*UPDATE* This contest has been updated
Yesterday I announced that I’d personally be offering $100 to the best video submitted exclusively to Cop Block for next months Friday’s Finest post. I’ve talked it over with the other Cop Block contributors, who will be judging such videos with me, and decided to break down the details in this post.
The basics of the contest are simple:
- Film police conducting their duties
- Submit to Cop Block; I’ll discuss how below
- Do not post your video on line before contacting Cop Block
The submissions will be judged on content (what’s actually going on in the video), how the videographer handles themselves (as we’d like this to be educational) and quality of video (though the CB team is willing to assist in editing).
How to get Cop Block your video
There are two options for sending us videos. One being to email us (see below) and we’ll give you access to our YouTube channel where you can upload the video as private. If your video needs editing then email us and we’ll provide you with an address, so you can mail us a CD, we’ll then edit it for you and post it on our YouTube channel.
Deadline and other info
I think it goes without saying that engaging (not monitoring), harassing and yelling/swearing at police will be frowned upon. You might make the pages of Cop Block for such video but you will not win any prizes and we’ll post your video as a what not to do. Again, it’s important that the video is recent and not posted on line already. By par taking in this contest you’re giving Cop Block the exclusivity of your footage, to use as we please.
Be creative, call a police department about a local issue, follow a cop for a day, film cops in court or simply film a traffic stop of someone you don’t know.
Here are some good examples of what we’re looking for; New Mexico Police Confront Man for Open Carry, Columbia, MO SWAT or Miami Police. All these are good examples of what we’re looking for.
The deadline for submitting videos is June 7th. Then, depending on the number of videos, Cop Block will post the top 3 -5 videos for viewers to vote on. The winner of such votes wins the cash prize. I also have some small prizes for those who don’t win. If anyone else out there wants to donate something for this contest please contact us via email.
email: CopBlock[at]gmail.com
In reference to not engaging them – aren’t we supposed to put them in their place and school them on voluntaryist ethics, for the benefit of the YouTube viewers? Except in situations where you’re invoking some constitutional or statutory right, it doesn’t affect the cops much whether you meekly say “Yes sir” or assert your natural rights. But it doesn’t hurt for the story to have a moral. And the moral can be, People are becoming bolder and more aware of government’s illegitimacy, and the days when they passively submit to injustice may be drawing to an end. Maybe this site isn’t openly geared toward such a radical agenda, though.
I used to take the opposite stance, thinking that it was pointless to argue moral principles to cops, judges, etc. And to be truthful, sometimes they do use lack of remorse as an excuse to impose greater punishment. But I have respect for those who put themselves on the line to openly take a stand against tyranny.
I agree with you Nathan. The level of involvement is up to the person shooting the video. If there is something worth engaging them on by all means do so. I just don’t want people to flat out walk up to officers and start an engagement… that could be dangerous.
how do I submit a video that we already posted on youtube. I’d like to do this even if it isn’t eligible for the contest.
Shawn, you can email a link to us at [email protected] or put a post on facebook.com/copblock saying that you have a video you would like to share with us, and then someone from copblock will send you an email via facebook to see what you have to share, and discuss what you have filmed. I hope that helps. And look foward to seeing your video.
Thanks
Rob
Since many people will come directly to this page by following a link (rather than visiting your index page), if you have changed the contest from $100 to $200, you should edit this page to mention the change or many people will never know about it. Best of luck with your great contest idea!
One more thing. Your rules say “By partaking in this contest you’re giving Cop Block the exclusivity of your footage, to use as we please.” Agreeing that CopBloc may use the footage as it pleases is reasonable, but asking for “exclusivity” might be asking too much, and might deter people from submitting videos in the first place. Giving CopBlock “exclusivity” means the person could not give the video to a local TV station, or even post it on his own blog or YouTube account, and that might be asking too much from a potential video contributor. And if the point is to expose police misbehaviour, prohibiting the video from appearing anywhere else frustrates, rather than furthers, that goal. Perhaps you might consider abandoning your request for exclusivity in order to encourage more contributions?
You’re right. I want to make it clear that Cop Block doesn’t want to own your video, we only want to make sure it’s new content and not something shot years ago. After that is verified and the video is posted on Cop Block those who shot the video and anyone else, for that matter, are free to do with it as they please.
Just have to say. KEEP GOING. Your doing Really Well. Great Contest.
Awesome contest! I’m so sick of these cops just doing whatever the hell they want. They’re no better than all the corporate abuse of our american legal system. I just saw this story about Subway trying to trademark footlong: http://lawblog.legalmatch.com/2010/05/24/can-subway-trademark-a-unit-of-measurement/ Are THEY INSANE??