Instructions and call-out to artists.

text/avatars/README.TXT

+Avatar Collections
+==================
+$Id$
+
+This directory (text/avatars) is used to store collections of avatars which may
+be used by the users of this BBS as the source of their personal user avatar.
+Once an avatar is selected by the user, they can edit it to their liking and
+even download it for upload and use on other supporting BBSes.
+
+Avatar collections may be:
+  - created or modified by the local sysop (e.g. using Pablodraw)
+  - imported-from or exported-to a networked message area
+    (e.g. SYNCDATA on DOVE-Net or FidoNet)
+  - downloaded or updated from the Synchronet CVS repository
+
+For instructions and technical details about the Synchronet Avatars module, see
+http://wiki.synchro.net/module:avatars
+
+Artists
+-------
+If you're an ANSI/TextGraphics artist and would like to contribute your
+modifications or additions to any of the stock (from CVS) collections or you
+have collections of your own that you would like to contribute, please send
+them to rob{at}synchro{dot}net or coordinate via #synchronet at irc.synchro.net
+
+Sysops
+------
+If have an avatar collection of your own that you would to share with other
+Synchronet sysops, just name your shared collections <QWK-ID>.*.bin (and place
+them in the text/avatars directory) and add the '-share' option to the
+avatars.js "export" command-line (usually the AVAT-OUT timed event in SCFG->
+External Programs->Timed Events). Doing this will automatically export
+(to the SYNCDATA message area) your shared collection(s) any time they are
+updated and re-export them at the configured ''update_freq'' (set in your
+ctrl/modopts.ini file).
+
+When your shared collections are imported into participating BBSes, they will
+be copied into their text/avatars directory and the filename, with your QWK-ID
+prefix, will remain in tact.
+
+Requirements
+------------
+In order for shared collections to be successfully exported and imported, they
+must first pass the "avatars.js verify" test:
+
+- collections must be in "BinaryText" (.bin) format
+- collections must contain a valid SAUCE record
+- the file "width" (columns) value must be 10
+- the filesize (minus SAUCE) must be evenly divisible by 120 (10 x 6 x 2)
+- the characters used in avatars may not contain specific ctrl chars or 255
+- the attributes used in avatars may not contain the BLINK attribute (0x80)
+- ICE colors are not supported at this time, but are under consideration
+  (your feedback on this matter is appreciated)
+  
+Shared collections should not:
+
+- contain duplicate avatars from other stock or shared collections  
+- contain artwork taken from another party without their permission
+- contain profanity or highly objectionable images (so subjective, I know)
+  
+/* End of File */
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