Monday, 09 November 2009
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Calling...EVERYONE. Contest for the world;
That's right. I'm hosting a contest.
Quite a few people have done it on xanga, and while it's been entertaining, a nice part of the blogger/xangan culture...it's just not really been something I thought about doing. It's not what my xanga's about, you know? Entertaining. I'm pleased when it sparks the minds of those who comes across it, even if I make folks laugh...but it's not my purpose here.But, more and more, the trend in my little niche on xanga, on the blogosphere...with all the others here who far outshine me around this internetly neck of the woods -- I've noticed that we've all been a little frustrated, gloomy.
"What can we do? This doesn't seem to be enough. It's all speeding by us, worse and worse...what the heck can we do to change it? We HAVE to change it."Well, I was talking to my good friend SaturnNights (if I may be so bold as to call 'em my friend) today and I realized something. There's alot that's wrong, bad, or just not great for all our lives nowadays. Alone, it's difficult to start things that need doing and that the government is doubtful to start out themselves -- though they should. But money's not the answer to all problems, there's always an alternative, if we can just think of it. The answer is always thought and discussion.
So here's the rub; The world needs you. It needs us.
What better way than a contest?
So to get it started here's what we need;
Ideas for what you win. Art, stuff, whatever -- volunteers for making for giving those things (I'm willing to be the main person if I can swing the idea...maybe with help).
And a list of things we need in this country, and in the world, and ways to do it...from there; volunteers.As you get on your way to achieving it, you get your reward (and it'll be totally unique to this contest), and you change the world.
Maybe not cut-and-paste type easy, but not too hard, right?
It'll keep our summer busy at least, xD goodness knows we're not busy enough.
DISCLAIMER; No idea is too small or too big. And this is a work in progress. I sincerely do want to hear everyone's thoughts on the way this contest works, for participation, etc'.Problems, things we need to work on;
~~The government's attitude/opinion toward us citizens; that we're almost disposable/expendable, worth ignoring, that we're not their bosses, etc. (Submitted by Nine_Star_Lotus)Prizes/Rewards/Honoraries (which you get to pick!);
~One Month's Premium on Xanga. (Generously donated by radicalramblings)
~A surprise sketch. (My idea and contribution. I may do something like a flag, or something that reflects your idea. Maybe I'll do a artsy sketch of a photo of you, or what have you. It's up to discussion, and while I don't claim to be the best artist ever, I used to be pretty good. Although, if someone else would like to do this, feel free.)
~"We changed the world" ebook. (Another thing I'm willing to contribute, although I'd love help with this prize, if anyone'd be willing to do that. I think this should be a default prize to everyone.)
~ 1-3 months premium at DeviantArt. For the first and second place winners only...and only if you have a deviant art account that you use. (Generously offered by Dragonqueen08)
~A piece of original artwork by GoGreen, who's sold his art to galleries before, for THE first place winner.Contest ideas/Entries;
NEW UPDATE;
The only rule is that you accomplish something wonderful and world-changing within about a year, that is...by the end of August 2010. Sound fair enough?FAQ so far;
How're we eligible for the prizes?
Just document your idea in action, with photos, blog posts, etc. Preferrably as it happens, this way, it's easy to tell you're for real. But it's not a requirement...this is a big project, so it's understandable that you'll be busy. Video's even better, but like I said, photos and blog entries are sufficient. After all, the default prize is an ebook, I kindof need proper amounts of information in order to write about you and what you've accomplished!So the contest ends at the end of August, 2010. When do we get our prizes?
A week after, to give me time to finish your prizes/organize them for everyone.
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Comments (51)
Hey... something homemade would be nice... or non-hybrid, organic garden seeds, or just think of the opposite of gift certificates to WalMart or Starbucks.
By the way, thanks for the plug... and friend, yes.
Come on everyone!!! Rec this and let's get it going!
@saturnnights -
Of course, I wouldn't want to take all the credit for this idea -- gotta mention the good folks that helped get a person to the point of realization! Happened to be you =)
As for the friend thing; yay! =D
That's pretty much what I was thinking. Something home-made or derived from nature...or both. Maybe, after awhile and after the initial prizes a book could be written about the individuals and we could send them copies, or something. *thinks*
Kevin (SaturnNights) and I were discussing this last night. We don't think there's any point in waiting around for our government to do things for us. They've already made it clear where their priorities lie and it isn't with us. We totally agree that it has to be up to us to change things and we even have ideas... we just aren't sure if our ideas are exactly what you are looking for here. This contest has the makings of a good idea but it's just a lttle vague. Can you elaborate on this for us? (Kevin is at a ball game with his son tonight so he asked me to write you and ask this) He and I are working on something here that may or may not fit into what you are looking for. Until we have a little more info we won't know for sure.
@AwakeandAware -
Stuff that will help...businesses that provide new and better, but affordable things that people need. Technologies, tools, self-sufficiency items, seed and plants/non-industrial agriculture businesses, volunteer teaching I suppose would be pretty good...to teach people skills they should have to do any of those things or live better, for donations...
even mode of transportation alternatives and modification would be a good one.
The reason why it was vague was that I hoped that people would be creative and have their own ideas -- since I reckoned to be too astringent with the things I expected the world needed, then no one would show up, thinking their own bits of creativity and ideas wouldn't work or be good enough to apply; which I sincerely disagree with...most ideas are worthwhile and applicable.
What I'm looking for is, essentially, both for people to create new jobs for themselves that'll improve their own quality of life and that of those around them, and for ideas that will help things in general...campaigns to change ways of thought, more organized protests, other ways of living by example. Ideas and innovative jobs don't even have to be original, inspiration can be taken from history or anywhere else so long as it helps them and others as well.
What was your guys' idea? ^_^
@MyFreedomWings - We'll let you know soon. : )
If you really want to make a difference, you gotta inform everyone you know about H.R. 2454. You have to tell everyone you know about what a a whopping piece of crap it is. You have to inform people how it will hit them hard financially. I go into major detail about it in my newest post. As a Ron Paul supporter, I think you ought to know. Thank you.
Wow your entry was a great start and made me realize something about having a common cause. Xanga is a great place to create a global network for a purpose. Whatever the purpose is, as long as enough people agree about. It doesnt matter if we have a lot of people in our area or in one specific place, but if we even have 2-3 people in each area across the globe, we will have a connection and influence that spans that wide (hoping that it grows). Of course specifically referring to your post this would span across the US, at least for the time being. If theres one thing we need in this country, its more influence on what actually goes on in this country. I feel that people have begun to become expendable fools to the government. And I'm sure that we are also uninformed of the government's true intentions about..well pretty much anything and everything. People are more educated now than ever (i think) and theres no reason for them to be ignored. Thats one cause, or maybe its just a personal cause/problem lol.
@Nine_Star_Lotus -
Having a common cause, something anybody could take up with as much effort as they feel like putting in...all based around a blogging social network is a pretty sweet idea...in theory ^_^'. I've been encouraged by the trends of thought in this community, but I just suppose it depends on our initiative. I haven't any confidence in groups...but I have such tremendous hope in individuals -- so what you said is especially true for this idea, if we have just two or three, across the globe, country, it does have such potential for influence on our society, culture, and what effects all our living.
I'm not sure we haven't always been a bit expendable, to our government. It's just lately I think we're edging closer to "desposable people" rather than "the few that we can sacrifice for such and such reasons". I think we are a bit more aware and informed than we've been in a long time, I can agree with that -- and it is hard to say about the why's when it comes to government reasoning, but I don't think it's solely just a personal cause -- I mean it affects everyone right? You're right that is a cause/problem. ^_^ I'll put it in the post rightaway.
Check out your other site. I have to compliment you and your family on your amazing microfarm! If I had the land and space, I'd totally look into doing that!
Contest can take the energy out of you if you let them.
@TheTheologiansCafe -
I've been willing to wear myself out for less, Theologian. ^_^ I realize the potential for huge-ness this has...I'm just not sure it'll get that far (as far as I hope it will).
Doesn't change my willingness to see this through.
Thanks for commenting, it's always good to see your thoughts on things.
@picassosinatra -
Thanks, Picasso. I try to do what I can. Maybe someday you will have an acre to do something with...or your community will and you'll be able to get involved -- you never know! Thanks for commenting ^_^
Doing something...anything that makes me feel like I'm getting someplace, is good for me. I just have to believe it. I feel overwhelmed and so defeated at times. I have had my faith grow. I believe I'll be fine, but I see rocky stuff ahead.
We need to, everyone as much as possible, find ways of being self-sustaining. We don't want the government to think we need them. The fact is, they need US. As more of us get off the grid, as much as we can, here and there, or completely off the grid, we are making sure the corporations who run the frakkin world get less, and we keep more. I think it's a good idea myself, but I expect resistance, from anyone looking out for the corporate interests. *hint-hint* gee, who might that be?
Grow your own food. I'm loving the garden. It's way too small, but it's great watching food grow, that taste so good too. I'm going to be trading seeds with a friend who also is using organic seed. No harm in seeds, and besides, you can't eat gold. It's a nearly costless investment... just time, and patience. You'll have food to give away too. How can that be bad? Ever had a raw carrot you grew yourself? Oh man...
Been really busy lately. This time of year is always busy for me... everything runs together. I have been thinking about these... not a single big idea, but many small ones. I'll have more for sure, when I can brainstorm more with Awake and Aware, my accomplice. : )
@saturnnights -
I hear you with the gardening thing, and the getting more independent from the system thing -- I'm working on that as well...and there never can be too many of us doing that, that's for sure. Me? I love home grown fresh green beans. Yum~<3
I'm looking forward to hearing the products of your combined neural processes! ^_^
I'm not a huge fan of contests, either. But this one, I can stand behind. I'll donate a month of premium as a prize.
@radicalramblings -
Okay, cool =) *goes to add that to the post* Thank you so much, Radical. I really appreciate all the help or effort anyone decides to lend to this idea.
@radicalramblings -
Oh, before I go this occurred to me; do you reckon people should be allowed to pick their prize/reward(s)...or do you think it should be a private decision between the people who give the prize/reward(s)?
@MyFreedomWings - Hmmm... I think you should either (a) organize the prizes in terms of relative value and give the highest to the first place winner, etc. down the line OR (b) let the winners choose the prize they prefer in that order
@radicalramblings -
Let them choose in the order of value?
Hmm, I think I see what you're suggesting. So the ideas would sort of have a cascading value system from small to big ideas?
A month's premium, for example since it costs you a bit of money -- though less than say a year or life premium (I don't quite recall what all xanga offers anymore, but I do think I remember those two at least), would be somewhere near the top but partially toward the middle in the value system. Right?
@MyFreedomWings - No, no... let them choose in order of first place, second place, etc.
The first place winner gets to choose first, the second place winner gets second choice, the third place winner gets third choice, etc.
OR
If you don't want to let them choose then just put the prizes in order of value. The best prize goes to first place, the second best goes to second place, etc.
AwakeandAware and I were talking last night about this. I wanna say something about our discussion, and I'm pretty sure she'll add to it later, with more detail.
The very best way we can stop these idiots in power, is to stop giving them money. Buy ONLY local. Buy nothing from corporations. Don't shop at Wal-Mark of the Beast, quit your job, and be self-employed, grow your own food, get off the grid completely, get into an alternative community... in short, CHANGE YOUR WHOLE LIFE. Really, do you think your life won't change anyway? At least this is your choice, rather than someone else's. The power that runs the governments of the world are DEPENDANT UPON US. Taking their money hurts them more than anything, and takes their power too. It sounds revolutionary, but it isn't as far as any loyalty to a government goes. I'm not advocating the overthrow of our government, but rather the puppetmasters who are controlling it, and as far as I can see, boycotting crappy business practices always results in change. Considering this "business" is trying to blatently control every last aspect of our lives, I think a boycott of historic proportions is necessary, justified, and ripe for the times we're living in. We do not have to be dependant upon them, but they are already dependant upon us. Think about it.
PS. Thanks Radical Ramblings... nice gift idea! Looks like we've got some enertia here. Let's stomp the thrusters, and get us to light speed. -SN
@radicalramblings -
No, I like your idea better. I just hadn't thought of having first place, second place etc' winners...since I reckoned this'd be a progressive thing, possibly spanning a couple years (I wasn't sure how quick, if at all, it'd pick up).
I'll do that though...so that it's a bit fairer and they can choose. ^_^ thank you so much for your input!
@saturnnights - <3. "Boycott the standard or living" is your suggestion for a contest idea? That's got alot of potential.
I like SaturnNights idea about buying local. I have been making an effort since Feburary to do this. I found a wonderful (but expensive) shop that is all local farmer products. Anything from cheese to meat to spices and milk. I shop there when I can and also the wonderful farmers markets are open. I was talking to my husband last week about boycotting Walmart altogether. But in a stressed economy some of the basic necessities are cheaper there. I will see what I can do though to avoid it all together. Of course this is just all in the mean time until we can get "off the map" too. I am determined to do that and become self-sufficient. I am ready to live a life for myself and my family that truly means something. A life where hard work benifits my family and not the corporations.
Another idea is teaching all the young children in our lives where our food actually comes from and what real food actually is. You made an excellent point about that the other day on my page.
Hey, I haven't read all the comments yet, or thought too hard about an entry yet (It's been real busy with summer classes and work around here) but may I suggest, I know you have a deviantART page, they do contests there all the time. Perhaps you should make a journal about this contest, and i'd gladly advertise it on my page (I've got about a hundred watchers, now how many of them are active is up for debate, but surely some more eyes would see your contest) And for your deviantART version contest, I'd gladly offer a three month and maybe even one month subscription for second place, and features for everyone :D
@freedomabounds -
It's a very good live your example for the world type idea *agrees*
I think alot of us are trying what you and SaturnNights are doing -- trying to become less dependent for food and energy and general living, on the system and on the economy. But I agree that, if alot more of us did it...we'd see a noticeable difference in our country as we know it.
Do you think I should put "Children need education on practical things, like where food comes from and basic skills." Should be listed? I'd probably add "Adults AND Children".
@Dragonqueen08 -
That's an awesome idea, DragonQueen! I think I'll get right to that, I'm sure you'll see it when you get online next. ^_^ Do you want your prize to be solely visible on deviant art users, or do you want me to add it to this xanga entry as well?