Trying to get your start in the field of multimedia, but can't get a break? Here's your chance! Calliope welcomes creative submissions of all kinds. I'm interested in almost any kind of content and style. I prefer presentations that use graphics, sound, and animation, but do have room for a few text-only pieces. My only major guideline is that I prefer presentations that tell a story, whether in a traditional linear way, or a more interactive non-linear way.
If you would like to contribute to Calliope, the first thing you should do is strike up a dialog with me so we can discuss your goals and interests. I'm not looking for any particular kind of story, but encourage people to create what they would most like to create. I also like to work closely with creators from start to finish to make sure their work meets the exacting standards of Calliope (which I believe is to everyone's benefit). I also do accept fully completed works, but may have to edit them (which I will never do without the creator's permission) to suit Calliope.
I'm always happy to give whatever technical, editorial, or creative assistance I can offer, so don't be afraid to come to me with questions. In some cases, I may even be willing to help you with the work in order to get your presentation finished. I can also help connect you with other creative people if you need them; for example, if you wanted some music for your presentation, I could probably find you a musician.
File Formats
Currently, Calliope is done in Director, so all finished presentations will have to run in Director (sorry about that). However, if you're more familiar with HyperCard or SuperCard, I can help you transfer your work over, even if it involves heavy scripting (I'm about equally familiar with HyperTalk, SuperTalk, and Lingo).
I will accept graphics in pretty much any format, though you might want to check with me before sending any really exotic files. PICT is the most convenient, of course. Finished works will have to use 8-bit graphics. If you haven't got a lot of experience working with 8-bit graphics, don't be afraid to ask about dithering, cluts, etc. Generally, I like to have a hand in this part of every presentation, as there are a number of things to keep in mind for optimal 8-bit viewing.
As for sounds, again, I can take most any format, but check with me anyway. AIFF is always best. Finished works will have to use 22kHz 8-bit sounds, but should be recorded at 44kHz 16-bit for maximum clarity and then digitally downsampled. Mono is preferred, but stereo is acceptable.
In addition to the graphic & sound limitations, I don't currently accept QuickTime. I realize some people may find these to be irritating limitations, but I firmly believe in keeping Calliope's hardware requirements as low as possible. And remember that 24-bit graphics, 44kHz 16-bit stereo sound, and QuickTime are only means, not ends in themselves.
Rights & Royalties
Before you send anything, you might want to check out the document called "Sample Contract", which is just what the name suggests, and make sure you're comfortable with the terms within. I've tried to keep the contract as simple as possible, but please don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions about it. Basically, it asks for one-time international publication rights, guarantees that creators retain full creative rights, and offers a small royalty for their work. Royalties aren't much; currently, they range from about 1% - 4% of gross, depending on the amount of work I feel went into a given presentation. I may raise or lower the percentages offered, depending on Calliope's sales. I MAKE NO GUARANTEES REGARDING GROSS INCOME. I just don't know how many copies I'm going to sell. In other words, you should be in this for the chance to be professionally published, not for the money. In the future, I will probably offer a flat rate as an alternative to those who prefer it.
Mailing Media
Please don't mail media without contacting me first! If you do, I can't guarantee to return it, and I really hate not being able to return stuff. If you want to send large samples on removable media, get in touch with me and we'll work out the details. Chances are I'll be willing to pay the return postage if you just let me know in advance. Media I can currently accept are: 3.5" floppy, CD-ROM, 8mm tape, 44/88 Syquest, and 230 Bernoulli. If you only have access to some other format, let me know, and we can probably work something out.
Addresses
Files can be mailed to any of the email addresses below. If you're not on CompuServe, AOL, or eWorld, I will accept BinHex'd files as email messages.
