GENERAL
What does musemaka mean?
Literally to make your muse a reality or to do that thing that you’ve been itching to do. There’s also a good echo of James Brown’s “Shake Your Money Maka” because you know you’ve got to use what you’ve got to get just what you want.
What is The Musemaka Idea Challenge?
The Musemaka Idea Challenge is a startup contest designed to identify the best go-to-market ideas for new Frictionless Startups and to fund their launch through the award of a $5,000 prize.
How long do these contests last?
Each contest is open for up to a year or until we collect 1,000 valid entries. When we receive 1,000 entries, we close that particular contest. Judging takes 30 days from the close of the contest… So, all contests last for as long as they need to last.
Does it cost anything to enter?
Nope. It used to but we said to hell with that.
Who judges these things anyway?
Philadelphia Development Group Ltd. and our affiliates judge the contest. Check out our “Judges” page.
What criteria do you use to judge entries?
We judge the ideas (a) ease of launch and probable time to revenue; (b) originality and creativity; (c) likelihood of long-term success and scalability; and (d) effectiveness in addressing a need in the marketplace. See the Official Rules on the “Official Rules” page.
Can I submit again to another contest?
Sure, but you would not want to just resubmit something you already tried. You want to improve on it or go with something new. (Duh, right?)
Can I submit two different ideas to the same contest?
No, sorry.
Who sponsors this?
Philadelphia Development Group Ltd. sponsors this contest and donates mentoring from Philadev Ventures. You can learn more at Philadev.
HOW DO I…
How do I enter?
You enter by completing the worksheet and entry form (and all that that entails in heavy brain lifting). That’s it. See the Official Rules on the “Official Rules” page.
How do I win?
You win by being selected based on the merits of your idea as it relates to (a) ease of launch and probable time to revenue; (b) originality and creativity; (c) likelihood of long-term success and scalability; and (d) effectiveness in addressing a need in the marketplace. (You should read the whole site and follow the directions on the entry form carefully to increase your chances.) See the Official Rules on the “Official Rules” page.
How do I get a worksheet?
The worksheet is online on the “Worksheet” page.
How do I get an entry form?
The entry form is online on the “Entry Form” page.
How do I find the rules?
Please, please, please read all the rules on the “Official Rules” page — they’re official!
PROBLEMS
I can’t see the entry form! What’s up with that?
You need a browser that supports iFrames. Update your browser and join us in the 20th Century! Alternately, supply us with your beeper number and we’ll…
I tried to submit my entry but received some kind of error, what can I do?
Please Click the “Ask Away” button on the top of any page and let us know what kind of problem you encountered. We’ll let you know if we received your entry or not. If we didn’t, we’ll provide you with an alternate means of getting it to us.
Can I contact a real live person if I have a problem?
Absolutely. Click the “Ask Away” button on the top of any page and someone real and live will contact you.
What if you don’t get 1,000 entries for a particular contest?
At our option, we’ll either select a winner anyway or cancel the contest. See the Official Rules on the “Official Rules” page.
I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS
Can someone give me advice on how to win?
Have a killer idea with customers who love your product like zombies love brains… (Alternately, see “How do I win?” above… MMM Brains.)
Why do cats make you work so hard for love?
It’s their nature. You can’t change it. Don’t try.
Where can I learn more about startups?
You can start with the four links we recommend on the “Deep Thoughts” page and we really like… in alphabetical order (ahem ahem)… Hacker News, Mashable, Silicon Alley Insider, and TechCrunch as a start. Most big, good, universities have an entrepreneurship department and they are great resources. We also recommend connecting with your local community: search meetup for local meetings like tech meetup, etc.
Are you guys seriously better looking and more fit than Tim Ferriss?
Clearly.
