It's Over!
The entries are in, and it's up to the judges now. I don't envy them in their task. It's going to be difficult to choose a winner.
Campaign Wrapup:
During the early weeks of the campaign I sought invitations to events and fundraisers within 100Km of Halifax. It was difficult getting organizers to understand that I could bring added value to their event, while only wanting to attend with my cutout. One invitation was later rescinded, leaving me with few options for the day. At the other fundraiser the Crew and I were invited to attend, my booth proved to be a poor money maker alongside silent auctions and other attractions where folks received something tangible for their cash.
The most successful fundraiser was one that I put together in Mt Uniacke. A huge thank you goes out to the community on behalf of the Q104 Children's Trust Fund.
I now had a cumbersome Crew to take around, and three weeks had passed. I needed a new plan to gain exposure. Other contestants seemed to be hitting all of the 'fun' spots, so I chose one of the less glamorous venues - roadside during morning rush hour. Several hours on the phone and an e-mail to the mayor's office were required to determine that while not illegal, setting up at the side of the road was discouraged, as 'important sight lines' might be obscured.
Careful scouting revealed safe locations where traffic slowed significantly during morning rush hour, and I wouldn't obscure sight lines to signage, or intersections. I chose these locations along four of the main routes travelled by commuters to get the exposure needed for the contest.
Apparently one driver thought that I shouldn't be at the bottom of Magazine Hill. He called the rant line, as well as shouting abuse every time he passed as I was there. That location also resulted in several other calls to Q104's 406-TRIP line, and images posted to their facebook page. On the final day of competition, a woman approached me
as I was packing up. She claimed that my setup had distracted her, resulting in a traffic violation. Hmmm, I didn't hear a siren, or see any flashing lights. On several other occasions folks would stop in a nearby parking lot asking what I was giving away that day. My stock answer was a Q104 win sticker, and the chance to try again.
My thoughts as to locations and events for appearances were that if Q104, or another contestant was there, it was covered. I found locations where they were not. The exception I made to this 'rule,' was Q104's Great Pumpkin Drop. I brought added value
to the event by collecting donations for the Q104 Children's Trust Fund, and producing a short documentary of the event.
Payback!
One of my goals upon entering this contest was to get some payback for BJ and the Q Morning Crew naming me as a crackpot on-air. Learning that we were to live with a cutout of the crew, I didn't think this would be possible.
The t-nuts in BJ Wilson's part of the cutout were damaged by use. This gave me inspiration, and I made a production of 'Replacing Wilson's Nuts.' The damaged nuts were 'preserved' in alcohol and hand-delivered to the Q104 studio on the following day, addressed to BJ Burke and Bobby Mac. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when they opened the package.
The Q Morning Crew has often mentioned or joked about Bobby Mac's 'man-boobs' on-air. They even composed and produced a song about them. That set me thinking early in the contest, but I didn't know how to use it. Somewhere, I saw an automatic soap dispenser, and the coin dropped. Down to the shop I went, and a little tinkering gave it to me - working man-boobs! Did I stop there? No, I listened to the recordings on their webpage, finding a few nuggets to use. I shot some video, and put it together.
The result is on YouTube, featuring several of their friends:
- Eddie Pepperoni & Sexy Girl, from Anal Play
- an unknown rant-line caller
- Lydia, BJ's wife, responding to Bobby Mac's insult
- Dougal Angus, fighting back
All are taken out of context, of course. I had wanted a 'shit's sake' from Dougal, but stumbled into something much better. A little hawking with my 'not for radio' voice, and voila! Payback on the last two members of the crew. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did making it.
Fellow Competitors
All of my fellow competitors who finished the contest are deserving of our respect. Many put a lot of time and effort into this contest. Many unique approaches were developed.
A few that caught my attention included:
- Danielle Long with her Super Mario level. That was cool!
- Joe Fisher, for taking his crew around the world.
- Natasha Snow, for her youthful enthusiasm as demontsrated at the Great Pumpkin Drop. I missed out on the cookies she often brought with her.
- Robert Tibbetts, for BjnBobsExcellentAdventures, and
- Jeff Kline, with his Q104 on Tour. The destinations map was a really good idea.
The Last Word
The judges have spoken! Their decision was difficult, and they spent hours agonizing over their choices. At La Cucina they announced their decisions. The runners up were:
Co-Winners: Natasha Snow & Tony GroothuizenThe judges couldn't come to a clear decision for first place, and declared a tie between Natasha Snow and myself. We were given the option of splitting the prize, $5500 each, or going for the gusto. Natasha and I decided to split the prize.
Natasha is highly deserving of this recognition for her creativity, the effort she put into this contest, and the exposure she gained for Q104. I'm honoured to share first prize with her.
Each of the people mentioned are linked to their efforts. It's well worth taking the time to view their efforts.