ThingsAmongMany

I stumbled onto this interesting new(?) site the other day. MakeFive.com is yet another new take on the social network model - though this one capitalizes on something we’ve talked about a bit lately on BrandsAmongmany, interaction as competition - that allows users to start ranking competitions for the top five…whatever. Anyone can then submit their choices for top fives in that contest, or vote existing recommendations into their list, and you earn points for your participation. So, for example, the competition that caught my eye was The Most Influential Designers of Our Time, by user chrynkow. Games can be started in just about any category, though design seems to be a pretty popular topic so far.

But the real question, of course, is “why bother?” Well, what would any good competitive site be without prizes? All of those points you accumulate propel you up the ranks of the community. Those who are ranked highest are eligible to win a variety of prizes (they change each month, apparently) as reward for their participation and trendsetting opinions. Looks like you’d better get an early start each month, though, if you want to participate. The top ranked participant has upwards of 8900 points right now!

Learn more about the prizes and rules here, or just jump in head-first and sign up for an account.

Think you can shoot? Weekend warrior who hasn’t had the gumption to get out there and get “discovered”? Then it looks like the EXPOSURE competition might be right up your alley. The Artists Wanted organization has initiated their latest call for entries. This time photography is the topic of choice.

They’re looking for submissions of four images from up-and-coming, previously undiscovered, or already out there photographers. The prize inside? First place will net you a collection of your photos printed billboard-size around NYC along with a gallery opening and $2008. There’s also a student prize of $1000, including an additional $500 educator’s grant for their teacher, and a People’s Choice award of $500. The organization also claims to keep an eye on the entries for anyone else that they can help be discovered along the way. So even if you don’t win, you just might score a gig for your trouble. Entry costs $25 and the deadline is fast approaching.

And, for a moment of shameless self-promotion, you can check out my entries here. If you like what you see, please take just a second to vote.