I would like to welcome you to the Pixelmaniac website. My name is Nancy-Lise (Nalie). I've been the owner of this group since it's beginning in February 2004. If you're on this website, maybe you would like to join our group? Here's a brief description of how our groups works in order to help decide if you would like to join or not. That way, you'll be less confused when you do join. WHAT ARE THE WEEKLY ACTIVITIES? Monday: Monday is reserved for tutorials. All tutorials are done with Paint Shop Pro. Wednesday: Wednesday is a sharing day between members. Also, every other week, we will have a refresh tutorial from Elisita. Friday: Outline On Friday, an outline is offered to the members. You can do it or not, using your preferred technique (pastel, shading, dithering, PRIM, or traditional). On the last Friday of each month, there will be a scrapbooking tutorial offered by Froggy. It is important for you to know that one activity a week is mandatory You are more than welcome to submit your own activity. Please send me a private email and I'll add you to the schedule. IS THERE A LOT OF EMAILS Pixelmaniac is an active group. There are an average of about 50-100 emails a day and sometimes more. WHAT IF I AM A BEGINNER? If you tell yourself "I don't know anything about pixel but I'd like to learn". There is a section of the website called "nouveau membres" (new members) that is entirely dedicated to all of pixel's technique. So if you are a beginner, this group is also for you. We'll gladly accompany you in your learning endeavors. WHAT ARE THE GROUP RULES? 1- Respect the members. No critics, defamation, racist or pornographic comments will be tolerated. If you act in that manner, your membership will be cancelled. We are here to share and learn. Only constructive critics that are made to improve results will be allowed. If you have a problem with a member of the group, alert a moderator but not in a "to everyone" mail; only in private. 2 - Please insert your images in the email and not as an attachment. Use full page stationary, it's easier on the eye! :) Most members use Incredimail. 3- Spam, and virus alert, etc, is not allowed. Contact a moderator if you are aware of a virus alert so that we can verify if it's a hoax or a legitimate concern. 4- Keep your antivirus up to date.. 5- One mandatory participation every week (either Monday or Friday's activity). Your participation rewards our work. If you are planning to be away for a while (holidays, sickness, work, etc.), please advise a moderator ahead to time. 6- The size of the emails should not be more that 250 kb max and those containing animation should not go over 400 kb. If you go over time and time again, you will be limited to 4 messages a day. 7- Copyright law in tutorials is important. Please read the conditions, if any. They are different for each tutorial writer. Here you have it. It's not very pleasant but important for the group to function in an orderly manner. HOW TO JOIN? Just send me an email at talisman2000@videotron.ca, and indicate: Your username: The email you will be using: Website's address (if any): Birthday: (It is important to chose your email address carefully so you will not have to change it regularly. If you want your name to show in the email address, just create it accordingly). HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT TO JOIN? Membership applications are processed once a week, on Monday. You will receive a welcome email with a username and a password that will allow you to access the "Nouveau Membre" (new member) section of the website. This is where we store the tutorials explaining different pixel techniques.