I think a version of this basic idea could be doable without having to undergo the real effort required of a full blown beauty pageant. What about a calender instead?
I also think there should be two versions of the calender representing the primary gender orientations. The alternative orientations can buy either or both calenders if they are so inclined. I also think the images should have a science and H+ overtone reminiscent of Natasha Vita Moore's work.
The twelve images chosen for each calender would be through a competition here among all the members and they can submit up to twelve images each to be voted individually on by all the members in stages to reduce their number to manageable level incrementally. The images must be free of copyright restriction to be eligible and they could be *soft sexual*, hi-tech, social, pure art or a combination of subjects. The contest winners would receive a prize based on some benefits and some cash. The calenders would then be distributed for sale online but also as sign-up awards and the 2009 version would be made available at the planned conference. Full members might even have access to past calenders as a free download.
It is late in the game to undergo this process for 2008 but it is not too late to initiate a 2009 calender project and some carefully placed sponsorships could also be used as additional revenue sources once the basic document is created . Each page could have a unique and discrete sponsor ad that *bid* for through a silent auction process among our client list and others. This would not only create a constant presentation of our organization for some time to come but also promote our select sponsors and these could include other H+ organizations.
Also I think a well crafted calender could have at least 3 or 4 formats, a small magnet fridge type, a standard wall size, a desk top and a limited edition high quality glossy oversize.
A beauty pageant is a one time affair, and generally forgotten a day later but a calender lasts a year and good calenders are collectibles.
I also think we could get crafty and develop a format that can be woven into digital formats and become a part of online and smart phone electronic planners.
I didn't realize we/you had the capability. Calendars are pretty charming, and we could distribute them to regular posters as a nice incentive. Lulu.com can generate the custom calenders.
Each page could have a unique and discrete sponsor ad that *bid* for through a silent auction process among our client list and others. This would not only create a constant presentation of our organization for some time to come but also promote our select sponsors and these could include other H+ organizations.
Sounds good. But what company do we use to find the sponsors? Now that I think of it I haven't seen a single banner ad on this site! How do you keep the wheels turing?
The real question, as always, is attracting the attention of the outside world. We could draw in new users to the site through affiliate banners promoting the contest and showcasing potential contestants? An affiliate program would probably work, but costs some healthy bucks upfront. As you know there are sooo many specialty sites out there that target advertising might erroneously concentrate on. The only reason I suggested a pageant was because I figured it'd be cheap and attract the attention of news cameras, like how a runway show does. Obviously the pageants are completely forgettable, the only contestants I can remember off hand are the ones that acted out of character, like the girl who flubbed in the Miss Teen USA, and Vanessa Williams. All pageants are the same, but the reason why the contest is held is most important. Also do we have enough courageous guys and (esp.) gals comming here to compete for a chance in a calender for Mr. and Mrs. Calorie Restriction 2009? We'd need to get featured on Rocketboom.
Edited by solbanger, 12 January 2008 - 12:53 AM.
