Five Alive: Quest for Antonia Part III

SOE recently announced the final five contestants in the Quest for Antonia. This grand contest of wit, skill and beauty has been going on for quite some time now. I know in this post I referred to the contest as a desperate PR stunt and in this post I mocked the brilliant and provocative responses of the contestants. But that was a different time and I am a kinder, gentler Aggro now. I've come to embrace the genius marketing plan behind this contest and think of it as akin to the Olympic Games, only better.

Okay, maybe not. I still think it's pretty silly. How many actual subscriptions are going to come out of this marketing ploy? If I thought it would actually bring positive attention or subscribers to EQII, I could deal with it. But it seems like a waste of money that only accomplishes the goal of bringing ridicule to the SOE brand.

Anyway, let's take a look at our Final Five, shall we? I tried to research the contestants further so you can make an informed decision.

First up, Bridget Peters. In this article, she states that she never played the game herself. Which is okay...it's not a requirement.

Second, Carin Ashley. All I could find on her was this photo shoot.

Third, Holly Weber. In my opinion she is the one who most resembles the digital Antonia and her face in the main shot really captures the Antonia look. Her picture does seem a bit too soft-porn in style for a computer game contest. Holly does have an athletic background, having participated in something called a Lingerie Bowl. You can read more about her if you like in this IGN interview. She is apparently studying Biology so that she can become an orthodontist.

Fourth, Anna Wainscoat. She has been featured in the Women of Santa Cruz Wall Calendar. I'm not sure what month.

And finally, Teresa Noreen. Teresa has garnered the most support on forums and other sites as being the "real EQ gamer" of the bunch. I have to give her credit for taking the time to set up her own web site specifically for this contest. She's even done an interview with Caster's Realm you can read here. It seems like people are really buying into the EQII gamer aspect here and I would too except I'm not entirely sold on it. I would expect an actual EQ player to be namedropping guild, zones, class, etc. in that interview or on her site, and she doesn't do it. In any case, she did do a photo shoot in an Antonia costume and she does seem to be something of a gamer so that has to be considered a plus.

Anyway, I have no problem with any of these beautiful women for entering this contest. It is a good opportunity and it's not their fault that it's a bizarre concept that, in my opinion, is a misuse of marketing resources. The final contest will be held in Las Vegas from August 12th to 13th.

I should note that Krones also covered this story and there is a post on it on Broken Toys as well.

Speaking of marketing, it looks like another edition of SOE Worlds magazine is available. If you're curious, I gave the first issue a positive review on May 16th. I'll let you know how this issue is when I receive it.