Beanbag NPC Contest Winner
The results are in! The entries were competitive, but there was a clear winner in this competition and it was:
Shanti by User not found: ursa!
Thank you to our runners up: Dybbuk, sanguine, Pop, cochetdeisopod and ScarletKilometers whose entries really impressed us and many other users!
Our winner and runners up will be receiving their CSC prizes immediately, and then we’re going to get our new NPC design fully Subeta-fied and drawn up by our art department, as well as our themed beanbag set to be awarded and released soon.
Thank you so much to everyone that participated in this competition. Tune in for the next one!
Posted by SubetaTeam
Drama as juicy as the blob.
Now, I understand why a lot of people aren't confident in their own writing or artstyle lmao.
Even tho I did not vote for this entry, congratulation on winning.
Now, I understand why a lot of people aren't confident in their own writing or artstyle lmao.
Even tho I did not vote for this entry, congratulation on winning.
Pretty sure almost every site contest like this has specified that entries do not need to be in full color and that sketches are allowed.
backstory isn't appropriate for subeta. certain real world elements don't always have to be included in fictional lore (e.g. misogyny, racism, whatever), especially in pg virtual pet sites. human trafficking definitely shouldn't.
is there anywhere to see the submissions other than the voting page which has now been taken down?
is there anywhere to see the submissions other than the voting page which has now been taken down?
To be fair, I can understand people being happy over this, and I also can understand people being upset.
Loooong wall of text ahead, please hear me out. I might hit some rough spots here but trust me my heart I believe is in the right place.
On one hand, people are happy this NPC basically hits all the minority check boxes. Handicapped both mentally and physically and POC. All traits that would be nice to have expressed in a new NPC! Which is awesome, Subeta has always been very on top of this and we all can agree: we love this site BECAUSE of this.
However, with this, it comes off almost... cheesy and token because of it. Which I believe is a majority of why people are upset, sure, the contest wasn't fully about the QUALITY of art sure but staff let a simple rough sketch go, because of the "background" of the character, where some people put in a lot more time colouring and lining their pieces, but didn't lay out such a "background" (which I will get to in a second.) and the whole pool of entries we had WAS characters directed at a minority but one alone, however, this felt the most "Mary Sue" of them all. Sad back story, the typical "good girl from a bad situation" and then the aesthetics to appeal to as many minorities as possible and by this I mean pointing it out when we can clearly see some of them, but it shouldn't of been the focus.
People expression discomfort in the win feel as if it was rigged to be a contest of more "pick a minority for us to make a NPC relate to" and of course people voted for the one which covered a lot of them in one swoop. I PERSONALLY don't mind the character's design, I really loved her appearance wise, but the background just seemed too, well, Mary Sue like, not a very creative background imo, it's not hard to write a depressive back story. Or design a character from one. Which was why I did not vote for Shanti, her character design is VERY cute but once the description just kinda laid out bullet points of all the things "wrong" with her, it didn't make her relate-able to me anymore, I didn't feel her heart, she felt like a one dimensional character with just those bullet points to focus on and that was it.
I really hope the staff decides to adjust some of the characters qualities slightly so it doesn't seem so abrupt and token. None of the other NPCs (to my recollection) have such an out there almost fan fiction/RP like backstory. For example: Can't a girl just have anxiety issues and autism but have a NORMAL life and decide to do good and teach homeless youth who just want to learn how to sew and volunteer at her shop? Or she just wants to give back to the community because she wants to and not because she feels she HAS to. She's positive and happy just because and doesn't let her disabilities shake her? At least not all the time causing looming dread. We all have off days. She just happens to be in a wheelchair and that's just fine and we don't focus on it or tbh any of her other "issues"? She's just a PERSON and not a "Let's focus on every 'flaw' she has" (because tbh that's how every entry felt for the most part not just Shanti. Like, if you character is POC and we see it you don't really need to point it out?)
We don't have to focus on any of that really, when she's put up in her shop? She's just going to say hello to us, and sell us items. We're gonna see her and just see a character that is a human being, not focusing on what "disables"her, but see her as a person. Which I mean, isn't that how we SHOULD view people who have such qualities first? As people and not a "oh there's the person that has XYZ." From all my years on Subeta I don't ever recall any NPC having the fact they're a "Minority" be a focal point anyways, like Emma and Esther, we know they're married, they're gay. It's great. Quentin is agender, which is also great. and as someone who is Pansexual and knows a lot of agender members, it was VERY heartwarming to see, but I can look at them and see they have more depth too than the qualities to make the site seem "relate-able" because they have gay/Agender NPCs. Like Emma doesn't make it a point to constantly remind us she's gay, she just is there and we all know her as Emma first and foremost. That is how I would like Shanti to be, she's cute, she's there and quirky, and I enjoy her being there because she is an enjoyable character, and my SECOND thought is she's relate-able. I want to love her for her, not JUST because of what makes her a "minority."
My point is I believe people who are upset are upset because it all just feels so saturated in trying to "fit in" that it seems out of place for what Subeta has been in the past with their NPCs. The fact it wasn't a "full quality" entry on the art behalf is another reason people are upset. Especially the other artists who were in the voting. And then there's the people mad the staff kinda cherry picked through and picked designs that fit a certain "quota" for the most part. Which I personally don't find error with staff wanting everyone to feel happy and they have an NPC they can relate to, it's just I think the backstory needs some tweaks to make her be more of a normal person (yes, you can have disabilities and still be loved, and have a good time growing up. Not sold into child trafficking, etc. The two do NOT go hand in hand.) and not a typical troupe.
I hope that makes sense. Like I said I can kinda see all sides of things in a way.
That being said. Welcome aboard Shanti, Congrats to the artist. I can't wait to see how she looks polished up by staff. I personally didn't enter anything so I'm not being "salty" for not being picked or any other motive. Staff clearly said they took note of what they seen people wanted for future NPCs so I'm hopeful EVERYONE will have someone they can relate to on this site some day soon. Hopefully the other artists who entered will continue making wonderful art as well.
Love you Subeta. Hopefully nobody gets offended at this, I mean no poor intentions, it's just my opinions and thoughts from what I've been seeing since the contest voting started. It's really been tense on here lately, and it's really sad something that should be a fun time is being muddied by so much stuff.
Loooong wall of text ahead, please hear me out. I might hit some rough spots here but trust me my heart I believe is in the right place.
On one hand, people are happy this NPC basically hits all the minority check boxes. Handicapped both mentally and physically and POC. All traits that would be nice to have expressed in a new NPC! Which is awesome, Subeta has always been very on top of this and we all can agree: we love this site BECAUSE of this.
However, with this, it comes off almost... cheesy and token because of it. Which I believe is a majority of why people are upset, sure, the contest wasn't fully about the QUALITY of art sure but staff let a simple rough sketch go, because of the "background" of the character, where some people put in a lot more time colouring and lining their pieces, but didn't lay out such a "background" (which I will get to in a second.) and the whole pool of entries we had WAS characters directed at a minority but one alone, however, this felt the most "Mary Sue" of them all. Sad back story, the typical "good girl from a bad situation" and then the aesthetics to appeal to as many minorities as possible and by this I mean pointing it out when we can clearly see some of them, but it shouldn't of been the focus.
People expression discomfort in the win feel as if it was rigged to be a contest of more "pick a minority for us to make a NPC relate to" and of course people voted for the one which covered a lot of them in one swoop. I PERSONALLY don't mind the character's design, I really loved her appearance wise, but the background just seemed too, well, Mary Sue like, not a very creative background imo, it's not hard to write a depressive back story. Or design a character from one. Which was why I did not vote for Shanti, her character design is VERY cute but once the description just kinda laid out bullet points of all the things "wrong" with her, it didn't make her relate-able to me anymore, I didn't feel her heart, she felt like a one dimensional character with just those bullet points to focus on and that was it.
I really hope the staff decides to adjust some of the characters qualities slightly so it doesn't seem so abrupt and token. None of the other NPCs (to my recollection) have such an out there almost fan fiction/RP like backstory. For example: Can't a girl just have anxiety issues and autism but have a NORMAL life and decide to do good and teach homeless youth who just want to learn how to sew and volunteer at her shop? Or she just wants to give back to the community because she wants to and not because she feels she HAS to. She's positive and happy just because and doesn't let her disabilities shake her? At least not all the time causing looming dread. We all have off days. She just happens to be in a wheelchair and that's just fine and we don't focus on it or tbh any of her other "issues"? She's just a PERSON and not a "Let's focus on every 'flaw' she has" (because tbh that's how every entry felt for the most part not just Shanti. Like, if you character is POC and we see it you don't really need to point it out?)
We don't have to focus on any of that really, when she's put up in her shop? She's just going to say hello to us, and sell us items. We're gonna see her and just see a character that is a human being, not focusing on what "disables"her, but see her as a person. Which I mean, isn't that how we SHOULD view people who have such qualities first? As people and not a "oh there's the person that has XYZ." From all my years on Subeta I don't ever recall any NPC having the fact they're a "Minority" be a focal point anyways, like Emma and Esther, we know they're married, they're gay. It's great. Quentin is agender, which is also great. and as someone who is Pansexual and knows a lot of agender members, it was VERY heartwarming to see, but I can look at them and see they have more depth too than the qualities to make the site seem "relate-able" because they have gay/Agender NPCs. Like Emma doesn't make it a point to constantly remind us she's gay, she just is there and we all know her as Emma first and foremost. That is how I would like Shanti to be, she's cute, she's there and quirky, and I enjoy her being there because she is an enjoyable character, and my SECOND thought is she's relate-able. I want to love her for her, not JUST because of what makes her a "minority."
My point is I believe people who are upset are upset because it all just feels so saturated in trying to "fit in" that it seems out of place for what Subeta has been in the past with their NPCs. The fact it wasn't a "full quality" entry on the art behalf is another reason people are upset. Especially the other artists who were in the voting. And then there's the people mad the staff kinda cherry picked through and picked designs that fit a certain "quota" for the most part. Which I personally don't find error with staff wanting everyone to feel happy and they have an NPC they can relate to, it's just I think the backstory needs some tweaks to make her be more of a normal person (yes, you can have disabilities and still be loved, and have a good time growing up. Not sold into child trafficking, etc. The two do NOT go hand in hand.) and not a typical troupe.
I hope that makes sense. Like I said I can kinda see all sides of things in a way.
That being said. Welcome aboard Shanti, Congrats to the artist. I can't wait to see how she looks polished up by staff. I personally didn't enter anything so I'm not being "salty" for not being picked or any other motive. Staff clearly said they took note of what they seen people wanted for future NPCs so I'm hopeful EVERYONE will have someone they can relate to on this site some day soon. Hopefully the other artists who entered will continue making wonderful art as well.
Love you Subeta. Hopefully nobody gets offended at this, I mean no poor intentions, it's just my opinions and thoughts from what I've been seeing since the contest voting started. It's really been tense on here lately, and it's really sad something that should be a fun time is being muddied by so much stuff.
@Dybbuk I'll pose for the next drawing that calls for such details in the entry if it makes you feel better
Zombies were represented before someone with a disability. As were a range of ages, orientations, and ethnicities. Among several mythical/alien races or hybrids, and anthropomorphic pet characters. I don't think we're taking much of a leap when it comes to realism or inclusion.
Fwiw, mostly what we want is to be treated like any other person. Living with a disability isn't nearly as sad as being shunned, silenced, and hidden away. And if we can't even have a cute little fictional NPC like us because it's "too sad", that's exactly what is happening.
I assume anyone who objects to this means well, but please, try not to project your discomfort and ruin a happy occasion for those you're pitying.
Fwiw, mostly what we want is to be treated like any other person. Living with a disability isn't nearly as sad as being shunned, silenced, and hidden away. And if we can't even have a cute little fictional NPC like us because it's "too sad", that's exactly what is happening.
I assume anyone who objects to this means well, but please, try not to project your discomfort and ruin a happy occasion for those you're pitying.
@Reekoh If you read the rules it said that the Subeta team was actively looking for an under represented group for the NCP. You have no idea what the other entries and therefore can't categorical say all the other entries fit these guidelines. Adding a cake or drink etc is NOT the same as adding a new NPC to the community.
@Ligress Well said. I wish I was that articulate but sometimes my temper makes me speak in small harsh words. :*
@Casey The personality of this entry was far superior compared to the other entries. That is why I voted for Shanti. I didn't even take the pictures into account as the staff would being doing the art in the end. This really wasn't an art competition (which you pointed out) but you still have issues with the "sketch" that was submitted by the winner. I don't understand that at all.
@Ligress Well said. I wish I was that articulate but sometimes my temper makes me speak in small harsh words. :*
@Casey The personality of this entry was far superior compared to the other entries. That is why I voted for Shanti. I didn't even take the pictures into account as the staff would being doing the art in the end. This really wasn't an art competition (which you pointed out) but you still have issues with the "sketch" that was submitted by the winner. I don't understand that at all.
Oooh yes! i'm so happy Shanti won! She was my favorite one there! So much character and personality and her design is just too cute and adorable. I think she's perfect for the role of beanbag shop owner. Gratz to the one who created her. =3
Personally, I'm deeply disappointed. I don't think this design should have been a finalist in the first place.
No, not for the reasons others have stated. I'm actually an autistic nonbinary wheelchair user, (not "wheelchair bound," PLEASE stop using that phrase, friends.) I'm happy to see some aspects of myself being recognized and represented! I'm all for diversity! It's just that out of all those wonderful inked and colored entries, this one was just a quick sketch. I'm sad on behalf of everyone who put a lot of effort into this, only to have this be the winner. I know it wasn't an art contest necessarily, but the personality was lacking, and I'm disturbed knowing that the backstory is rooted in human trafficking. (http://subetaspeaks.tumblr.com/post/164373791705/hi-im-shantis-artist-i-guess-its-pretty-obvious) I'm glad to see myself as a wheelchair user represented, but the whole thing makes me uncomfy with the backstory, lack of personality apart from 'a good person,' and the art being uncolored and sketchy, with no discernible facial features. I mean, she's got a dot for a nose, and two dots for a mouth. I'm curious as to how staff will redraw this, and what color palette they will choose, considering they're working with almost nothing. It's a good enough entry, I don't blame anyone for voting for it, but I don't believe it should have been chosen as a finalist in the first place. I had to say something. I feel so torn because I am so so happy to see an NPC that uses a wheelchair like me, but I feel weird about this entry still. The artist still deserves a congratulations, and I trust that everyone made a good decision and that staff will turn her into something great. This can still be a good thing, but I'm iffy on it for now. I hope I don't offend anyone with my comment. I don't mean to upset anyone, least of all the artist. I do think Shanti is cute, and I hope to see her developed in the future! Congrats to everyone who entered, by the way. They were all lovely.
No, not for the reasons others have stated. I'm actually an autistic nonbinary wheelchair user, (not "wheelchair bound," PLEASE stop using that phrase, friends.) I'm happy to see some aspects of myself being recognized and represented! I'm all for diversity! It's just that out of all those wonderful inked and colored entries, this one was just a quick sketch. I'm sad on behalf of everyone who put a lot of effort into this, only to have this be the winner. I know it wasn't an art contest necessarily, but the personality was lacking, and I'm disturbed knowing that the backstory is rooted in human trafficking. (http://subetaspeaks.tumblr.com/post/164373791705/hi-im-shantis-artist-i-guess-its-pretty-obvious) I'm glad to see myself as a wheelchair user represented, but the whole thing makes me uncomfy with the backstory, lack of personality apart from 'a good person,' and the art being uncolored and sketchy, with no discernible facial features. I mean, she's got a dot for a nose, and two dots for a mouth. I'm curious as to how staff will redraw this, and what color palette they will choose, considering they're working with almost nothing. It's a good enough entry, I don't blame anyone for voting for it, but I don't believe it should have been chosen as a finalist in the first place. I had to say something. I feel so torn because I am so so happy to see an NPC that uses a wheelchair like me, but I feel weird about this entry still. The artist still deserves a congratulations, and I trust that everyone made a good decision and that staff will turn her into something great. This can still be a good thing, but I'm iffy on it for now. I hope I don't offend anyone with my comment. I don't mean to upset anyone, least of all the artist. I do think Shanti is cute, and I hope to see her developed in the future! Congrats to everyone who entered, by the way. They were all lovely.
That was a really hard choice to narrow it down to vote for just one character - I really wanted to vote for Shanti and at least two others! :blush:
Huge congrats User not found: ursa! :D :D
Huge congrats User not found: ursa! :D :D
I can't remember who I voted for but this is a good choice.. will be nice to see her as the NPC for bean bags!
@foxette, my goodness... Subeta's already touched a few topics that have to do with the miseries of the real world, actual miseries. Like, say, feud between different races. Sure, here it was between humans and the Unliving, but the issue is pretty much real in the world outside the computer.
Foxette isn't the only one who is upset. Me, personally, I just don't care. It's an online game. This game has never taken off like other online games, and I enjoy the smaller community. I liked another character more, but honestly, why have a user-voting competition when all the entries are already thinned out by the staff? There could have been someone else who we all loved even more. I loved the cake contest because we got to see TONS of entries and it was super fun. If staff were worried there were too many, they could have let the users vote it down, then have a 2nd round of voting on the narrowed down entries. I just don't like people picking for me, I like to see all my options.
<3 <3
<3 <3
@foxette
"Subeta will end up being a very small community of minorities and the silent majority will go. I was just made aware of a 7 year player who has left. I predict there will be more."
Seriously? You're butthurt because people that don't usually get a voice, and in your own words, are treated badly and you find it upsetting and sad, are now getting representation?
Isn't that just a wee bit hypocritical?
"Subeta will end up being a very small community of minorities and the silent majority will go. I was just made aware of a 7 year player who has left. I predict there will be more."
Seriously? You're butthurt because people that don't usually get a voice, and in your own words, are treated badly and you find it upsetting and sad, are now getting representation?
Isn't that just a wee bit hypocritical?
This was a hard pick being there were so many great choices, I hope the other entries show up as other npcs or maybe guests somehow in other shops/plot? :)
To the negative comments about disabled people: sorry but not sorry we upset you by existing, we all have people who we dislike. Its pretty disheartening you can't be happy for people being represented who are already having a hard time, because it hurts your feelings/makes you feel something besides cheery cheery cupcakes. Yikes. I like this site because it has inclusion, humor, and isn't "just kids" stuff. Disabled, or differently abled persons need escapism too, acknowledging something exists via a npc shouldn't make you quit something unless you already wanted a reason to be upset. If you hate the shopkeeper so much make a custom css to change the image, you can find custom npc codes in the forums, seriously.
To the negative comments about disabled people: sorry but not sorry we upset you by existing, we all have people who we dislike. Its pretty disheartening you can't be happy for people being represented who are already having a hard time, because it hurts your feelings/makes you feel something besides cheery cheery cupcakes. Yikes. I like this site because it has inclusion, humor, and isn't "just kids" stuff. Disabled, or differently abled persons need escapism too, acknowledging something exists via a npc shouldn't make you quit something unless you already wanted a reason to be upset. If you hate the shopkeeper so much make a custom css to change the image, you can find custom npc codes in the forums, seriously.
I never voted as I got busy with life but can appreciate that subeta is becoming more representative of other things now.
Awww, so cute! I had trouble picking one because they were all so good. This one will be perfect!
Congrats, @Ursa! Was a really cool character and cute, though I didn't vote for her. It was such a hard choice, honestly.
She was my choice, so I'm happy! I hope you don't change her too much, she's so sweet and pretty.
Congratulations! :) I've never been so excited at the addition of an NPC! Came close with the addition of Gregory Watson during the Councellor's Cruise (Man, I miss that guy!), but I love love love the addition of a mobility-compromised character. Huge thanks @Ursa for creating such beauty and everyone who voted Shanti in! Not everyone in the real world looks the same or has the same abilities. Her addition makes me feel at home onsite, too.
I'm so glad she's won! She's the cutest entry and I'm sure she'll represent people suffering from chronic pain very well! Congratulations, @Ursa! :D
ah, i would've been happy with any of them winning but i'm glad to see the fan fav won. like everyone else, i hope we see the rest of the runners up on-site in other places, fahimah in particular was my favorite ;w;
Congratulations, User not found: ursa! From her description, Shanti seems like she'll be a nice addition to the NPC roster. Looking forward to seeing her finalized artwork. :blush:
@Baklava It said chronic pain attacks, not chronic panic attacks. You have a point that that can be sad depending on the severity, but it's not unrealistic - there are several conditions that have pain attacks (or localized pain) as one of their symptoms, and in certain cases (rheumatoid arthritis, for instance), it's definitely something that can lead to being wheelchair-bound even if the person's doing fine otherwise.
@foxette The frequent treatment of wheelchair-bound people in the real world is sad, true, but if the sight of a wheelchair-bound person alone is enough to upset you to the point of it hurting an escapism hobby for you enough to quit part of it, you should probably take a step back. Those people aren't going to stop existing just because their treatment can be depressing to others, and there's nothing wrong with Subeta having a NPC that happens to be wheelchair-bound as long as they don't use that trait just for drama or pity points.
We already have wheelchair-based items and wearables, so I'm not really seeing why having a NPC like Shanti is suddenly a problem.
@Baklava It said chronic pain attacks, not chronic panic attacks. You have a point that that can be sad depending on the severity, but it's not unrealistic - there are several conditions that have pain attacks (or localized pain) as one of their symptoms, and in certain cases (rheumatoid arthritis, for instance), it's definitely something that can lead to being wheelchair-bound even if the person's doing fine otherwise.
@
We already have wheelchair-based items and wearables, so I'm not really seeing why having a NPC like Shanti is suddenly a problem.
Congratulations to @ursa!
And now, just because some rather disrespectful people said something harsh about people in wheelchairs, I'll buy all the Medicontra stuff to try and make a disabled HA because disabled people are awesome and deserving of respect. :heart:
And now, just because some rather disrespectful people said something harsh about people in wheelchairs, I'll buy all the Medicontra stuff to try and make a disabled HA because disabled people are awesome and deserving of respect. :heart:
Glad Shanti won, the line "something soft for my tush" was the thing that won me over. :D
Fahimah as a character had a great personality, so I hope we'll see her somewhere else.
Fahimah as a character had a great personality, so I hope we'll see her somewhere else.
sorry for all this drama on your post, ursa! You know how every contest/update/basically-anything-on-the-news goes, always gonna be Butthurt. Congrats on your win, and even bigger congratulations for having such a perfect cutie for the beanbag shop <3
IIRC, she can't walk because she has panic attacks. Can't double-check because the page has been removed. How are chronic panic attacks NOT sad? Also, is that even realistic?
I have to add, nothing miserable about Shanti, imo. Aside from the complexion, her description is pretty much my daughter. Chronic illness and/or pain are a challenge, but everyone has their struggles. It's nice to see a character like her being included like anyone else. We are very happy about this NPC.
This content : WTH, WHY WERE THINGS PRE-SELECTED?
Subeta, can you make up your mind?