March 2012 Create-a-thon

Purpose:

GetSimple has always had to deal with complaints that there were not enough good free themes available (and to a lesser extent, plugins). It's been a problem because GetSimple simply does not have the market awareness yet to attract the type of quality files that WordPress and the other larger CMS's do. The March Create-a-thon contest was created as a bold attempt to change this.

Tweet #gscreateathon

Contest Rules:

1. The new theme or plugin must be uploaded into the Extend repository between February 28th, 2012 and March 31st, 2012
2. All files entered will be judged on a 1-10 scale for each of four qualities*.
3. A person can enter as many times as they want, but can only win once.
4. No copyrighted material can be entered. No existing files can be entered. No "Free CSS Template" conversions.
5. GetSimple team members are allowed to participate, but are not allowed to win. (Sorry team!)
6. The GetSimple team & other outside advisers will collectively pick the winners in a blind ballot.

The Sponsors:

This contest wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our sponsors below. Please check each of their awesome products:

• Media Temple - Media Temple hosts web sites. Their products are designed to be powerful, affordable and relevant.
• KISSmetrics - They help online businesses turn analytics into insights that guide decision-making and growth.
• AuthorityLabs - Simple and scalable SERP monitoring software; Track and analyze performance in Google, Yahoo!, and Bing.
• FormAssembly - Use their web form or survey to collect data online, we can help. .
• Treehouse - Their mission is to teach Web Design, Development and iOS to people everywhere.
• BuySellAds - They help online advertisers and website publishers buy and sell ads better.
• Hello Bar - The Hello Bar is a notification bar that draws web users to an important call to action on your website.
• FormStack - An easy way to create powerful forms for surveys, registrations, lead generation and more.
• BlueCotton - These guys deliver quality Custom t-shirts and embroidery and believe in getting it right with great service & value.

Getting Started:

Aside from the specific rules outlined above, the only real way to enter is to start creating and upload your theme or plugin to Extend. if you are familiar with the way WordPress does their themes & plugins, you should have no problem picking this stuff up. If any questions arise on how to do certain things, don't hesitate to ask in the forum...

• Theme Resources - Template Creation Wiki, Functions Cheat Sheet, Use the default themes that come in our ZIP as a starting point.
• Plugin Resources - Plugin Creation Wiki, There are plenty simple plugins in Extend to get you acclimated
• Register & Upload - Register for our forum, then head over to Extend to upload you file. You are automatically entered once uploaded!

* Grading Qualities:

• Ingenuity - A cookie cutter doesn't score well here.
• Code Cleanliness - Indents, proper usage of elements, inline comments, the list can go on-and-on.
• Documentation - We want to see clear & concise steps on how to use and install your theme or plugin.
• Creativity (only Themes) - We want themes that are eye catching, graphical and that pop out as "premium" themes
• Usefulness (only Plugins) - How useful is this plugin? What problem does it solve?