New Zealand
United Kingdom
Everything is so innocent in the beginning. I’ve been on my comping journey for so many years now (Not telling how many years!) and there’s no turning back now. Here hare 4 things I wish I’d never known about competitions:
1. The numbers
Before I heard about the ‘numbers’ I was blissfully entering competitions, unaware of the odds. I really did think Lady Luck was a cousin of mine and how so generous she would be to me. I use to think I had a really really really good chance at winning big competitions and I mean those big ones brands do, that is until I found out the truth. Some competitions get up to 5000 entries depending on the competition and the type. What! Ignorance really is bliss as they say!
2. People are ’judgy’
Naturally people are negative about things they don’t understand but I always thought my hobby would be accepted by family and friends. It can be hurtful when you love your hobby but there are those non-converters who pass judgement and will never ‘get it’. I didn’t think it would be something I could talk to with some people and others not at all.
3. People get ‘jelly’
If you do tell people about your prizes or competitions coming up, it’s amazing how some people can get really jealous. Naturally if you win people do get a tad jealous but some people are just jealous you have a hobby and they don’t! The green eyed monster appears when you least expect it. I made this mistake in the beginning with co-workers and it changed the way people looked at me. Note to self: be careful what you say and to whom.
4. Promoters can be shady
There’s always one bad egg in the bunch and the stories I’ve heard over the years have ranged from prizes not showing up to promoter’s not sticking to the terms and conditions. I use to think promoters were innocent angels who could never do wrong but now I know better. Don’t trust anyone and don’t expect the promoter to do the right thing. Good luck everyone!