KSS2012 Guide: When Christmas Happens Around the World

NOTES:
-Canberra, Hobart and Launceston are the same time zones.
-You'll have to message your draw if you don't already know what their location is. I've seen Jen O's secret santa has already done so, but you can private message, as well. ***Make sure to send messages anonymously! Secret santas and all that.
-This information is from http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to KSS2012 - Step 4: Deliver Your KSS Video

You've chosen your song and recorded yourself performing the song in a creative way. Now, it's time for the next step:

Step 4: Deliver Your KSS Video

1) Upload Video to YouTube: This is something that was left out of Step 3, but YouTube is the most popular video website, so let's stick with that. Keep in mind that it sometimes takes time to edit and upload your video, so hopefully everyone hasn't left recording their video until the last minute.

Also, we like to create a playlist on youtube.com/karaokesecret and share all the videos with everyone once they're delivered. For this purpose, we request that you keep your videos public.

2) Know how and when to deliver your video:

When:

You may think to yourself: "Hey, send it on Christmas, duh!", but as I've already mentioned, Christmas happens at different times for different people around the world. It's usually Australia, then UK, then USA, with some different time zones within each country affecting the time.

You can go to this site to convert the time for yourself: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html. I'll also be posting results for each city soon.

I usually encourage everyone to deliver their KSS videos in time for their draw's Christmas. It can be at 12am on Christmas Day (Dec. 25th), on the dot, for your draw; it can mean the day/night before, in case 12am happens in the middle of the night; OR it can mean in time for their Christmas morning.

At the same time, I understand that some elves may need time to finish up (much like finishing up an essay on the day it's due), so, at the very least, make it as close to Christmas as possible. Even if you're late, it's important that your draw gets a video. We've had a few years where some people were left out, and it's not a nice thing when that person put in their time and effort into a KSS video for someone else.

How:

1. Send a Message (through Elfster): Unfortunately (or fortunately, for some), participants can't see each other's email address. You can click on your draw's name (under "Your Draw" when you log in and click the Gift Exchange page) and "Send a Message". This will be a private message that only you two can see. ***Keep in mind that your draw won't necessarily draw you back. It's a possibility, though it's more likely they drew someone else.
2. OR Post a link to your video on the Gift Exchange page: For added surprise, you can anonymously do it. For example, you can post, "Merry Christmas [insert draw's name here]! Here's your Karaoke Secret Santa video: [insert link]" and let your draw find out who it is when they click it. This way, other KSS people can get to see it, too. I'm sure none of us will post/follow suspicious links...
3. Email karaokesecret@gmail.com with a link to your video: This is so we can compile that playlist of everyone's KSS videos. If you send a private message to your draw, we would need this to know one was done and where to see it. Please let us know how you sent it, too (private or public post on Elfster).

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This step is pretty straight-forward. Finish your video, upload it, send it to your draw in time for their Christmas (or as soon as you can), send it to Karaoke Secret for the 2012 Playlist. I usually try to add videos in the order they are posted.

If you have any questions, you know how to ask! The time's almost here!

-Joe R.

aka Karaoke Secret

Karaoke Secret Santa Map!

UPDATE, 23/12/2012, 11:11PM: I've added the remaining cities on the map, using intuition and modern stalking procedures (i.e., Facebook and Twitter). You can still customise, as you wish.

Hey, everyone!

I've created a customised map on Google Maps to highlight the locations of people around the world participating in this year's Karaoke Secret Santa. I used the comments from the Karaoke Secret Location Roll-Call post on Elfster to start pinning:









I've sent out invitations via email to collaborate on the custom map. You can edit the pins that I already posted and customise to your wishes, or add ones that aren't there, yet. If you want to comment on the Roll-Call post, as well, do so and I'll add your comment and a pin to the map.

There are options to change the title and description of your pin, as well as change the icon used for the pin. Some of the icons will be jumbled together from far away, but what can you do? You can add images and links to the description, as well. I've restrained myself from adding images or names to the pins so you can add (or not) at your discretion.

Thanks and hope you enjoy!


View Karaoke Secret Travels the World: 2012 Edition in a larger map

Step-by-Step Guide to KSS2012 - Step 3: Make Your KSS Video

(Visit How to KSS for the quick guide)

You've already signed up, RSVP'd, received your draw and ensured your wishlists are up to speed. Now, it's time for the important step:

Step 3: Making Your KSS Video

This is the whole point of the exchange where, as Secret Santas, you create your personal video for your draw.

1) See your draw and your draw's wishlist. 

You can do this by logging into Elfster, clicking on the Gift Exchange, and looking at the side menu. There will be a section under your logo that says "Your Draw". When you click on your draw's name, you'll be sent to their wishlist page.

This is a challenging, but fun and creative, part of the exchange. Sometimes, your draw's wishlist has many options, but there's not one obvious one that makes you go, "Well, I'll do that one in this way. Easy!" Other times, your draw's wishlist has minimum options that are equally challenging. And, if you're lucky, your draw's wishlist, either limited or flexible, offers you an opportunity that screams, "I can do this!" 

In any case, it is your task to take what you can from the wishlist and make a KSS video out of it. You are given a certain amount of time, so the sooner you start the better. If you have to, try to contact your draw to clarify or ask for more specific options. But, part of the fun is being clever with what you have and delivering a joyful present with your personal touch. So, *if* your draw has enough options, we'd recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling the not-so-easy options. Once you follow through, you'd be amazed at what you can accomplish.

More "after the jump", including various examples of KSS videos and this important tip:

"As long as you perform a song on video and it applies to your draw's wishlist, it counts. How is entirely up to you."

Step-by-Step Guide to KSS2012 - Step 2: Wishlist Tips

Though we're a few days after the draw and most of the participants have added several wishlist options for their secret santas, I just wanted to post this step-by-step guide.

For another point of reference, I wrote a quick "How to KSS" page before and several in-depth blogs. You can access them via this page:

How to KSS.

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Now that you've signed on and the names have been drawn, what else should you do? 

Step 2 is Wishlists.

Now, technically, these wishlist should really be updated by now, to allow your secret santas time to look up potential videos to do and practice or come up with a creative way to perform. But, there's still time to add to your wishlists and help your secret santas out.

*Note: Your KSS Wishlists should have some specific options and be flexible for your secret santas to find a song they can do.

1) Login. This should be pretty easy and was explained in Step 1, as well.

2) Click "wishlist" on the top menu:

You'll see something like this, only instead of the Wishlist Basics YouTube video from Elfster, you'll be directed to your default Wishlist. Notice that there are two buttons: "Add to Wishlist" and "Share Wishlist". You'll be dealing with "Add to Wishlist" mostly. You can use your Elfster Wishlist OR you can create a new wishlist for this year KSS.

Find out what you do next "after the jump"

WHAT'S NEW with KSS2012 - December 7th Edition

Hey, everyone!

It's the last weekend before sign-ups close. We've had some people who have expressed interest or are on the fence, but have not RSVP'd. Please RSVP and join us as soon as possible.

We'd love to see as many people sign up and follow through with Karaoke Secret Santa this year! Don't be scared about whether or not your singing will be good because that's not the point: it's the amount of effort, creativity and thought you put into your video that counts. As long as you follow someone's wishlist and give it your best, your video will be awesome! :-)

You all have until 11:59 PM, December 10, 2012, PST, USA (Pacific Standard Time, United States) to join Karaoke Secret Santa. After that, Elfster will start drawing names!*

The sign up link is here: Karaoke Secret Santa sign-up on Elfster.

Who's joined?

So far, we have 12 people who have accepted our invitation with 2 newcomers. We'd like to welcome Noelia and Christina to Karaoke Secret Santa!

Also, some past veterans have returned after a brief break from us: Welcome back, Sian! You might remember her from this creative, spoken-word KSS video:



New items on the blog:

I've added a new "About KSS" page on the top menu, though the permalink address is something odd (note-some-of-this-information-has-been_2700.html ... why??? And how exactly do you change this?). A new Elfster activity feed has been added to the sidebar, so when you (or your friends or others) check out our blog, you'll be able to see what's new with the gift exchange! I've also wrote a blog entry detailing how to sign up for Karaoke Secret Santa: Step-by-Step Guide to KSS2012 - Step 1: Elfster.

New "Likes" on our Facebook Page:

We've seen a good number of friends like our Facebook page in recent weeks. Welcome, everyone, and I hope our new friends aren't all observers and participate this year! ;-)

Check out and share here: Karaoke Secret on Facebook. You can also follow Karaoke Secret on Twitter.

One last word:

Remember: some participants in the past have used Rock Band, haven't sung at all (like Sian or Ann, who performed a dance piece to a song) or found a creative way to make their Karaoke Secret videos unique. Have fun with it and enjoy!

Peace,
Joe R.
Karaoke Secret

*You may be able to sign up after 11:59pm, etc., while Elfster does its thing, but there is no exact minute to when it turns over. I asked when is the exact time to Elfster once and the response is as follows: 

"Our servers are on the west coast, so the deadline is 11:59 pacific time. Then, the exchange is put into a queue with any other exchanges set to draw on that day, and drawn. So, there is not one exact minute when a certain group can count on the names being pulled. It should not take more than a few hours after that."

Step-by-Step Guide to KSS2012 - Step 1: Elfster

http://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/7410124/819983/

So, you've heard of this magical(-ish) thing called Karaoke Secret Santa, seen this link shared on Facebook timelines, maybe twitter feeds and would like to join?

What do you do?

Step 1 of KSS2012 is Elfster.

Karaoke Secret Santa uses Elfster to create gift exchange events where participants can be paired with other participants. This is how you know who you're making your special Karaoke Secret Santa video for!

It is also how you know what you're making: By using Elfster's Wishlists feature, participants can list or link their musical wishes. As a "secret santa", you look at your match's wishlist and choose a song that is appropriate.

If you're interested in joining Karaoke Secret Santa:

1. Click the link - It's safe, don't worry. It's a link to the Karaoke Secret Santa 2012 gift exchange. If you're not already logged in or a participant, you'll see something like this:

There are a few key areas here:
"Will you participate?" - Yes or no?
"Have you been:" - Naughty, Nice or Both. (I think this is supposed to be a "fun" question. It's basically irrelevant, but I still answer).
"Add a comment" - The comment you add here will be posted on the gift exchange feed (like Facebook's Timeline or News Feed).
"Notify me when people apply" - Clicking this box will do just what it says; it's a good way to see who's joining after you.
RSVP Button - Click this once you're ready.

*Take note of the Sign-up Deadline, which is December 10, 2012, and the Gift Exchange Date, which is December 25, 2012 (you'll use your match's time as reference; some should be getting theirs sooner than others around the world).

Find out what you do next "after the jump"

The 2012 Karaoke Secret Santa is open!

Ladies and Gentleman,

I'm pleased to announce that the 2012 Karaoke Secret Santa gift exchange has been created on Elfster and you can go sign up now at http://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/7410124/819983/.

We have 7 KSS veterans already signed up. Please share the link and invite others to join this year. Note that we want to see more people, but we also want to see 100% participation like last year!

Once you sign up, please remember to make your Wishlists. If you're new, or need a refresher, check out the "How to KSS" link up top.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Sara's gift for Charles

Sara Gates hails from, I do believe, Pennsylvania. And Charles Spiegel lives in Hobart. This is Sara's gift for Charles - Voltaire's, "When You're Evil".

Jen's gift for Alexandria

Jen hails from Hobart, Tasmania, whilst Alexandria lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is Jen's gift of "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles for Xan.

Joe's gift for Sara

Poor Joe has been laid low this past week with what we thought was a tummy bug, so we hadn't gotten around to posting the fabulous and fantastic Karaoke Secret Santa videos of 2011. Turns out Joe actually had acute appendicitis! One painful emergency appendectomy later, and Joe is recovering at home while I commence sharing with you all what was truly an awesome year for Karaoke Secret Santa.
We had 100% participation in 2011! Absolutely exciting. First time achieved. 12 fantastic videos, and, without further adieu, I'd like to present to you the video by the man who started it all: Joseph Restubog. This is his gift for Sara, a new participant.