We are organizing a contest to determine the OSFlash mascot (Flash Tux).

This was previously going to be a contest to determine the design of the whole site but (a) we didn’t get enough interest and (b) Nicolas Coevoet kindly volunteered his time, design skills and DokuWiki experience to create a new design for the site which I (Aral) tweaked a bit before placing it live on 8th Oct, 2005.

To enter, read the rules below and then email your submission to the OSFlash Mailing List and add it to the OSFlash Mascot Contest Submission Gallery for the world to see!

• Mascot: Our mascot will be called Flux... A cross between Tux (the Linux mascot which has become almost synonymous with open source) and The Flash. Basically, Tux wearning a costume that reminds you of The Flash (http://digitalinflux.com/exhibits/flash/flash_1024.jpg) but with the Flash “f” rune (http://www.glassmode.net/images/flash_rune.gif) on the costume.

Update After much consultation with OSFlash elders and the community, we’re easing the rules a bit. It doesn’t have to be a cross between Tux and The Flash. If you have another idea for an animal that would make a better mascot, go for it. The style rules, however, remain! :)

• Style: Flux must be in the Tux G2 style by Overlord. See http://forum.crystalxp.net/index.php?showtopic=2585 for an English translation of Overlord’s tutorial on how to create Tux G2. See http://tux.crystalxp.net/index.php?let=&aut=&cat=tux2 for Tux 2 variations.

• Extra points: “OSFlash” logo rendered in a crystal look. You can see the logo (”OSFlash”) at the top of the page. We may or may not use the logo, based on how well it fits with the design of the site (but I’m sure we will if it blows us away!)

• Please don’t base your characters on any copyrighted designs (eg. no Yodas, please) as we won’t be able to use them and they won’t be considered for judging.

• Nice and shiny (see http://crystalxp.net for examples)
• Cute
• Wacky
• Zany
• Fun
• Would you want it on your t-shirt? :)

• Aral Balkan (OSFlash co-founder, Ariaware, Flashant.org)
• Mike Chambers (Macromedia, Flash JavaScript Integration Kit)
• Molly E. Holzschlag (Author/Instructor/Web Designer)
• Sonke Rohde (OSFlash co-founder, Riva)

The OSFlash Mascot Contest Submission Gallery will close on October 31st, 2005 at midnight. The winner will be announced on November 8, 2005 (Which happens to be Aral’s birthday!)

Macromedia

Levitated.net (Jared Tarbell)

• Studio 8 from Macromedia
• A limited edition print from Jared Tarbell
• Books from friends of ED.