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Two years ago we ran a fun and successful Christmas competition. This year we have decided to do the same – for two reasons: 1. Competitions are fun, and 2. I am going to be away for a week or two over Christmas.
First Prize
First prize is an 8GB iPod Touch (whichever model is the latest available in January 2010) valued at $199.00
Second Prize
Second prize is an 8GB iPod Nano (whichever model is the latest available in January 2010) valued at $149.00 in any color of your choosing.
Third Prize
Third prize is a 4GB iPod Shuffle (whichever model is the latest available in January 2010) valued at $79.00 in any color of your choosing.
Remaining Prizes
In addition to the above prizes, five published lists will be chosen at random to win a free copy of the Listverse book: The Ultimate Book of Top 10 Lists.
How it Works
The winner will be the person who contributes the list that I feature on the front page of the site on Christmas Day (December 25, 2009). The second place getter will have their list featured on the front page on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2009), and the third place getter will have their list featured on the front page the day before Christmas Eve (December 23, 2009).
At least five other (though I reserve the right to publish all regardless of number) lists will be published, and of those extra published lists, five people will be randomly selected to win a copy of our book.
The Rules
List Format: In order to enter, you must write a list of at least 10 items and include an overall description of your list for the opening paragraph. You can send the list in text form – no markup please. Each item on your list should contain at least one or two paragraphs – please no less or more. Each paragraph should be between 100 and 150 words.
List Topics: The topic of your list can be anything you like. I will accept lists relating to Christmas, but I would like a good variety of many topics so we don’t have a month of nothing but Christmas lists in December. The winning lists may not have anything to do with Christmas – they will be the best of the lists I receive regardless of topic. Remember, bizarre lists are the most popular here – so you might edge ahead with a bizarre list. Other than that, miscellaneous, science, and crime are also popular.
List Content: All content must be your own – you must not copy lists from other sites, text from other sites, or books. A good way to test this out is to do a google search for the list idea to see if anyone else has done it already. Lists must also not duplicate content from Listverse. Please spellcheck twice and grammar check twice. If I have to edit the list I will reject it.
Important Dates: No lists will be accepted after Midnight PST on the 14th of December, 2009. I reserve the right to publish any or all of the submitted lists from the 15th of December. All published lists will be marked as part of the competition. This means that if your submission does not win, it might appear on the site as early as the 15th (though you will still be in the draw for the book prizes).
Copyright: All lists submitted become the property of Jamie Frater (representing Listverse). Once the competition is over, all lists will be included in the general pool of lists for publication at any further date.
Single Entries: Entries are limited to one per person.
Submitting Your List
Please submit lists in text format (either as an attachment or directly in the email) to jfrater@listverse.com.
Please include your username from Listverse, your real name, and use an email address that I can reply to if you win (as I will need your address for prize delivery).
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I hope I win SECOND PLACE! …I don’t need another touch. Barely use the one I’ve got as it is.
Single Entry, Jamie? Does that mean we can only submit one that month? If we choose to submit more, can we add in the comment section which one we want to be the contest entry? I do owe you a number of lists that have been lying around my hard drive, a third to halfway finished.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
@gabi319 (1): You can submit one between now and the end of the competition. Pick the one you like the best, focus on getting it perfect, and submit it
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I must say, I like those prizes. I’m gonna try my hardest to come up with something interesting.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
“Your list should contain at least one or two paragraphs – please no less or more. Each paragraph should be between 100 and 150 words.”
I do not really understand this part.
The entire list should only be one or two paragraphs?
I’m German, sorry.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:54 pm
sdasdas
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
@Les (4): please no less
German or not, according to the rules you aren’t eligible.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
@Les
That was confusing for me too. I think he means that each item should be no more that 1 or 2 paragraphs. He doesn’t want an essay for every item, nor just a picture and title.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:25 pm
O shit! I may just have to bust out a sweet ass list!
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:29 pm
quick question… If the list that is created by the contestant already exists, but is much stronger in content, is the list still applicable for competing? For example, list of ten amazing red cars and why they are amazing (in interesting detail), as opposed to list of ten red cars. it’s a rough example, however i hope you understand me.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:41 pm
How about accompanying photos/art for the submitted list?
Is this also the responsibility of the submitter, or do you handle that, Jamie?
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Sounds like fun.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:45 pm
@interestingquestion (9):
I think that would fall under “Lists must also not duplicate content from Listverse.” I think the new list has gotta be as unique as one can get.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
can anyone in the world compete? e.g. I’m Romanian.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
if we sent in a list recently are we aloud to use that list????
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
cool, to be honest i’d be happy with the book lol
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I just submitted a list earlier today, would that be included? Not that it matters, I already have an iPod, I’d rather it go to somebody who really needs it (as opposed to me just selling it). Hell, I’d actually be perfectly content getting a list published without Jfrater adding onto it. But just for the record, will lists submitted prior to this announcement be included?
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Ok so are we voting or is it your choice who wins? What if you dont like me or ive pissed you off?
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 am
Can I resubmit a list which I’ve already submitted and you haven’t published yet you rotter though that’s probably not the best way to ingratiate myself with the management?
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:24 am
So, can we provide one or two pictures with every item on the list, or just one or two pictures overall?
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 am
@Les (4): My mistake – each ITEM on the list is what I meant.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 am
@interestingquestion (9): No – it is not eligible – the list must not be a duplicate of any on the site (no matter how much better yours be) – if you really think yours is better, find a new way of presenting the same material. Exempli gratia – if we have a “top 10 best horror films” – consider doing a “top 10 horror films that were banned”. Find a twist for your list.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:56 am
@deeeziner (10): Normally I handle that – thought oftentimes people will submit image URLs and I try to use them when possible. You do not have to include images – but if you do, I may use them or not. It is up to you whether you want to put in the extra effort to find applicable images.
Having said that, if your list contains entries that are so obscure (which is a good thing) that even Google images can’t find something suitable (in other words – you submit items I won’t be able to find images for), consider scanning some in for me or finding direct links to images that Google hasn’t indexed. It will make my life easier and will improve your chances
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 am
@stefania (13): Absolutely! Quite often lists submitted from non-US and non-UK people are especially interesting as they give us a new perspective on things. If I can’t get Amazon to ship a prize to you directly I will go to an Apple Store where I live, buy the prize, and post it to you personally.
There are no limits at all on entry – this competition is NOT restricted to Europe or North America.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 am
@kristi (14): Yes – you can resubmit the list. But bear in mind that if it hasn’t been published yet, there may be flaws that are preventing me from using it. Go over the list, make sure it complies with the rules here, and rewrite if necessary.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 am
@gr8flddfn (15): If you win the first prize I am happy to substitute
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:02 am
@ianz09 (16): You did? I haven’t received it – did you send it via the submissions page?
You said: “Hell, I’d actually be perfectly content getting a list published without Jfrater adding onto it.” – have you sent in a list before that I modified? There is always the risk (for the sender) that I will modify something if I think it will benefit from it. What was the list you speak of?
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 am
@littlegoldwoman (17): I am voting. No matter what I think of anyone that sends in a list, I will be fair about the decision. I don’t exclude submitted lists because of who the author is – if the list is good, I will post it. Fortunately the comments I am likely to receive as a consequence helps to keep me honest on this point
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 am
@astraya (18): Of course – but see my reply in comment 24
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 am
@Perx (19): If you are going to send pictures – you can do so for one or all items – but as I said in an earlier comment, they may not be used. BUT – your list may not be used if you send in a list that refers to items I can’t find any pictures for on Google images; in cases such as this, you should definitely send in links to pictures or the pictures themselves.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:16 am
@ianz09 (16): It appears that I had a number of submitted lists stuck in my gmail spam folder. Any lists which were not submitted through the link on this page are not included. That would mean your list which was sent earlier.
You say you don’t care so much for the first prizes so at least be assured that there will be many more lists in the future that will include competitions to win copies of our book
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 am
“List Content: All content must be your own – you must not copy lists from other sites, text from other sites, or books.”
Can we use an open-source site like wikipedia?
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 am
@astraya (31): Yes – but you must tell me if you do so I can post the appropriate copyrights.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 am
@jfrater (26): 10 Roads That Will Scare You Stupid. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the additions (I guess not so much modifications, the wording of that would be my mistake). I had originally only submitted the introduction and 5 list items, and when it was published, you had added 5 more list items. Definitely not complaining, but it was listed as a double credit, so I have been trying to get a good solid list that need not be added on to.
Anyway, yes I used the submission page, but not the competition link (I’m not too eager for entry anyway, I’m more concerned right now with whether my lists are even good enough for publication). Although, I would gladly accept the book! No need for the iPod, I’m sure another user would be much more deserving, but I would happily accept the book.
It appears that I had a number of submitted lists stuck in my gmail spam folder. Well, that’s disheartening… lol
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 am
Here are some links to the apple website about these iPods -
http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/
http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:19 am
Here are some links to the apple store about these iPods -
apple.com/ipodtouch
apple.com/ipodnano
apple.com/ipodshuffle
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 am
Also for people who don’t know, the iPod nano has a pedometer, an accelerometer, a speaker, a FM radio, and a video camera.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:18 am
Hey JF,it means we CAN use wikipedia,isn’t it? I thought it would be real hard trying to research and write all the info without using the net.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
@jfrater (26): I just have a question… What about the pics? should I add pics to the attached list? (so it looks like the lists published here?) Also… is grammar going to be considered for the winning list? and… we have to list of the sources right? Thank you
! sounds like an awesome contest!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:37 am
lol..sorry I asked more than 1 question XD
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
If we enter it in text form..does that mean you will add the pictures yourself or how exactly do we go about that part of the list?
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:26 am
oops..forgive my question..i knew i should have read the previous ones first=]
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 am
Here’s my entry.
TOP 10 QUESTIONS REGARDING SUBMITTING AN ENTRY TO THE CHRISTMAS LISTVERSE COMPETITION:
1. Does that mean we can only submit one that month?
2. If the list that is created by the contestant already exists, but is much stronger in content, is the list still applicable for competing?
3. How about accompanying photos/art for the submitted list?
4. If we sent in a list recently are we allowed to use that list?
5. Can anyone in the world compete?
6. So are we voting or is it your choice who wins?
7. Can we use an open-source site like wikipedia?
8. The entire list should only be one or two paragraphs?
9. Single Entry, Jamie?
10. What if you dont like me or ive pissed you off?
Thank you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I will not be submitting a list, as I am not clever enough. I think that the things I am interested in, most would find rather boring. However, I look forward to a lot of really good list, and some spirited competition. Good luck everyone.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
@That Guy (41): Almost all of your questions have been asked and answered. There are only 40 posts, so you should be able to trudge your way thru them.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
@Geronimo1618 (36): You can use Wikipedia, yes.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
@samsaragx (37): Bad grammar won’t be published – so yes it is important
Pics are optional – if you send them I may use them, if you don’t, I will find my own.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
@redcaboose: Albeit a bad one, it was more of a joke… I bet you’re a riot at cocktail parties though. A top ten response about a top ten contest? I didn’t think getting it would be that much of a stretch (cough, cough).
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Wait… Ok, I’ve got a legit one. So, I submitted a list prior to the competition announcement. Let’s assume you read it and approve it for publication. Would you hold off publishing a non-competition list SOLELY to make room for lists submitted for the competition? Like, would you post my list AFTER Christmas because you will be publishing (failed) competition lists until then? Or will you not make any distinctions other than for the 3 prize spots? This question hasn’t been asked yet. Unless I am unfortunate enough to discover somebody posted while I was typing.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
@ianz09 (48): All lists submitted normally will be published as per my usual schedule – only lists submitted to the christmas list address will be included in that competition and those lists will begin to appear from the 15th of December.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
@jfrater (49): Alright cool, that means I still have a shot…
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
@Maggot (6): That took me WAY too long to understand.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
@jfrater (21):
Dam it man you gave away my freakin idea for a list!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Oooohhh!! I just finished mine. Now to edit it. Twice.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:30 am
@ants1 (52): If you write it – send it in
November 4th, 2009 at 3:00 am
i might just be stupid or what do you mean username? do you mean like my ‘kristi’ or do i have to subscribe to listverse?
November 4th, 2009 at 3:01 am
oh and do i have to say my last name?
November 4th, 2009 at 3:45 am
@jfrater (46): Thank you
November 4th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Now.. how come I never see my pic beside my posts? hmmmm
November 4th, 2009 at 3:59 am
Oh nevermind… I see my pic now XD Sorry lol
November 4th, 2009 at 8:25 am
I love that the Howling Bells are on the iPod touch.
xoxo
November 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am
single entry?? now that’s not cool, jamie…
November 4th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Hooray! I’m excited for this
November 4th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Man I’d like to have one of those ipod nanos
November 4th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
“Lists must also not duplicate content from Listverse.”
The list I am working on takes its inspiration from a previously published list, and I simply have to include several of the same items (it would ruin the list not to), though I will write my own text or re-edit the wiki article. Is this acceptable?
“The winner will be the person who contributes the list that I feature on the front page of the site on Christmas Day (December 25, 2009).”
My list is possibly NSFC (Not Suitable For Christmas). Does this spoil my chances? I’d hate to be responsible ruining Christmas dinners around the world.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
@Maggot (6): That made me laugh harder than I’ve laughed in a loooong time. Thank you!
November 6th, 2009 at 5:16 am
So Jamie, just a few questions, do you have to submit your list on Christmas to win a prize or you could submit now? And then again, in that statement of yours, (you will be away a wee or two over Christmas), Than that will be a LIST UNIVERSE LIST CRISIS! NO NEW LISTS FOR A WEEK OR TWO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! So ok back again to my question Jamie.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:18 am
Now I always wanna all of these! I wish I win (if I submit a list)
November 6th, 2009 at 8:24 am
i’m preparing my list
November 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
@saber25 (66): In the announcement, it says Jamie will not be accepting competition submissions after the December 14th. Submitting them on Christmas Day would qualify for fail.
November 7th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Sir jfrater i’m planning to join this contest and i’m from the Philippines.
I have some qestions because my understanding of things here might be different from there.
Would it be ok if i type my list in Microsoft Word, attach it in my email and send it to jfrater@listverse.com?
I’m using yahoo mail, would that be fine?
I’m not that much of a computer person. I apologize for my ignornace.
Thanks.
November 7th, 2009 at 2:56 am
ignorance* XD
November 7th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Hey chingpower (70) I’m from Phil. too! So what part are you from? And about you’re question, yes it can be attached sent to the URL of jamie’s email
November 7th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Hey Jamie, please tell me, why are my comments going lower on the “about” link? It’s confusing since I want to be no. 1 while my comments are being lesser
November 8th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Sir jfrater i’m planning to join this contest and i’m from the Philippines.
I have some qestions because my understanding of things here might be different from there.
Would it be ok if i type my list in Microsoft Word, attach it in my email and send it to jfrater@listverse.com?
I’m using yahoo mail, would that be fine?
I’m not that much of a computer person. I apologize for my ignorance.
Thanks.
November 8th, 2009 at 1:23 am
@saber25 (72):
I’m from Zambales but I’m currently studying here in Manila.
How ’bout you?
November 8th, 2009 at 5:32 am
I’m gonna give this a shot. Fuck if I know what to make my list about though.
November 10th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
mr. jfrater,
i just submitted mine awhile ago but not so sure if it passes. incase it doesn’t can i submit another one? thanks ^_^
November 11th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
im adding pics to my list………………do i have to supply the links from which i got the pics????
November 12th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Sir jfrater i’m planning to join this contest and i’m from the Philippines.
I have some questions because my understanding of things here might be different from there.
Would it be ok if i type my list in Microsoft Word, attach it in my email and send it to jfrater@listverse.com?
I’m using yahoo mail, would that be fine?
I’m not that much of a computer person. I apologize for my ignorance.
Thanks.
-my message seems to be ignored
November 12th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
WINRAR:
Here’s my entry.
TOP 10 QUESTIONS REGARDING SUBMITTING AN ENTRY TO THE CHRISTMAS LISTVERSE COMPETITION:
1. Does that mean we can only submit one that month?
2. If the list that is created by the contestant already exists, but is much stronger in content, is the list still applicable for competing?
3. How about accompanying photos/art for the submitted list?
4. If we sent in a list recently are we allowed to use that list?
5. Can anyone in the world compete?
6. So are we voting or is it your choice who wins?
7. Can we use an open-source site like wikipedia?
8. The entire list should only be one or two paragraphs?
9. Single Entry, Jamie?
10. What if you dont like me or ive pissed you off?
Thank you.
November 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Hey chingpower (75) No kidding! I’m from Palawan.
November 21st, 2009 at 7:38 am
@ Red caboose (44): …I think it was a joke. I got it.
November 21st, 2009 at 7:54 am
Jamie’s pretty rich, you know.
Lookin forward to this great copmpetition. Hope I win the book (I REALLY want it
)