Contests
So I got to thinking about contests the other day when I was planning my new website. I’d like to do them, and there are so many creative ideas out there. At the same time, there are also what I’d call the “Annoying” contests. You know, the ones where you have to answer about 35 billion questions and you actually have to think? I tend to avoid those. Then, too, sometimes there are the–comment here and I’ll draw a lucky winner–contests which require nothing at all. I like one that’s in the middle.
One of my favorites was done by Kate Rothwell. She did one contest where she chose some funny pictures and you had to make up either a blurb or back cover copy or something amusing to go with it. Reading the comments was a hoot! I think I may steal that idea or tweak it to make my own contest. I have some duplicate books from the RWA conference that I’d like to give away in celebration of finishing my book.
My web designer showed me another mock up yesterday and I LOVE it. I have a feeling I’m going to be logging on, staring at my pretty design and sighing in adoration. If you hate the design, don’t tell me. I’m in my happy place right now. 
So tell me–what’s the most fun online contest you’ve entered or what’s the most annoying contest you’ve ever seen? (No need to give names on that one–let’s play nice.)
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:55 am | Viewed 778 times
Katie Says:
Well, it’s more a game than a contest - but I enjoy the three word stories quite a bit. Too funny!
Amy K. Says:
I like the easiest ones, but that might just be a problem with my attention span.
One thing we’ve learned on our blog is the more work someone has to do to enter, the fewer people will enter. Live and learn….
Alyssa Says:
Amy, I actually had a bigger response when people had to answer questions than when they just had to post a comment. Probably three times the response, in fact. Don’t know why. I guess they liked the questions. Or the prize. Or something.
Guessing games are fun. I don’t mind answering a few questions, either. It gets annoying if it’s too convoluted, though.
Danica Says:
I loved Kate’s contest.
kacey Says:
oh, Kate’s contest sounds like it was fun.
I like the add 3 words contests. That gets really funny sometimes.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Rene Says:
I like contests where I win. But other than that, I don’t think about it too much. I don’t like them complicated.
MaryF Says:
Suzanne McMinn had some fun contests over the summer.
Another friend had a giveaway from her website, an expensive prize. She had to keep changing the questions because there are people out there who just try to enter sweepstakes. It was very frustrating for her.