You may remember that last month I was lucky enough to be able to host my first giveaway, of a gift certificate good at CSN stores. This the online aggregate shopping site whose 200+ stores offer practically everything you can think of for home, garden, and office, from Corelle dinnerware to home bars to baby things to luxe products. In July, I asked my nice readers to tell me what they would likely shop for at CSN -- I said in my case it would be an immersion blender -- and then leave their emails to be entered into the drawing for the gift certificate.
For my second giveaway, I am able to offer a $55 gift certificate, good again at any of CSNstores' 200 sites. In order to enter into the drawing for this one, I'd like my nice readers to give me some blogging advice.
When I pick a winner in a giveaway, should I then publicize who it is? I didn't do so last time, because the people responding seemed rather private sorts. They seemed not to be jump-up-and-down, "pick me!" bloggers, interested in networking and link exchanges and so on. Some had blogs that obviously weren't current, some had no online presence at all. When you enter a giveaway, do you want to know, a week later, who won the drawing? Do you want the others to know it was you?
I'm just curious. Some bloggers are hugely thorough in the way they host a giveaway: they'll give you many chances to enter -- encouraging you to tweet it, become their google follower, grab their blog badge, and more. I suppose that approach attracts entrants who in turn enjoy being out there themselves, networking and blogrolling, and who would appreciate the further buzz of being declared the winner. But what about entrants who seem private?
What do you think? Give me your take, along with your email, and I'll put your name in the hat for a drawing of a $55 gift certificate good at CSNstores. This contest can only be open to readers from the U.S. and Canada, and it will last a week, until noon CST next Friday, September 3rd.
And I'll tell you what else I'll do. I'll offer a chance for another entry for anyone who visits either of my two other current blogs, and leaves a comment on any post there. One entry per person at those sites, please. They are Vellum (I like to review old books), and Best of Luck Placing it Elsewhere (I like to write, take photographs, and garden).
P.S. And I actually have used two Corelle serving bowls for twenty-four years, and yes, they are pretty, lightweight, and practically indestructible.
Good luck to all.
I'm all for a simple one entry per person kind of giveaway. All the complexity seems silly.
ReplyDeletelovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com
I like entering giveaways that have simple entries. I do like to hear who won the giveaway when it's over.
ReplyDeletehewella1 at gmail dot com
I like entering giveaways that have easy to follow instructions. I have been on some blogs that have very strict entry rules that discourage me from entering. I also don't care for blogs that require you to "follow" them-by requiring this of a contestant you are only getting them to join because of the contest not necessarily because they like your blog. Having said all this I like your simple, easy to follow rules. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteajmizen(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have enter all sorts of giveaways. I must say that now I am skipping blogs that have a ton of rules to follow and umpteen different ways to enter. It is just too time consuming and frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind following a blog being a requirement because I feel like it is a way to show my appreciation for being able to enter the giveaway.
With that said, thanks so much for the opportunity to enter my name.
dizzybloom(at)gmail(dot)com
I like any way - simple entry has the benefit of, well, simplicity. But sometimes all the extra entries can make you feel like you have a better chance, plus gives a way to show appreciation to the host and sponsor by following them various ways. I do like to hear who won.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
I like entering giveaways that are easy too! I think instead of posting a picture of winner, you could easily just blog about their blog site if they have to help bloggers like us check out some new sites!
ReplyDeletethebasilbee@gmail.com
I don't really care if it is announced on the blog if I win or not. As long as I'm notified, I'm a happy gal!
ReplyDeletefourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
I think it depends on the giveaway whether or not it calls for publicizing the winner. If it's a big giveaway, then it might be nice to post the reader's name. However, I would draw the line at including the winner's website (although, for some, that might be a good idea if they are wanting more reader traffic). I guess, as a winner, if everyone knew my blog address, I would feel obligated to do something noble or fantastic with my winnings. And sometimes it's just nice to have a shin new bauble.
ReplyDeleteWell, that was long-winded.
Thanks for the giveaways, however you decide to do them!
safoga at gmail dot com
I don't mind entering giveaways with simple entry methods or those with more complicated entry methods. I just don't like it when you have a complicated entry and you have to type in a captcha code for each comment!
ReplyDeletesazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
On Vellum, left a comment on your Twelfth Night post!
ReplyDeletesazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
On Best of Luck Placing It Elsewhere, I left a comment on the "It's Happened" post!
ReplyDeleteI like entering giveaways with simple rules, and I agree with Henria who said she doesn't like captcha codes for each entry.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I don't think it matters whether you publicize the name or not, but if you DON't publicize the winner's name, I'd encourage you to write a post about the fact that a winner was selected and has claimed the prize. Otherwise, your readers may wonder if you ever completed the drawing. I entered your last giveaway, and I checked right after the giveaway ended to find out who the winner was. Since, until now, I never knew you'd selected a winner, I thought you might have forgotten about the completion of the giveaway.
Also, when you write out the giveaway rules, I'd encourage you to let folks know what they need to do to find out if they won. Do they need to come back and check the original giveaway post, will there be a new post announcing the winner, or can they just wait for an email from you (& assume that they didn't win if they don't get an email)?
Thanks for doing a second giveaway, by the way! Best wishes.
froggybogg At gmail D0t com
I left a comment here:
ReplyDeletehttp://vellum-nancy.blogspot.com/2010/08/twelfth-night.html
froggybogg At gmail D0t com
I posted a comment here:
ReplyDeletehttp://bestofluckplacingitelsewhere.blogspot.com/2010/08/mell-of-hess.html
froggybogg At gmail D0t com
The only thing I'm a bit mindful of is when bloggers want to verify our status such as providing our FB or twitter usernames. I understand they'd like to check for truthfulness and maintain fairness of the giveaways. Perhaps an option to have the info emailed to them would be acceptable as opposed to including that info in the entries.
ReplyDeletelyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
Everybody else has pretty much said everhting there is to say...but LOL
ReplyDeleteSimple or multiple entry...like both as they both have their own advantages
But I do strongly agree on the points of no captchas...and to avoid spam just make it to where you have to approve the post yourself....and to at least let readers know a winner has been chosen in some form or fashion.
Cheers!
Sweetimpishpixie(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I like a simple entry method. One or two methods of entering tops. I think it gives bloggers more credibility if they post the winner.
ReplyDeletenblexp at gmail dot com
I also like it simple to enter a giveaway. An extra entry for being a follower is nice too but I just don't understand when there is like 10 plus ways to enter...crazy!
ReplyDeleteykatrina at hotmail dot com
I think a post saying the giveaway is closed, thanks to all those who entered, and the winner's name is ____, congratulations, is a nice thing to do. I also agree with the other commenters here that one or two simple ways to enter is best.
ReplyDelete