Introduction

FiringSquad Editors Challenge 2007

• Read contest rules

So you think you can be a FiringSquad editor? We’re willing to give Away $3,500 in cash, valuable hardware including the Intel® Core 2™Duo Extreme processor and $15,000 in contracts to the two people who can prove it.

How many times have you gone to your favorite website and said, "That review sucks. I can do better." Now is your chance to prove it. With the help of our sponsor, Intel, we're launching the first ever FiringSquad Editors Challenge. But this is more than a simple contest -- the winners of this competition will be offered either a $10,000 writing contract or a $5,000 video contract with FiringSquad.com. No, you won't be able to quit your day job – but you will get a chance to test the latest hardware and software and have a chance to make a difference in this industry. Beyond that, the limits are up to you.

Even if you're just a FiringSquad reader, this is your chance to make a difference too. That's because your votes are going to help select the winner.

We’re looking for editors with two distinct skill sets; written and video, and depending on your area of expertise, you could win one or both categories. The winners in both categories will receive cash, prizes and be offered contracts to work for FiringSquad.

How to Participate in the Editors Challenge – Written

The first step is to make sure you're a registered FiringSquad.com user. That's because you'll be submitting your entries using our new Media-Blog system. In this first stage, it's open season. You can do whatever you want on whatever topic you want. It can be a review, an editorial, a tutorial, a daily blog, a "top 10" article, a comic, and can include video, pictures, and even audio. You'll need to join the "FiringSquad Editors Challenge" cluster in order for your mblog(s) to be considered.

The only rules are that your entry:

1) Must be your original work
2) Must be related to gaming or technology industry
3) Must be G-rated for general audience consumption.

Preliminary Rounds
Preliminary 1 - February 7 through February 14
Preliminary 2 - February 21 through February 28

You may enter either of the preliminary rounds to qualify. It’s technically possible to apply during both preliminary rounds, but you only have one chance to make a first impression, so take your time in coming up with your first entry. While each preliminary will last 7 days, the sooner you submit your entry, the more votes you're likely to get. There's no limit to the number of entries you can submit during this part of the contest, but it's a better idea to have one exceptional entry instead of five mediocre ones.

FiringSquad will be featuring a few entries each day as part of our coverage. The 15 authors with the most popular media-blogs from each preliminary round will move on to round 2 of the competition.

Waiting for the second preliminary round is going to give you more time to prepare your entry, but you may want to consider that the competition may be easier in the first preliminary, so choose wisely. Remember, a lot of cash is at stake here…

Round 2 - March 7 through March 14
Now things get more intense. FiringSquad’s editors will be working more closely with each of the 30 contestants. We'll be pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each contestant's writing/video and be coaching them through this process. Once again, contestants will have just 7 days to complete their media blog entries. Once your media blog is posted, your fate will fall into the hands of the FiringSquad readers and editors who will have a week to evaluate and score your work. On March 19 we’ll announce the 10 finalists who will proceed on to Round 3.

Challenge Round - March 19 through March 23
On March 19 we’ll announce the topic of the challenge round. No one will be eliminated in this round, but this is your chance to really let your creativity flow. Your success in this competition is dependent on winning over the general voting public. Take this opportunity to bond with the FiringSquad readers.

The Top 10 - March 28 through April 4
The competition really begins once you make it to the top 10. FiringSquad will be providing you with the specific product that you will need to review. You’ll keep the hardware as a reward for making it thus far. At this point, FiringSquad’s editors will be taking a mentorship role with each writer. We'll be doing hands-on coaching, and helping you improve your writing style. The FiringSquad editors will announce the 2 finalists on April 10.

Championship Round - April 17 through April 24
For the final round, each of the finalists will receive an Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme microprocessor for their final review media blog. Regardless of the outcome of the competition, the finalists will keep the Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessors. The public will have 5 days to review and grade the finalists and the editors will announce the winner on May 1.