[Consortium] Sponsors for prizes

Hi, As per the previous message regarding the template competition I am seeking sponsors for prizes that can be given to the winners of the design competition. However I am also seeking sponsors for a higher level of award that is now well overdue. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ All of us have used Linux Audio tools for our businesses and have a debt of gratitude to the Linux Audio Developers community. There are some very specific names that deserve official recognition for their motivation, dedication and all round superstar qualities. I would like to see the next Linux Audio Conference as the inaugural awards ceremony for Linux Audio Developers, Musicians, and Supporters. I am proposing a series of awards that will be sponsored by members of the Consortium. Obviously there will be a lifetime achievement award but we also need a couple of other categories. Some suggestions are: Developers: Best Audio recording software Best Midi software Best DJ software Best Sequencing software Best Plugin Most Active contributor Most Active evangalist Best Blog Best Forum Users: Most likely to receive a record contract Most popular track on LAM Best Electronic Track Best Classical Track Best Pop Track Best Rock Track Best Audio recording The list could go on.... Once we have a list we will take submissions from the public Then we have two choices. 1: It will be upto the consortium board to select the recipients in a private vote. 2: We keep the process completely open if there is enough will for it. But this would require a good voting system. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ - Obviously we can't give a prize to everyone who deserves it but we can make it an annual ceremony that will give people recognition and may also encourage more people to get involved in the community. - I can see an opportunity for logo placement and write ups in the various audio magazines who will no doubt run spots with the details once we give them the press release as there are a few members who already have good connections to get things printed. - There will also be opportunity for logos to be displayed on the official websites during the competition and of course the goodwill generated by returning something back to the community is priceless. - I will not set any limitations for the prizes that can be offered. I think it really depends on how much value you receive from the community and how much of an impact you would like to make by sponsoring. After all this is the inaugural ceremony so there are bound to be some hiccups along the way and we don't want to promise anything or set the bar too high. For what it is worth my company Boost Hardware is sponsoring $US500 for the template competition. I think there are some deeper pockets or at the very least some cooler prizes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feel free to contact me off list with suggestions or pledges. I will start building out the details on the lau.linuxaudio.org subdomain this weekend. As soon as I have a pledge your company logo will receive a prominent spot on the site. If you want to sponsor the template competition I will put the prize details up immediately but specific details for the awards will be kept secret until we have some momentum. Also if you want to sponsor a specific award that will be great. Just remember that the bigger the prize the more likely it is that people will notice it and remember. Booby prizes are welcome too though and will be fairly distributed so don't feel embarrassed if you don't offer as much as the next guy. Everything counts and makes the event more memorable. -- Patrick Shirkey Boost Hardware Ltd.