The Guinness Book of World Records -- now called Guinness World Records -- was originally created in 1954 by Ireland's Sir Hugh Beaver of the Guinness Brewery to put an end to arguments with his friends. The record book became extremely popular in the 1950s in both Great Britain and the United States. Once people were over their initial fascination with world records, they became obsessed with being a part of the record book. Subsequently, new and strange achievements were born. But just balancing 50 beach balls on your nose does not automatically get you in the record books. You must jump through a few hoops before you can officially submit your new record.
Instructions
1. Review the application checklist on the Guinness World Record website to see if your achievement qualifies. Some types of potential records will automatically be rejected. For example, Guinness does not condone any type of records that contain the killing or harming of animals. Guinness also doesn't recognize sales, charity work or school attendance. Read this list carefully before closing in on the record you want to break or think you have already broken. There is no record for wasted time.
2. Register with the Guinness website. The Guinness committee just needs your basic information to expedite your application.
3. Log in to the Guinness site and complete your free application. Provide as much information and as many details as possible. It can take about four to six weeks to process your application. In that time you may receive follow up questions from Guinness. After the four to six weeks, you will either receive a rejection letter, an acceptance letter with a Records Breakers Pack or a suggestion to resubmit to another category. You can also have your application rushed and get a decision in three business days for a fee of 400 British pounds, which is roughly $638 in U.S. dollars as of fall 2010.
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