Second place.
Second place.
Okay, so the winner of a series currently gets a Top of the range Laptop (~£500), Lifetime subscription to OED online, and The complete 20 volume second Edition OED. The Runner up gets £1000. If you won a series, and off set they gave the the chance to swap the prizes, would you?
I sold my laptop to Josh (which then broke and messed up his Masters Dissertation), and am looking to get rid of my dictionaries. There is no way I will see £1000 out of them both. As for the OED online, I let one of my friends who studies English use it.
Overall, I'm glad I won my final, but if I could swap the prizes round, I would.
I sold my laptop to Josh (which then broke and messed up his Masters Dissertation), and am looking to get rid of my dictionaries. There is no way I will see £1000 out of them both. As for the OED online, I let one of my friends who studies English use it.
Overall, I'm glad I won my final, but if I could swap the prizes round, I would.
Re: Second place.
Yeah, the second prize does seem to be better IMO. Can't imagine there's many people that want two tonnes of dictionaries. Then again, maybe that's intentional - it would seem preferable that Countdown is won by a retired crossword compiler living in a 7 acre country estate in Sunningdale, than by a cash-strapped student. If Countdown had purely cash prizes it would be even more incentive to the NBGs, and it would seem that's undesirable. I reckon first prize will change to a Stannah Stairlift or a bath door or something soon.
- Joseph Krol
- Kiloposter
- Posts: 1063
- Joined: Wed Jun 23, 2010 6:47 pm
Re: Second place.
I heard that a past series winner took it with him when he went fishing so he could listen to the radio, but then he accidentally dropped it in the water. It was a Dell rolling in the deep.
Seriously though, as someone who likes reference works as a rule, I would prefer not to swap. I already have free access to the OED online through Bradford Libraries though, so I'm not sure really.
Seriously though, as someone who likes reference works as a rule, I would prefer not to swap. I already have free access to the OED online through Bradford Libraries though, so I'm not sure really.
- Thomas Carey
- Kiloposter
- Posts: 1482
- Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2011 4:17 pm
- Location: North-West of Bradford
- Contact:
Re: Second place.
Isn't the RRP of the dictionaries about £4200? Or is that when they were leather-bound?
cheers maus
- Michael Wallace
- Racoonteur
- Posts: 5458
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:01 am
- Location: London
Re: Second place.
Defo swap. I did wonder if they decided to change the winner's prize following Jack's comments to the press during his series about deliberately losing the final.
- Innis Carson
- Devotee
- Posts: 898
- Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2008 3:24 pm
Re: Second place.
Think pretty much everyone would agree that the runner-up's prize is a better prize in itself, but in a way it's nice to have it like that, it softens the blow for whoever loses the final and keeps the contest friendly. If the winner's prize was something highly valuable/desirable, the runner-up could conceivably be genuinely upset at coming so close but missing out on it, and it wouldn't really suit the atmosphere of Countdown to end a series on that note.
-
- Kiloposter
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:57 pm
Re: Second place.
At least the winner gets a laptop nowadays. I think the prize used to be just the dictionaries. There's perhaps an unintended irony - you've shown you've learnt all these amazing words, now you can find out what they mean. It's actually having a cash prize at all that's a bit out of character. Let's face it, this is a show where nearly all the contestants are motivated mainly by the prospect of winning a teapot!
- Mark Deeks
- Fanatic
- Posts: 2446
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 3:15 am
Re: Second place.
On this subject, and with a little bit of bias present, I think you should get a prize for being a losing semi finalist. Nothing great, like. But at least something. A standard class return rail fare to anywhere in the country. A book token. Lunch. I dunno, something.
Eoin Monaghan wrote:
He may not be liked on here, but you have to give some credit to Mark
- Jon O'Neill
- Ginger Ninja
- Posts: 4552
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
- Location: London, UK
Re: Second place.
There should be some sort of support group for people like this.Mark Deeks wrote:On this subject, and with a little bit of bias present, I think you should get a prize for being a losing semi finalist. Nothing great, like. But at least something. A standard class return rail fare to anywhere in the country. A book token. Lunch. I dunno, something.
-
- Kiloposter
- Posts: 1269
- Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:57 pm
Re: Second place.
Write to Damian and point out you've already saved him seven teapots during your octochamp run. I'm sure he'll be sympathetic.Mark Deeks wrote:On this subject, and with a little bit of bias present, I think you should get a prize for being a losing semi finalist. Nothing great, like. But at least something. A standard class return rail fare to anywhere in the country. A book token. Lunch. I dunno, something.
- Phil Reynolds
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3329
- Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:43 pm
- Location: Leamington Spa, UK
Re: Second place.
How about return rail fare to Manchester, a couple of nights' accommodation at a moderately comfortable hotel (say the Jury's Inn), a chance to see behind the scenes at the iconic Granada Studios, and - best of all - access to the free end-of-series piss-up (assuming that still takes place)?Mark Deeks wrote:On this subject, and with a little bit of bias present, I think you should get a prize for being a losing semi finalist. Nothing great, like. But at least something. A standard class return rail fare to anywhere in the country. A book token. Lunch. I dunno, something.
- Mark Deeks
- Fanatic
- Posts: 2446
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 3:15 am
Re: Second place.
Quarter finalists get that too. So do backup contestants. There ought be something to something to commemorate that extra win.
Eoin Monaghan wrote:
He may not be liked on here, but you have to give some credit to Mark
- Phil Reynolds
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3329
- Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:43 pm
- Location: Leamington Spa, UK
Re: Second place.
Fair point. In fact, as far as the piss-up goes, it also applies to "random nobodies who've managed to blag their way in".Mark Deeks wrote:Quarter finalists get that too. So do backup contestants.
- Jon O'Neill
- Ginger Ninja
- Posts: 4552
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:45 am
- Location: London, UK
Re: Second place.
Actually that's Susie Dent, she's on the show.Phil Reynolds wrote:Fair point. In fact, as far as the piss-up goes, it also applies to "random nobodies who've managed to blag their way in".Mark Deeks wrote:Quarter finalists get that too. So do backup contestants.
- Graeme Cole
- Series 65 Champion
- Posts: 2047
- Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:59 pm
Re: Second place.
I think the reason the winner gets a laptop and the online dictionary subscription in addition to the dictionaries nowadays is simply because the full ODE is no longer the leather-bound gold-leafed set. I seem to recall it's because they don't make that any more.
Also agree that the existence of a cash prize has always looked a little out of place on a show where it's more about the competition than the prizes. Not sure what you'd put in its place though. Anyway, in my opinion having your name on the trophy is worth more than any of it. You don't enter Countdown to win prizes any more than you enter Mastermind to win a fruit bowl.
Also agree that the existence of a cash prize has always looked a little out of place on a show where it's more about the competition than the prizes. Not sure what you'd put in its place though. Anyway, in my opinion having your name on the trophy is worth more than any of it. You don't enter Countdown to win prizes any more than you enter Mastermind to win a fruit bowl.
-
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 13331
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm
Re: Second place.
15 to 1 used to have a prize for the person who was top of the finals board, which is equivalent to number one seed. You'd have more chance going for that angle. Maybe a packet of crisps. I'll buy you one at COLIN if you want. It won't be official, but you will at least know that I wouldn't have bought it for you if you hadn't been the number one seed so it counts for something.Mark Deeks wrote:On this subject, and with a little bit of bias present, I think you should get a prize for being a losing semi finalist. Nothing great, like. But at least something. A standard class return rail fare to anywhere in the country. A book token. Lunch. I dunno, something.
- Mark Deeks
- Fanatic
- Posts: 2446
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 3:15 am
Re: Second place.
Heh, it's really not about me. I mean for the future. Countdown's not about the prizes, obviously, but it can be a big gap between heats and finals. And if you go through that gap, win a game, and yet get the same prize as someone who didn't, it feels a bit underwhelming. Just spent like an extra £20 on a steak dinner or something. Job done.
Eoin Monaghan wrote:
He may not be liked on here, but you have to give some credit to Mark
- Adam Gillard
- Kiloposter
- Posts: 1763
- Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2010 8:42 pm
- Location: About 45 minutes south-east of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Re: Second place.
Runner-up's prize: £1000Graeme Cole wrote:in my opinion having your name on the trophy is worth more than any of it
Winner's prize: Dictionaries and laptop
Graeme's expression upon hearing the words "Richard Whiteley Memorial Trophy" during the presentation (34:15 on 4oD): Priceless.
Mike Brown: "Round 12: T N R S A E I G U
C1: SIGNATURE (18) ["9; not written down"]
C2: SEATING (7)
Score: 108–16 (max 113)
Another niner for Adam and yet another century. Well done, that man."
C1: SIGNATURE (18) ["9; not written down"]
C2: SEATING (7)
Score: 108–16 (max 113)
Another niner for Adam and yet another century. Well done, that man."
- Adam Gillard
- Kiloposter
- Posts: 1763
- Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2010 8:42 pm
- Location: About 45 minutes south-east of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Re: Second place.
They've gone very strict on this now. Chris Davies was at the after-party for Ed's series for a little while, but this time round they were very firm on the point that it was only for contestants from the latest series and Chris was forcefully ejected (some truths may have been embellished for dramatic effect).Phil Reynolds wrote:as far as the piss-up goes, it also applies to "random nobodies who've managed to blag their way in"
Mike Brown: "Round 12: T N R S A E I G U
C1: SIGNATURE (18) ["9; not written down"]
C2: SEATING (7)
Score: 108–16 (max 113)
Another niner for Adam and yet another century. Well done, that man."
C1: SIGNATURE (18) ["9; not written down"]
C2: SEATING (7)
Score: 108–16 (max 113)
Another niner for Adam and yet another century. Well done, that man."
- Phil Reynolds
- Postmaster General
- Posts: 3329
- Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:43 pm
- Location: Leamington Spa, UK
Re: Second place.
Wow. That policy would have resulted in not only me, but also Charlie, Jono, Raccoon, Rich Priest and several other luminaries being evicted from the same piss-up (viz the one following the Series 60 final, the last recording of Countdown at the studios in Leeds).Adam Gillard wrote:They've gone very strict on this now. Chris Davies was at the after-party for Ed's series for a little while, but this time round they were very firm on the point that it was only for contestants from the latest series and Chris was forcefully ejected (some truths may have been embellished for dramatic effect).Phil Reynolds wrote:as far as the piss-up goes, it also applies to "random nobodies who've managed to blag their way in"
- Mark Deeks
- Fanatic
- Posts: 2446
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2011 3:15 am
Re: Second place.
You didn't miss much in the way of unrepeatable drama. Basically, Jeff left fairly early to a big cheer, Damian made a very brief appearance, Jon Culshaw was somewhat quieter than I expected, Graeme walked around in a circle for an hour unable to settle down, Nikki stared loathingly at Carl's trousers, and I humiliated myself by trying to kiss Susie and eat a crisp at the same time. Then we all went to a pub.
Eoin Monaghan wrote:
He may not be liked on here, but you have to give some credit to Mark
- Richard Priest
- Devotee
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:30 pm
- Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme
Re: Second place.
I think the main thing they used to worry about was whether there was going to be enough champagne/nibbles etc. to go round if they allowed too many people in, that was the impression I got from speaking to members of the production team.Phil Reynolds wrote:Wow. That policy would have resulted in not only me, but also Charlie, Jono, Raccoon, Rich Priest and several other luminaries being evicted from the same piss-up (viz the one following the Series 60 final, the last recording of Countdown at the studios in Leeds).Adam Gillard wrote:They've gone very strict on this now. Chris Davies was at the after-party for Ed's series for a little while, but this time round they were very firm on the point that it was only for contestants from the latest series and Chris was forcefully ejected (some truths may have been embellished for dramatic effect).Phil Reynolds wrote:as far as the piss-up goes, it also applies to "random nobodies who've managed to blag their way in"
- Kirk Bevins
- God
- Posts: 4923
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:18 pm
- Location: York, UK
Re: Second place.
I've been invited in by a few of the crew/presenters in a series after mine but all it took was for one member of the crew to not let me in to make me never go in again. To be fair I shouldn't really be allowed to gatecrash somebody elses after party but when you've built up a rapport with the show's staff and they invite you it hurts when another of the staff refuses you entry.
-
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 13331
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm
Re: Second place.
Surely the best solution is to organise your own rival after-party and persuade all the contestants that the "official" one isn't the best one.
Last edited by Gavin Chipper on Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Matt Morrison
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 7822
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:27 pm
- Location: London
- Contact:
Re: Second place.
Which dick was it Kirk?
- Ben Wilson
- Legend
- Posts: 4549
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 5:05 pm
- Location: North Hykeham
Re: Second place.
On a related note, has any guest of a contestant ever been thrown out of the green room before, or are myself and Chris Wills alone in holding this dubious honour?
- Kirk Bevins
- God
- Posts: 4923
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:18 pm
- Location: York, UK
Re: Second place.
I'm not mentioning names of course - just thought it was an interesting true story to add.Matt Morrison wrote:Which dick was it Kirk?
-
- Post-apocalypse
- Posts: 13331
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:37 pm
Re: Second place.
What were you thrown out for? And who were you guests of?Ben Wilson wrote:On a related note, has any guest of a contestant ever been thrown out of the green room before, or are myself and Chris Wills alone in holding this dubious honour?
- Ben Wilson
- Legend
- Posts: 4549
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 5:05 pm
- Location: North Hykeham
Re: Second place.
Being in there and Jim Bentley, respectively.Gavin Chipper wrote:What were you thrown out for? And who were you guests of?Ben Wilson wrote:On a related note, has any guest of a contestant ever been thrown out of the green room before, or are myself and Chris Wills alone in holding this dubious honour?