Help Durex Crowdsource a Cover for Their Naked Box

A young person's first sexual experience should be memorable, fun but most importantly safe, something that Durex are eager to promote. With the subject of safe sex still considered a little embarrassing for young people Durex's crowdsoucing campaign calls on the crowd to cover their "naked box" with a fun and innovative design.

Recently Durex carried out their Global Sex Survey which revealed that of the estimated 120 million young people per year having sex for the first time, only half of them actually use a condom for protection. Condoms are vital for safer sex, ensuring better protection, not only against unwanted pregnancies, but more importantly to prevent the transmission of STIs and AIDS. The survey also showed that young people still find talking about safe sex and purchasing condoms to be embarrassing. 

The Durex Naked Box Global Design Contest is inviting participants to get involved, by submitting a design that will feature on their latest soon to be launched condom package. The only requirements are for the design to be fun, innovative and exciting. Contestants can compose and upload their designs using their own software or visit the campaign's Facebook page for access to their  "Naked Tools". The closing date for submissions is 17th April 2012. 

From the submission 12 finalists will be selected to have their designs presented to a judging panel who will select the grand prize winner. Sitting on the panel will be MTV executive director Georgia Arnold, urban graffiti artist Smash137, professional snowboarder Silvia Muller and Chinese graphic designer Liu Zhizhi. They will be joined by Sue Daun, Worldwide Head of Brand Experience at the Brand Union, Durex’s Design agency. Each finalist will be awarded an iPad as well as a Durex goodie bag. The Grand Prize Winner will receive £2,000 as well as the opportunity to work the Durex design team, finalise the winning design before it is released.  

Durex hopes that the campaign will break down the barriers of embarrassment and get young people around the world talking about the necessity of using condoms and the practise of safe sex. The campaign also looks to make purchasing Durex products fun and accessible without that shy awkward feeling. So if you think have the winning design then visit the Durex Facebook page for details of the competition, as well as to access the necessary tools, and even vote on other submissions.

The Web 2.0 Manufacturing Revolution

The principle feature of Web 2.0 is its ability to empower the individual to launch their own enterprise, in almost any industry. The internet has opened up collaborative doors thanks to the power of social media, a forum in which individuals can share ideas, and work together to bring projects to fruition. There is no limit to the areas that have benefited and evolved and manufacturing is just one of many that are tapping into that potential.

So can crowdsourcing and other web based platforms help anyone enter the field of manufacturing? Derek Singleton, ERP Advisor for Software Advice believes the opportunities are there for anyone with the right skills, knowledge and resources. Click here to find out how Anyone Can Be a Manufacturer.

Image Credit; oomlout

Beta Testing for UK Crowdfunding Platform Completed

Only four months since it was launched and already Bloom VC has much to celebrate. Today the Scottish based crowdfunding enterprise announced that beta testing for the platform has concluded, with plans to grow and enhance the platform for project owners and monetary donors alike. 

Bloom VC (venture catalyst) was founded by portfolio entrepreneur Amanda Boyle and Journalist & entrepreneur Michelle Rodger, with a goal to pool their vast knowledge to help budding entrepreneurs, businesses, and third sector groups effectively use crowdfunding to raise the necessary money for their projects or enterprise.The platform was designed and build by the award team at Everyone, and hosted by Bloom VC's technology partners VPS.NET.  

Prior to launching Bloom VC had already established itself as a crowdfunding leader by establishing a crowdfunding clinic at last year's New Start Scotland Exhibition. The clinic was open to business of all sizes and markets, helping them to better understand how crowdfunding could help them grow during these tough economic times. The beta testing has proven invaluable in helping Bloom VC to grow into a workable crowdfunding platform.

“We’ve had great input from our users and it’s helped us to create a platform that’s intuitive to navigate and well-integrated with the social networks essential to help spread the word and ask for support for projects" - Amanda Boyle Co-founder and CEO Bloom VC

Completing the beta testing is a remarkable achievement for the founders of Bloom VC which can be added to other landmark achievements. Recently Bloom VC helped Scottish student Kevin Pickering raise much needed funds for his short crime film Wake Up Call. The campaign was successful as not only did it reach its target within four days but went on to raise 46% more by the 30 day deadline. Bloom VC  currently has over thirty projects in the pipeline which include games, apps, and film projects. Visit the website for more information. 

Image Credits; Steven De Polo

Crowdfunding to Help Women Build Confidence After Cancer

Women who have suffered from breast cancer know all too well the damage it inflicts on the heart and mind as well as the body. Alarming statistics indicate that 37% of women recovering from cancer are more likely to commit suicide, due to the onset of anxiety and depression following treatment. Former cancer patient, Gabby Mottershead wants to offer women who are fighting cancer to help rebuild their lives, with her program Confidence After Cancer. Through the UK platform Crowdfunder, Gabby is looking to raise funds to offer free Reiki healing and confidence building course for women in Manchester recovering from cancer.

Mother of two from Manchester Gabby, was diagnosed in 2008 with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. After a series of treatments including a mastectomy, and chemotherapy, Gabby's self esteem took a plunge feeling low, almost as if she had lost the person she used to be. Soon after her treatment Gabby's name was nominated for a campaign organised by PR executive, columnist, and cancer survivor Caroline Monk for a makeover that not only transformed her look but gave her confidence a huge boost. Inspired by her experience, which was featured in The Daily Mail, Gabby researched various treatments designed to aide relaxation and encourage greater confidence, including Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Reiki, qualifying as a practitioner in both fields.

Confidence After Cancer has only one goal; to help women suffering from cancer rebuild their lives and restore their confidence to look forward to the prospect of a brighter future. Gabby's Crowdfunder campaign looks to provide coaching and support to achieve this goal, through various confidence building courses as well as Reiki healing. The sum of £500 is needed to pay for rental of therapy rooms as well as printed and digital material only, as the support being provided is free. To date the project has secured 10% of the funding target with 35 days left till the campaign deadline. In return for a monetary pledge investors will receive an assortment of rewards should the project reach its funding target, including;

• free e-books on confidence building
• distance healing and prayers
• Vouchers for Forever Living products with a value from £20 to £50
• For those investing £100 or more, links to their website to be featured on the new Confidence After Cancer website (currently under construction).

For more information about Confidence After Cancer and how to invest visit the project's Crowdfunder campaign page.

Image Credit; SuperStar