Slate is running a fun contest that asks people to distill the Declaration of Independence into a single witty tweet. As the site explains:
In 2010, back before Twitter had quote tweets and threads and daily diplomatic significance, Slate issued a challenge to our readers: Condense the Declaration of Independence into a single tweet.
We’re reviving that contest. The first version drew hundreds of entries, topped by a succinct bit of wit from our winner: “Bye George, we’ve got it.” Twitter is bigger and more competitive these days, and we expect an even better contest this time.
The concept remains the same. Thomas Jefferson took 17 days and 8,000 characters to write what the U.S. National Archives calls the America’s “most cherished symbol of liberty.” You’ll have three days and 140 characters to channel the declaration’s essence into one perfect tweet. And while Twitter has changed since 2010, the ideal tweet hasn’t. It still requires just the right mix of wit and eloquence.
The prize is basically just bragging rights and a mug from the National Archives. To enter, simply tweet as many entries as you like at the Slate Twitter account using the hashtag #TinyDeclaration. The contest is only open to U.S residents and runs through this Thursday, June 29th. You can read all the details on Slate.