I don’t know about ya’ll, but I certainly enjoyed the first annual/whenever-I-feel-like-it Name This Place contest last month, in which loyal readers battled for a trip to an exotic locale. For those of you who weren’t around these parts last month–hopefully I’ve gained a few readers since then–or for those who would like to relive the glory days, you can follow the excitement from last month’s contest posts by clicking here. I know that tsj1957 has been basking in the limelight for this whole time–will anyone be able to steal the prize?

This week’s contest will be along the same lines as last month’s, with one new way to win points. The person who was the first to identify the most buildings won last month, so this month I’m trying to introduce a little more competition so that we have more people willing to take the plunge.

Rules:

1.  Five photos will be published–one each weekday this week. Because the morning people won the poll about when we should post the picture, the posts will magically appear at 6:30 every morning–that’s 6:30 AM–at which time, you should be sitting at your computer with your coffee already ingested and surrounded by your Mississippi architecture books. I, on the other hand, might be just stumbling out of bed (if I’m lucky) or will still be sound asleep.

2.  I may or may not give a hint before the photo. It just depends on how I’m feeling. The buildings represented will all be Mississippi buildings that are still standing (*at least as far as I know)–there will be no out-of-state buildings. Who cares about those anyway??

3.  The first person to state the name of the building, along with its location wins a point. Post answers in the comment area. The format of the answer must include the name and the town (they are all located within towns) or it won’t count. Those who complain about having to name the town will also be forced to name the county.

4.  To make it more interesting, an extra point will be awarded to anyone who can add more information to the initial answer; for instance:

• information about a construction date, architect, renovations, or historical information about the building’s use or importance;
• comparisons to other buildings of a similar type or style, or buildings with the same architect or builder. This is a new way to earn a point, so it will be interesting to see who can stretch their brains to do a “Six Degrees of Separation”;
• Only one point per person for extra information, no matter how much information you give. This means that up to two points can be awarded to the person who answers first if he or she includes not only the name and location but also the construction date, etc. But only one point can be awarded to anyone who adds information after the initial correct answer. As a strategy, however, you might consider that if you add a bunch of extra information you will be taking away points from others who won’t have much left to say once you’re done.

5.  If there is a judgment call about whether your information is accurate or if it “adds” enough to be interesting and thus eligible to receive a point, I, E.L. Malvaney (hereafter referred to as “Sir” or “Grand Master”) will make that judgment call after consulting whoever happens to be standing around me and/or my dog, who is very wise and can communicate alot with just a sigh or a yawn.

At the end of the week (i.e., after Friday), the person with the most points wins the right to be called “Mississippi’s Preservationist Extraordinaire” (*until the next contest). Last month, I also tried to throw in a smooch from my dog, but she objected to being used as a cheap prop in a contest that she considered below her dignity, so I’ve removed that particular award from the list.

The first photo will appear Monday morning at 6:30 AM sharp. Good luck!

Categories: Contest