Air America's ad competition gets traction. The idea is simple: there are a few geniuses out there among us who are just waiting to be discovered and then work for important causes, like getting Obama elected. Good idea...
The idea was really simple. Who doesn't have dreams of doing something creative, something fulfilling, something that will change the world? (Lots of people don't, it's true.) At least some do, right?
Air America wants to explore what this could mean for the future of activism. The ad competition I've been pushing here is part of that exploration.
Back when I ran Context Books, I was guided by a simple principle: sometimes truly important stuff (new, uncharted) needed help seeing the light of day. Get it out there, and humanity will do the rest--word of mouth, pass-along, all that. It worked and I published several authors whose manuscripts had been rejected 50+ times who went on to win major kudos, including a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle, a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a J Anthony Lucas finalist, an international bestseller, etc.
What happens when you extend an open invitation to the world? If you've ever watched the cattle calls for American Idol, you know. A lot of people show up. Voting is something folks like to do. Sure, going to a polling station is a drag for some, but let an apathetic non-voter text in their vote and you'll see record "turn out." Voting offers the chance for people to express themselves, and if it's easy they'll do it.
What is all this blahbittyblah? Well, I think this little competition is a good direction. Competition-for-change has been my pet project for a while, and if the thinking behind it is even ballpark correct you'll see how it generates memes and action and change.
So here's the deal: If you're feeling creative, I hope you will take the opportunity to enter the competition. (No entries after Oct 26.) All the information you need can be found here.
Check out the below entry. It's one of many that $500 and good intentions can buy.