2012 Digital Storytelling Challenge - FAQ

There are many ways to participate in #TSDigs and the wealth of free resources and training available during the challenge.

When is TSDigs?

TSDigs is an annual event that takes place in the beginning of the year. In 2012, we will be hosting the challenge during the month of February.

Submissions will open on February 1 and close at midnight, February 29. Training webinars and tweet chats will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month of February so you can grow your capacity to tell digital stories. Judging and community voting will take place during the first two weeks of March. We will be hosting a live, final screening of the winners in San Francisco and streamed online through our Nonprofit Commons in Second Life.

I work at a nonprofit, social benefit organization, or library. How do I participate?

The challenge is open to new and experienced storytellers around the globe.

1. Sign up to be notified of upcoming events.
2. RSVP for free webinars and join Twitter events.
3. Invite your coworkers and friends to participate.
4. Learn the whys and how-tos of digital storytelling.
5. Search, share, and connect around the web using the tag #TSDigs Create a short one-minute video or 5 picture slideshow
6. Enter your story to win prizes and gain exposure through our global network
7. Share your video or slideshow with your community!

I’ve never made a video before, how much time does it take?

Great question. It can actually take less time than you might think! From our personal experience, it only took a couple hours to put together this short video using pictures we pulled from Flickr and putting them into Animoto (even on our first try with the tool).

Of course, the more time you have, the better. We highly recommend participating in as many of the live webinars and tweet chats as you can, using our professionally-moderated forums, and visiting other curated resources.

Here’s a more detailed guide of what you can do given how much time and resources you have.

Is there any cost to enter or participate?

No! All webinars and resources are free, and the challenge is free to enter.

Do I need to be a member of TechSoup?

No, but there is no cost to join. And joining TechSoup gives qualified nonprofits and public libraries in the United States access to a catalog of over 400 donated technology products from businesses like Microsoft, Adobe, Citrix, and Flickr. Join here!

Not in the United States? Visit www.techsoupglobal.org to find TechSoup in your country for similar benefits.

I already have a short video for my organization, can I still enter?

Yes! As long as you meet the requirementsyou’re welcome to enter

How do I connect or share with other TSDigs participants?

Use and follow the tag #TSDigs on sites like Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Delicious.

I run a business or organization interested in supporting this event or reaching this community. How can I get involved or sponsor?

We’d love to learn more about you and let us know how you think we could work together. You can check out our Sponsorship Package for more info and drop us a note at tsdigs@techsoup.org.

I’m a member of the press and want to write about or cover this event.

Thanks! Please drop us a note at tsdigs@techsoup.org. If you’ve already written about TSDigs, please let us know! Send us an email, tweet @TechSoup, or post on Facebook.