Beanbag Contest: Voting!
Hello designers, voters and avid bystanders! We've had a good pore over each of your entries for the contest and we were absolutely blown away by your ideas and designs.
We've made a selection of 6 entries that we feel fit in with the direction we would like to take on the Beanbag Shop NPC. This doesn't necessarily mean that any of the entries weren't deserving or wonderful - they just weren't the right fit for Subeta at this time.
That being said, we got a clear idea of what kinds of characters users feel are being underrepresented on site, and we will endeavor to bring many more of the ideas given in this competition into the site's future lore-making. We hear you!
But for now, it's time to VOTE. You have until 11:59PM on August 20th to cast your opinion. Which of these designs (including backstories) would make for your favorite new beanbag NPC?
Posted by 
SubetaTeam
Gatti
Kanyin is the bomb. Has my vote.
I also thought my entry would be choosen, but now I see it wasn't what subeta team was expecting. I mean, he wasn't a minority :p but a stoner #0101 ha! I really liked his design tho, think i'm going to use it as a pet
I also thought my entry would be choosen, but now I see it wasn't what subeta team was expecting. I mean, he wasn't a minority :p but a stoner #0101 ha! I really liked his design tho, think i'm going to use it as a pet
2
erynamrod
I'm a bit late but I think all six of them are really awesome! It was a hard decision and I just ended up going with my gut on which one I liked most. Probably not the one that's going to win though. :P
0
Hoshi
@Taters tbh, it weirds me out how many people seem to be voting based on "that's my identity/this minority is underrepresented!" rather than the actual fittingness of the characters. Two of the options are far and away the most well-integrated into Subeta lore, with the others being just... normal characters you'd see scrolling through Tumblr reblogs, mostly relying on Diversity Points™ for appeal and tacking on "+ friends with (SUBETA NPC)" as an afterthought. I'm a big dumb gay with mental disorders but wouldn't vote for a clinically depressed or lesbian keeper because of that.
(Then again, staff could delete Esther and Emma off the site entirely and I'd give exactly zero shits. I frankly do not understand being so starved for validation that people require every minutia of their personal identity be reflected on a virtual flippin' pet site, even if it is my favorite virtual flippin' pet site.)
That aside: Kanyin for prez.
(Then again, staff could delete Esther and Emma off the site entirely and I'd give exactly zero shits. I frankly do not understand being so starved for validation that people require every minutia of their personal identity be reflected on a virtual flippin' pet site, even if it is my favorite virtual flippin' pet site.)
That aside: Kanyin for prez.
18
Rookie
this was a hard one, i quite liked most of them! but it's shanti for me, as i also have chronic pain that makes walking pretty uncomfortable and even painful if i'm up long enough. i think march would be my second choice, even if she doesn't win it'd be nice to see an npc with autism in the future! good luck to all of the entries!
0
MuerteAnnet
@foxette No NPC-character deserved to be a parody of Trump. I'm pessimistic for years far before that scary clown become the president of US. I'll still try to cure myself to become more optimistic. Anyway all candidates has got something greats. I will look forward to the character-devilopements.
2
Funkykitsune
I'm really liking Calliope's design and backstory so my vote goes to her. I wish I could see what the other entries were
0
Taters
I first was going to vote for kanyin because I love pet shopkeepers, but I just adore how Charlize shouts her passion to all and is such a cute design. Im all for representation in terms of mental illness, as I have some muself, but I didnt expect to vote for one that had any. Ive kind of been meh on the whole 'internet shares all of the things about all disabilities and must vote for those because not represented' instead of just going for who you generally love most. But I actually didnt even notice the autistic aspect, if I had I wonder if I would have voted differently....
Nah. She is a cutie patootie. Plus she has awesome hair. Plus as much as Im not huge on the disability swaying people I know many do relate and it is good to have that. I just wonder how many are voting for specific chars just because of that, instead of how well they fit as a keeper of this shop type.
Idk. Im overthinking it. All of them are great art and I seriously am kicking myself for lack of time to enter this.
Will we ever be able to see all the entries? I would love to look st everyones ideas and let their art be seen after all the work they put in, even if it wont be used on site.
Nah. She is a cutie patootie. Plus she has awesome hair. Plus as much as Im not huge on the disability swaying people I know many do relate and it is good to have that. I just wonder how many are voting for specific chars just because of that, instead of how well they fit as a keeper of this shop type.
Idk. Im overthinking it. All of them are great art and I seriously am kicking myself for lack of time to enter this.
Will we ever be able to see all the entries? I would love to look st everyones ideas and let their art be seen after all the work they put in, even if it wont be used on site.
7
Genevra
Interesting entries. I ended up going with Calliope. Kanyin and Shanti were interesting as well. I admit I don't understand why Shanti needs a wheelchair for panic attacks though? I'm uncomfortably familiar with those, but don't understand the need for a wheelchair? I think that having that having an NPC in a wheelchair is a fine idea, but the reason for it throws me. Kanyin was a close second, even if I'm not a huge fan of the breed. He's just too cute!
And, even though this is not going to be a well received opinion, I have to agree that the only group of people that this activity represented were those with artistic talent and either art programs and hardware or a working scanner. That is not a representative sample of the Subeta users.
And, even though this is not going to be a well received opinion, I have to agree that the only group of people that this activity represented were those with artistic talent and either art programs and hardware or a working scanner. That is not a representative sample of the Subeta users.
5
LilyValentine
Shanti ended up getting my vote but it was a very tough call between her, Kanyin and Fahimah for me!
2
Dr.Oru
Kanyin was my vote, he's the bomb, really hope he makes it, he'd make a great beanbag... maker, ehe.
6
Temerat
Calliope fits well into site lore, but I don't see her as a beanbag person. Charlize tho... I love her character and she's a PERFECT fit for the role!
2
witchywoman
Wow I love the story behind Calliope, this would have made for an interesting site plot! They have my vote :D
2
Hazard
Calliope is my dream baby fab dollface lovely tea bumpkin and she is perfect.
But I had to give my vote to March. As a nonbinary individual on the spectrum, they hit home.
The beanbags as a special interest is too cute. I just wish March had more sensory issues mentioned.
That's a huge part of things. It makes SO much sense that Charlize wears gloves on the job!!!
(p.s. I so disagree with not being able to touch velvet. Velvet and silk are life. Pleather is freakin evil!)
Also shoutout to Shanti. You go guuurl. Keep doin yer thang. I can't walk on my own, either. I know the struggle.
And we need to take fashion tips from Fahimah and Kanyin.
But I had to give my vote to March. As a nonbinary individual on the spectrum, they hit home.
The beanbags as a special interest is too cute. I just wish March had more sensory issues mentioned.
That's a huge part of things. It makes SO much sense that Charlize wears gloves on the job!!!
(p.s. I so disagree with not being able to touch velvet. Velvet and silk are life. Pleather is freakin evil!)
Also shoutout to Shanti. You go guuurl. Keep doin yer thang. I can't walk on my own, either. I know the struggle.
And we need to take fashion tips from Fahimah and Kanyin.
2
ChatLunatique
So difficult to choose. I must have re-read them all, and changed my vote at least 3 times before settling on my final choice.
0
steampirate
*teakettle noises*
Oh my gosh, guys, such a difficult decision! All the entries are amazing. It was between Charlize and Kanyin for me (Kanyin actually made me think of a sweetheart friend of mine) but I ended up going with Charlize because she's amazing. Well, they're all amazing, but I suppose I can only choose one! Good luck to everyone! I'm excited to see who becomes the next NPC. c:
Oh my gosh, guys, such a difficult decision! All the entries are amazing. It was between Charlize and Kanyin for me (Kanyin actually made me think of a sweetheart friend of mine) but I ended up going with Charlize because she's amazing. Well, they're all amazing, but I suppose I can only choose one! Good luck to everyone! I'm excited to see who becomes the next NPC. c:
4
Magician
Gonna have to agree with @flamboyantCuttlefish
Sorry, March and Charlize. Can totally relate to the fabric texture thing (just thinking about my hands rubbing against a velvet or flannel beanbag.... *shudders* Would gladly rub my hands all over a beanbag that felt like carpet or bath towels, though), but Calliope is just...everything about her is amazing and creative and fun. I imagine she'd be a blast to work into future plots/events and to interact with other NPCs.
I feel like there's a good chance of autistic NPC characters being released in the future should they not win this contest. I hope I'm right.
@fickle
If it's any consolation, Liz and Nico (Food Market and Bits and Bytes shopkeepers) are both ace, which is awesome. :) Neither are chubby, though.
Sorry, March and Charlize. Can totally relate to the fabric texture thing (just thinking about my hands rubbing against a velvet or flannel beanbag.... *shudders* Would gladly rub my hands all over a beanbag that felt like carpet or bath towels, though), but Calliope is just...everything about her is amazing and creative and fun. I imagine she'd be a blast to work into future plots/events and to interact with other NPCs.
I feel like there's a good chance of autistic NPC characters being released in the future should they not win this contest. I hope I'm right.
@fickle
If it's any consolation, Liz and Nico (Food Market and Bits and Bytes shopkeepers) are both ace, which is awesome. :) Neither are chubby, though.
1
flamboyantCuttlefish
Dang... As much as I'd like to add an autistic NPC, I /really/ like Calliope's description. Think I'mma have to vote for her.
3
cochetdeisopod
@Casey jeeze i didnt realize when i made March that I used the wrong wording! as their creator i second for the change in wording if they do get chosen. thank you for bringing that to my attention!
8
Doe
A bunch of back and forth over representation (on a pet site) is ridiculous, but the same is going on in the world, so I'm not surprised... why do people get so upset when they see any difference reflected in a world that has differences, and which makes the world so great?
Anyway, hard decision to make a choice; congrats to the ones who had their characters picked!
Anyway, hard decision to make a choice; congrats to the ones who had their characters picked!
5
Ratrick
It was a tough call, but I voted for Fahimah because I love her design and personality. I'd be happy with any of them winning, though, and I am glad to see so much diversity!
2
Ratrick
I'm an autistic wheelchair user, so I'm loving all the representation!
I just wanted to say to @SubetaTeam that if March wins, can you ~please~ make sure they are referred to differently? As in 'March is autistic' as opposed to "March has autism." It may seem like a small thing to anyone who isn't autistic, but the wording is very offensive and calls to mind cure culture, eugenics, etc. We are not separate from autism, we are autistic. It's a developmental disorder that can't be cured, treated or removed and the 'has autism' phrasing is pushed by groups like Autism Speaks in order to fool people into thinking that we're separate from our autism and can be cured. Charlize has the phrasing right if it helps. It's nothing I would take into account for voting, of course, but I hope that wording doesn't make it onto the site if they win.
I just wanted to say to @SubetaTeam that if March wins, can you ~please~ make sure they are referred to differently? As in 'March is autistic' as opposed to "March has autism." It may seem like a small thing to anyone who isn't autistic, but the wording is very offensive and calls to mind cure culture, eugenics, etc. We are not separate from autism, we are autistic. It's a developmental disorder that can't be cured, treated or removed and the 'has autism' phrasing is pushed by groups like Autism Speaks in order to fool people into thinking that we're separate from our autism and can be cured. Charlize has the phrasing right if it helps. It's nothing I would take into account for voting, of course, but I hope that wording doesn't make it onto the site if they win.
11
Thanatoast
Awww. Sad not to see my entry in the finalists after such a long wait, but I approve of these choices. The dilemma beanbag salesperson is totally awesome. MOAR PET SHOPKEEPS. o/
2
Mackenzi
Is "users would like more diverse characters" a statement that really needs analyzed and split hairs over? xD Seems excessive to make polls or surveys to create a variety of characters.
7
cochetdeisopod
im so happy March made it to the finals!! im so glad people like them! I never got this far in a contest before ;-;
good luck to everyone, all the other entries are so cute, I think it'll be great no matter who wins!
good luck to everyone, all the other entries are so cute, I think it'll be great no matter who wins!
3
Aline
Even though we already got Quentin as NB representation, I voted for March because she's so cute! I liked all characters though, wish all of them could become Subeta NPCs in a way or another! <3
(Now I wonder if Subeta has a transgender guy, though... I submitted one for the contest because I didn't recall any. I can always have headcanons, though!)
(Now I wonder if Subeta has a transgender guy, though... I submitted one for the contest because I didn't recall any. I can always have headcanons, though!)
2
Bliss
Amazing entries guys!
I voted for my favourite. I was drawn to this particular character.
Good luck everyone! <3
I voted for my favourite. I was drawn to this particular character.
Good luck everyone! <3
0
Tiobe
ahhh I'm so torn between Kanyin and Shanti! can we combine the two? :D (yes I want my cake and to eat it, too lol) Nice work, all!
5
Majesty
Kanyin totally got my vote! I love dillemas so much and we totally need more pet-based NPCs!
7
Ambition
I have to say one of my favorite shop keepers is Liz.
I love her companion squid so so much!!! I hope this new beanbag one keeps some sort of cute companion animal or has a cute collection of beanbags-animals.
I love her companion squid so so much!!! I hope this new beanbag one keeps some sort of cute companion animal or has a cute collection of beanbags-animals.
10
Jinx
Oh man it was VERY hard to choose between March and Shanti! I deal with chronic pain && am autistic so I related to both so heavily. Seeing the chewie stim in March's mouth totally solidified my vote, though. Great job to the artists on ALL of these-- I love them all!
0
TJPanda
Congrats on all the entries they are all beautifully done :heart:.
It is hard to choose just one since I like them all.
Awesome job everyone :).
It is hard to choose just one since I like them all.
Awesome job everyone :).
1
Twisted_Pretzel
I don't know why, but the statement above gives Google diversity drama vibes lol. Anyhow, I voted for the dillema, better luck next time to everyone. XD
7
Alchemy
I love that Subeta wants to show more diversity and I love the choices for the new shopkeeper. Its so hard to choose though!
2
JackyMedan
omg I especially love both autistic characters (I'm autistic myself) and shanti, but I had to go for March because she stole my heart <3
1
Amber
@sentinel would they rotate out for a few hour shifts or just squeeze them all into one large space
4
Yuzu
YOU GUYS HAVE MADE THIS IMPOSSIBLE, I LOVE SO MANY OF THE FINALISTS THAT I CAN'T CHOOSE. *slams hands on desk*
I've managed to narrow it down to two, but I swear I'm going to have to flip a coin to pick one of them....
I've managed to narrow it down to two, but I swear I'm going to have to flip a coin to pick one of them....
3
Ambition
@SubetaTeam
I would like to point out something that should be quite obvious here. The 'voices' you are hearing via this contest are not representative of the entire site population because the only voices heard were those of people who participated in this contest (and most were probably artists since this was very much geared to be an art contest). This being said I did participate in this contest and hope that my voice was also 'heard,'
Basically, your sample size here does not represent the population as a whole and cannot really be used to draw any statistically significant (or meaningful) conclusions. In order to gather information that can be used to represent the voice of the people as a whole, you would need to randomly sample the users playing and ask opinions via that route. Or create a poll with high incentive so the majority of users will actually vote, thereby allowing you enough data points (feedback) from which to draw meaningful conclusions.
I do hope for a variety of new and unique characters and back stories though. I really like several of these entries!
I would like to point out something that should be quite obvious here. The 'voices' you are hearing via this contest are not representative of the entire site population because the only voices heard were those of people who participated in this contest (and most were probably artists since this was very much geared to be an art contest). This being said I did participate in this contest and hope that my voice was also 'heard,'
Basically, your sample size here does not represent the population as a whole and cannot really be used to draw any statistically significant (or meaningful) conclusions. In order to gather information that can be used to represent the voice of the people as a whole, you would need to randomly sample the users playing and ask opinions via that route. Or create a poll with high incentive so the majority of users will actually vote, thereby allowing you enough data points (feedback) from which to draw meaningful conclusions.
I do hope for a variety of new and unique characters and back stories though. I really like several of these entries!
24
Dybbuk
"[...] we got a clear idea of what kinds of characters users feel are being underrepresented on site, and we will endeavor to bring many more of the ideas given in this competition into the site's future lore-making."
o u o yay.
o u o yay.
5
Avalon
Eventually went with Kanyin, but I'd be -ultra- happy if Shanti won, as well. I JUST LOVE KANYIN'S DESIGN SO MUCH. That eyepatch kills me, it's.../clenches fist So good...
7
foxette
Has the Trump era sucked all the joy and optimism out of the Subeta community. What an unhappy lot!
7
Wolfmyth
Voted for Kanyin, because my idea was a anthro pet too...sad he didn't make it, but I knew he wouldn't anyways. Love all these characters though
8
Beldam
So happy to see a character with disabilities like meeeeee :) That artist made my day. Thank you <3
3
Phoenvix
Argh it was really, really hard to choose because they're all such wonderful characters but I went for Shanti eventually. Well done to all the finalists though!
Carrie
Carrie
3
CakeMoose
Kanyin and Shanti were my top two for sure, but it's hard to pass up a chubby, grumpy anthro in a sweater *wants to poke it's ears*
6
Lavender
While I'm very sad that my entry was not chosen (I've been refreshing the news anxiously for weeks waiting for the finalists to be announced), I love the characters that were chosen and I will have a hard time voting for just one. I think it's wonderful that so many underrepresented characteristics are featured with these characters. My entry was a chubby ace girl, and I wish one of those features were represented, but I still love to see characters with different races, cultures, disabilities, etc.
4
Abaven
I want all of them. This kills me to choose. ;-; Everyone of the options would make a fantastic NPC to be honest. Maybe the ones who don't win can be used in other ways? *hopes*
6
LizBlackDog
that was a SUPER HARD choice and I'm going to love whoever wins, these are all wonderful NPCs and I love everyone in this bar.
I picked Charlize in the end #islander4lyfe
I picked Charlize in the end #islander4lyfe
3
Princess
well i can't pick because they're all so cute and well thought out so clearly the solution is that they all 6 run the shop together
18
shylarah
Grants to the staff picks, they're all amazing and honestly any of them will be awesome to have as an NPC. I love all of these. In the end I liked Marc and Shanti best, but had to go with March. I'm on the autism spectrum myself -- in fact, my own entry was a young lady on the spectrum.
Subeta, I love how there's such an eagerness to create all kinds of representation. This is the most open, friendly, and welcoming site I've ever encountered. We need more of this in the world. Never change. <3
Subeta, I love how there's such an eagerness to create all kinds of representation. This is the most open, friendly, and welcoming site I've ever encountered. We need more of this in the world. Never change. <3
6
Solsticesprite
*relentlessly clicks all of them, they're all pretty awesomesauce, what is Wrong with this voting page?*
There's no rules on how to vote, so that means we don't have to pick just one, right?
There's no rules on how to vote, so that means we don't have to pick just one, right?
4
Daring
Kanyin all the way, I think pet based NPCs are great! I really wish there was more pet NPCs in the subeta lore to show some more love to all the wonderful pets on the site! It would also look good in the subeta lore if more NPCs would have relations to actual pets, and there would be more pet owners (or past pet owners like in this Cinthia's case right here) like Old Wizard with his kumos Luna and Matlal with his manchu Baron Omad. :sparkling_heart:
25
Shark
Oh gosh these are all so good! Still trying to narrow it down and pick who to vote for... gonna need to think it over some.
1
Dice
On the one hand, I'm drawn to the entry that was most like mine, but on the other, I'm keen to fill some representation gaps. The weight of this choice why?!
1
Mackenzi
Oh gosh....... I think I have a crush on Kanyin
Excellent entries everyone, I need to take a while to decide who to vote for, this is surprisingly hard!
Gosh, I would just love a dilemma NPC.
Excellent entries everyone, I need to take a while to decide who to vote for, this is surprisingly hard!
Gosh, I would just love a dilemma NPC.
15
feral
Probably the hardest choice I've ever had to make in a contest. All of these were fantastic entries and I am so happy and pleased with the amount of diversity in these entries! Great job everyone n_n I can't wait to meet our new Beanbag Shop owner!
5
Loop
There's been one thing I always wanted to since I was a kid. That is I want to buy a shitload of craft beads and put them into a container and just put my hands in it and feel all the beads. So I relate a bit to Fahimah with the bean and pellet thing.
Also no dillemas dont get enough love. Also thank god mine didn't make it. That would've been embarrassing.
Also no dillemas dont get enough love. Also thank god mine didn't make it. That would've been embarrassing.
6
Ryuu
"pin cushion eyepatch"
Oh no, Kanyin! That's a horrible idea! D: (but he is still my favorite. ♥️)
Oh no, Kanyin! That's a horrible idea! D: (but he is still my favorite. ♥️)
8
Stiles
I was so close between Shanti and March it could have gone either way , but then the last bit of information about repairing the animals came up for March and it won me over <3 :)
Wonderful entries, everyone!
Wonderful entries, everyone!
2
Rah
@Loftyballoon - we actually had a lot of anthro entries! A lot were great, but just not quite top 5 great :)
5
Rosethorn
these are all amazing! it was so difficult picking a favorite ;; thank you to everyone who submitted, and good luck to the finalists!
1
Balloon
omg Kanyin
I have never been a fan of Dillemas (except for nostalgic ones obviously) but Kanyin is ADORABLE. His name is perfect as well. Kudos to his designer for such a well thought out character, AND for doing a pet-based NPC instead of a humanoid one since apparently an overwhelming majority of the entries were humanoid.
I have never been a fan of Dillemas (except for nostalgic ones obviously) but Kanyin is ADORABLE. His name is perfect as well. Kudos to his designer for such a well thought out character, AND for doing a pet-based NPC instead of a humanoid one since apparently an overwhelming majority of the entries were humanoid.
25
Kestrel
Good choices, I really like different things about all of them. c:
Congrats, finalists, they're all great!
Congrats, finalists, they're all great!
0
Papillon
Congrats everyone who got chosen and good luck! I really like most of these entries and cant wait to see who wins. Can I request of the mods that if Shanti wins that you consider maybe putting her in a rigid/everyday use wheelchair instead of one like in the picture? A lot of people who are in wheelchairs long term don't use those types and it'd be nice to have more correct representation. Though I do know that its based on individual needs and availability because not everyone can get/buy a rigid wheelchair or wants one (for example my stepsister had one like Shanti), but a lot more people out there use them long term compared to those hospital types. It could make sense that Shanti uses the generalized type, but just something to take into consideration, please. Thank you and again, congrats and good luck to all the winners!
23
Evy
I didn't expect this to be so difficult. They all have specific things and qualities that I like.
I just know that as soon as I'm going to vote for the one, I'm going to regret not having voted for another.
I just know that as soon as I'm going to vote for the one, I'm going to regret not having voted for another.
3
Marlboro
Really tough decision but I chose Shanti, I like her backstory, the design and I think we finally can have an NPC that represents the handicap users here on Subeta.
10
Kisrah
Ahhh so many great ideas! I wish we could pick more than one, but I guess that defeats the objective. ^^;
I'd love to see March or Charlize win. I don't think Subeta has any autistic NPCs, and this would be a great chance to give them some representation. <3
I'd love to see March or Charlize win. I don't think Subeta has any autistic NPCs, and this would be a great chance to give them some representation. <3
1
Desilyna
I voted for Shanti because I think the artwork is great, she's cute, and I liked her story too.
6
Bathory
All these designs are excellent and it would be awesome if they could all be used around the site for different things not just the beanbag npc.
9
innamoramento
wow. like many others said already: though choice! especially 2 of them. i blame the artists that made them. >.< [sorry, not sorry] at the same time, i want to congratulate the finalists: you guys did an amazing job!
but i'd like to add that the characters that don't get chosen now, as well as with the others, some of them need to be used in future shops - just change beanbag for whatever shop specialty.
but i'd like to add that the characters that don't get chosen now, as well as with the others, some of them need to be used in future shops - just change beanbag for whatever shop specialty.
9
Dice
At first glance I thought this was going to be easy, but on closer inspection I could happily have three of them. Argh!
2
Valenrhyme
It is so dang hard to choose! They're all so lovely and unique, i really can't decide. ill have to think about this for a while.
3