The "ante" of our contest is US$100. I think it needs to be something significant, both so people truly compete to win, and so it is more difficult to walk away from.

However...I have done a little research, and one way that seems to work, for those who want to put in less of an "ante" than the full share is to make their prize proportionate to their investment, should they win.

In other words, if the ante is $100 and the person who ultimately wins the contest put in $25, they get 25% of the pot. If the second place finisher put in $50, he gets half of what's left, and if the third place finisher put up the whole $100, he gets the balance of what is left (or, on down to the point where a person with a full ante places, or the pot is exhausted).

If the guy in second put up the whole ante, then he wins the 75% share remaining, and there is no third place award.

Naturally, if the winner put up the full ante, he wins the whole pot, and there is no lower award.

Guidelines:

* One entry per person.

*The ante posted as of the official weigh in is the percentage of the pot you will be eligible for at Rockford should you place. $100 is the maximum. You can post multiple amounts up to Noon Eastern time on July 15, which will count as one entry.

* This contest will be based on the percentage of body weight lost between the "official, virtual, weigh in" on July 15, 2008 and on-site weigh-in at Noon on June 19, 2009. You must be present at the Rockford weigh-in to qualify for a prize, no exceptions.

* Once you paypal your ante, it is nonrefundable and, even if you give up mid-way (or do not show up for whatever reason), your money is part of the pot.

* Your weight loss must be naturally attained. If you have had any of the weight loss surgeries (whether bypass or banding) as of the date of the Rockford weigh-in, you will be disqualified. The "bare-belly review" at the awards on Friday afternoon will be a display of any laproscopic or other scars that denote surgery. If you have already had any of these procedures, you are not eligible for this contest.

* Ties in any case are apportioned based on the amount left in the pot at that time, and the ante contribution of the tying members (so if there is $100 left in the pot and we have a tie between a member who anted the full $100 and a member who anted $50, the full prize goes to the person who anted the full amount). Any full-ante members involved in a tie will split the available pot 50/50.

* Women and men alike are welcomed to participate (so I am using "guy" and "he" as a generic)

* You are solely responsible for any and all taxes resulting from your winnings, if any.

Please comment on these parameters, and contribute any others you have in mind. We need to agree how the "official" weigh in takes place (doctor's note, certification by a doctor or personal trainer, video tape, photo, etc). Please comment on this.

Let's have some fun with it and do some good for our bods in the process. We are a competitive lot, so this should help to reduce all waistlines in the process.

A hot dog eating competition will be held immediately after the weigh-in

Best,

M

egh?

Good plan Mike. This year's contest kind of flamed out. Hopefully you will get some takers...

OK, who's in? We obviously missed the July 156 Weigh in so let's shoot for getting it all together by August 1. That will leave about 325 days to make it happen.

Please indicate your participation with a post.


Best,

M

Ok Mike, count me in, I'm going to give it an honest try this time. I swear!

How is the original weight calculated/verified? Doctors visit, photo of bare feet on the scale or plain old honesty?
I know I could loose a few extra lbs.

Oh man.... I have lost 42lbs. since March in our competition here at work. Right about 20%. Maybe I should've waited.

OK count me in

Michael.. I am PROUD of you that you "Went Public" with your desire to trim up and get in shape.. Goes to show you there are addictions of all sorts. As you & I discussed a few times, your weight dictates so much about your day to day life and future. I pray that you ALL can use each other to stay focused on your goals and motivate each other to reach your objectives and realize that you can't do it alone. I know without help and support I could not beat my addiction.

I am blessed with a bright future and hope! It's because I "Went Public" and remain humble enough to admit daily; "I couldn't do it alone! "... Soooo Michael and any of you that need a kick in the arse or pat on the back, holler at me. I know failure and I know success. Let's all share our experience , strength and hope to become better people and live long hearty lives! Then maybe at Rockford next year we can get on the track and have the kind of fun we had as young gladiators !

As an example, I fit into my 1976 FMF uniform still! Maybe fitting into your old uni would be an incentive or goal....

Love to all..
OM

That is a great goal Scot, thanks for your positive outlook. I "fit" into my race uniform from 1986, but I would hate to squat or try to ride my bike with the pants on, they would split for sure. They are a bit tight to say the least, but I can zip them up still. Fitting into those pants a little more comfortably is a great goal and I think it is attainable if I keep hitting the track a few times a week and watching what I eat and drink. Maybe I will have my wife take a before and after picture as incentive. Anyone else up for the photo challenge?

Neil

The photo challenge is definitely part of the deal. It's going to be great to be able to show the winner(s) before and after shots at Rockford next year.

I realize we're coming down to the wire here (one week to go), so I will post later today with more info.

Best,

M

What happened?

Is this still on? I haven't sent any money or done anything yet, just let me know what we're doing and I'll get right on it.

The biggest loser is starting . This is a favorite show of my wife and I . So cool to see people change there whole outlook on life and get healthy . Keep it up guys we all want to be arround for our familys .

I gotta tell ya, it's hard for people to keep motivated in the short term and even harder over the long term.

I hope the same isn't happening with the thread in the cafe too.