Deviation Scores 2009:

Deviation Score Methodology:
The deviation score is weighted. Here's how it works:

Take the absolute value of a movie's deviation. For example: If it's picked it to come in 3rd, the actual rank is 7th, then the deviation is 4. Or, picked to come in 8th, actual rank is 3rd, deviation is 5. (A perfect score is zero. If no prediction was entered, the score is figured against an entry of 21.)
Multiply the deviation by the weight. The weight is equal to 21 minus the actual ranking. Therefore, if a movie's rank is 5 then it's weight is 16. If the rank is 1, the weight is 20.
Tally these numbers.
Subtract this tally from 2000. The highest number is the best.

With this method, the most importance (i.e. weight) is given to the top rated movie and it decreases as you reach #20.

Notes:

• Release dates are subject to change and often do.
• Numerous limited release movies are ofthen scheduled to open during the summer. Too many to list here, but most of my release date info comes from either Box Office Mojo or Yahoo!.
• Movies need not be listed above to be contenders. They need only be domestic releases released somewhere from May 1st to August 31st.
• There's no specific cut-off date. Contests typically end in early October because that is when the top 20 list "stabilizes." That is, if movies are still earning by that point, the receipts are dribbling in to such a degree that they do not affect their ranking.
• I will only end the contest after two or three weeks of an unchanging box office rank.
• Please note that a screen resolution greater than 1200 for the horizontal is recommended to view this page in all its glory.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I change my list after May 1st?
No.

But one of my release dates pushed the movie out of the summer line-up!
Sucks to be you.

Can I play next year?
Probably. But if I feel like limiting the number of players I give first dibs to returning players.

What do I get if I win?
Bragging rights.