Idea Contest 2.0 May 3, 2007

I'm pleased to announce the second event of Idea Contest 2.0 (entitled: Solve a problem - win a job, cash or stock). For more information go to the new event listing: http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/201922/

or visit the event's meetup site: http://newtech.meetup.com/54

For those who didn't make it for the previous one you can check the videos from the event at our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/ideacontest

Previous Event Description:

Let's face it - a lot of us are busy working on projects that pay the bills but don't really fulfill our idealistic aspirations. We'd like to contribute to something that has significance in the grander scheme of things, without deserting what we are currently working for. Is there a way?

Enter Idea Contest 2.0 - Here you can brainstorm in teams composed of people with diverse skill sets (founders, developers, entrepreneurs, VCs, marketing, PR etc.) and within 15 minutes come up with an idea that could improve our world, even by a little.

But you don't have to quit your job, or commit to any responsibility that will burden your already busy schedule. Think freely without worrying. And if your team wins the vote at the end, I'll try to get you a chance to show off your idea in one of the popular New Tech meetups in the Bay Area (SF New Tech, SFBeta, Silicon Valley New Tech, STIRR etc.) and AUCTION it off. Feeling magnanimous? Ask only to be acknowledged as the originator of the idea. Want a cut of the action? Why don't you ask for a percentage of the profits in exchange for some of your time every month in the form of advice and expertise to the team that won the bid? Don't want to auction it off but would rather do it yourself? You can do that too.

What matters is tapping the creative capital of the Bay area and using it for some good without the risk of a personal crash. Sounds good? Sign up!

NEWEST UPDATE (May 1st):

Just hired a professional production group. There are going to be two cameras, microphones for each brainstorming groups and other goodies. You want to have your 60 second idea pitch broadcast professionally on YouTube? Here's your chance! Sign up! http://www.theideacontest.com

UPDATE (30th of April):

Given that more than 25 people have RSVPed "Yes" (as of noon today 29 to be exact, and still have 12 Maybes) the event will be held at a better venue. This means we'll have the whole restaurant to ourselves, with free food and a production group filming the event. There will also be a slight modification of the time, it will now start at 7.30 p.m. instead of 7.

It would be helpful if the persons from upcoming.org who are probably going to come RSVP using the event's website so I can make sure there will be enough food for everybody.

UPDATE (28th of April):

Hello everybody,

First of all, thanks for signing up. Those who haven't, go ahead and sign up! We now have 51 members but only 37 have RSVPed. Whoever hasn't RSVPed please do so as soon as possible. For those who have RSVPed I need to know who's *really* coming. So I want all the "Maybes" to change to either "Yes" or "No" by SUNDAY. And please, don't flake at the last minute. If a couple of minutes before the event flossing your neighbor's dog could become a higher priority you might as well RSVP "No" from now.

About the Venues:

If we are going to be under 25 then we can use the office space of a member who so generously offered to help out, which is located on Brannan and 2nd street. If we are going to be over 25 I have made auxiliary arrangements for another venue on 3rd St. and Townsend. This venue is a restaurant and we're going to have it all to ourselves. There's going to be free food (sponsored by myself unless I find a sponsor) but you'd have to pay for your drinks. Remember, I need to know by SUNDAY whether we'll be over 25 because Monday morning the restaurant owner wants an answer.

Now there is a possibility that Adobe/Macromedia (on Townsend and 7th) will host us due to a connection I made recently. If that happens and we are under 25 persons I'll probably decline because it would be quite embarrassing showing up at Adobe HQ with 3-5 of my friends and claiming we are the "event".

Smile you're on Camera.

If we are more than 25 I will be hiring a production group to film the event.

Twice as cool as the 12 Monkeys:

There will be 24 Monkeys joining us at the event (http://tinyurl.com/334ssa). They will be distributed to the participants in order to be launched at any team that exceeds their time limit. Please don't bring your own monkey.

60 Second Soap Box

At the end of the event any participant will have the opportunity to present an idea, ask for people that would like work on it, ask for a job, ask for employees or say anything he/she damn well pleases. Karaoke equipment will not be present at the event - but you can bring your own. Excruciating singers will be generously rewarded with flying Monkeys and Sonic Grenades (http://tinyurl.com/yj55uk).

More details about the event's structure can be found here: http://www.changeyourreality.com/event

If anyone has any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to email me.

Don't forget, RSVP till SUNDAY. No Maybes!

See you soon,

Alexander Pagidas.

Official Website: http://www.theideacontest.com