Dramatic Update: Using that scientific method and applying higher mathematics (meaning I used my counting skills) it appears we have more prizes than photos. So, two pictures have been added to the final round of giftings - making now for 21...22 - and more counting is planned. We may still elevate more, adding others into and/or from the round of 132 into the realm of fabulous postal prize recipient depending on the result of further countin'. Now I know how Al Franken feels. Stay tuned as fingers and toes and crayons applied to task.
Original Cranky Beginning To Post: Enough with the unhappiness. The first utterly unfounded peep that there is something afoot needs addressing. Happens every year. Despite providing gifts for a huge number of boys and girls someone is that a wee bit like a bitter spoiled child who didn't get their way pipes up. Today, that voice showed up at Ron Pattinson's blog:
Nepotistic wanker that Stonch bloke is. My piccie was much better but I'm not his mate, so I didn't win. At least I'm bitter about it.
Sure, it could be that it was a joke badly made but just so it is clear, here are some of the things that go into a selection:
- There is a distribution of prizes amongst as many entrants as possible. Frankly, three or four photographers would win all the prizes otherwise. So, if you think you missed out on a prize, it is likely that under any scheme chances are you would have missed out on a prize.
- A number of prizes carry geographical restrictions due to insane global beer regulation. We assume that one would not get to pick up a growler of beer in Oregon if you live in Norway.
- We support good photography and, for the most part, that means using available light. Few can handle a flash well.
- Focus is important. As I noted in a comment, the perhaps better composed photo with the poorer focus was judged to be not as good as the prize winner.
- Originality is also important. Photo of "person I know with a beer" is not original.
- Context is also important, as was the case with Ron's photo. I am thrilled that Alastair Wilson of New South Wales took the time to document something happening and tell us about it.
We have given out 21 prizes already - that is insane!. And my family is letting me know. Rest assured that the emails will also soon start flying because we asked and obtained postal addresses for all entrants. We will be notifying prize winner and prize giver of their new Yule-based relationship asap... by which I mean possible at the "p". Jeff and I are up to our arses as are the fine gift givers who are mailing out directly. It is, after all, Yule. Be happy. Please expect your prizes in January 2009.
Let's also remember we are not only having fun and, like my eight year old, giddy at the prospect of new things in the mail - but we are also learning about what so many people see when they see beer. That in itself is a gift to us all and the one I am most thankful for. So God rest ye merry, while we are at it. That being said, here are the remaining entries awaiting prizes as well as the prizes to be given out. Please note that there are at most 21 prize packs remaining and only 19 entries still as yet sitting unjudged. What can that mean? How will Santa deal with this???? I have no idea but this is the way it is, even at Yuletide.
1. Grand Prize Winner
| Prize Pack | Given By |
|---|---|
| 1. One Year Subscription 2. publication in All About Beer 3. Roger Protz’s Ale Trail 4. DVD American Brew | All About Beer magazine |
| 5. Signed t-shirt other BrewDog goodies | BrewDog Beer Scotland |
Plus one or more of the beer prizes that are in the list below depending on where you are located. And the good folks at All About Beer magazine have indicated that they will publish the winning entry in their magazine. Pretty nice of them.
2. Other Winners
Here are the remaining prizes that have been offered by fine beer people from around the world and will be forwarded to the luck winners.
| Picture | Artist / Notes | Prize | Given By |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | 12 harder-to-find dark ales, stouts and porters. | Beer-Ritz Britain's bestest online beer retailer |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | mixed case BrewDog beauties | BrewDog Beer Scotland |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | mixed case BrewDog beauties | BrewDog Beer Scotland |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | A Barrel-aged Gonzo, Humphrey the Humper dog, Gonzo Poster and Gonzo T-shirt | Flying Dog Brewery Maryland |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Subscription one year | All About Beer magazine |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Subscription one year | All About Beer magazine |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | A basket of goodies | Roland + Russell Ontario |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | A t-shirt of rare loveliness | Jolly Pumpkin Michigan |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Two Widmer weizen glasses and a t-shirt | Widmer Brothers Portland, Oregon |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Two Widmer weizen glasses and a t-shirt | Widmer Brothers Portland, Oregon |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Two Widmer weizen glasses and a t-shirt | Widmer Brothers Portland, Oregon |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | A t-shirt, hat, and 4 pint glasses | Laurelwood Brewing Company Portland, Oregon |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | an Obamanator t-shirt | Wynkoop Brewing Co. Denver, Colorado |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Shipyard travel coffee mug Shipyard aluminum water bottle | Shipyard Brewing Portland, Maine |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Shipyard travel coffee mug Shipyard aluminum water bottle | Shipyard Brewing Portland, Maine |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | New Jersey Breweries | Lew Bryson |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Brewery Hoodie [Note: I covet] | Full Sail Brewing Company Hood River, Oregon |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | Good Beer Guide Prague | Evan Rail and CAMRA |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | One cool hat | Lakes of Muskoka Brewery Bracebridge, Ontario |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | One very neato Retro Wall-Mounted Opener | Steam Whistle Brewing of Toronto, Ontario |
| [Photo] | [Winner] [Note] | One great t-shirt and a couple of Great Lakes glasses | Great Lakes Brewing of Toronto, Ontario |