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View Full Version : LossFest 2009 Viewing Information - Now Open



Jason Ramsey
03-09-2009, 05:00 PM
http://www.dvxfest.com/public/images/banner/lossfest_2009_lg.jpg

Welcome to the DVXuser.com Loss Fest 2009
The time has finally come to enjoy the fruits of your labor over the past several months. As always, we have an interesting mix of films for this fest and it's been an interesting time previewing all your work. Regardless of how the voting turns out, we all appreciate the huge amount of work it takes to complete and submit a film -- all of you have our admiration and respect.

HOW TO VIEW:
http://www.dvxfest.com/lossfest/ (http://www.dvxfest.com/lossfest/)

Note: Some things have changed, so be sure to read the following carefully

- ANYONE can now view the films. You do not need to be a dvxuser member, nor be logged into DVXFest.com to view the films. This obviously makes sense now that we have opened up outside promotion. So, share the link around once the films go live, etc.

- If you are eligible to rate the films (a submitting filmmaker, or a dvxuser member with 50 or more posts) then you will need to log on to dvxfest.com using your dvxuser member name and password. If you have never logged in to dvxfest before in this manner, the first time may take several moments to authenticate and verify. However, after this is done, all subsequent log ins will be instantaneous.

TROUBLESHOOTING:
I CAN'T LOG IN!?#i(@?!
Relax :) There are still some glitches in the log in authentication process that may occasionally cause your login information to not work properly.

If this happens, simply notify Larry R via pm with the title "DVXFest Login" and politely inform him of the fact. He will process any and all requests in bulk and will notify you once your log in information has been corrected.

In the meantime, enjoy watching the films as you do not have to be logged in to download and view them. Only to vote. Once Larry gets your log in information updated, you will then be able to begin rating the films.

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VOTING/RATING INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES:

There will be two rounds of voting. We will allow ample time for each round of voting, so please do not panic, and we will notify everyone well enough in advance of the impending deadline to rate the films for each round.

Generally when the ratings begin to trail off in the first round, we will set a date and let everyone know what that deadline is.

After the first round of rating has concluded, we will take a brief recess to tally, and verify the results as well as search for any kind of discrepancies in the ratings.

We will then see where the clear breaking line is for the top films. We will announce the top 7 or 8 or 10 or 12 (whatever that number may be) to the public and will commence a 2nd round of rating. A lot of folks often have questions about this process, and we are happy to try to elaborate further at some other time. Just rest assured, that (while not perfect) the system works very well like this and the 2nd round is a necessity.

The reason why we do not have a set TOP 8 for example is b/c number 9 might only be a few hundredth's of a point behind 8th, and it would hardly seem fair to exclude them. So, we find the place where the break becomes more apparent and the films above that clear break will be the finalist fims.

All votes from the first round are "carried over" to the 2nd round. You do NOT get to re-rate. The purpose of the 2nd round is to equalize the number of votes across the films as much as possible, and to bring in as many new voters as possible. Those eligible voters who may be less active in the fests, but would love to watch 8 or 10 films and would gladly rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10 as they go along.

You MAY change your rating for the films during that round in which the rating was cast. However, once that round ends, your ratings are locked and may not be changed. During the 2nd round you may only rate films that you may not have previously rated.

The system really does work very well on the whole. A lot of thought went into it, and there is more behind the scenes that obviously we keep to ourselves to maintain the integrity of the system. The system is very good at providing more accurate average ratings of the films (and by indirect consequence the final rankings of each film for the competitive aspect of the process). The system also does a very good job at minimizing the impact of any potential shadiness, as well as making it more easily identifiable and dealt with.

We are always trying to improve every aspect of the fests, and we encourage appropriate feedback at the right place and the right time.

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LossFest Sponsors / Prizes

As usual there will be a nice selection of prizes given out thanks to Jason Ramsey our prizemaster and our generous sponsors who always donate really cool stuff. When you buy from any of our sponsors be sure to let them know you appreciate their support of dvxuser and dvxfest.


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There was some other stuff, but I've forgotten it. Will add it here if I remember (perhaps after a nap :) )

If you need any clarification or have any questions, please feel free to post here, or pm me if necessary. But, let's please try to keep the debates out of here for now (there will be plenty of time for that later) and use this thread or information purposes.

Thanks.

later,
Jason

Morox
03-09-2009, 05:23 PM
Hopefully I can view a couple tonight. That'd be great.

Ezekiel667
03-09-2009, 07:16 PM
I'm excited to vote, seeing as I couldn't enter the Fest.

Morox
03-09-2009, 09:48 PM
Any update on whether or not they will be up tonight? I am anxiously awaiting.

Larry Rutledge
03-09-2009, 11:59 PM
It's up ... First post updated with the details.

Zak Forsman
03-10-2009, 12:12 AM
omg... let the madness begin.....

Norm Sanders
03-10-2009, 12:47 AM
Are the exhibition only films included with the Zip files? I want to view them for sure, but don't want to waste additional bandwidth if they're already included in Zip.

BTW, Larry, SLICK set up on all the web stuff. You're a madman genius!

MrKilloran
03-10-2009, 01:01 AM
The quickening!

Norm Sanders
03-10-2009, 02:09 AM
Uh-oh, missing some films from the zip files it looks like. However, because the listings on the viewing page aren't in alphabetical order, it's REAL difficult to see what I'm missing.

I've just unzipped all 6 folders, and have 61 files. I did a count on the viewing page, and including exhibition only films (2), there should be 65?

Larry/Jason, can you let me know which films are specifically missing from the zips, so I can download them specifically? Hate to miss one. :)

Zak Forsman
03-10-2009, 02:15 AM
geoff's exhibition entry probably isn't in the zips. his was a late addition. so that's one.

Norm Sanders
03-10-2009, 02:30 AM
Okay, I've gone ahead & went through them one by one. Here's the list of films, missing from the zips. Just be sure to download them individually. For ease, I've listed the links (I've checked these, and they work, some don't depending on server it points to) with the films (interestingly enough, 3 of the 4 are m4v files?):


"Gray Days" submitted by Open-Heart Burglary
http://www.dvxfest.com/mirror/loss2009/entries/Gray_Days-open-heart_burglary.m4v


"Stark Nights" submitted by Ryanjack
http://www.dvxfest.com/mirror/loss2009/entries/Stark_Nights-Ryanrjack.m4v


"It Was Jim" submitted by The Happy Haole
http://www.dvxfest.com/mirror/loss2009/entries/IT_Was_Jim-The_Happy_Haole.m4v


"The Things We Carry" (exhibition film) submitted by Geoff_R
http://www.dvxfest.com/mirror/loss2009/entries/The_Things_We_Carry-Geoff_R.mov




I've noticed that if it tries to point to a specific server, the link may not work ... but if the address is showing "mirrors" in the line, then it's pulling from ONE of the servers that does have the film on it, meaning that some of the servers/mirrors haven't had all of the films fully uploaded yet ... I'm just mentioning this for anyone who may have problems with other individual films, if they didn't choose to go the zip route.

Lawsuit_Boy
03-10-2009, 07:31 AM
Hmm...might have just been a few hiccups, but I'm 0 for 2 so far. Second Chances didn't download fully and after clicking Falling Up, I was redirected to a page that stated the file could not be found on server. I'll try again.

Lawsuit_Boy
03-10-2009, 07:47 AM
Okay, got things working. Must have been a bit of a hiccup.

Larry Rutledge
03-10-2009, 07:49 AM
Ok, the missing films have been re-pushed to the mirrors. Also the zip's have been re-constructed and should now include all the films, including the missing one's from Norm's list above.

Let me know if you see any other problems.

Lawsuit - I just re-pushed to the mirror's so you might try your downloads again.


Sorry for the inconvenience.

Edgen
03-10-2009, 08:41 AM
wew hew!!! Good luck everyone!

Looking forward to seeing everyone's entries.

/j

Nick_Lee
03-10-2009, 09:32 AM
loss fest team=amazing. thanks for doing this dudes!

Ki-Ki
03-10-2009, 09:49 AM
Thank's for getting them up and running so quick! Downloading the zip package's now. I even bought popcorn kernal's for once. :)

Tonight's Schedule:
24, E13.
Sixty LostFest film's.

Zim
03-10-2009, 11:15 AM
I've watched about 8 films so far and they are all really good.

KTOOFRESH
03-10-2009, 04:56 PM
again how do you vote?

Jason Ramsey
03-10-2009, 05:00 PM
The information is posted in various sticky's, but:

B/c you have under 50 posts, the system is not allowing you to vote. But, since you are a submitting filmmaker, you are eligible to vote. Just pm Larry R, and he will get you taken care of.

Late,r
Jason

timbook2
03-10-2009, 05:09 PM
I managed to dl all folders and am looking. Great job from the admins! This is the first DVX-Fest I am watching. I have one general issue with many films and no idea where to drop it:

music too loud !!! heavily sounddesigned overloud music and no good atmo sound,
many of the 16 films I saw so far had this problem....

otherwise: some excellent little films!

what a great forum!

ramsaur
03-10-2009, 11:38 PM
downloaded all zip files and watched all films today! took many hours but was all worth it :)

Now to voting.

vnguyen972
03-11-2009, 02:11 AM
Maybe I'm missing something but there's a film that I couldn't find anywhere in the zip files, it is "The Thing Between Us"... I know i can get the film on its own by clicking the link but I thought I brought this up so it won't be missed by anyone that view the films from the zipfiles...

Zak Forsman
03-11-2009, 02:12 AM
Maybe I'm missing something but there's a film that I couldn't find anywhere in the zip files, it is "The Thing Between Us"... I know i can get the film on its own by clicking the link but I thought I brought this up so it won't be missed by anyone that view the films from the zipfiles...
it's in zip folder 6.

vnguyen972
03-11-2009, 02:15 AM
it's in zip folder 6.

Maybe I should re-download the zip because I only see 4 films in there, starting with Trivial...

bwind22
03-11-2009, 02:16 AM
Aw, you need to have 50 posts to be able to vote? That kinda blows. What's that all about?

I like to post when I have something to say or have a question about something, but that rule seems to encourage lame useless posts by people just to get their postcount to the voting level.

Jason Ramsey
03-11-2009, 02:17 AM
yes. download it again. There were initially 3 films missing from the zips but this has since been updated.

Larry also brought 2 more mirrors online today, so it may be possible that some films didn't get successfully pushed to those mirrors.

I'm sure larry will check on it in the morning.

In the meantime, try to download zip6 again. If you still have no success, I can give you a direct link off of my server.

later,
Jason

vnguyen972
03-11-2009, 02:19 AM
Thanks Jason. I am downloading it now...

Man, I still have to go to work tomorrow morning... and I'm still up watching movies! crap!

Michael Anthony Horrigan
03-11-2009, 07:16 AM
Aw, you need to have 50 posts to be able to vote? That kinda blows. What's that all about?

I like to post when I have something to say or have a question about something, but that rule seems to encourage lame useless posts by people just to get their postcount to the voting level.
No. The rule is there to keep filmmakers from having 50 of their buddies sign up just to give their film 10 stars. :)

They may grandfather in existing Members of a certain "age" next Fest. Not sure of the details yet.

Might want to ask a Mod.

MAH

Luis_
03-11-2009, 06:24 PM
I am so freegn' exited right now!

I wasn't able to resolve my crew's personal issues so I couldn't get them to come together for my project.

I am so wanting to see all the submissions!!!!! and vote.

I will be in the next one 100%! crew or not! budget or not! :)

tashlan2
03-11-2009, 07:37 PM
Anybody have any idea why I'm getting picture and no sound on quicktime? The first few movies I watched had sound now no sound. Is there a quick fix for this I don't now? I already updated my quicktime.

Zak Forsman
03-11-2009, 07:38 PM
were you watching "the pianist"?

tashlan2
03-11-2009, 11:15 PM
I was trying to watch quite a few films that didn't work. That was probably one of them. It seems to go in and out. I was able to watch yours, which I loved.

pia12254
03-11-2009, 11:18 PM
were you watching "the pianist"?

:laugh: I find that funny because I was wondering the exact same thing when I tried to watch it. "Is there something wrong with my sound? I better scroll forward and check it...hmm, still nothi...Oh there it is! Oh...I get it. Oops. Better start it over."

rrraven
03-13-2009, 05:35 PM
On the page listing all the film links to download, almost all the films have a "discuss" button in the second column. But three scattered through the main competition section don't have one - at least not for me! Is it that way for others? Same films missing that tag today as when I first looked at them on the start date.

abraham
03-14-2009, 12:37 PM
just to make sure i'm not a COMPLETE idiot:

rating the THREAD about the movie IS IN FACT the rating for the movie itself?

The only reason I ask is most of these movies, when you hover over the rating there are only 4 or 5 votes? Is not one voting yet?

Blaine
03-14-2009, 12:43 PM
That is NOT correct. The rating page is accessed through the viewing download page and give you the opportunity to rate the film 1 - 10 stars.

abraham
03-14-2009, 12:45 PM
okay...thanks!
i log in, and get no such stars...hmm...any advice?
i'll check the technical problems page

Blaine
03-14-2009, 12:47 PM
If you're logging on at this link:

http://www.dvxfest.com/lossfest/

and not getting the stars to the right side of the film name, you need to contact Larry R and he should be able to fix you up.

abraham
03-14-2009, 12:51 PM
cool, thankyousir.

Larry Rutledge
03-14-2009, 11:00 PM
On the page listing all the film links to download, almost all the films have a "discuss" button in the second column. But three scattered through the main competition section don't have one - at least not for me! Is it that way for others? Same films missing that tag today as when I first looked at them on the start date.

If a film does not have a "Discuss" link it is because they did not have a thread (or I couldn't find it) at the time I set up their entry's info in the database. If you had logged in earlier in the viewing period you would have noticed more than the 3 missing links, but as they notified me of the correct URL I updated their entry information which causes the link to show up.


just to make sure i'm not a COMPLETE idiot:

rating the THREAD about the movie IS IN FACT the rating for the movie itself?

The only reason I ask is most of these movies, when you hover over the rating there are only 4 or 5 votes? Is not one voting yet?

I think you got your answer from Blaine, but wanted to follow up to make sure it was clear for anyone else who may be wondering anything similar.

The star rating in the threads here on dvxuser are an unused feature of the forum itself. Some people rate the threads, but they are mostly ignored. It is not a function of rating in the fest.

Instead if you meet the criteria (have 50+ posts here, or have entered a film in the fest) then when you log in to the viewing page (http://www.dvxfest.com/lossfest) you will see an additional column to the right of the film listing that displays 10 stars. You select the number of stars that equals the rating you wish to assign that entry.

And a reminder for everyone ... this is an individual film rating, not an overal ranking system. If you give one film a 6 star rating, you don't assign the next films based on whether it was better or worse than the 6 star one. Instead each is assigned a value from 1 - 10 based on how you feel that individual entry falls on a rating of 1 to 10, where 1 means this is the worst film possible, they couldn't have done anything more to make it worse; and 10 is the best film possible, they couldn't have done anything more to make it better.

Also, assigning a 10 to one film and 1 to all the other films in an effort to make your own, or your favorite, film rise in the standings is pointless. First, because we have designed the system such that unless you get several hundred people to do the exact same thing for all the entries you will have no impact in moving a film. This is because the rating gives an overall average, so if you give it a 10 but everyone else rates it around 4 - 6, then it will fall around 5 because that is the true average rating that represents the majority view of the film.

Second, doing that would be pointless because we review each and every rating that comes in and we reserve the right to disqualify someone's ratings if they are clearly trying to cheat the system.

Mark Harris
03-17-2009, 10:03 PM
Gah! Where can I still get to the 1st round list??? Can I?

Norm Sanders
03-17-2009, 10:09 PM
Gah! Where can I still get to the 1st round list??? Can I?

Right here, Mark: http://www.dvxfest.com/lossfest/round1.php

Larry Rutledge
03-17-2009, 10:12 PM
For the record that information is posted in the Round 2 viewing information thread