TO APPLY
The next deadline is December 31st, 2009. So if you're busy making holiday lenses, why not stretch a little and aim for 50 great ones? We're looking forward to seeing you there.Here's info on how to apply.
Ready to be a Giant?
How to apply
If you have 25 lenses that you're insanely proud of right now... go make 25 more. If you have 80 lenses, but only a handful that you've really spent any time on... go perfect 50 of your favorites. And if you're pretty sure you have 50 or more lenses that you'd stake your reputation on, 50 lenses that match most of the above guidelines, then it's time to apply!
Here's how. And it's easier than you might think. When you're ready, any time before the next deadline, just send an email to giants@squidoo.com. Link us to your lensmaster profile page. That's it.
If you don't apply, we won't be able to consider you for the program. We're looking forward to hearing from you!
Here's how. And it's easier than you might think. When you're ready, any time before the next deadline, just send an email to giants@squidoo.com. Link us to your lensmaster profile page. That's it.
If you don't apply, we won't be able to consider you for the program. We're looking forward to hearing from you!
Giants@squidoo.com
Once you have 50 great lenses, just email us your lensmaster bio page.
When we're accepting new Giants
quarterly
We'll be accepting new Giants quarterly now. That's right, just four times a year.The next deadline for admission is December 31st, 2009.
Better get your lens on. :)
Busting some Giant Squid Myths
Banishing some silly notions
No, you don't have to donate all your royalties to charity. Many Giant Squids are top cash earners. That's fine. We love that.No, you don't have to bribe us with cookies. ;)
No, you don't have to have a "lensography" lens. But it's fun!
No, you don't have to be active in SquidU. But it helps us to hear from you.
No, you don't have to have lots of star ratings or fans. No man is an island, and most Giants thrive on community interaction, but it's okay to go it your own too.
No, you don't have to have Guestbooks on all your lenses. Sometimes it's okay to not want comments. We understand.
No, you don't have to have all "maxed" lenses. We think they look better and traffic better, but that's just us.
No, getting a Lens of the Day selection doesn't guarantee you a spot in the Giant Squids.
No, you won't get booted for having some under construction lenses. Make sure you maintain (at least!) your 50 great ones, and then grow and experiment and refine your others from there.
No, we don't magically find you and make you a Giant. You have to apply! (Read on)
Still more FAQs
Or, frequently given answers!
1. Yes, we let new Giants into the program quarterly.
2. Yes, we'll contact you if you qualify and hook you up with all the goodies.
3. Yes, you could ask other Giants for input and advice along the way.
4. Yes, the lenses need to be together in just one lensmaster account.
5. No, I can't reveal how we're determining the "greatness" of your 50 lenses (didn't the above lists help though?). Another way to think of it: If you're really darn proud of a lens, and you think you've got the right mix of modules and unique, useful, updated content, and if you'd stake your reputation on it, then we're probably going to agree.
6. Nope, Groups don't count toward Giant Squid status. Groups and lenses are such different animals. The best Groups are about leadership and curation (letting only the best, most relevant lenses in), often run by a team. Whereas the best lenses are independent efforts at organizing the best content, ideas, recommendations, links and products on your topic.
7. Yes, you should be a Giant. :)
2. Yes, we'll contact you if you qualify and hook you up with all the goodies.
3. Yes, you could ask other Giants for input and advice along the way.
4. Yes, the lenses need to be together in just one lensmaster account.
5. No, I can't reveal how we're determining the "greatness" of your 50 lenses (didn't the above lists help though?). Another way to think of it: If you're really darn proud of a lens, and you think you've got the right mix of modules and unique, useful, updated content, and if you'd stake your reputation on it, then we're probably going to agree.
6. Nope, Groups don't count toward Giant Squid status. Groups and lenses are such different animals. The best Groups are about leadership and curation (letting only the best, most relevant lenses in), often run by a team. Whereas the best lenses are independent efforts at organizing the best content, ideas, recommendations, links and products on your topic.
7. Yes, you should be a Giant. :)
Remember: There's always next time
We take new Giants every quarter, as a matter of fact.
Sounds a little like "Don't call us, we'll call you" doesn't it? Or maybe "No really, honey, it's not you, it's me."Luckily, that's not the case! We're not breaking up with you.
In fact, we kind of have a crush on you and want to give you another chance.
If you don't get accepted into the Giant Squids, there are a few things to remember:
It's not personal! It's not a popularity contest, either. We're just looking at your content, the direction its heading, and for an indication of your intentions behind your lenses.
Apples to apples is not really how it works. Someone might have a lens you don't think is up to snuff, and vice versa. When there's so many subjective anomalies possible, and real human judgment and reactions, we make some case-by-case decisions. And you might not agree with them all. The best we can promise is to be clear and fair. And we will.
[Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/people/ilovepink]
by MeganCasey
Megan is a founding member and the Editor in Chief of Squidoo.
Before starting Squidoo, Megan spent 6 years in book publishing, most recently at the... (more)
Before starting Squidoo, Megan spent 6 years in book publishing, most recently at the... (more)
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