There can be only one: MP3 Competition final day
So, an update on the voting for the MP3 Competition, in which you, the blog-reader, are entrusted with the responsibility of giving a new music player to one of eight applicants. A flood of votes yesterday saw five of the eight contestants establish a genuine claim for the title. They are, in descending order of popularity so far – although there’s not much in it:
Anna (mum; needs iPod to stave off uncoolness and avoid making her son ashamed)
Jorik (Dutch; surrendered his iPod in a horrible Youth Hostel)
Seamus (Scottish Highlands teenager; no money, revising for exams; forced to use his mum’s MP3 player)
Helen (jogging, forced to listen to French radio) and Lizzie (dropped iPod while peeing, fished it out of toilet bowl)
Anna has a reasonable lead, although, with 24 hours of voting still to go, by no means an unassailable one. Voters were impressed by her desire to evade the tyrannical coolness-decline of middle age; hanging onto your youth, of course, is one of the things pop music is all about. She also seems to have scored a lot of points with her championing of Frank Turner. She is a worthy leader.
However, there are a couple of points in favour of her competitors. Firstly, as one or two Comments have pointed out, several of Anna’s rivals are probably in a worse position to buy a new iPod than her, financially speaking. And then there is the idea of conveying the prize to its winner by means of a huge chain of TYSICers. This is an idea which I’m getting fonder and fonder of, the more I think of it: it would provide a way for quite a few blog-followers to meet each other, and it would be a tremendous example of the silly, but touching, cooperation between humans which it has always been my aim to promote. There’s no denying it would be more fun if we had to get it almost the whole length of the country, to the Scottish Highlands, or to Holland, which we could potentially do via a ferry from Newcastle or somewhere. (Although I’m not sure where Anna lives – it could be somewhere equally distant. And even if not, you can’t punish someone for not living in the Highlands.)
But what we could do is have a rule that the iPod has to travel through the hands of all eight people on the shortlist – and as many other TYSICers as possible – before it arrives at the winner. But then, that might be completely stupid because it would have to go to Europe and back again. Still, there’s nothing wrong with doing something completely stupid, if it cheers a few people up (that philosophy has powered most of my career, I’m hardly going to let go of it now). And a couple of people have floated the idea that each member of the human chain could add a song or album on its way to the winner, which, again, might be hellishly complicated, but might also be brilliant.
What do you think? Please do vote, if you haven’t already – the ‘lines’ will close at the end of today, that is, 11.59pm on Tuesday. And also feel free to chip in with your suggestions for making the conveyance of the iPod into a great big drama. And if you’re one of the front-runners, this might be a good time, X Factor-style, to make an emotional appeal to floating voters: ‘I want this so much, I can’t imagine what I’ll do if I don’t win’, all the stuff you see on reality shows. (Seamus, touchingly, has already posted a Comment nominating two of his rivals for victory.)
I apologise for the needlessly drawn-out nature of this contest, but if you’ve seen my 24-hour shows, you will be familiar with the spectacle of me making a little go a long way. Rest assured it’s not purely to pad things out. It’s more idiotic than that: I just love this sort of thing. I guess deep down I’m Dermot O’Leary. Humour me for now. Ta.
Posted by Knox on May 8, 2011
I’m so itching to know who won… the cool thing about catching up rather than reading daily is that i can now just click on tomorrow’s blog and see instantly. even though i really should go to bed now… one more, then i’ll stop.
Posted by James on March 17, 2010
I am cycling 71 miles from Reading to Cheltenham this Saturday for Sport Relief/as part of TYSIC and would be happy to convey the mp3 player to any point in this journey (although the only major towns I pass through are Oxford and Cheltenham) .
Posted by Jackie on March 17, 2010
I already voted for Lizzie. A thought re: delivery relay… At each handover, we should make sure we get photos of the relay runners. Maybe we can collect them all together and put on a website or something. Am happy to collate and put together in a slideshow or something, what do you reckon?
Posted by Catherine on March 17, 2010
I know it’s too late to vote, but I was gonna vote for Anna. No mom should lose her coolness.
Posted by Katie on March 17, 2010
I really rather like the idea of adding an album onto the winner’s parcel; it’ll be nice, get us all involved, etc.
If the winner’s parcel needs to go through Scotland (c’mon Seamus, m’boy), I’m in Glasgow – I’d be more than willing to lend a hand, lest the Royal Mail have other ideas.
Posted by Lizzie on March 17, 2010
Yeah, I’ve seen the votes and clearly I didn’t win the iPod. No harm done though; Anna is obviously deserving of the prize but, for the record, Jorik has the coolest name of all time. Although I’m not sure how much attention he should pay to compliments coming from someone idiotic enough to drop an electronic device into her own pee…
Posted by Jo on March 16, 2010
I’m voting for Helen. Why on earth do the French think it’s necessary to play music over public speakers? Sounds like torture to me.
I’m in Melbourne. Any chance I could participate in the chain? Surely it wouldn’t be hard to get it over here with the comedy festival starting in a few weeks…
Posted by Chaz on March 16, 2010
brilliant idea getting as many TYSICers involved as possible & having each of them add a track. That’d be a neat way to discover new music for the winner.
it’s between Anna & Seamus…it’s a tough call
the TYSIC playlist could really benefit Anna. & she could forget all about singing along to Bublé.
While, Seamus surely cannot acquire a walkman on his own. & i know what it’s like having to constantly borrow your mum’s. Like my mum, she probably doesn’t appreciate it when her player goes ‘missing’.
hmmmm–
Seamus!
Posted by Helen on March 16, 2010
I vote Seamus cos he’s Scottish and scottish people have awesome accents
also i empathise with the whole exams no money situation 
Posted by Steph on March 16, 2010
In fact, I’m going to be near Fort William in about May/June so depending on timing I might be able to give the ipod to Seamus.
Posted by Steph on March 16, 2010
You should definitely pass it on through TYSICers, and I love the idea of adding stuff on at each stage.
I’m in Aberdeenish so I can definitely help get it all the way up to Seamus, although it might be a challenge since I can’t drive yet.
In fact, I’m voting for Seamus, because I was in that position until I just decided to cope with having a job too.
Posted by Seamus on March 16, 2010
Lou asked where is Scotland I am, so this is that. Assuming you know your Scottish/British geography, I am sandwiched on the road between Fort William, home of Ben Nevis, and Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on the British mainland. So, geographically speaking, this is actually a very interesting place. Just don’t come here expecting to find an HMV.
Posted by Rick Procter on March 16, 2010
Yep, everyone loves the “add an album” idea, including me – must be the way to go, even though we might get busted for copyright infringement. But I’m all for that – it’ll be like a protest against parliament’s current threat to pass hideous new filesharing laws. So many great reasons to do it. If I don’t end up in the chain myself, I’ll be right jealous. Congratulations to MW for masterminding another terrific stunt absolutely in the spirit of the long shows.
Posted by Jorik on March 16, 2010
And in the way of Hopeless Ridiculous X-Factor Style Pleas:
If I don’t win, I will: shout out choruses to bad mid 90s indie rock tunes in busy train compartments. Including harmony-vocals and basslines. Not the drums though, That would be pushing it.
Posted by Jorik on March 16, 2010
Hi internet-people!
Well, um… Thanks for voting everyone! After reading all the comments (and there were a lot of them. And I’ve only been home for about 30 minutes!), I realised that most people voting for me did so because it would make the journey more interesting. Or just because of my slightly fascinating first name (I actually lived to 18 before I found out my name was a Shakespeare-character (well, not so much a character. More of a skull, really. A skull with quite pronounced facial features as well, apparently)).
The other ones are much more deserving than me! I was going to vote for Seamus, but Anna’s picture-based plea was very persuasive. Aahh… what to do? What to do?!
Let’s make it Seamus, then.
I do want to help with the chain, though!
Posted by Hannah on March 16, 2010
And the award for shameless guilt-tripping goes to…
Well, Anna’s child is adorable, but I still vote for Jorik, in the name of humour.
Posted by Malinari on March 16, 2010
I’ll vote for Seamus, as he lives in the Highlands, which is one of my favourite places on Earth – however if doesn’t live in a log cabin on the side of a mountain, I will be disappointed
So no pressure Seamus – but get building a log cabin
Posted by Lisa Brunders on March 16, 2010
This idea is coming on very well! So much interest, it’s great. Unfortunately I’ve no computer, so can’t add a track. I don’t travel much either. So maybe I won’t be at all useful!
Anna’s son is very cute, and if you’re going to sent it round all 6 anyway it doesn’t matter how far away she is.
Posted by AlleyBoy81 on March 16, 2010
I vote Anna! Give the boy a good musical start in life for pity’s sake!
Posted by Kai on March 16, 2010
I vote Jorik.
I’m questioning how far it will get before someone nicks it!
Posted by Maddie on March 16, 2010
@ Simon & Phill,
If the chain heads our way, I travel to Ipswich from near Colchester a minimum of 3 days a week, I could manage being a go-between for that.
Posted by Sue Murphy on March 16, 2010
My vote goes to Anna and her gorgeous little boy? Besides, its about time she won something
Posted by Alex on March 16, 2010
Just had the thought that everyone could add their own song, scrolled down through the comments assuming that someone would have got there first, didn’t see anything about it, thought I was being incredibly original, just to have my dreams shattered right at the bottom.
Still a brilliant idea though.
Posted by Adele on March 16, 2010
Just while I think of the logistics of moving the MP3 player/i-pod around, I live in Nottingham and travel to Scotland (Airdrie) fairly regularly, if that helps.
Posted by Kelly on March 16, 2010
I’m voting for Anna, even though she didn’t like the album I recommended her. The girl clearly needs help
Posted by Darren on March 16, 2010
My vote goes to……Seamus
I sympathise with his situation and I love Scotland and many scottish bands like Idlewild, frightened rabbit, twilight sad and with that in mind I think we should give something musically related back to Scotland
Posted by Carl on March 16, 2010
Just wanted to thank the couple of people who voted for me! Count yourself officially on my Christmas card list.
Good luck to everyone! I am up for and 8 person chain, sounds like something delightfully complicated.
Right, time for me to find somewhere to acquire an iPod for my damsel in distress.
Posted by Anna on March 16, 2010
Aside from the begging, I’m happy to be part of the chain that gets the MP3 player to the eventual winner, and I’ll stick a song or two on. Frank Turner, I imagine, as he seems quite popular!
Posted by Anna on March 16, 2010
Firstly, thank you to everyone who has voted for me so far. I’ve never won anything in my life, so to even get this close is quite exciting. Now here’s my shameless plea for more votes…
Look at this picture. http://twitpic.com/18ycs8 Look at his happy, innocent, smiling face. Do you really want to condemn this child to a life of being humiliated by his mother and her out of date taste in music? He deserves better than that. He deserves a mother who won’t turn her nose up at anything new, or out of her comfort zone. A mother who won’t tell him to ‘turn that racket off, in my day you could hear all the words’ when he gets older. A mother who doesn’t sing along to Michael Bublé, which is what I caught myself doing this morning.
For the sake of what is left of my coolness, and the future happiness of my baby son, please consider voting for me.
(Is that X-Factor enough for you?)
Posted by Heather Jones on March 16, 2010
Am I catching a whiff of electoral malpractice, Mr Watson? Are you perchance hankering for confirmation of your own preference and trying to influence the final outcome of the vote? I feel I must step out from the safety of anonymous consensus to voice this concern (just call me Mrs Grumpy), since your posting makes it seem as if you hanker for Anna to be leap-frogged for the sake of a more interesting journey – shame, sir, shame! Oh, and by the way – in case you think this is just sour grapes, I didn’t even vote for Anna (I voted for Lizzie, even though I doubted she would win – never been a tactical voter, me )
Where exactly are the goal-posts now? Rather than X factor style elimination from the bottom with an opportunity to re-vote for remaining candidates, I’d assumed we had one vote and one vote only each and that all votes (in order to count) needed to be in comments on yesterday’s blog (a few people seem to be voting in comments on TODAY’s blog – hope you can sort it all out!)
PS Since I’m being Mrs Grumpy anyway, might as well add that I hope the chain to take the mp3 player to the winner will make as much use of public transport as possible, and/or car journeys being undertaken anyway rather than just for this.
Posted by Misha on March 16, 2010
The idea of everyone adding a song seems nice.
I wonder whether it would be possible to pass it on without it ever being posted, people could arrange to meet up and physically pass it on in a chain. Also a good way to meet other TYSICers.
Hmm,.
Posted by Emmy on March 16, 2010
The idea of having it pass thrpugh the hands of every nominee is a logistical nightmare. I love it. Let’s do it. Also, this would make it even more difficult, but how about having it pass through all the continents before getting to the winner. Including Antartica.
Posted by Corey on March 16, 2010
Right then, seeing as my original choice has been eliminated, my new vote goes to Helen just to see how it travels to her in France!?!. Perhaps every person in the chain should have their photo taken at point of transfer so all ‘handovers’ can be deemed to be official!. Don’t want to get bogged down in rules but they are the glue that make games fun!
Posted by Simon on March 16, 2010
The point is: In order to transfer music to and from an iPod you require special software (iTunes or an alternative) whereas with most other brands of mp3 player, you just don’t. I use a Creative that doesn’t require anything extra. Someone else mentioned Samsung. With these, you just drag and drop the files directly from your favourite operating system.
Using various versions of various iPod compatible software packages is asking for trouble!
This might be an old fashioned stance to take since I haven’t dealt with iPods for a couple of years, but I really doubt much has changed.
That’s my two cents, anyway.
Posted by Andrew P on March 16, 2010
A USB stick of reasonable capacity could be provided along with the MP3 player, making it easy to upload songs, albums, photos…anything to the deserving winner.
Posted by Olga on March 16, 2010
I think this time im gonna vote for Seamus, because I am also poor and young and without a music player, and it’s very very frustrating!
I do love the idea of every TYSIC-er putting a song (not an album though) on the ipod or mp3 player, however I can see a lot of problems with the idea, many mentioned here already. Maybe we could all send the winner a song, or just suggest one for them to download. Although that is nowhere near as fun as physically putting it on. I even already have a song in my mind…
However, what if the ipod lands in the wrong hands and gets stolen/damaged…?
Anyway, I live in Kirkcaldy (near Edinburgh) and I’m up for passing things on etc.
Posted by Phill on March 16, 2010
I think adding one song per link in the chain is a great idea. No worries about not having iTunes, you can use other software such as Winamp pretty easily, and it won’t transfer your whole library across.
I noticed someone else mentioned Ipswich, I’m based near there (Colchester) and occasionally travel up to Ipswich, also Chelmsford, so if anyone is near those places we could maybe form some kind of link.
Maybe we should sort out a Google Map on the forums?
Posted by Marie on March 16, 2010
I love the idea of everyone putting a different track onto the MP3 player. But I warn you, I have terrible taste in music! If it goes through me, I will end up putting a showtune on.
Posted by Georgie on March 16, 2010
I hadn’t yet voted because I’ve been busy with crazy amounts of uni stuff! Have now though; on the relevent blog.
Posted by Simon on March 16, 2010
@Madeleine
Not everyone has/wants iTunes on their computer. Most other mp3 players don’t require any special software to transfer music so this seems like the most sensible option to me.
Also, I think adding entire albums might be excessive. People will put more thought into their decision under a “one song allowance”. Everyone will offer something really special and succinct. Plus, it’s somewhat “less illegal”. Although a court-based TYSIC gathering could be fun!
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on March 16, 2010
Other probelm with an ipod – Some of us dont have itunes.
Posted by Lina on March 16, 2010
My vote is for Seamus because I remember the horrors of being a teenager without music, and I did not have to live in the Highlands to experience it. I also like how he votes for others: he seems like a cool guy. Also, as others have mentioned, doesn’t have the money to get one by working or saving up, so he seems pretty worthy.
I also like the idea of each link of the chain putting an album on the mp3 player. This is fun!
Posted by Madeleine on March 16, 2010
I also think its a great idea for each “link” in the human chain to add an album. And it shouldn’t be too hard, if its an actual Ipod, you just have to set it to “manually manage music” or some such, and then you can just plug it in to the computer and add music from anybodys itunes.
Alternatively, if Anna does win it, every TYSIC participant could nominate a song (or album? might be too many.) that HAS to go on her ipod, to improve her overall coolness. Not that we’re all qualified to judge cool, but its a start!
Posted by Simon on March 16, 2010
Oh, and Beth raises a good point: iPods are difficult to get music onto from various different computers. I’d definitely consider going for a different (and inevitably cheaper) brand for better plug and play functionality.
Posted by Sam on March 16, 2010
Passing it thorugh the shortlisted who failed to win would surely just be torturous.
But I like the idea of each member of the chain adding a song to the device.
Posted by Simon on March 16, 2010
Alas, poor Jorik!
I really love the idea of a chain where each member adds a track to the mp3 player. Furthermore, I’ve got an excellent justification for being a link in said chain: I’m hoping to meet a fellow TYSICer, Vikki, as part of my challenge to run the Central line. She travelling from Shropshire to London (which is close to 200 miles away!) to accompany me in a leg of my challenge and we could pass the on mp3 player in dramatic relay style. The gadget could therefore travel in either direction: North –> South or South –> North.
In addition, I visit both Nottingham and Ipswich from time to time, which could form another link.
I hope you’ll consider me!
Posted by BeckyMarsh on March 16, 2010
I vote Seamus…being young and poor is rubbish! Hope to see the mp3 player on its way. I am available to make Liverpool a point in its journey!
Posted by HelenLS on March 16, 2010
I love the idea of a chain, and of everybody adding a track or something as it travels.
My vote is for Jorik.
Posted by Steph on March 16, 2010
Awesome idea! My housemate and I are planning a trip to Holland in the next month or so, and there are loads of nice trustworthy dutch students at Falmouth uni so I think it’d be way easier than you’d expect! Unless you had a rule that it couldn’t go through any none TYSIC-ers…
Posted by Anna Lowman on March 16, 2010
As others have said, the Shakespearean punnery facilitated by Jorik’s wonderful name is just too delicious to ignore.
Team Jorik.
And I say just give the winner the mp3 player, but then make the chain thing bigger. These little magic boxes (I’ll happily provide one) can hold thousands of songs – let’s all stick one on! The TYSIC playlist. (*Casually ignores the logistical problems inherent in the plan*)
Posted by Lou on March 16, 2010
Ah, nevermind. Just re-read it properly. Lizzie is tagged on the end of Helen (ooh-err).
As you were.
Posted by Kate on March 16, 2010
I love the idea of each person in the chain adding a song/album, creating a TYSIC playlist (but might need instructions on how do that without transferring my entire iTunes library accidentally/deleting what’s there…).
Posted by Lou on March 16, 2010
I also like the idea of adding an album or track to the mp3 player. Very willing to help the in the human chain should Seamus win… fir aboots are ye up here Seamus?
Ps. Mark, you said there were 5 shortlisted contestants at the beginning of the blog but have only listed 4. Are we missing someone?
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on March 16, 2010
P.S I dont mind not winning, everyone elses pleas are much wortheir than mine! Good luck TYSIC’ers!
Posted by Adele on March 16, 2010
Loving the idea of creating a great big drama out of conveying the i-pod, but, as one of my TYSIC elements is to be less dramatic, I should be championing getting the i-pod to it’s destination via low cost courier.
BUT, 10 years is a very long time so I’m all for drama for now!
Great idea to get each person to add a song and for the i-pod to have to travel via each person on the shortlist.
Oh, and my vote goes to Helen (didn’t get chance to vote yesterday).
Posted by Maddie on March 16, 2010
I am happy to join the chain TYSIC’ers to pass it on, maybe there could be a rule that it has to reach certain destinations on the way? With photos? A little challenge for the MP3 player.
Also, Jorik to win!
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on March 16, 2010
Well I originally voted for Carl, but out of these Id have to sympathise with Lizzie the most!! My mp3 has been saved many times by the headphones around my neck!
I like the sound of a chain!! and will be happy to take part, (im Bristol way half the week and Gloucestershire the other half). The music would be quite easy with a normal mp3. Ipods might be much harder. Ive always used Samsungs and im pretty sure you can put music on from any computer. Ive already got songs in mind!
Posted by Thomas on March 16, 2010
I think everyone on the short list should have it to pass on at some point, it’s a bit of a tease though if you didn’t win.
Posted by Rachael on March 16, 2010
I like the idea of everyone in the chain putting something on the MP3 player. I think the fact that Anna said she is turning into her mother is what has her in the lead, it’s a popular fear, that and turning into Dermot O’Leary apparently.
Posted by Zoe Fell on March 16, 2010
I love the idea that every TYSIC-er has to add an album on the mp3 player’s journey to the winner. That way, the winner would be introduced to an amazing load of brand new music.