So we got the bad news this morning that we are not semifinalists in the Ultimate Thailand Explorers contest. As you know, Amber and I have been hard at work for the last month and a half writing, tweeting, and vlogging about why we were the Ultimate Thailand Explorers. It seems all for naught with our names excluded from the list of semifinalists.
In fact, it be very easy and understandable for us to not want to continue the blog at this point. We now assume that no other material was actually considered during the course of the contest. We produced copious amounts of writings and videos to show the committee how serious we were about the social networking aspect of the contest. Other teams said, "we'll try to blog," but only a handful of did, and not one produced as much material as us. Despite the opportunity to qualify for the consolation prizes, the fact that our work at promoting ourselves as contestants and by virtue, Thailand as a destination, is a bitter pill to swallow.
But we're still going to keep posting and keep writing. Why?! Well, we proved we were more than adept and more than capable as the UTEs even without an endorsement from the TAT. Of the 38 teams competing for Chiang Mai, only three had a Facebook Fanpage before today, (including us). Most never appeared as fans on the UTE Facebook page, never commented, and never posted. (of Chiang Mai semifinalists, three NEVER contributed on Facebook)
Only two had a blog exclusively devoted to the contest frequently updated, (psst... just us and Greg & Phil), and only two other teams made supplemental videos for the contest. (both being kinda jokey/outake vids). And nobody in the entire contest blogged more substantially and prolifically than us.
So no, we haven't been to Thailand, and it appears we're not headed there anytime soon, and we're definitely bummed about being left out. But as my favorite lyric from Midnight Oil goes, "It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." We're gonna go out fightin'!
Greg and I were really surprised you weren't in the final 5. We were looking forward to competing head to head.
ReplyDeleteWe were impressed by your research and your commitment to the project. I think it's a safe bet that the team who ends up in Chiang Mai will have a good chance of taking it all. What a cool place.
If you're ever in the twin cities area. For sure, let us know.
Thanks, Phil. We were more than bummed, not just because we were left out, but because of who was chosen in our place. (Present company excluded, of course.) If you've seen our latest post, you'll know that we endorsed you guys. Hope it will help send some votes your way. We're rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteWe'll definitely take you up on your offer. And let us know if you happen to be heading to Chicago or Champaign.