Hi all,

I've started a Midi2MP3 competition on Midichords.com. Click here

It's really some sort of experiment to see whether or not there is an interest in such competitions. The deal is this:

Turn a short midi lead into an arrangement (no longer than 2 minutes), upload the MP3 to midichords and that's it. I've set it up in such a way that other members can vote during a voting period. The arrangement with the highest rating wins

Oh yes, you can win a USD 99,- ImageLine gift certificate for their webshop (sample CD's, VST plugins, etc)... There is no catch. The only thing I require is that I can use the uploaded MP3 on midichords - so that other members can listen to it and learn from it. I will not own the rights as such and will never use it commercially.

Cheers,
Marc

PS. Let me know what you think of the idea (to organize such contests).

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MarcDemar - Trance Addict - FL Studio Tutorials - Free MIDI at Midichords.com

The prize will not motivate anyone.

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"This is why Superman works alone." GC
old stuff from days gone by (2001-2004)
Mad For Brad's gay little contest

quote:

Originally posted by Looney4Clooney The prize will not motivate anyone.

What would motivate you Looney4Clooney? Just asking...

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MarcDemar - Trance Addict - FL Studio Tutorials - Free MIDI at Midichords.com

Well you are asking people to promote your product directly or indirectly. Lets consider that most people spent 10 hours. Minimum wage is what 15 ? So the minimum value should be 150$ cash. If you feel minimum wage is fair for producers, then it makes me wonder why people should help you. So multiply that by 3. So lets say 500$.

Now the fact that the prize is something that isn't cash but rather something you probably don't have to pay much for or at all, i would say you should multiply that number by 2.

1000$ would be a suitable prize value that isn't cash. Also you have not mentioned anything about how the winners will be selected, so that just adds to the value of the prize that will motivate people. You would be better off offering something that doesn't have a price ie release with some semi- famous artist which you could secure for 500$ or 1000$ in free products from that company i'm assuming you have a business relationship with.

To answer your question, there is nothing that would motivate me. But this will motivate younger artists that have free time and feel 1000$ is worth investing 10 hours.

___________________
"This is why Superman works alone." GC
old stuff from days gone by (2001-2004)
Mad For Brad's gay little contest

Thanks for your extensive reply

Let me clarify, I am not selling a product and I have no business relation with any company. I purchased the gift certificate for USD 99 myself and simply transfer it to the winner. You say I do not explain how the winner is chosen, but on the website this is explained in detail (website members can vote. the mp3 with highest rating wins).

Sure, I am promoting my website in a way, but this is my own personal (and maybe somewhat naive) project and the sole intention is to create a website where people can learn in a fun and creative way. Everything is free and I am not trying to sell anything. You can join the competition if you think it is fun, otherwise don't Seen from that perspective it is not much different than hanging out on the forum, joining in remix battles, whatever.

I appreciate your thoughts on this though, don't get me wrong. And I don't think minimum wage is fair for producers at all And if I had the money, I'd offer more.... maybe one day

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MarcDemar - Trance Addict - FL Studio Tutorials - Free MIDI at Midichords.com

Too generic trancy for me. Maybe if I could cut out 3/4 of the melody...

quote:

Originally posted by itsamemario Too generic trancy for me. Maybe if I could cut out 3/4 of the melody...

Well, give it a try anyway. I can always disqualify you

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MarcDemar - Trance Addict - FL Studio Tutorials - Free MIDI at Midichords.com

quote:

Originally posted by MarcD Thanks for your extensive reply Let me clarify, I am not selling a product and I have no business relation with any company. I purchased the gift certificate for USD 99 myself and simply transfer it to the winner. You say I do not explain how the winner is chosen, but on the website this is explained in detail (website members can vote. the mp3 with highest rating wins). Sure, I am promoting my website in a way, but this is my own personal (and maybe somewhat naive) project and the sole intention is to create a website where people can learn in a fun and creative way. Everything is free and I am not trying to sell anything. You can join the competition if you think it is fun, otherwise don't Seen from that perspective it is not much different than hanging out on the forum, joining in remix battles, whatever. I appreciate your thoughts on this though, don't get me wrong. And I don't think minimum wage is fair for producers at all And if I had the money, I'd offer more.... maybe one day

maybe offer free access to the product you sell ? Something that doesn't have an actual $ amount. And make it more than the top person. Have like 5 winners. The point is to spread the word. People will not take part if they feel there is a slim chance on winning.

I"m not attacking your motives. YOu are competing with lots of people that come on here selling their wares and it is against the rules for one and annoying because these people seem to only take.

So i would first off give everyone a prize just to sign up. Some thing that doesn't cost you anything, then take it from there.

That way you aren't selling, you are giving away something, and then you funnel the traffic to the part where you do your marketing.

___________________
"This is why Superman works alone." GC
old stuff from days gone by (2001-2004)
Mad For Brad's gay little contest

quote:

Originally posted by Looney4Clooney maybe offer free access to the product you sell ? Something that doesn't have an actual $ amount. And make it more than the top person. Have like 5 winners. The point is to spread the word. People will not take part if they feel there is a slim chance on winning. I"m not attacking your motives. YOu are competing with lots of people that come on here selling their wares and it is against the rules for one and annoying because these people seem to only take. So i would first off give everyone a prize just to sign up. Some thing that doesn't cost you anything, then take it from there. That way you aren't selling, you are giving away something, and then you funnel the traffic to the part where you do your marketing.

Great feedback, thx!

I understand what you say and that lots of people come here and try to sell something. That's as annoying as people trying to sell you something over the phone or at your door.

I would be lying if I said I don't care how many people visit the site. I'd be happy if many think it is useful but it is not a business for me at all. Like music is my hobby, developing this site is a hobby as well. And like most hobbies, it doesn't pay I am quite aware of that. The adsense on the site is there to avoid my bank account from draining too quickly.

Having said that, your suggestions are good. For example have more than one winner, offer something on signup, etc. I will have a look at that.

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MarcDemar - Trance Addict - FL Studio Tutorials - Free MIDI at Midichords.com

quote:

Originally posted by MarcD Well, give it a try anyway. I can always disqualify you

ARE YOU THREATENING ME?!?!

quote:

Originally posted by itsamemario ARE YOU THREATENING ME?!?!

Don't get me wrong. No threats here I am simply referring to the rule of the competition that says that the pattern may not be altered and must be recognizable in your mp3 in order to enter the competition. I know the midi is not really your style, but it would be nice anyway if you'd join Call me curious

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MarcDemar - Trance Addict - FL Studio Tutorials - Free MIDI at Midichords.com