I've seen tons of newcomers who buy Stardock products for the first time and they're happy with it. They get things just the way they want and now they want to show it off in the hallowed screenshot gallery.
This could be intimidating to a newbie especially after browsing some of the classy yet complex looking concepts.
6 years ago, I was there and didn't have a clue.
So now they're ready to present this great looking screenshot, but there's one small problem.
They don't know how.
I remember one proud user took a picture of his computer screen with a camera, then submitted it because in his mind, it was a shot of his screen.
Once I saw that, I got the idea of creating a broad tutorial called Screenshot 101 that would sit with the rest of the community tutorials.
The tutorial will entail everything you need to know about screenshooting from square one PRT SCR, to building, super-imposed layering, context, symmetry, flow and finally how to submit the finished shot. There will be pictures and highlighted examples breaking down all areas.
Plus, there will also be an Internal Link to a forum called How Did They Do That?
This is kinda cool because this is for if there is a shot that a person is really interested in recreating for themselves, but they can't quite get it the same way. They can come to this Forum with that particular shot and ask the shooter directly, how did you do it?
The purpose of the Forum would be best because the shooter wouldn't have to answer the same question over and over if there are several people with the same interest. Instead all you'd have to say is click this LINK Reply#? and there's the answer.
This will answer advanced and more specific questions about personalized docks, icons, reflection settings, tabs, linking applications and sites, fly-outs, transparency usage, recoloring, stat meters, things of this nature. But its coming straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
I believe this would encourage a higher involvement from newer users who may other wise pass on the opportunity for the lack of knowledge.
I believe this would encourage normally quiet shooters who don't always participate in forum activities to become increasingly proactive, giving them a sense of purpose and esteem in describing the finer points of their concepts. Utilizing a translator, this could break language barriers as well.
I also believe that this would increase a higher over-all quality and standard of shots for all shooters here.
I feel it's a hell of an easy way to learn this stuff yet the real hidden beauty in this is, this isn't offered anywhere.
If a new user finds this stuff to be really easy, they'll bring more new subscribers.
It's just an idea.
