's, each containing
HPP and all of Matthias' other programs!
Elmar Hilgart
Elmar Hilgart is the developer of various very useful hardware add-ons
for all Atari computers. He recently released the ROM-Port ethernet
adapter which allows for the first time to connect every Atari to an
ethernet network. Elmar is supporting our contest with (1) ethernet
adapter and (1) YAMI PC-mouse interface. If there are no more ethernet
adapters available he will sponsor (2) YAMIs.
Prof. Herbert Walz
Prof. Herbert Walz already took part in last years MagiC Game Contest
and this time he supports us as a sponsor. He sponsors (3) copies of
his excellent notation software MusicEdit.
Martin Elsässer
Martin Elsässer is the developer of the Application Construction System
ACSpro. ACSpro is a modern tool, which eases up the creation of GEM
applications dramatically. Some of our contestants will be able to see
for themselfs because Martin is supporting us with (3) ACSpro copies.
Didier Mequignon
Didier is an extremely gifted programmer who constantly pushes our
platform to the edge, as is evident with his many essential programs.
AniPlayer, his main project, has introduced many users to the joys of
multimedia movies and digital sound. Didier is showing his support with
(3) registrations to Aniplayer.
We have not yet decided which prizes will be given to what contest. But
we will keep you informed. If you would like to support us by
sponsoring our contest then feel free to contact us!
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4 .: registration and support
If you want to take part in one or more of the contests, then please
register by filling out the form below. This is needed to decide
whether to skip one of the contests or not. You have no obligations
after registering, it is just for information purposes. It also helps
to verify that no one works on the same port.
It is also possible to register for the contest as a team of people (to
be able to finish bigger projects). Just enter the names of all team
members separated by a comma into the registration form. Although you
won't receive any help from us when it comes to deciding which team
member gets what prize.;-) Any individual can contribute with several
productions to all three contests. It is possible to work for one or
more teams and on one-man productions. Whatever, just be productive.;-)
If you register you also have the option to receive free newsletters
from us, which keep you informed about the latest contest news (new
sponsors etc.).
This year we are also able to offer a free translation service to all
our contestants (kindly provided by TransAction and DDP). This way we
can assure that the user interface (probably even the manual) of all
contributions is available in all major languages.
If you need beta-testers (with a certain system configuration), feel
free to contact us and we will see what we can do.
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5.: Rules..
big ports and little helpers
* All programs must state that they were "Produced for the "Little
Big Competition" both in the readme's and Info Box!
* Programs may be shareware but may not be crippled in any way.
* Programs have to work under both MagiC and N.AES (2). TOS support
is optional.
* using extended MagiC objects is allowed as N.AES 2 supports them.
* Programs can make full use of system extensions which are freely
available. We even encourage you to make your contributions
support modern features like BubbleGEM, OLGA etc.
* Programs may make full use of NVDI 5's extended VDI calls
* Programs which need network/internet support of some kind may use
every TCP/IP stack available for the Atari (STiK/STinG or
MiNT/MagiCNet preferred).
* Porting a software may also include reprogramming a software (big
ports)
* A port should either feature a GEM-interface or shell (exception:
e.g. games running in fullscreen mode - VDI output still required
of course). Contact us if you are unsure. (big ports)
* system requirements can be set freely (minimum processor, RAM,
resolution etc.). Note: People who can't use your software won't
be able to rate it. On the other hand people who see software
pushing their 060 to the limit might be very happy and give high
rates to your software.
* Adding hardware specific parts (e.g. direct screen access) is only
allowed as an optional feature to speed things up on original
Atari hardware.
New Look
* the icon set needs at least 12 entries
* icon sets must offer 2, 16 and 256 colour versions of their icons
* 16 and 256 colour versions have to glow
* other animated features are optional
* icons have to be your original artwork (no conversions from other
platforms!)
* background pictures can have any of the following standard sizes:
640*480, 800*608, 1024*768 (supporting several resolutions is
welcomed)
* colour depth can range between 1-16 Bit (supporting several colour
depths is welcomed)
* pictures have to be your original artwork (scanning is allowed)
* you have to create the winframe(s) for both MagiC and N.AES (2)
* see the example archive which contains a MagiC and N.AES winframe
* winframes must support all colour depths
* NVDI 5 palette has to be used
* winframes have to be your original artwork (no conversions from
other platforms!)
* Instead of making a standard MagiC winframe you can also make an
enhanced NatFrame winframe as NatFrame is free.
Voting
1. An exact description and rules for the voting procedure will be
included to the vote forms.
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6 .: deadline
Deadline for all contributions is May 12th 2001. No contributions will
be accepted after this date.
Contributions should not be released before the deadline, otherwise
we'll have to disqualify this entry.
Absolutely no contributions that are publicly released prior to the May
12th deadline will be accepted. This includes public "alpha" and "beta"
releases. The aim of this competition is to spark the creation of /new/
software and "themes" for our platform, therefor, no existing programs,
icons, winframes, or Background images may be updated and entered into
this competition. Failure to comply with this rule will ultimately
result in disqualification.
Entries may not be released prior to the deadline to ensure equality
and fairness to everyone involved. All entries will have the same
timeframe to be tested and voted upon. Furthermore, until the official
closing of the competition and judging,
ALL programs/sets will ONLY be available in a single archive.
Individual downloads will be made available after this time.
All contributions will be available for download on May 13th from this
page.
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7 .: the team behind this years contest
This years contest has dramatically grown in size and we are glad that
some loyal Atarians offered us their support and help. So here is the
place to introduce:
Bengy Collins
Co-Organizer Bengy Collins runs one of the the largest English portal
sites, Magical-sides.de. Bengy also has a monthly column in the German
ST-Computer magazine. Co-Organizer of last years MGC 99.
Jan Daldrup
Co-Organizer Jan Daldrup runs the largest International portal site,
place2be.de. Jan works for the German st-computer magazine. Co-
Organizer of last years MGC 99.
Joakim Högberg
Co-Organizer of the "..new look" subcontest, Joakim is the Father of
the "Atari Icon Library" and continues to prove beneficial to the Atari
community by his continued work on essential utilities. Currently Co-
authoring aICQ with Dan Ackerman.
Rafal Kawecki
Rafal is the webmaster of a popular Polish news page and will represent
our contest in Poland. He translated the contest pages, kindly provided
us with sponsors and manages the contact with Polish authors.
Thomas Raukamp
Thomas Raukamp, current editor in chief of the largest paper based
Atari magazine, gives us the opportunity to constantly inform all
readers of st-computer about the contest. Thus we are able to reach a
far bigger number of Atarians including those without Internet access.
ST-computer is also generously sponsoring the contest.
TransAction
TransAction and DDP are crews of people who support the Atari Community
by providing high quality translations of recent software releases.
This year they also kindly help all contestants of the coding
competition by freely offering their translation service to them.
DDP
TransAction and DDP are crews of people who support the Atari Community
by providing high quality translations of recent software releases.
This year they also kindly help all contestants of the coding
competition by freely offering their translation service to them.
Joachim Fornallaz
Joachim Fornallaz, the respected author of essential utilities and
Milan Webmaster, has kindly volunteered to create a custom GEMSetup
Installation routine. The custom GSU will ship with the final LBC
archive and will allow for easy and uniform installation.
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