Ok, I would like to have some better means of contacting/discussing design submissions with the administration.
I recently created a design for a circlet of silvered leaves for my private cartel, merely to ensure that the year's design wasn't wasted. Because I wanted it to be actually silvered leaves, I thought I would ask about Ravenwood trees being used as those special commodities we can choose, as a source of leaves (not perfect, I know, but better than requiring dozens of moonhart leaves). Now, since I have had major problems communicating with the Charites before, I decided to msg them asking if this was acceptable to submit. This was around half way through the year, as the end was drawing too close for comfort. I waited a few months, then realized that if it took this long to respond to a message, I had damn better submit my design with just over three months remaining in the year. I also messaged them regarding a couple of bugs that my cartel has been experiencing during this time.
For interest sake, here is the design:
*******************
Item: Circlet Type: Heirloom Org: Kindred
Outlay: ravenwood tree 4 silver 40 diamond 20
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: CIRCLET
Appearance:
a mystic circlet of silvered leaves
Dropped:
Left upon the ground, a circlet of silvered leaves catches the light.
Examined:
This circlet is crafted into the form of a beautiful wreath containing
hundreds of tiny silvered leaves. The edges of each leaf are cast in
polished silver metal, lining the foliage with an argent brilliance
under moonlight. The silver extends only along the outer border of each
leaf, while inside a remarkably lush and vibrant green reveals they are
kept healthy and living by some wondrous natural magic. Dozens of
diamonds are scattered seemingly at random throughout the wreath,
glinting like tiny dewdrops fresh from a spring rain. A slender band of
mirrored silver runs along underneath the leaves, curling into two
decorative swirls at the forehead.
********************
In Vestian of this year, I receive the rejection letter that says only
" this object is a bit too magic for mortals. "
Alright, fine, thats a reasonable comment since I assume the mention of the word 'magic' when describing the green leaves was too much. (I would like to argue that we craft magical wands, and supposedly a circlet is able to be even further enchanted, and that by changing the words slightly I could fix this, but that is not the point.) My problem is that not only did this take far too long to be considered, such that I lose a design for the year and likely the 5000 gold for submission, but the comment is so vague that I have no idea what exactly needs changing. Also, it seems we have no way of actually speaking in person to the Charites character to clarify anything. None of my messages were replied to.
Now, after I that venting, I would like to suggest that there is some improvement in discussing individual design submissions or related topics. The Trademaster board is for inter-organization discussion and announcements, so it isn't much help.
I realize that reviewing designs can be boring work, but I think we would all appreciate just a little more effort in this area. If you reject a design, explain exactly why it is being rejected and offer some advice to avoid the mistake next time, in a constructive manner. Keep responses prompt and conduct an audit of any outstanding submissions on the eve of each year's end. Respond to issues in a timely fashion, or direct the enquirer to the relevant person they should speak to. Provide a means of dispute resolution for rejection, or at least be open to defending your decision. Ensure the Charites character or some other means is available for assistance periodically when required.
These are just some of the things that would really impress me.
I recently created a design for a circlet of silvered leaves for my private cartel, merely to ensure that the year's design wasn't wasted. Because I wanted it to be actually silvered leaves, I thought I would ask about Ravenwood trees being used as those special commodities we can choose, as a source of leaves (not perfect, I know, but better than requiring dozens of moonhart leaves). Now, since I have had major problems communicating with the Charites before, I decided to msg them asking if this was acceptable to submit. This was around half way through the year, as the end was drawing too close for comfort. I waited a few months, then realized that if it took this long to respond to a message, I had damn better submit my design with just over three months remaining in the year. I also messaged them regarding a couple of bugs that my cartel has been experiencing during this time.
For interest sake, here is the design:
*******************
Item: Circlet Type: Heirloom Org: Kindred
Outlay: ravenwood tree 4 silver 40 diamond 20
IMPORTANT: The main noun of this item MUST use this name: CIRCLET
Appearance:
a mystic circlet of silvered leaves
Dropped:
Left upon the ground, a circlet of silvered leaves catches the light.
Examined:
This circlet is crafted into the form of a beautiful wreath containing
hundreds of tiny silvered leaves. The edges of each leaf are cast in
polished silver metal, lining the foliage with an argent brilliance
under moonlight. The silver extends only along the outer border of each
leaf, while inside a remarkably lush and vibrant green reveals they are
kept healthy and living by some wondrous natural magic. Dozens of
diamonds are scattered seemingly at random throughout the wreath,
glinting like tiny dewdrops fresh from a spring rain. A slender band of
mirrored silver runs along underneath the leaves, curling into two
decorative swirls at the forehead.
********************
In Vestian of this year, I receive the rejection letter that says only
" this object is a bit too magic for mortals. "
Alright, fine, thats a reasonable comment since I assume the mention of the word 'magic' when describing the green leaves was too much. (I would like to argue that we craft magical wands, and supposedly a circlet is able to be even further enchanted, and that by changing the words slightly I could fix this, but that is not the point.) My problem is that not only did this take far too long to be considered, such that I lose a design for the year and likely the 5000 gold for submission, but the comment is so vague that I have no idea what exactly needs changing. Also, it seems we have no way of actually speaking in person to the Charites character to clarify anything. None of my messages were replied to.
Now, after I that venting, I would like to suggest that there is some improvement in discussing individual design submissions or related topics. The Trademaster board is for inter-organization discussion and announcements, so it isn't much help.
I realize that reviewing designs can be boring work, but I think we would all appreciate just a little more effort in this area. If you reject a design, explain exactly why it is being rejected and offer some advice to avoid the mistake next time, in a constructive manner. Keep responses prompt and conduct an audit of any outstanding submissions on the eve of each year's end. Respond to issues in a timely fashion, or direct the enquirer to the relevant person they should speak to. Provide a means of dispute resolution for rejection, or at least be open to defending your decision. Ensure the Charites character or some other means is available for assistance periodically when required.
These are just some of the things that would really impress me.
