FAQ: How do I join the Guild? & More...

FAQ: How do I join the Guild?

"So," you ask, "How do I join the CABG?"

There are two ways to join the guild:

1. By invite. You will receive an invitation to join the Guild.

2. By Application. You can request to join the Guild by submitting an application.

"Well," you say, "I have not been invited. How do I send an application to join?"

You must first register for these forums then PM a ADMIN your application.

Go to 'Register' at the top of the page, and fill out the required form. It will take a day or so to process, and the registration might be denied. However, if it is accepted, log in, you should send a Private Message (PM) to an ADMIN: Rook, DarthPineapple, or Legorevolution requesting to join the Guild. This PM needs to include an application with embedded images NOT just links, see below.

"I've registered and I'm getting ready to send the PM to you," you say, "What should the request message contain?"

In order for you to join the CABG, you must have at least 3 MOCs, this gives us a better idea of you building skills. You must embed images you may also give us a link to the folder and tell us what it contains. Tell us why you want to join the Guild, and what you specialize at (Custom Minifigures/Vehicles/Battle scenes/etc.). Then we will decide whether or not you should be accepted into the Guild. REMEMBER a Custom minifigure(s) is(are) not a MOC! We want to see your BUILDING skills. Finally remember a picture says a 1000 words. So make sure to: take pictures that are in focus, resize your images, and clear out all crap in the back ground.

If you are not accepted right away the ADMIN may share your entry with the CABG Council and a vote may be held.

The Council votes 1 of 3 simple answers.

1. Yes
2. No
3. More MOCs

If a majority votes "yes" (51% or higher) then you're in. If they voted "no". You'll be asked to re-submit at a later time (ADMIN may specify exact time for example one month). However if you receive votes for "More MOCs" this the same as far as acceptance. It simply means that the council members are encouraging you to resubmit at the specified date because they believe you are close to developing the skills needed for acceptance. Feel free PM the administrator after a week if you have not received a notice of approval/denial. Also, feel free to continue to supplement your application via your gallery, we don't want extra PMs every other day says "add this too".

If you are not accepted, do not panic, it is just that you may not be good enough yet. With time and inspiration from other members here, your skills will hopefully improve, and your future application is more likely to be approved. Remember most us start out building for fun. Now you need to learn to build to compete.



Basic Photography:
Focus: Simple if it’s not in focus it’s a no.
Background: If you can see anything except an empty floor/wall or a basic studio type back drop it’s a probably no. Photoshop out the background if you need to.
Brightness: Dark images equal fail. If we can’t see it clearly, it’s a no.

Advanced Photography:
Angles: Be knowledgeable about the fact that pictures taken straight on are good but a slight angle gives us a better view of the 3D shape and feel of your MOC.
Color Balance: If you color balance is off. Fix your camera or edit adjust to look right on your computer.
Effect Lighting: Give your MOC a mood if you wish. Like sprinkles on your ice cream Sunday, yum.

Building Techniques:
Gaps: Awkward gaps equals a no.
Greebles: Are a must, but don’t over kill it.
SNOT: Building a good MOC using the SNOT technique is a sure sign of moving beyond the basics.
Color selection: No Rainbows! Rainbow MOCs, aka multi-colors and/or random colored bricks, equals a no.
Piece placement: Don’t put a piece on your MOC unless it has a purpose.
Using unique pieces (single purpose bricks): Explore the large and unusual molded pieces. Sometimes you’ll find one that can be just what your MOC needs. But by themselves it can be a instant fail.
Framing: What to build a bit bigger and/or stronger models but lack the pieces? Building a frame styled MOC gives you the size you’ll need and will allow for space inside the MOC to and all the playable goodness a MOC should have.
Plating: Ok you framed the basic shape of ship or vehicle so you’ll need to cover the frame. Plating is usually a good place to start or try some SNOTing if you're ready.
Tiling: Now cover up some of those studs for a more realistic look (Aka: Studless) if you wish, but remember sometimes you will want the texture of the studs.

Minifigures & Decals:
When these are done well, they can give your MOC that extra wow that it needs to contests. Fail to do them well and it'll most likely be a big no.