I’m Linux Contest

The Linux Foundation is launching a contest to find the best I’m Linux video.

We have all seen the I’m a Mac commercials and the countless parodies, we have also seen the more recent I’m a PC commercials which sought to counterattack the powerful Mac ads. Now the Linux Foundation wants to inspire a new generation of Linux users through this video contest they are holding on their new video site.

The Linux Foundation does not intend to make a TV commercial out of the winning video, it hopes the contest and videos will create enough exposure on its own. The goal of this contest is to spread the word about Linux and inspire new users to try the system through these videos. The videos will be 60 seconds or less and will showcase why Linux users love the open-source system.

Entrants will be judged on originality, clarity of message, the video site community votes, and how much it inspires others to give Linux a try. The winner will be awarded a free trip to Tokyo to join in on the Linux Foundation Japan Linux Symposium in October 2009.

The videos are not intended to simply parody the Mac and PC commercials, but you’re allowed to do so if you wish. The videos can be high quality productions or homemade webcam spots, the only true criterion is that you show how much you love Linux.

The contest won’t officially be announced until late January, but Linux Foundation has posted a link to upload your videos if you want to get a head start.

I think this is a fun idea, but a little late considering the I’m a *blank* parodies have already been played to death. If the contest were created back when the first I’m a PC ads were aired it would have been a little more timely, but now people might see these videos as a sign that Linux is behind the times.