Comments on: The Costs and Benefits of Running a Competition on Your Blog http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/ Make Money Online Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:41:01 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Dave http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-4385676 Dave Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:47:30 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-4385676 It's been a while since this article was released and over that time it seems like every other "Make Money Online" blog paints by numbers with these cookie cutter "hacks" such as running contests, top 10 lists, awarding top posters with dofollow links, etc... In my opinion, it's made a mockery out of blogging and the blogosphere. Whatever happened to writing a blog because you know and care about the subject matter? All I know is that introducing contests and rewards (especially money) brings out the absolute worst in people. I used to run regular contests on my forums but so many cheaters spoiled it for the honest members. Additionally, running contests on a blog causes the Shoemoney or John Chow effect where people visiting your blog/site eventually grow to expect to be rewarded for visiting. Think about it, send the most unpopular kid to school with a stack of $20 bills to hand out to other kids and you'll have still have the most unpopular kid except now that kid will have a following of phone fair weather friends. My opinion, stick to solid content and forget the gimmicks. It’s been a while since this article was released and over that time it seems like every other “Make Money Online” blog paints by numbers with these cookie cutter “hacks” such as running contests, top 10 lists, awarding top posters with dofollow links, etc… In my opinion, it’s made a mockery out of blogging and the blogosphere.

Whatever happened to writing a blog because you know and care about the subject matter?

All I know is that introducing contests and rewards (especially money) brings out the absolute worst in people. I used to run regular contests on my forums but so many cheaters spoiled it for the honest members. Additionally, running contests on a blog causes the Shoemoney or John Chow effect where people visiting your blog/site eventually grow to expect to be rewarded for visiting.

Think about it, send the most unpopular kid to school with a stack of $20 bills to hand out to other kids and you’ll have still have the most unpopular kid except now that kid will have a following of phone fair weather friends.

My opinion, stick to solid content and forget the gimmicks.

]]> By: stephen http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2851196 stephen Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:14:50 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2851196 Im currently running a iPod nano FREE prize draw on my website - <a href="www.thecardandgiftcompany.co.uk" rel="nofollow">www.thecardandgiftcompany.co.uk</a> - have been running it for some while now and its brought lots more traffic and more importantly more orders. I think the trick is picking a desirable prize and making it easy for everyone to enter. Im currently running a iPod nano FREE prize draw on my website – http://www.thecardandgiftcompany.co.uk – have been running it for some while now and its brought lots more traffic and more importantly more orders. I think the trick is picking a desirable prize and making it easy for everyone to enter.

]]> By: Mike http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2728375 Mike Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:36:56 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2728375 If you are running a competition on your blog, be sure to submit it to: http://www.blogcompetitions.com If you are running a competition on your blog, be sure to submit it to:

http://www.blogcompetitions.com

]]> By: Tony loves cats http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2667791 Tony loves cats Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:18:29 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2667791 Hi Joe, Have you got any idea what type of competition you will have for Pettube.com.au for example are looking at doing funniest home video's type or just picking who has the cutest animals - i could probably have a shot at both as one cat likes drinking from the toilet bowl and my other cat jerry loves jumping up to the tv when he sees another cat on it...i look forward to any release of details of any competition you may do on your website Hi Joe,
Have you got any idea what type of competition you will have for Pettube.com.au for example are looking at doing funniest home video’s type or just picking who has the cutest animals – i could probably have a shot at both as one cat likes drinking from the toilet bowl and my other cat jerry loves jumping up to the tv when he sees another cat on it…i look forward to any release of details of any competition you may do on your website

]]> By: PetTube.com.au http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2667748 PetTube.com.au Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:07:29 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2667748 Hi Tony, Both actually. We've been planning a competition for best pet video and pictures and saw Darren's site so I contributed to the commentary but we've got some great ideas from the peoples so I'll keep them all in mind to maximise the value of the competition. Not sure when but most likely in the next 4 to 8 weeks and we'll post some info on our site in preparation. Thanks everyone for the great ideas and content on this post. Regards Joe Hi Tony,

Both actually. We’ve been planning a competition for best pet video and pictures and saw Darren’s site so I contributed to the commentary but we’ve got some great ideas from the peoples so I’ll keep them all in mind to maximise the value of the competition.

Not sure when but most likely in the next 4 to 8 weeks and we’ll post some info on our site in preparation. Thanks everyone for the great ideas and content on this post.

Regards Joe

]]> By: Tony loves cats http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2667546 Tony loves cats Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:23:03 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2667546 Dear Pettube.com.au were you guys thinking of doing a competition or were you just adding to the commentary of competitions. I think your on a winner if you do a competition for pets, my streets full of people with dogs and cats and I'm pretty sure some of them including myself would submit a picture or two of my cat Ronnie cheers all the best Tony Dear Pettube.com.au were you guys thinking of doing a competition or were you just adding to the commentary of competitions. I think your on a winner if you do a competition for pets, my streets full of people with dogs and cats and I’m pretty sure some of them including myself would submit a picture or two of my cat Ronnie cheers all the best Tony

]]> By: Mizz Opeke http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2644443 Mizz Opeke Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:24:21 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2644443 I really love muzik & have been die-hard fan of American Idols so last year, my Blog friends & I decided to host Blogville Pop Idols competition [http://www.blogvillepopidols.blogspot.com/] We used the SnapVine voice recording application to showcase each contestant’s singing talent. [Snapvine.com gave us a direct phone line for the contestant to call then record the song the wanted to sing] I have to say that we got the desired attraction we needed although it could have been better if we had read your post. My main problem was balancing the management of my main blog & the competition blog…at the end of the competition my blog became desert land… I really love muzik & have been die-hard fan of American Idols so last year, my Blog friends & I decided to host Blogville Pop Idols competition [http://www.blogvillepopidols.blogspot.com/]

We used the SnapVine voice recording application to showcase each contestant’s singing talent. [Snapvine.com gave us a direct phone line for the contestant to call then record the song the wanted to sing]

I have to say that we got the desired attraction we needed although it could have been better if we had read your post. My main problem was balancing the management of my main blog & the competition blog…at the end of the competition my blog became desert land…

]]> By: ReallyLousyDates http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2640705 ReallyLousyDates Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:13:04 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2640705 I guess it depends. If you are running the contest for the sheer fun and buzz, and everyone enjoys themselves, then it is a success, money aside. I guess in blogging, anything you do purely out of a money concern is destined to fail right from the outset. I guess it depends. If you are running the contest for the sheer fun and buzz, and everyone enjoys themselves, then it is a success, money aside. I guess in blogging, anything you do purely out of a money concern is destined to fail right from the outset.

]]> By: PlanetThoughts http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2637555 PlanetThoughts Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:36:50 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2637555 Wow, you hit on all the ups and downs of a competition. I have started one at the beginning of this month, and am putting up significant money ($800) from my pocket. Since it will run to June 2nd, there is the opportunity to make that investment a worthwhile one. Still, getting participation is proving hard - my competition is one that directly promotes the goals of my Web site i.e. helping the planet's environment. (see <a href="http://Super-Cars.PlanetThoughts.org" rel="nofollow">http://Super-Cars.PlanetThoughts.org</a>) but it requires a little effort by the participant - more than just typing or clicking at their computer! I think it is a fun action, and I am working hard to get large sponsors, and maybe large media coverage. I look forward to the rest of your articles on this topic. Wow, you hit on all the ups and downs of a competition. I have started one at the beginning of this month, and am putting up significant money ($800) from my pocket. Since it will run to June 2nd, there is the opportunity to make that investment a worthwhile one. Still, getting participation is proving hard – my competition is one that directly promotes the goals of my Web site i.e. helping the planet’s environment. (see http://Super-Cars.PlanetThoughts.org) but it requires a little effort by the participant – more than just typing or clicking at their computer! I think it is a fun action, and I am working hard to get large sponsors, and maybe large media coverage. I look forward to the rest of your articles on this topic.

]]> By: Portable Video Gamer http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2635188 Portable Video Gamer Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:36:16 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2635188 I am in the midst of running our very first sponsored contest right now. Thanks to our sponsor, we have been able to give away 10 free copies of a Nintendo DS game to our readers. I put together a creative little contest where they have to complete a drawing to enter, since it is a drawing-themed video game. http://portablevideogamer.com/2008/01/draw-yourself-out-of-a-tight-spot-and-win-drawn-to-life/ I was worried that asking readers to do too much would limit the amount of entries, but actually we have seen an overwhelming response to the contest. I guess that it is important to balance the amount of work readers are expected to do with the quality of the prize, but in this case I was surprised by how much work readers were willing to put into their entries. I am in the midst of running our very first sponsored contest right now. Thanks to our sponsor, we have been able to give away 10 free copies of a Nintendo DS game to our readers. I put together a creative little contest where they have to complete a drawing to enter, since it is a drawing-themed video game.

http://portablevideogamer.com/2008/01/draw-yourself-out-of-a-tight-spot-and-win-drawn-to-life/

I was worried that asking readers to do too much would limit the amount of entries, but actually we have seen an overwhelming response to the contest. I guess that it is important to balance the amount of work readers are expected to do with the quality of the prize, but in this case I was surprised by how much work readers were willing to put into their entries.

]]> By: Dcrew http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2631537 Dcrew Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:07:04 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2631537 Thats a great idea. What are the tax implications? http://pulp-pictures.blogspot.com Thats a great idea. What are the tax implications?
http://pulp-pictures.blogspot.com

]]> By: MyGoodFinds http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2630838 MyGoodFinds Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:03:05 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2630838 I ran a competition on my blog to raise traffic and create buzz. The prize that I sponsored was 5 years domain registration and hosting. It attracted much needed traffic. I came out the winner. :) http://mygoodfinds.org/2007/11/01/winner-of-the-trick-or-treat-contest/ The second time I had a contest, it was only for $25 Starbucks gift card. It created less traffic than that of hosting prize. I ran a competition on my blog to raise traffic and create buzz. The prize that I sponsored was 5 years domain registration and hosting. It attracted much needed traffic. I came out the winner. :)

http://mygoodfinds.org/2007/11/01/winner-of-the-trick-or-treat-contest/

The second time I had a contest, it was only for $25 Starbucks gift card. It created less traffic than that of hosting prize.

]]> By: Free site promotion http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-2/#comment-2630751 Free site promotion Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:31:58 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2630751 You are correct. It is beneficial to do some competitions in our blog, even if we should do some extra effort and contribution. Thank you. You are correct. It is beneficial to do some competitions in our blog, even if we should do some extra effort and contribution. Thank you.

]]> By: PetTube.com.au http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-2629365 PetTube.com.au Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:37:36 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2629365 Very timely post and great ideas in the comments. We're a new site and I think one of the key components for our competition will be to match the competition to the current and future readers interests. Pre-sale of the comp will be just as important as the competition itself. Very timely post and great ideas in the comments. We’re a new site and I think one of the key components for our competition will be to match the competition to the current and future readers interests. Pre-sale of the comp will be just as important as the competition itself.

]]> By: matu http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-2628919 matu Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:52:51 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2628919 Thanks for that good readin there and now I feel like Im ready to run my own competition on my own blog. Thanks for that
good readin there and now I feel like Im ready to run my own competition on my own blog.

]]> By: Emma http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-2628638 Emma Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:24:45 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2628638 This is a timely post, I'm having a competition right now. Plus the ones I've had in the past have been successful. What I try to do is make it simple so people don't mind entering and hopefully it will be a positive experience. My current contest is so simple, all people have to do is subscribe to my feed, and then each week I will give one random subscriber either the cool prize or the cash value of the prize. It doesn't get any better than that. It does take effort though to make sure all the rules are spelled out clearly and that everyone knows they are getting a fair shot. This is a timely post, I’m having a competition right now. Plus the ones I’ve had in the past have been successful. What I try to do is make it simple so people don’t mind entering and hopefully it will be a positive experience. My current contest is so simple, all people have to do is subscribe to my feed, and then each week I will give one random subscriber either the cool prize or the cash value of the prize. It doesn’t get any better than that. It does take effort though to make sure all the rules are spelled out clearly and that everyone knows they are getting a fair shot.

]]> By: Nicole http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-2628439 Nicole Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:25:03 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2628439 Thanks, very good and valid points! Thanks, very good and valid points!

]]> By: Jeff Blankenburg http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-2628199 Jeff Blankenburg Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:19:45 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2628199 I just recently ran a blogging contest about a technical conference I helped to organize. Last year, a similar effort was made, and there were 8 responses. I was hesitant, but part of my job is actually the "buzz" I can generate online, so I figured it certainly couldn't hurt to try again. This year (I only have a readership of 136) I had 43 entries. 24 of which were actually new readers. I consider that a success! I just recently ran a blogging contest about a technical conference I helped to organize. Last year, a similar effort was made, and there were 8 responses. I was hesitant, but part of my job is actually the “buzz” I can generate online, so I figured it certainly couldn’t hurt to try again.

This year (I only have a readership of 136) I had 43 entries. 24 of which were actually new readers.

I consider that a success!

]]> By: alanj878 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-2628144 alanj878 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 04:59:18 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2628144 I am running a two entrecard contest right and I found this post inciteful so all you people interested in making 200 entrecard hit the my name and go to my blog I am running a two entrecard contest right and I found this post inciteful so all you people interested in making 200 entrecard hit the my name and go to my blog

]]> By: Jeff http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-2628039 Jeff Tue, 15 Jan 2008 04:35:17 +0000 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/15/the-costs-and-benefits-of-running-a-competition-on-your-blog/#comment-2628039 Contests are good if you have loyal readers with quality content. If your blog is pure garbage it wont make any difference. Contests are good if you have loyal readers with quality content. If your blog is pure garbage it wont make any difference.

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