Got Questions? Email us at showdown@contagiousmedia.org
What are the rules for the Showdown again?
Read them here.
What web technologies/platforms will be available on the Contagious Media Showdown Server?
It will be a RedHat/Linux server, running Apache 2.0 with standard modules including CGI, PHP, Per/ModPerl, and ModPython. You will be able to throw down your own .htaccess files, but not administer the main http configuration files. Each contestant can have one MySQL database if they desire. Contestants registering their own domains will be allowed to receive email thru our server as well. You might get shell access.
What about E-Mail?
Contestants registering their own domains will be able to send/receive email using the server. Contestants usign a contagiousmedia.org subdomain will be able to use email via special request.
How much tech support will we get from Eyebeam/Contagious staff?
Probably not too much. We will be sharing lots of knowledge at the day of workshops, during which time we will also be available for some Q&A. In terms of setting up and installing your entries on the server, we do not have the resources to offer tech support to all of the contestants (currently over 200 signed up), so we will be shying away from that in general.
What is the schedule for the Showdown?
Entries must be completed and uploaded to the server by May 18th, the night before the Launch Party/Panel. Entries will 'go live' after then panel, on the 19th, and will close for judging on June 9th.
Can participants place advertisements on their submissions?
Update: we changed our minds:
The "no ads" rule just means you can't pay for ads pointing to your site to pump up your traffic. And you can't have someone else paying you money to subsidize the creation of the site. But you should feel free to link to whatever you want.
Will all entries be linked off of a main page on the Showdown's site?
Yes! Check http://showdown.contagiousmedia.org to see who's in lead.
Are entry authors identified?
Not officially. Contestants are welcome to identify themselves within the content of their submission if they desire. However, prize-winners will be officially identified at the close of the Showdown.
What's the deal with DNS and domains for the server?
DNS is handled differently, depending on whether you have your own domain or are using a contaigousmedia.org subdomain.
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Subdomain Account:
Example: funnysite.contagiousmedia.org
There is nothing you need to configure to make a subdomain work.
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Domain URL Redirection from registrar:
Example: www.funnysite auto-redirects to funnysite.contagiousmedia.org
Some registrars offer Domain name URL redirection, or you may want to use this service with your ISP. In order for this to work on the Showdown servers, you must elect one of our subdomain accounts. Have your registrar redirect your domain name to the subdomain url you selected. Consult your registrar or ISP for more information on configuring URL redirection.
If you need to change your domain to a subdomain, please email us at showdown@contagiousmedia.org
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DNS with registrar or other provider:
Example: www.funnysite.com
Your registrar or ISP may offer to be your DNS server - in which case you will need to create an 'A record' for funnysite.com and www.funnysite.com. These should both point to our IP address of 209.131.123.99. You must select a full domain account with us.
Please consult with your registrar or ISP for more information on how to point your domain to the contagious server.
