The Pimp My Widgets Qt Developer contest site provides a sample of simple templates for a Web browser or graphics application. Entrants can choose from among four .ui data widgets to pimp ("Did we mention that these widgets are ugly?") that they can open in Qt Designer and beautify in their own unique way. Alternatively, Qt provides a Wild Card category for widgets developed from scratch. Deadline is December 31, 2008, 11:59 P.M. Central European Time. Source code has to be under GPL and pimpers need to submit a 30-second video clip showing their creativity.

It's through comical infotainment videos that Qt is trying to lure its contest participants. As a follow-up to their original contest-announcing YouTube video, they've now issued a Holidays version. A fun-loving spirit should underlie the entries, although some prizes could be a motivation (see Gallery). (Entrants from China and Japan are eligible for an additional prize.) The contest rules are earnest in comparison: winners must demonstrate a best use of Qt, solve a problem with the widget, use creative coding, make the widget portable to multiple platforms, and create a "bling factor" (is it "pimpalicious"?).

The sample widgets are available here and the contest rules here.