Win Up to $500 Blogging about Cell Phone Users and Abusers!
Word Sell is excited to announce a blog contest where you can win from $50 to $500 by writing a post about cell phone users … and abusers.
Rules
Topic. The topic is Cell Phone Users and Abusers. What cell phone behavior drives you crazy? What strange cell phone experiences have you had? How are cell phones (or “mobiles”) helping society … or hurting it? These are the topics we’d like to explore. (Please keep your posts G-rated.)
Deadline. All contest posts must be published on or before Friday, December 5.
Submission. Please include a link to this post in your entry. Please leave a comment with a link to your entry on this post as well - it’s the best way to make sure I don’t miss anything.
Prizes. There are EIGHT prizes in all for a total pot of $1000. We will have ONE $500 winner, THREE $100 winners, and FOUR $50 winners. Winners will be selected RANDOMLY on Monday, December 8.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
My client, Dr. Mike O’Malley, has written a wonderful book called Cell Hell - 55 Cell Phone Users You’d Like to Silence. In an effort to promote his book, he’s generously agreed to put up the money for this blog contest. Mike is a wonderful guy and he is passionate about using cell phones for good rather than not-so-good.
If you’re looking for a great Christmas stocking stuffer, gag gift, or coffee table book, Cell Hell is it. You can get a preview on his site - the photos and humorous commentary should give you a chuckle. And if you don’t recognize yourself or someone you know … well, you’re not getting out enough.
Note - Books can be shipped in any quantity within the continental U.S. For bulk shipments outside the U.S., please contact Mike.
JOIN THE CAUSE - STEAL THE BADGE
We should all do our part to encourage cell phone civility! Whether you participate in the contest or not, please steal the Fight Cell Phone Abuse badge for your blog post and sidebar.
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Maybe you and I can introduce UK slang to Chicago. Brad...
Great competition and fantastic prizes, thanks Brad (and sponsor). Thank you too for giving the humble mobile a mention
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Inbox or FeedReader: The Results of a Reading Experiment
Oh, man! I’m in! Now the challenge is going to be keepin’ it G rated. I know that may sound strange comin’ from me, but you’ll see what I mean when you read it.
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Roamin’ Holiday
Brad, my mind’s starting to hum… I’ve already got some ideas. What a challenge!
Robyn McMasters last blog post..Happy with Your Work?
Brad this looks like great fun!! I can’t wait to participate!
Mother Earths last blog post..Clean Your Oven Without Losing Nose Hairs
Quite a hot topic, Brad–and certainly some fantastic prizes! May I ask how the winners will be chosen?
Jeanne - The selection will be RANDOM. Thanks for asking - I will add the information to the post.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Win Up to $500 Blogging about Cell Phone Users and Abusers!
Too funny, I’m reading this on my mobile now!
Mary-Lynns last blog post..A Sure-Fire Way to Stop Innovation
Brad,
great idea - looking forward to participate!
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..What you See is not Always what you Get
I’m in!
http://survivingnj.com/blog/2008/11/cell_phone_pet_peeve.html
Thanks, Brad!
Sounds like fun…got my thinking cap on
Jackie Camerons last blog post..Great leaders make tough decisions
I’m in, Brad! Certainly a very rich topic to mine, that’s for sure.
Rick Hamricks last blog post..Sunday, is it? (My Sacred Life, Sunday)
Interesting topic, Brad. I’ll have to do some thinking to see if I can come up something. I’m that rare bird that doesn’t get out much, so I have few encounters of the cell-phone kind.
Lillie Ammanns last blog post..Guest Post at Straight from Hel: How Things Change
WOW! Thanks everyone for stopping by - looks like we will have good participation, even from cell phone near- and non-users. Should be interesting. Thanks all of you for your interest!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Win Up to $500 Blogging about Cell Phone Users and Abusers!
i will not be entering the competition (good for everyone else, since i’d probably win) but wanted to say with regard to cell phones, they really have become a blessing and a curse.
the biggest curse in my eye is the fact that they have generated yet one more monthly bill to the plates of so many people. especially those who can’t afford one more bill.
and yes, some people have cut out their home land lines in favor of the mobile phone but there are so many that have just added on.
and for a family of four (for example), there probably is a phone for Mom/Dad/Teenager/Grade Schooler.
don’t get me wrong, i love technology and use it every day. but i hate how “keeping up with the Joneses” leads to making us all one step poorer.
excuse my diatribe.
George Ajazis last blog post..Scrambled Toast
Hey George, Feel free to diatribe around here any time. What I’ve noticed runs up certain phone bills is texting. Young ‘uns can really rack up the text messages.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Win Up to $500 Blogging about Cell Phone Users and Abusers!
Hi Brad, this contest looks great! I unfortunately can’t think of any interesting stories to share on the topic, but I’ll check back to see the submissions.
Good luck everyone!
LearningNerds last blog post..Weekly Word: Umami
Brad - started to comment earlier today, but got swept away by a conference call. Just got home from a high school musical. What bugs me about cell phones?
The way people continue to text or check email no matter what’s going on around them - like the student in front of me tonight. But, it’s not just kids, we had to ask an adult to stop checking email during Phantom of the Opera in a theater downtown. And, I know everyone’s seen someone watching a small screen of their own instead of the movie at one time or another.
RE: racking up text messages - I once [innocently or foolishly?] turned on auto updates to go to my cell phone for everyone I followed on twitter. After being buzzed and bombarded by hundreds of texts in an hour or so, I had to call my carrier to help me shut them off. Now, we have one plan that covers me and the three teens with unlimited texting for everyone for $30 a month. Thanks to you and your client for firing up this conversation and giving away prizes to boot!
@wiredprworks on twitter.com
Barbara Rozgonyis last blog post..Community PR | Dealing with Rejection?
[…] The post must contain a link back to the announcement post. […]
Hi LearningNerd, nice to hear from you! Maybe you’ll have a strange cell experience between now and Dec. 5 … thanks for supporting the cause, submission or not.
Barbara, Sounds like you have passionate views on the topic - you are not alone! That Twitter auto update program you mentioned must have been a nightmare. It’s not for power users, that’s for sure.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Win Up to $500 Blogging about Cell Phone Users and Abusers!
Hey Brad.
Made it over here after reading your guest post at Confident Writing.
Wow, I do like a good caper. I’m gonna put me thinkin’ cap on and put something together because I’ve got a story or two to tell.
Cheers
George
Tumblemooses last blog post..BloggerNewbie is in the House!
Hi George, Thank you for stopping by. Judging from your blog, your story is bound to be a winner!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Use the Economic Slump to Retool for Success
Having read one submission already, i can see that the stakes are high in this talent goading…My friend Mother earth, small cap for humility, is excited over the prospect,; here i write in my humble green, nadine, soon
[…] This post is my entry for my most excellent good buddy Brad Shorr’s “Cell Phone Users and Abusers” contest. And, although I tell you this at great personal expense (because frankly it may reduce my […]
An interesting topic - and this could be difficult for me to write about since I have only ever witnessed the upmost ettiquette on behalf of cell phones users who engage in lengthy conversations in the office, on public transport and in movie theatres.
Andrews last blog post..Employee rights and responsibilities part 2 - Fundamental responsibilities of employees
Andrew, it’s a little short, but your comment is a great blog post in and of itself.
Nadine, “Talent Goading” is the perfect description for a contest of this nature. Look forward to your post!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Use the Economic Slump to Retool for Success
[…] know whether the person spoken to ever got the irony of this sentence… This is part of a Group Writing Project organized by Brad […]
Hi Brad,
I just published my contribution to your group writing project. The Url is: http://ullahennig.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/the-cell-phone-that-wasnt-turned-off/
Hope you enjoy the story!
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The cell phone that wasn’t turned off
This is a great topic. Here’s my contribution: http://intentiontotreat.blogspot.com/2008/11/cell-phones-and-timing.html. Thanks for hosting!
Em Dys last blog post..Cell Phones and Timing
Ulla, Your story and photo were marvelous! Thank you.
Em, You nailed the topic! Thank you for participating and visiting Word Sell. Hope you come back.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..The Chicago Manual of Style - A Must for Writers
Brad,
You know, I come here quite often, but your project has driven me out of my silent-reading-mode!
Ullas last blog post..The cell phone that wasn’t turned off
[…] Cell Phone Users and Abusers Group Blog Project is underway. If you need $50 to $500 for Christmas shopping, enter! I also have a few Cell Phone […]
Hi, this is the first time I am here and I am looking forward to hang out here more often.
This is my entry for the contest..
http://runthroughmyveins.blogspot.com/2008/11/dark-side-of-cell-phone.html
Thanks..
Sarah, Thanks for jumping in! Your post is entertaining and disturbing at the same time … kids just don’t seem to care, do they? Thank you also for visiting Word Sell, and I do hope you come back!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..News, Observations, and a Question or Two
Hi Brad, I guess you are right. This is supposed to be on the light side and kids don’t really care about it. It is just disturbing to see them engaging in such a “cell hell” manners at such a young age, probably the influence from the parents but still thanks for your feedback and I will sure to come back.
Unofficial entry from the Scrambled Toast pages …
http://corporatecartoons.blogspot.com/2008/11/cell-hell-in-pews.html
Brad Shorrs last blog post..News, Observations, and a Question or Two
This is my first time it looked like a fun topic, thanks.
Great idea. Here is the link to my entry.
http://baggyk.livejournal.com/335629.html
Kate Baggotts last blog post..Your Mobile: More Expensive than You Know
[…] about for a topic for my rant, I serendipitously discovered a contest Word Sell, Inc. regarding cell phone use and abuse. Now, I’m not a huge contest person, but there was a cash prize offered, and I did need a […]
Here’s my entry:
http://www.aylad.com/shreds/index.php/education/hang-up-now
Aylad MacOdyss last blog post..Hang. Up. Now.
[…] (non qualifying) post for my Cell Phone Users and Abusers contest has to do with conversation […]
Hi Mandy, Kate, and Aylad. Thanks for your interest in our little contest! Kate and Aylad, I really enjoyed your posts, though they are a bit unsettling.
[…] post is in response to the request from Brad Shorr for posts about Cellphone Users and […]
My post is up - and I was going to send you a link but see it is there already!
Jackie Camerons last blog post..Why I both love and hate mobile phones
Hi Brad, I just finished posting my entry, titled, Kickstart Cellphone Smarts!
Robyn McMasters last blog post..Kickstart Cellphone Smarts!
Jackie and Robyn, Thank you so much for your contributions! Interestingly you focus on a similar issues. The quality of posts in this contest is shaping up to be quite strong. Must be all these talented writers!!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Waiting for Goodbye
[…] Dr. Mike O’Malley. Bloggers can grab the badge at the publisher’s site when they enter the blogging competition. It’s certainly a great way to engage a larger audience in thinking about the author’s […]
[…] Brad Shorr is running a project highlighting the uses and abuses of cellphones, aka mobile phones. […]
Joanna’s question in the comments on my blog prompted me to write a second blog which I’d like to enter. It’s titled Driving Under the Influence of Cells.
Joanna asked in relation to hearing a cell phone ring, “I wonder if it’s maybe also the need for speed and the fear of missing something if we delay the transaction for another time when it’s more convenient.”
Thanks to both you and Joanna!
Robyn McMasters last blog post..Driving Under Influence of Cells
Robyn, Than you for tackling a topic of serious cell phone abuse. There’s nothing funny about it, but driving while phoning is a really dangerous development. We need to talk about it.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..7 Things I’m Thankful For
[…] There’s still time to win $500 or $100 or $50 in the Word Sell Cell Phone Users and Abusers contest. […]
[…] is an entry to the Cell Phone Users and Abusers writing project to promote Dr. Mike O’Malley’s book Cell Hell - 55 Cell Phone Users You’d Like to […]
I just joined your contest. Thank you for this opportunity to participate and share our thoughts on the subject.
Gary Virays last blog post..Cell Phone Users & Abusers
[…] Brad Shorr is holding a contest at Word Sell. This is my entry in Cell Phone Users and Abusers. […]
[…] Sell. Inc. has an ongoing group blogging project on Cellphone Users and Abusers. Since the topic is interesting, I now give my two cents’ worth on it. It helps that am in […]
Had fun joining this project. My post is on “Top 3 Cellphone Peeves”:
http://www.annalyn.net/2008/12/01/my-top-3-cellphone-peeves/#more-1529
More power and happy holidays!
ajays last blog post..My Top 3 Cellphone Peeves
Brad,
The correct URL for my post is http://lillieammann.com/2008/12/01/cell-phone-users-and-abusers/
Lillie Ammanns last blog post..Blog Book Tour This Week
[…] deadline for submissions for the cell phone abuse contest is this Friday, December […]
[…] Shorr of Word Sell, Inc. is hosting a blog contest on Cell Phone Users and Abusers. This is my entry for the […]
[…] a wonderfully therapeutic topic Brad Shorr at Word Sell has provided us with… a legitimate and deliciously wicked opportunity to vent […]
Ah… very therapeutic, thanks Brad. Here’s my contribution. http://www.growyourwritingbusiness.com/?p=620
Yvonne Russells last blog post..Blog Tipping - May 1st, 2007
Yvonne, So good to hear from you! Hope you are well.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Interview with Author Lillie Ammann this Wednesday
Hello Brad - Here is my contribution to the contest:
http://angellviews.wordpress.com
Thank you for allowing me to participate!
Sheri Angells last blog post..Cell Phone Etiquette 101
Sheri, Thank you! Your post struck a responsive chord with me. Too much noise.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Interview with Novelist Lillie Ammann
Hi Brad. I heard about your contest through Joanna and thought it sounded like fun. Here is my entry:
Are We Texting Away Our Compassion
Thanks for the opportunity!
Debbie Yosts last blog post..Are We Texting Away Our Compassion
Brad,
Here’s a link to my entry:
The Cell Phone: Both a Blessing and a Curse.
Thanks for highlighting such an important topic through this contest–and giving everyone such a great incentive to participate!
Jeanne
[…] This is it, folks - the last day to submit your post for our Cell Phone Users and Abusers Blog Contest. […]
Hi Debbie, Jeanne, Great entries, both of you! Obviously the subject is far from being exhausted, because you add several completely new ideas to the mix. Thank you.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Today Is Cell Abuse Blog Contest Deadline
At the wire, here’s my entry:
The Most Powerful Job Search Tool You Didn’t Know You Had
Originally I was going to talk more about the abuse aspect but it just kept growing and then changed direction entirely. Glad to get it out there!
Jacob from JobMobs last blog post..The Most Powerful Job Search Tool You Didn’t Know You Had
[…] post was written for Cell Phone Users and Abusers group writing/contest. Images by ilco […]
My entry:
http://www.rarst.net/thoughts/mobile-hyperconnectivity/
Hope it’s in time. Thanks for organizing this group writing, there is a lot to say on topic.
Rarsts last blog post..Rise and fall of mobile hyperconnectivity
Hi Jacob, Rarst - Great entries! Thank you for putting so much thought into your work.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Today Is Cell Abuse Blog Contest Deadline
Great contest! Here’s my entry!
http://ericadewolf.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/todays-cell-phone-and-mobile-etiquete/
Erica DeWolfs last blog post..Today’s Cell Phone and Mobile Etiquete
Howdy! You have hit upon a topic that is a burning issue in my house right now. I think I may need a 12-step program to put the fire out! You can go read about my problem here: Twittering my life away - Confessions of a texting junkie
Love the idea of the contest. Love the idea of solving this very perplexing social dilemma even more. GOOD LUCK!
Damama Ts last blog post..Twittering my life away - Confessions of a texting junkie.
Hi Erica and Damama, Thank you for your under the wire submissions! You prove the point that late is truly much better than never.
LOL, Brad! If it weren’t for ‘late’ I’d never get anything done! Have a great weekend.
Damama Ts last blog post..Twittering my life away - Confessions of a texting junkie.
[…] Win Up to $500 Blogging about Cell Phone Users and Abusers! […]