We're giving away $5,000. Have your attention? OK, let's move on.

Appirio is a company delivering solutions that help organizations adopt cloud computing. As a company knee deep in cloud computing, we're surprised at the amount of hype and confusion that now surrounds "the cloud." People are talking about it everywhere, but what exactly does cloud computing mean? Wikipedia describes it as "a paradigm of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet."

Great. But what does that mean??? We think it's time to introduce cloud computing in a way that the average schmo outside of Silicon Valley can understand. This is where we need your help.

We're seeking the best viral video that explains cloud computing to the masses - in a way that's more about fun and entertainment, than a true tutorial. There's already plenty of those out there. Show us how you'd explain it to Grandma on Thanksgiving? Put it in a nursery rhyme that even a child could understand. Put it in a haiku, a Shakespearean sonnet or a song.

We'll be giving away $5,000 in cash to the winners of this contest. That's right, cash. No lame prizes, cold, hard, cash. One grand prize winner will get $3,000. The first runner up will get $1,000. And four honorable mentions will each get $250, so there's plenty of chances to win. The winning videos will also be screened on the floor of Dreamforce - the premiere cloud computing event which draws about 12,000 people. It will also be promoted on Appirio's Dreamforce Central site.

So how do you enter? It's easy.

First, create your original "cloud computing" video (no more than 2 minutes in length). Somewhere in the video, you must include "submitted for the Appirio Cloud Computing Video Contest." It's up to you where you put it - in the beginning, in the credits, your call. But we need a shout out somewhere.

Second, upload your video to our YouTube group called "Appirio Cloud Computing Video Contest". You need to be a member of YouTube and to sign up for the group to submit it. If you're not already a YouTube member, don't worry, it only takes a second to sign up.

Finalists will be chosen by a combination of peer vote and a panel of esteemed judges. Namely, us. Entries are due November 3rd. Finalists will be announced starting November 9. The final prize winners will be announced on Appirio's Dreamforce Central site (dreamforce.appirio.com) on November 18.

So what are you waiting for?? Tell us what cloud computing means to you. And remember, the winners will be judged on how creative, entertaining (and to some extent) informative they are so put some thought into it!

Get started now:
http://www.youtube.com/group/cloudcontest