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Mental_floss needs you in a big way! We’re working on a great new concept for a photo gallery column, but the only way it’s going to work is if we can recruit a small army of citizen photographers … like yourselves. You don’t have to be Ansel Adams or anything; we’re looking for a mix of amateur and professional photos, and these days almost everyone has a digital camera of some sort or another.
Here’s how it’ll work: every couple of weeks, we’ll choose a topic (feel free to suggest one here) and send an email to our photographer ranks asking them to snap a photo of something and send it in. Assignments will be quick and fun; some already suggested include:
• your worst school portrait
• the strangest decor item in your home
• the oldest photo you own
• weird public art in your town (my town, for instance, has a 30-foot-tall animatronic ballerina clown — who wouldn’t like to see a picture of that?)
• what do you collect?
• what’s in your fridge?
• your best spontaneous cell phone picture
… and so on. The greater variety of submissions we receive, the more fun the posts will be, and naturally we’ll give you credit (and you’ll get internet-famous; sweet!). So if you own a camera and think you might have a spare 20 minutes every few weeks to participate, we’d be thrilled to have your photos and publish them on the site! (We might even start a floss Flickr page and archive everything permanently there, organized by topic.)
If you’re interested in joining our photo-army, just leave a comment on this post saying so! (We flossers can see the email addresses you enter when leaving a comment, though other readers can’t. And don’t worry, we won’t spam you.) The more the merrier!
Attention Flickr Users: Read our Addendum to enter your pics in our ‘mental_floss reader photo of the week’ contest.
Comments (197)
Comment
Sure, I’m game…I’m into amateur photography and love taking weird pics…hehe
posted by Insolent Minx on 1-21-2008 at 7:43 am
Sign me up…I have too much time on my hands.
posted by Lonnie Kunkel on 1-21-2008 at 7:47 am
Heck yeah, add me on!
posted by Jaime on 1-21-2008 at 7:50 am
Sounds like fun to me! Count me in…
posted by Ginger on 1-21-2008 at 7:52 am
I’m in!
posted by JaneM on 1-21-2008 at 7:56 am
I will totally do this!
posted by Lauren on 1-21-2008 at 8:00 am
Count me in…
posted by Dan on 1-21-2008 at 8:04 am
I’m in!
posted by Bre on 1-21-2008 at 8:05 am
I might like to do that.
Can we participate as often as we are (or are not) able?
posted by Eileen on 1-21-2008 at 8:07 am
Sounds like fun.
posted by Carole on 1-21-2008 at 8:08 am
Heck yeah.
posted by qt314159265 on 1-21-2008 at 8:09 am
Sounds like a blast. I’m in!
posted by Mojo on 1-21-2008 at 8:12 am
I’m in too!
posted by Giselle on 1-21-2008 at 8:12 am
Yea, sure. I’m in.
posted by Pete on 1-21-2008 at 8:13 am
Count me in, sounds like fun!
posted by mrs.djs on 1-21-2008 at 8:15 am
I’m in!! just got a new camera for Christmas so I’m psyched to put it to good use
-Steve
:)
posted by Clotho on 1-21-2008 at 8:24 am
Sign me up, sounds interesting!
posted by David on 1-21-2008 at 8:30 am
I’m on board.
posted by Maeve on 1-21-2008 at 8:36 am
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
posted by Karen on 1-21-2008 at 8:38 am
…and how.
posted by Laura on 1-21-2008 at 8:39 am
I’m game!
posted by Karen Labenz on 1-21-2008 at 8:39 am
Whoa, count me in!
posted by scott on 1-21-2008 at 8:40 am
I’d love to send photos…from deepest, darkest Africa (well Africa at any rate, haha).
posted by Deacon on 1-21-2008 at 8:44 am
I minored in photography in college so I sort of have to do this :)
posted by Kelly J on 1-21-2008 at 8:44 am
Hopefully this will encourage a dustless camera! : )
posted by Beth on 1-21-2008 at 8:45 am
Oh! I’m in. Great idea.
posted by joanna on 1-21-2008 at 8:48 am
I’m definitely in.
posted by Jake Le Master on 1-21-2008 at 8:50 am
Count me in, this sounds like fun!
posted by marianne on 1-21-2008 at 8:50 am
I’m down!
posted by Sarah on 1-21-2008 at 9:00 am
Count me in.
posted by Boyd on 1-21-2008 at 9:03 am
I’m in!
posted by Kat on 1-21-2008 at 9:07 am
I’m so in!
posted by Max on 1-21-2008 at 9:11 am
Count me in as well…
posted by Jason! on 1-21-2008 at 9:15 am
Bring it on, but I’m not making any promises about my worst school photo ;)
posted by Ashley on 1-21-2008 at 9:15 am
Sounds amazing. All about that.
posted by Sarah on 1-21-2008 at 9:36 am
Yep, I’m ready.
posted by Lebetho on 1-21-2008 at 9:57 am
I am totally in and I have the best worst school picture!
posted by Kelley OLeary on 1-21-2008 at 10:00 am
Sounds like fun. I’m in!
posted by Average Jane on 1-21-2008 at 10:00 am
I wanna play!
posted by Darcie on 1-21-2008 at 10:00 am
Sounds like an interesting plan. I’m game depending on the topic.
posted by Lynda on 1-21-2008 at 10:01 am
I would like to participate
posted by sheya on 1-21-2008 at 10:04 am
I carry my camera nearly everywhere I go, almost everyday.
posted by Gawdessness on 1-21-2008 at 10:04 am
Hey sure, sounds like fun!
posted by Katherine on 1-21-2008 at 10:06 am
sounds like fun, i’m in!
posted by sheya on 1-21-2008 at 10:07 am
I’m in.
posted by JessicaG on 1-21-2008 at 10:12 am
Great idea! Please include me. =)
posted by Valerie on 1-21-2008 at 10:12 am
Amatuer photography is one of my small scale passions! I would love to participate!
posted by Sandy C on 1-21-2008 at 10:13 am
I’d love to do it.
posted by Melanie on 1-21-2008 at 10:19 am
I’m in! :-)
posted by Nell on 1-21-2008 at 10:20 am
You bet!
posted by Captain Grace on 1-21-2008 at 10:21 am
Cool! Count me in!
posted by Linda on 1-21-2008 at 10:28 am
yes please!
posted by ellentyler on 1-21-2008 at 10:31 am
Sounds fun! I’m in. :D
posted by Michelle on 1-21-2008 at 10:32 am
interested…
posted by emily on 1-21-2008 at 10:33 am
I’m in.
posted by Beth on 1-21-2008 at 10:37 am
Count me in…
posted by Kylene on 1-21-2008 at 10:45 am
Woo! I want in!
posted by JillHopkins on 1-21-2008 at 10:49 am
Sounds great!
posted by Katie on 1-21-2008 at 10:54 am
fo sho
posted by downchez on 1-21-2008 at 10:58 am
Sounds like fun! I’ll try it.
posted by Carrie on 1-21-2008 at 11:02 am
I’m in!
posted by Anne on 1-21-2008 at 11:05 am
Sign me up!
posted by Stephanie on 1-21-2008 at 11:07 am
Sounds like a blast.
posted by Amy on 1-21-2008 at 11:13 am
I’m all in!
posted by Fifi on 1-21-2008 at 11:16 am
heck yes!
posted by JChew on 1-21-2008 at 11:17 am
I am definitely interested.
posted by Cassandra on 1-21-2008 at 11:31 am
This sounds like fun! I’m in!
posted by Myleti on 1-21-2008 at 11:31 am
I’m all about this!! Sign me up!
posted by Tricia on 1-21-2008 at 11:39 am
Sign me up!
posted by Keeker on 1-21-2008 at 11:42 am
This could be fun!
posted by Becci Chambers on 1-21-2008 at 11:48 am
I am interested. With the presendential election coming up, I think a contest for original campaign idea would be interesting. And of course with winter here - the best winter scene or winter sculpture.
Dave
posted by Dave Davis on 1-21-2008 at 11:49 am
What a fun idea! Sign me up!
posted by Shannon Stalter on 1-21-2008 at 11:57 am
Sounds wierd enough to be interesting. I’m game.
posted by Scott on 1-21-2008 at 12:20 pm
Absolutely. Yes Please.
posted by Sabrina on 1-21-2008 at 12:21 pm
I’m in
posted by Kelly I on 1-21-2008 at 12:25 pm
Yeah, sign me up! I think it’ll be fun to be creative within some rules.
posted by Chris on 1-21-2008 at 12:26 pm
sounds like fun. Please add me to your list. :-)
posted by faith on 1-21-2008 at 12:53 pm
I want in too!
posted by septer on 1-21-2008 at 1:02 pm
I am totally in.
posted by Emily on 1-21-2008 at 1:04 pm
Sounds great, count me in!
posted by thirty7 on 1-21-2008 at 1:16 pm
i’d love to take part!
posted by kay on 1-21-2008 at 1:19 pm
Probably couldn’t pull it off every week, but I’d love to try.
posted by beth on 1-21-2008 at 1:50 pm
I’d love to take part in this. Thanks for the opportunity.
posted by Keri on 1-21-2008 at 2:06 pm
Love to, I have a happy trigger finger.
posted by Beth on 1-21-2008 at 2:06 pm
I’m in
posted by Bart on 1-21-2008 at 2:33 pm
Sounds fun, sorta like Photogamer. I’m in!
posted by Mark B on 1-21-2008 at 2:38 pm
Me too.
posted by K on 1-21-2008 at 2:40 pm
I’m in! Thanks!
posted by Hamilton on 1-21-2008 at 2:41 pm
Sure, why the hell not. As long as it doesn’t take anytime from me being able to read Mental Floss.
posted by Jared Probst on 1-21-2008 at 2:42 pm
i’m so in…
posted by tuffy on 1-21-2008 at 2:58 pm
Sounds like a blast! I’m in too!
posted by Sam on 1-21-2008 at 3:13 pm
I’m in. This is a cool idea!
posted by Rob on 1-21-2008 at 3:43 pm
I’m in
posted by Jennifer on 1-21-2008 at 3:44 pm
Count me it, I’m used to taking odd photos. (I have a food blog).
posted by Karen on 1-21-2008 at 3:58 pm
I’m game!
posted by Steve on 1-21-2008 at 4:04 pm
I’d love to be involved - i hope you are still taking people.
posted by Liz on 1-21-2008 at 4:10 pm
Yes please! Count me in!
posted by Nicole on 1-21-2008 at 4:18 pm
Totally amateur and totally willing if it’s not too late.
posted by Wolf on 1-21-2008 at 4:19 pm
I’m in!
posted by Monica on 1-21-2008 at 4:26 pm
I’m in! Yay fun.
posted by Mej on 1-21-2008 at 4:37 pm
Great idea ! I’m in !
posted by anne caroline on 1-21-2008 at 4:41 pm
Why not?
posted by Pointy-Hatted Geek on 1-21-2008 at 4:48 pm
Nope, it’s not too late — everybody’s welcome! The more people who submit, the better the posts will be.
This is gonna rule!
posted by Ransom on 1-21-2008 at 5:00 pm
Count me in. Exciting photojournalism from deepest darkest South Dakota. er, maybe whitest coldest? At least today anyway.
posted by Dave on 1-21-2008 at 5:05 pm
I’m in! Please make it something really exciting, my life is buh-oring! Thanks!
posted by Brandi on 1-21-2008 at 5:08 pm
I love it! Count me in.
posted by Sarah on 1-21-2008 at 5:12 pm
Sounds fun; I’m in.
posted by Willie on 1-21-2008 at 5:12 pm
ooo, me!
posted by Sara on 1-21-2008 at 6:23 pm
count me in!
posted by Tiffany Anne on 1-21-2008 at 6:37 pm
i’ll shoot photos too if you want. my flickr url is the link in the comment name
posted by Rob Williams on 1-21-2008 at 6:50 pm
Sounds like a lot of fun! Count me in.
posted by Lorena on 1-21-2008 at 7:20 pm
I would love to join in
posted by sid on 1-21-2008 at 7:20 pm
Sign me up!
posted by Scott on 1-21-2008 at 7:22 pm
Yesh!
posted by jumpmonk on 1-21-2008 at 7:23 pm
I’m in!
posted by Juliet on 1-21-2008 at 7:25 pm
Sweet, I have at least one photo from each of those categories - looking forward to the assignments!
posted by Mercedes on 1-21-2008 at 7:36 pm
Count me in as well, if it’s not too late.
posted by David on 1-21-2008 at 8:17 pm
I want to get in on the fun, if it’s not too late!
posted by Marie A on 1-21-2008 at 8:26 pm
sounds like a blast-I want to play!
posted by jentastic on 1-21-2008 at 8:28 pm
count me it please
posted by MrTGT on 1-21-2008 at 8:40 pm
Works for me!
posted by Heidi on 1-21-2008 at 8:52 pm
Count me in
posted by mark on 1-21-2008 at 9:16 pm
Yes please
posted by kirby on 1-21-2008 at 9:25 pm
This sounds like fun! I’ll definitely participate.
posted by Laura on 1-21-2008 at 9:39 pm
I’m so in!
posted by Devora on 1-21-2008 at 9:58 pm
Cool idea.. I’m in.
posted by Mike P on 1-21-2008 at 10:25 pm
count me in!
posted by Rachel on 1-21-2008 at 10:30 pm
Sure, I’ll do it.
posted by Phil on 1-21-2008 at 10:43 pm
Sign me up if it is not too late
posted by Lisa on 1-21-2008 at 11:15 pm
sign me up!
posted by silentluciditi on 1-22-2008 at 12:00 am
That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever heard of. Please include me, if you can realistically employ 130 nerdy _flossers to take random pics for you. I’m game, yo.
posted by adrienne on 1-22-2008 at 12:18 am
I would love to participate in this. Sign me up, too!
posted by NaechsteHaltestelle on 1-22-2008 at 3:51 am
I’m in :)
posted by Venessa on 1-22-2008 at 6:32 am
sounds fun (:
posted by Kirsten on 1-22-2008 at 8:15 am
I’m in too!
posted by Iris on 1-22-2008 at 10:16 am
I’m in…
(But why not use flickr?)
posted by Johnie on 1-22-2008 at 10:28 am
i’m in, please.
posted by prentiss on 1-22-2008 at 10:41 am
Say Cheese!! Snap, I’m ready!
posted by Patricia on 1-22-2008 at 11:06 am
me please!
posted by Jenny on 1-22-2008 at 11:10 am
Please sign me up!
posted by Liza on 1-22-2008 at 11:12 am
I’ll do it.
posted by Stuffanie on 1-22-2008 at 11:13 am
Sign me up.. sounds like a good time!
posted by Javabec on 1-22-2008 at 11:13 am
I’ll give it a try!
posted by Kevin on 1-22-2008 at 11:22 am
Me too!
posted by SuzieQ on 1-22-2008 at 11:41 am
Yes yes and Yes.
Are you talking about the clown on 35 where the Spirits liquor store is? If not I’d be amazed to know that there is another one of those things out there…
posted by Jessica on 1-22-2008 at 11:49 am
Me too!
posted by Jess on 1-22-2008 at 11:54 am
I’m in
posted by Witty Nickname on 1-22-2008 at 11:58 am
Sign me up please :)
posted by saramarie on 1-22-2008 at 12:01 pm
Sign me up! :)
posted by amanda on 1-22-2008 at 12:07 pm
I’m in.
posted by Aunt Shell on 1-22-2008 at 12:23 pm
Count me in.
posted by JcArson on 1-22-2008 at 12:28 pm
I’ll join!
posted by Susan on 1-22-2008 at 12:32 pm
please count me in.
posted by botogol on 1-22-2008 at 12:35 pm
I’m in too!
posted by AmyLynn on 1-22-2008 at 12:40 pm
yes please
posted by Nicole Nasuti on 1-22-2008 at 12:41 pm
Please include me..I love taking pictures!
posted by Tyson on 1-22-2008 at 12:47 pm
Me too, me too!
posted by Julia on 1-22-2008 at 12:49 pm
I want to play!
posted by Misty on 1-22-2008 at 12:56 pm
sounds like fun
posted by Kymberly on 1-22-2008 at 12:59 pm
Sounds like fun, count me in! :)
posted by JoannaKale on 1-22-2008 at 12:59 pm
Sounds great! I’m in!
posted by Jennifer on 1-22-2008 at 1:00 pm
Sign me up!
posted by Alexandra on 1-22-2008 at 1:28 pm
I’m totally in!
posted by Ellen on 1-22-2008 at 2:16 pm
We have the shoe corner,
it was in an undeveloped area that recently in St. John, Indiana started to grown with a school, church, and a couple subdivisions.
People just throw their shoes out their car when they drive by and usually by the weekend there are 10-30 pairs.
i’ll have to get a photo. the cops hate it.
posted by annaleah on 1-22-2008 at 3:33 pm
me too! me too!
posted by Kristi on 1-22-2008 at 3:45 pm
I am game!
posted by Melissa on 1-22-2008 at 3:57 pm
wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Count me in!
posted by julie on 1-22-2008 at 4:00 pm
i’m in!
posted by adam on 1-22-2008 at 4:04 pm
Definately!!!!!!!
posted by Emily King on 1-22-2008 at 4:39 pm
Yes!
posted by OUVYT on 1-22-2008 at 4:53 pm
Sign me up!
posted by Denise on 1-22-2008 at 4:59 pm
Sure, sounds like fun…. I’ll give it a “shot”. (heh heh)
posted by Valentine on 1-22-2008 at 5:15 pm
Count me in!
posted by Emily on 1-22-2008 at 5:22 pm
Sounds fun
posted by Bernadette on 1-22-2008 at 5:29 pm
Heck yes.
posted by fixedgear on 1-22-2008 at 6:11 pm
Yes!
posted by Joe on 1-22-2008 at 7:50 pm
Me too!
posted by Claire on 1-22-2008 at 8:07 pm
I’m in
posted by Bruce on 1-22-2008 at 8:14 pm
crazy funny. this is gonna be great!
posted by Kim on 1-22-2008 at 9:47 pm
put me in coach!
posted by cass on 1-22-2008 at 10:09 pm
I’d love to do this!
posted by somefatchick on 1-22-2008 at 11:35 pm
I’ll give it a go.
posted by boliyou on 1-23-2008 at 12:53 am
I’m game!
posted by cinthya on 1-23-2008 at 3:31 am
I’d like to do this.
posted by david on 1-23-2008 at 8:28 am
Oh boy! Yes, count me in!
posted by Kate on 1-23-2008 at 8:41 am
I’m in!
posted by Terri on 1-23-2008 at 8:52 am
I wanna do this, too!
posted by Greg on 1-23-2008 at 11:43 am
oohooh! two please!
posted by Andre on 1-23-2008 at 12:07 pm
I’m in, too!
posted by Kevin on 1-23-2008 at 12:13 pm
Cool.
posted by Danielle on 1-23-2008 at 4:36 pm
Sounds fun. I’m in! ;)
posted by Shawn Lea on 1-24-2008 at 10:48 pm
oh yeah. i’m in.
posted by Malia on 1-25-2008 at 12:08 am
if it’s not too late, i’d like to hop on
posted by alison on 1-30-2008 at 2:45 am
Love this idea! It really would make it easier if you set up a flickr group for this.
posted by Katie on 2-3-2008 at 9:24 am
Me me me!
posted by Sara on 2-3-2008 at 8:01 pm
I want in too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Anna L. on 3-2-2008 at 4:32 am
I’d like to join.
posted by Sally Villarreal on 3-3-2008 at 9:43 pm