WHO ARE THE GIANT SQUIDS?
No, it's not a rock group. It's the core group of movers and shakers at Squidoo.
One day at Squidoo Headquarters, Seth and Megan noticed something. They noticed that many of our community's best lenses are built by people who have a lot of lenses. There's an art to building a Squidoo page, and once you learn it, you can scale it.
It's a rare and valuable thing when quality and quantity intersect.
And so we created a program to reward those people, to encourage more lensmasters to join their ranks, and together make Squidoo a place we can all really be proud of.
Oceans of love,
Your Giant Squid Organizers: BDKZ, RMS and GypsyPirate.
P.S. We're hooking up a whole new wave of Giants on September 30th, 2008. So roll up your sleeves and aspire to greatness.
WHAT GIANTS GET
It's good to be the king
Along with great Gianthood comes... great benefits!Not only do you have the natural, clear advantage of running more than 50 amazing lenses, each helping you share a passion and make money...
But you ALSO get all this stuff, and a lot more:
1. Access to our (secret) Giant Squids blog and RSS feed, full of first-looks at new features and insider tips.
2. A private email address to reach Megan about Lens of the Day submissions.
3. A Giant Squid badge on all your lenses. (And your bio/profile page too--coming soon).
4. Gold stars on all your published, featured lenses. Gold stars not only look nifty to your readers, they also give you a little LensRank boost.
5. Your shot at making The Giant Squids Top 100 list, a list of the top Giant lenses, sorted by LensRank.
6. A Custom Lens Template tool.
7. Did I mention first crack at our coolest new tools and features? For example, the Giants got to hear about HeyMonkeyBrain and Squidaholic .com days before the rest of Squidoo.
8. A special Dashbaord just for Giants.
9. And lots, lots more. All coming soon.
WHAT GIANTS GIVE IN RETURN
Mainly, inspiration.
Giant Squids give inspiration to other lensmasters.
They give searchers coming from all over the web comprehensive signpost pages for learning something new, or finding what they were looking for, or meeting someone with a similar interest.
They are honest, respectful leaders and lensmasters in the community--both on and off Squidoo.
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." -- Isaac Newton
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GIANT!
In short: 50 amazing lenses.
But how to get there?
You need to have 50 or more really GREAT lenses under your belt.
So, if you have 25 lenses that you're 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, and you're not a Giant yet, you'll probably be hearing from us in the next round. But just to make sure, feel free to drop a note at giants@squidoo.com.
WHEN WE'RE ACCEPTING NEW GIANTS
Quarterly
We'll be accepting new Giants quarterly now. That's right, just four times a year.
Yipe! Better get your lens on. :)
The next deadline for admission is September 30, 2008.
A QUICK FAQ
Or, frequently given answers!
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, but think of it this way--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. :)
GOT MORE QUESTIONS?
We've got answers...
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Giant Squid FAQ's
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There's an expression about "running with the big dogs...". Here at Squidoo, it's about "swimming with the Giants...". Giant Squids, that is. If you're looking for information on how to achieve Giant Squid status, you've come to the right place. I'm...
SO YOU WANT TO BE A GIANT SQUID?
- Download the eBOOK!
- We've written this just for YOU!
THINK 50 GREAT LENSES IS A REACH?
That's exactly why we're inviting you to participate, and not people who just pump out hundreds of junky lenses, or people who make 2 lenses and go away.
Because the intersection of quality AND quantity is a rare, valuable thing.
The Giant Squids is a challenge, not unlike applying to Harvard or auditioning for Broadway or qualifying for the Boston Marathon. It's a shot at being the best in the world. (And a way for us to help you become top earners and get your work discovered more). Oftentimes the attempt itself is the most personally rewarding part, no matter how far you make it.
HOW TO CREATE A QUALITY LENS
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How To Create A Quality Lens
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The word "quality" has come up a lot lately on Squidoo, particularly when it comes to the Giant Squid Program. In order to be accepted you need 50 quality lenses, but what constitutes a "quality" lens? Here's what I think defines quality and how you...
MOST GIANTS ARE GREAT BLOGGERS, TOO
Lenses and blogs go together like peanut butter and chocolate.
- Promoting a Website With Squidoo Part 8
- So we've been told and told some more about the miracles of a Squidoo lens. Now comes the little g...
- New Squidoo Lens
- I have added a new Squidoo Lens: Raw Food for Health. This lens is in its most basic form right now....
- Are you using Squidoo lenses?
- Let me know what you think of lenses and if you have experienced traffic that matters.2. Are my lens...
- PR 2.0 and social media meet Buzzwords at Squidoo!
- Buzzwords has taken another step into the PR 2.0/social media world with Squidoo! Check out these â...
AND THEY GET PICKED FOR LENS OF THE DAY
Lucky duckies
Fetching RSS feed... please stand bySEE THE GIANT SQUIDS TOP 100 LIST
Now these are some sweet lenses.
See the Top 100 list of lenses by Giant Squids. SPEAKING OF THE TOP 100
How do I become a Top 100 Giant Squid?
MORE...
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THE GIANT SQUIDS TOP 100 CLUB (and how you can become one)
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The Top 100 Club is for Lensmasters who have created over 100 quality lenses here on Squidoo! They are the best of the best. These top notch lens masters are known for their superior lens making abilities, mentoring, charity work and all around help...
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byQ&A ABOUT THE GIANT SQUIDS
Post a question
Have a question about the Giant Squids program? Post it here and I'll either answer directly, or work it into a FAQ for this lens. Thanks!
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spirituality
Yihaaa! I did make it to giant squid :) I'm honored and excited :) Posted July 05, 2008 |
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RedSportNiac
Oooooohh I'm a Giant. I'm honored to be among the best lensmaster but just don't know how to react. Anyhow really hope those shiny days would be getting closer and closer. So thanks for accepting me in. Posted July 03, 2008 |
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kellywissink
Thank-you for my selection to the Squid Giants. I'm honored and excited to see what's in store for the future! Posted July 03, 2008 |
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Starving_Artist
woo hoo I'm a giant!!! Posted July 03, 2008 |
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WebGazelle
Thanks for the recent promotion to Giant Squid. I love Squidoo! Posted July 03, 2008 |
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Frankster
I made it! I'm a Giant Squid! HOO HOO! I got so jazzed as I was creating them -- the juices just start flowing. If you've got 40 already, go for it. If you don't make it this month, keep plugging along, you'll get there. And, choose a charity and share what you make (even $1/month a lens together with other lensmasters adds up). HOO HOO! Bear hugs, Frankie Posted July 02, 2008 |
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Hillandglen
I'm a Giant. I'm a Giant! Posted July 02, 2008 |
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Griever
I love how the question section has anything but questions. I do have a question though, when does the next quarter end? The date posted still says June 30th. Posted July 02, 2008 |
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solarstories
Hi - I'm relatively new to Squidoo but I saw how addictive it can get and I have to say I am really impressed with this site. Your idea of becoming a Giant Squid sounds really appealing! Of course I wonder what probably most people wonder, which is how do you determine a "great" lens? By lens rank? Or manual approval? Anyway I will download your eBook and see if it tells me something. Posted June 27, 2008 |
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Kernowornever
If a squidoo giant is what I need to be a squidoo giant is what I will become! Posted June 27, 2008 |
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ecovicki
Thanks for the useful information. Posted June 25, 2008 |
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Pamela2Heaven
Maybe I will be a giant squid someday!!! Posted June 25, 2008 |
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beempa
Such a helpful lens. Thank you for insightful info. :) I shall do my best to aim for "Squidness"! :) Posted June 24, 2008 |
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sstoark
Im a junior squid, but am on my way up! Posted June 23, 2008 |
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Joey_G
50 lenses , thats an interesting challenge. Iv got 8 now. I use to blog like crazy usually reviews of specialty nitch software, security even Linux. Fun for sure Posted June 23, 2008 |
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MicheleT
Amazing lens! And I appreciate the link to my latest blog post. Thanks a million! Posted June 21, 2008 |
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vtrekn
I am very new but like to think too much,...I think..:)ha ha . I have just discovered squidoo through people on the community board at blujay.com where I have a new store. This is a very helpful lens for me. Thanks so much! Posted June 20, 2008 |
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ronpass
This lens and the ebook are a great inspiration - especially when you are close to the 50 lenses. I have 40 now and heading for 50. I have just created a lensography to track what I'm creating. I found this very useful as it opened my eyes to further Squidoo lenses and themes I could develop. Posted June 19, 2008 |
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ricarde
Geez! I can't wait to be a giant squid! From now on I'll be always on Squidoo mode! lol! Posted June 19, 2008 |
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Teddi14
I am on my way. I think I can do it!!!! Look at what I have done so far in just a little over a week. Posted June 19, 2008 |
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RawBill
50 Lenses!!! I only have 4 so I'd better get cracking, my mind is ticking already!!! Posted June 18, 2008 |
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raz4125
Every great journey starts with a step. Step by step Posted June 17, 2008 |
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elev8_baby
I'm still just a gleam in an underwater invertebrate's eye. I have only 11 lenses. I want to take my time and only write on things I really care about. I hope I don't get swallowed up by a whale along the way! Posted June 17, 2008 |
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JJC13
wow! I have 9 to this date and planning to add more each day.. Im excited to one day be a part of the giants. I have just finished making my lens on bookmarking a site and will build another lens in a few hours. Posted June 17, 2008 |
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Valery504
I'm starting to work with my next lens!!! I want to be a giant:) Posted June 16, 2008 |
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0ctavias0fferings
So glad I found your help and guidance here :-) hope to be a Big Squid one day, maybe a Giant sometime LOL my lensography is number 8 and I'm working on number 9. Posted June 16, 2008 |
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ChristiannaGarrett-Martin
Great information! I have 17 lenses and I am aiming for Giant Squid Status this September :) I currently have a lens hovering just outside the 100 and I'm trying my hardest to edge it in. Any advice? Posted June 15, 2008 |
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Gera
Using English is a must to become a Giant? Posted June 13, 2008 |
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Karen_Knight_Bennett
Now I know what it takes to be a "Big Squid on the Block". I'm off to get my creativity flowing. Thanks for the lens! Posted June 13, 2008 |
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bitofacutie
Wow.....Im inspired. I best get a comfy chair and get busy....Im pretty new to this, but getting the hang of it. I have always had ideas on what I would like to share and now I have the vehicle and the tools to do it. Thank You...Jacqui Posted June 11, 2008 |
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dkland
Thanks for the inspiration...I am hoping to join the ranks of Giant Squids myself! Posted June 11, 2008 |
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JigsawForte
I'm moving slowly, but I've just started cranking out more and more lenses... I guess the problem is that my stuff almost feels like it's TOO niche sometimes. Is there an easy way to "Broaden my horizons", so to speak, or should I just keep focusing on building up a narrow band of related lenses? Posted June 10, 2008 |
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www-BackgroundNow-com
The more I learn about Squidoo the better it gets! Posted June 07, 2008 |
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GreenRevolution
Wow! Very cool lens! My thanks to all Giant Squids for your support and inspiration. Really well done. Posted June 06, 2008 |
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makingamark
I'm just coming up to 50 - so I need to get my skates! Posted June 06, 2008 |
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MayaVirtual
I feel very inspired to become giant! Let's do it! Good luck to everyone... Cheers :~) Posted June 04, 2008 |
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EasyW
I'm an old GS, just checking out everyone :D Posted June 04, 2008 |
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dindine
I only have a few lenses now, but I'm looking forward to getting more under my belt. Posted June 04, 2008 |
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maristo
Congratulations! Posted June 04, 2008 |
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beachbum_gabby
looks very interesting, I need to build more lens to be a giant! Posted June 03, 2008 |
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Chris-C
I 3 active lens and 1 in the works. I'm even a tadpole? Posted June 03, 2008 |
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ms-giggles
I'm so glad to finally figure out how to become a Giant Squid!! I few months ago I didn't even know I wanted to be a Squid.....Now its all I think about. I love Squidoo and will make it to the top. Posted June 02, 2008 |
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maristo
Squidoo : Squidcasts from marist Posted June 01, 2008 |
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pixie637
Great info, thanks. I will put this to good use. All the best! Posted May 31, 2008 |
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scss
This is such a great lens - really well done and tons of great info. I'm brand new to Squidoo, but building lenses for friends as well as myself, so we'll see how I go at reaching 50... great tips, thanks. Posted May 31, 2008 |
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A_RovingReporter
Such a great lens! Little wonder it is No. 1 in People category! This lens is a great inspiration for a Squidoo like who still has a long way to go. Posted May 31, 2008 |
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daria369
Awesome - thank you for this opportunity and all the info! Posted May 30, 2008 |
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Panos21
49 lenses to go! I am the 1/50 of a giant squid. Let's have fun building new lenses! Posted May 30, 2008 |
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alwintraffics
Good work nice lens.. Cheers.. Posted May 30, 2008 |
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Norma_Budden
Something to strive for and, hopefully, look forward to later. Posted May 29, 2008 |
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Marc3ll
Great work and info......Its alright with me even though if am not in the list of giant-squid. I am contented. I am happy to creates more and useful lens. People will notice by my work, skill creativities. Posted May 29, 2008 |
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brettkun
Dude I need that template making machine really bad please can I have one please, I have 137 lenses, I am trying to promote the learning of Japanese over learning the more traditional languages you guys can ny checking out my JPPGG series and Japanese Vocabulary blaster sets of tango thank you and I keep plugging away without the template maker but I will still plug away Squidoo is the best thing sinced sliced bread. Posted May 28, 2008 |
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Tony-Matos
Hi Megan great lens, so many ideas to learn I hope I become a great as you one day. Keep up the great work. I hope you see my lens. Thanks again. Posted May 28, 2008 |
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tzdelar
Work from home moms (of toddlers)should get "double giant squid" status when we make it that far!! OUCH! But I'm inspired now to move a little closer to lens #5 and I'm bookmarking this lens for quick how-to help! Thanks! Posted May 28, 2008 |
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Increase-Online-Traffic
Thanks Megan! Posted May 28, 2008 |
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spirituality
I'm hoping to make it to giant status with the next batch of giants... I've got my 50 lenses, and I do think most of them are great quality... Oh, the suspense... :) Posted May 27, 2008 |
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Starving_Artist
I have around 50 and need to get them organized ...great information, I hope to become a giant one day Posted May 24, 2008 |
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RyanRE
The Giant Squid truly earn their title. I think that I would have to quit my day job to accomplish that, but still something to aspire to. Posted May 23, 2008 |
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LDWorld
Some day we will make it into an elite group!! Posted May 23, 2008 |
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JDWheeler
I hope to become a Giant Squid at the first of June. Just passed the 50 Lens Mark. Check out my JDWheeler lensography Good luck to all Posted May 22, 2008 |
