Welcome to Gaia! ::

It's been a long journey, and we've been through a lot together. The oldest members among of us have seen us celebrate 3 anniversaries, seen members come and go, and bore witness to the drama that I tried to sweep under the rug (or at least keep out of the guild). We're approaching another very important milestone, and that is the road to 25,000 posts, which is no small feat for a non-spam guild.
I thought that the best way to commemorate this achievement would be to have a contest.
Now I've had contests with disappointing turn-outs (to say the least) so I thought that I would broaden the scope, this time. I want to include everyone. In each instance, please keep in mind, this is not specifically for me/Matasoga. This is for the guild, and should be for it, rather than just for me.

Signs/Tribute: This includes making a sign and posing with it in your favorite/most guild appropriate outfit, or cooking or otherwise obtaining something delicious, beautiful, odd, and putting a name-plate in front of it. If you really wanted to go all-out, you could dress up as your avatar/my avatar (this is not gender-restrictive; a female Matasoga might be very interesting) then I encourage you to do so. You are allowed to digitally edit to your hearts content, including background, foreground, everything.

Visual Arts: If you draw it, sculpt it, carve it, paint it, or in any other way create a visual representation of the guild/anything guild related (and it doesn't fit into any other category), this is the category for it. Remember, if you need a background, there are descriptions of the interior rooms of the guild in the welcome posts. As for the exterior, all I have determined is that it's something Victorian. It's lack of distinct shape beyond that can be used to your advantage.

Creative Writing: Write some sort of story, pertaining to the guild. Some possible applications of this might be writing how the members are arranged, how they're seated, and what they're thinking as they have the conversation that is your favorite thread. On the other hand, you could write some sort of fan-fiction that involves the guild members in a world of your own creation.

Video: Make a video where you talk about the guild, make an avatar/screencap slideshow with fitting music or interesting voice-overs, or, if you're feeling really ambitious, try a brief animation that is somehow guild-related... Or any of the above.

Technological: There was talk of some sort of video game a while back and the idea always fascinated me. I don't think anything as grandiose or fascinating as a video game will be attempted, but any sort of coded demonstration would fall into this category.

Other: You tell me, but you must explain if you vote this option, or else it will be discounted.

All of the Above: Choose this is you want all of these to be an option, if you want to have them in different categories, or you want some combination of the above. Please make sure to explain your answer, below.

None of these are comprehensive. If you have an idea that I didn't get into above, then by all means, use it. Those are intended only as starting-off points. The only absolute rule, as always, is that you must follow the ToS.
In addition to the examples not being comprehensive, the list isn't categorically comprehensive, either. For example, if you were musically inclined, you could write, play and compose music, as well.
Please post an intent to participate if you do. I want to see how much activity I should expect.
One additional rule that I must impose is that Disciples do not work together unless they make a joint-entry. In a joint entry, the prize money is split 50/50. I set up this stipulation because if I allow people to work together without coming to strict, pre-arranged deals, conflicting claims can arise and it can really put a squeeze on guild-relations and I want this to be fun for everyone; not a catastrophe that causes anyone to leave.
Also, I'm only allowing one entry per member. This is because I want you to put your all into the one piece rather than do a bunch of pieces. If you have more than one idea, that's wonderful; find a creative way to weave them aptly together and you'll be golden.
As for the contest duration, that is uncertain. It will end sometime after we get 25,000 posts. No matter what, it will not end before a month from now has passed, but I imagine that it will be a lot longer. If those involved desire, the duration can be greatly extended. The only final cap that I'm placing on it is the end of 2010. It will not extend farther than that (but the project that you're working on can, if you're really excited about it).
As for the prize... Well, this is also up to you. I am now accepting donations. Send them as a trade to Matasoga and I'll keep that gold aside for the winner. For everything that you donate, I will meet it, up to 100 K. This doesn't mean that I will necessarily stop there; I will go farther if I feel the need warrants it. I am also accepting items. This will probably be split up into first, second, and third posts. The entrance fees are free; I want to see lots of participation; don't disappoint me.
I put a lot of options on the table and I made a lot available. I'm rather expecting all of these options to be available. I am considering adding a participation bonus into the factors that are added to the your post count. On top of that, I may also award prizes just for participating. I really, really want to see everyone get behind this.
It's in your hands now. I hope to see great things from you.

Prize Pot: 272,013 gold
Matasoga's own fedora
Gambino's Golden Treasures
Nano-C 12th Gen

Donations:
Geners: 60 K
Matasoga: 100 K, Zoot Suit Tappa
Anzelia La Belle: Gambino's Golden Treasures, Nano-C 12th Gen
Greteh: 40 K
Bishounen Fangirl: 7,013
Shaymer: 20 K
KeikoUtaraichi13: 20 K
Torzeh: 25 K

I think the best option is for all of them. I say this because then people who are not comfortable in some forms of media will have an opportunity to participate using one of the other forms of media.

And I will meet it, as promised.
Added to the first post is the prize pot... To illustrate the magnitude and gravity of this event, I will add a special prize, one that gold cannot buy... My very own fedora. The one that I bought the day that Gaia released them and have worn ever since. I hope that the winner will cherish it as much as I have.

Oh, of course. I forgot to add that into my post, but I'll go back and clarify, when I can. The internet is being unbelievably slow right now, so I may be a little while. Just send the donation to me.
I just deleted and remade this post. Mind the time-tag. I just made a few edits and if you haven't read it since this time-tag then I suggest you re-read it. All future edits will be made after an "EDIT" heading above the prize-pot.

Also I intend to participate <3 I will be doing the writing category and hopefully will be able to please you all with my wonderful art skills.

-bow-

Well Josh, I'm a sign-maker, so I voted for that.

Be prepared to be amazed. I'll be starting work on this in 2 days time. It will be big.

I'll see what I can donate, though it will probably be a mix of items and gold as I'm a little skint on the gold front of late, and I can't donate the amounts I want to.

Again, be prepared to be amazed.

Ugh... I would really want to do something involving photography or art...

But my creativity level has been lacking.