Tips to Winning Contests & Sweepstakes

[Zonny]

Just to be on the safe side, I always copy/paste the url onto a new page.

I've found that cutting and pasting doesn't quite work sometimes. The link in some of these messages shortens some of the address and replaces it with just ...

So, I click on the link to get me there, copy from THERE, then close that browser window and open a new one.

Thanks for all the useful info!

Z

[Lynn49]

Just to be on the safe side, I always copy/paste the url onto a new page.

Thank you, tommygunn....I usually do that...yet, it seems...that this forum's url still follows along...;-)
Thank you for confirming what I thought I knew...;-D

[tommygunn]

I've found that cutting and pasting doesn't quite work sometimes. The link in some of these messages shortens some of the address and replaces it with just ...

So, I click on the link to get me there, copy from THERE, then close that browser window and open a new one.

Thanks for all the useful info!

Z

I use IE and right-click the link and "copy shortcut", then paste it into new window.. but, as long as you're not using a direct link from here, any way you do it is fine.

[tommygunn]

Thank you, tommygunn....I usually do that...yet, it seems...that this forum's url still follows along...;-)
Thank you for confirming what I thought I knew...;-D

You're welcome.. and good luck in the contests!

[Zonny]

I use IE and right-click the link and "copy shortcut", then paste it into new window.. but, as long as you're not using a direct link from here, any way you do it is fine.

I didn't know about the 'paste shortcut' bit, thanks!

Z

[puddin57]

I know we're not supposed to direct link for freebies. but is that also true for contests? I can't see how that would matter to the company holding the contest. It might be a factor if they are concerned about fraudulent entries, but alot of contest pages are contacted by the sponsoring companies for a free listing

[gus gus]

anybody entered reach total care contest on bt toronto today?

[jennifer35]

anybody entered reach total care contest on bt toronto today?

I heard it but i eas in the batroom so i missed the time lol

[Lynn49]

Sometimes, if the contest or freebie is from an obvious source, such as Chatelaine, for example, I just open another tab, then use Chatelaine's normal URL and go from there to the contest. I use "Opera", so it's easy to do. OR I copy the url when I get to the contest page in Opera, then paste it onto my home-page in IE.
Whew! If anyone follows that convoluted method, my hat's off to you!

[puddin57]

Here's another tip....read the entry form very closely....alot of times we end up fillling in ALL the fields when it's much faster to only fill in the required fields...alot of pages ask extra questions (how did you hear bout us, birthday, etc) but these are just classification questions so it's not necessary to answer them

[Lynn49]

Thanks, Puddin!
Another question, however....do you feel that you must accept their offers of newsletters? I usually say "no", but wonder if that makes a difference. I've only won two contests so far, but for the life of me, I can't remember if I agreed to receive their newsletters before the contest or after!
Your thoughts?

[prince$$]

When they mention robotic or automatic, I always assumed they were referring to scripts and paid sites that will enter for you. I always use Roboform (except on flash entry forms) and have won at least once a month (mostly "small" prizes) for the 5 years I've been entering contests (not including the hiatuses I take periodically).

[puddin57]

Thanks, Puddin!
Another question, however....do you feel that you must accept their offers of newsletters? I usually say "no", but wonder if that makes a difference. I've only won two contests so far, but for the life of me, I can't remember if I agreed to receive their newsletters before the contest or after!
Your thoughts?

You'll notice that most pages have a disclaimer that says that if you accept their newsletters etc, it will not increase your chances of winning....I also say "no" unless it's something that I will read (or browse) or a store flyer that I visit

[Justine]

If it's a magazine subscription, I say no. If it's just a mailing list thing, I usually sign up and then just filter it out if I don't like it.

[tommygunn]

I know we're not supposed to direct link for freebies. but is that also true for contests? I can't see how that would matter to the company holding the contest. It might be a factor if they are concerned about fraudulent entries, but alot of contest pages are contacted by the sponsoring companies for a free listing

Just one example, I'm sure they wouldn't be too thrilled if they traced the link back here and saw us listing UPC's that are needed to enter certain contests.