We wanted to give you all a chance to ask us a few questions about the Season 4 casting calls.  Below, find your questions with our responses.  We hope you enjoy!

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Q1.  Can we see the sponsors’ and retailers’ candid reaction on Season 4 of Everyday Edisons?

A1.  We’ll have retailers present at the final casting call event in Charlotte, N.C. to hear the final pitches for Season 4.  We’ll hopefully be able to include their reactions to the ideas being submitted this season.

Q2.  Can you explain more about the casting call finalist selection process and final event?

A2.  The selection process will work much like a traditional Live Product Search through Edison Nation.  All submissions will undergo the 8 step process from other searches, and in the end, seven finalists from each category will be flown to Charlotte, N.C. the weekend of February 25^th – February 27^th, 2011, to pitch their idea to the judge’s panel.  We’ll have the traditional casting call set up, innovation stations, special guests and more throughout the building to keep you busy while you’re in Charlotte, N.C.  We can’t divulge all the details yet, but believe me, it’s going to rock!

Q3.  Should I submit a “How does it work?” video or pitch the team in the video?

A3.  Try to submit a video that you think BEST illustrates the point you’re trying to make.  Also, try to keep them at two minutes if you can.

Q4.  Will Everyday Edisons consider ideas that are not patentable?

A4.  We are looking for ideas that have patentable qualities.

Q5.  Can you tell us about any inventions that you started to develop but then couldn’t get done, and why?

A5.  Due to the sensitive nature of most of the submissions, I can’t tell you any specific times we’ve attempted to develop a product and then couldn’t finish it.  However, for Everyday Edisons specifically, we spend a significant amount of time researching the product and competitive IP before making our final decision.  A lot of things like cost of development go into the final decision.  We have a great group of engineers and sourcing experts to help us.

Q6.   Are you hiring?

Q7.  The only office we have is located in Charlotte, N.C.  While we’re not currently hiring, we’re always accepting resumes.  Please feel free to submit them at jobs@edisonnation.com

Q8.  If there is more than one inventor on the submission that makes it to the finalist stage, who will attend the final event?

A8.  We’ll pay for one inventor to fly to Charlotte, N.C. for the final event. There will be an option to share a room and a dinner option available for a co-inventor or a spouse should they want to attend the final event.

Q9.  If my submission(s) is in Finalist stage for another search, can I submit it to a casting call?

A9.  Sure, go ahead!  Look at it this way, if it’s turned down by the retailer, you still have a shot with the TV show.  Remember, whoever sees the product first has right of first refusal.