Day 2 Round-Up: Have Heart, Hold on for Big Guns

I've heard from people today who were extremely excited to see us placed variously at #26-#30 in the ranks for the $250K prize money. I spoke with others who were concerned by how far this is from the #1 and #2 spots we need to climb into by 9/30 in order to win the cash. So, I wanted to take a little time here at the end of the day to offer some perspective and encouragement.

First of all, we are, at this moment on 9/2/10, in 27th place. That's 26 places away from first. But you know what? There are 349 total entries in the $250K funding category, so I think it's actually a pretty sweet debut. I'm thrilled by this foothold in the top 30. And I challenge you to think of it that way: a foothold. A spot where we can steady ourselves, assess, and then from which we can launch upward.

Here's some more good news: we haven't even begun yet. Our aces are still up our sleeves. Our big guns are still in the locker. Some upcoming strategies I'd like to keep quiet, lest we leak them to our competitors. But I can share a few bits with you:

• Drury, McCann, and Mount Greylock high schools start school tomorrow. We have students in each school who will be helping to spread the word. SO: those votes have yet to be added.
• We will be tabling at a bunch of community events, but haven't even started yet! Look for us at the North Adams Farmers Market every Saturday in September, at MoCA's Reggae Soul Dance Party this Saturday night, at Pittsfield's Third Thursday, and at events at local high schools and colleges through the month. 
• Billboard. On Route 8 (Curran Highway). Soon. 
• My dear and wacky sister, Meghan Merrigan, has agreed to stand outside NBC's Today Show holding up a sign with our voting info. 
• Your amazing promotional ideas that you've yet to share with us. Please do so in the comments!

Thanks, and please keep VOTING! :)