20something/20something
So my first instinct upon seeing this linked on Publishers Lunch was to immediately rack my brain for ideas in order to enter ASAP. Because every Manhattan-bound girl could use an extra 20 grand. But then I read some of the fine print:
• Don’t trust anyone over 30.
First of all, that statement was obviously concocted by people way, way over thirty who remember the 1960s with fondness. Which isn't a bad thing, just telling.
ELIGIBILITY.
The contest is open to legal residents of the United States excluding Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Florida and Puerto Rico.
Now, I know there's a good reason why all of these states are excluded, but usually when I see contests advertised, it's just Puerto Rico that's excluded. What's wrong with the other ones? Surely there are some brilliant twentysomething writers whose work is just waiting to be discovered?
Or will they have to become instant "legal residents" of some other state to enter.
Anyway, I'm really just nitpicking the fine print. The end result is that 28 people will see their essays anthologized in a book to be published in September 2006. And they might not all be New York bloggers...
guess i'm excluded.
Posted by: christin | May 27, 2005 at 10:06 AM
And quite right too. We let you in and we'll have to let everyone in!
Posted by: John Rickards | May 27, 2005 at 10:36 AM
ok i just read the actual contest and now i'm officially mad. I could actually write something decent along these lines! why the hell is Illinois out?????
Rickards are you behind this?
Posted by: christin | May 27, 2005 at 10:43 AM
I am. And I'd do it again, do it again in an instant I tell you!!
AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Posted by: John Rickards | May 27, 2005 at 10:58 AM
John couldn't have had anything to do with this. There's nary a weasel or goat to be found. No, this reeks of Sarah's cattiness. Sure, on the face of things she may seem to be your friend, but everyone really knows she hates you.
Posted by: Bryon | May 27, 2005 at 12:15 PM
Yeah, but as far as I can see, Canadians aren't legal residents of anywhere. Including Canada.
Posted by: Sarah | May 27, 2005 at 01:17 PM
As a resident of Jupiter - the planet, not the town in Florida where Burt Reynolds used to operate a dinner theater...
(see Lit-Idol pictures and discussion of the McDermid measurement unit below in SHOTS magazine entry)
I am 4.672 years old - well under the age limit. And since I live "west" of Illinois, am I eligible for this competition?
If I am disqualified by some Earth-centric bias, I am willing to perpetrate a fraud and ghost write an entry for any illiterate slacker willing to act as my "front." The organizers at Random House should be O.K. with this. After all, "You can't trust anyone over 30."
Posted by: Otis | May 28, 2005 at 11:10 AM
Just found out about this....it's interesting, though - if this book becomes a bestseller, wouldn't even the grand prize winner be screwed out of some primo royalties? Just a thought.
Posted by: Tanik | July 22, 2005 at 03:56 PM