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Yep! I've started to not answer my phone if I don't know the number.
If you have an iPhone you can block the number as they normally call from the same number.

yeah have been blocking heaps. Just cant believe how many calls im been getting lately which i def have not op into. so some competitions must sell the info out

Oh they definitely do. It's extremely annoying. I've had a lot from overseas.

Getting the same the last few days. I suspect in my case it's directly related to doing a odd entry on OFFERX site this week. That site has all the warning signs that it will result in spam calls regardless if you say yes/no to any options.

Same if I don't know the number I don't answer. I just hope there wasn't any competition wins I missed.

Any hints what competitions or sites it might be related to? It would be nice to have an informal list of sites/competitions to be wary of with this sort of practice. Maybe all related to a recent popular competition posted.

Honestly its to hard to tell. It could be from any of them. Just because they say they don't pass on our information doesn't mean they don't. They can sell the list for $1000's to random companies & that pays for the prizes!

@CeCee14 Some it is hidden in the fine print what they intend to do with your contact details. Was hoping compers might have an indication of competitions/promoters are more likely to do this practice. Some it's more obvious when you have to answer a bunch of yes/no questions to various unrelated parties for a competition. Cohort run competitions I think notorious for that.

I haven't thought about it like that. Probably a business model widely used. Hold a competition and have it directly pay for itself. Then from a pure brand/product exposure. A lot of travel competitions hint at unethical or dubious marketing ploys aimed at recovering some costs for the competition directly from "winners" even.

I had one call last year claiming to be a "winner" for a cruise for a competition I entered. Attempting to lure you in with the excitement of a win. I patiently listened, all the time extremely cautious waiting for the catch. Sure enough got all the warning signs of unethical tactics to pressure into accepting and requiring credit card details etc to confirm the win. Before having a good think what would accepting the win actually cost. I think the general rule of thumb for travel competitions unless planning on a trip and offers substantial genuine savings like at least 95% on all costs treat it with caution.

@Lemond Lucky you were smart enough to work that out. Unfortunately some people go with it & end up getting burnt so to speak.

I've also noticed with the ones that do "offers" from other companies they ask Yes/No questions BUT sometimes hitting no is actually what they want so you are agreeing to being contacted even though you said no. They are trick questions. You have to make sure you read them before answering. I fell for it & have learnt my lesson ;)

I've only been doing this for about 6 weeks now. I have realised that some comps really aren't worth entering. You have to pick & choose. I think the more well known the company the better!

@CeCee14 Just did one competition, well I hope it was a competition like that. Hidden under the big confirm button to enter was a link saying click here if wish not to be contacted. Could of easily been missed. Usually I avoid those types of competitions. Yeh sometimes trick yes and no to confuse you. Sometimes come across those as well.

Facebook seem the best for not getting cold calls and spam emails as they rarely ask for phone numbers etc. Gleam competitions the same thou need social media accounts. I don't notice much spam that could be of a result from those either.

yeah i learnt about fine print. But even though you tick no, you still get the companies calling you.

Dont Give up. U have to be in It to win It!!!! Good luck!!

The blogs give very helpful advice and tips on how to improve your chances to win etc.

I would recommend first getting a separate email account for comping. Where its' name doesn't reflect it is a comping only account, just in case some terms and conditions of competitions cover that. Most likely comping will attract lots of spam emails. Most competitions are fine the odds are will occasional come across some that will result in a lot of spam. That way if decide to stop comping etc you won't be left with a lifetime of spam emails in your personal account.

The disadvantage is you have to remember to check the comping account so don't miss the wins. :)

Good Luck and have fun

Pain and Persistence lessens resistance. If you use puns or rhymes for your answers they will definitely need some practice - well it was for me.

law of averages the more you do the more chance you will win , don't enter crap comps for little value unless you really want it

@gaseja Agree. Lessons you learn trying to gauge what works for WOL etc. I guess depends on the judges and who is the promoter and if it suits their marketing. Seems could be out of style in general :)

@Theboywithathorninhisside Ah yes, what is that old phrase "The more I try, the luckier I get".

Keep a record of the Facebook competitions you enter. Not all of them will notify you and you have to go back and check if you have won. If the winner doesn't message them, some will redraw and you miss out. I just use Excel and put the date of draw and paste the URL of the competition.

@Di_D Good point. :) One thing that seems to help for those cases is to have good fellow compers entering the same competitions keeping a rough eye out for each other. :) Good Luck for those Facebook competitions.

@Di_D On that point I wouldn't mind some more comper facebook friends. I find it also a good way to be notified easily of competitions to enter as well. It's the checking back like you mentioned you might miss wins. I would expect you as least get a notification from Facebook if you have been mentioned in a post if you're lucky enough to win. :)

Anyone wishing to have another facebook comper contact? :)

@Lemond if you search dianne.dean.5 within Facebook you should find me - My cover picture is a wren and my profile pic is my name in Gallifreyan (circles within circles)

I turn on the Notifications on Facebook as soon as I enter a comp so I can follow it because I notice that companies are getting smart and not tagging you when you win. It is up to you to notify them.
I also utilise the Save Link button especially if I want to think about my answer for a while.

@gaseja Great points regarding Facebook. I sometimes do that for a facebook competition. The only issue is getting constant emails/notifications regarding updates to their Facebook page. I must go through a few sites I've done that for previously and remove them. Some are handy thou if they have regular competitions as a reminder to check for new ones.

One of the major pitfalls of this site is not listing the draw date and only the end date. So having to remember when to check back if you have won. I know a spreadsheet has been mentioned. Wish there was a more automatic way to prompt to check back. :)

@Di_D Thanks. I've already got you on my short list of comper contacts. It's a very short list at the moment. It would be nice to add a few more fellow compers. I'm reluctant to hassle good friends with my comping. I've haven't yet been able to convert them to the dark-side . hehe

Mine is Mark Johnstone I should put some sort of avatar up to help you remember. I just added the dilbert comic strip about the random generator. I think that's a fitting profile avatar. hehe

Big thanks it's having a good effect of getting notified of competitions. Looks like helping each other out. Win Win all around. X fingers one of us will more regularly pick up wins.

Hopefully if the case arises that I miss a competition win on facebook will also have its rewards. I noticed a while back that @toxicgherkin had missed a win on Facebook and his loyal fan base notified him on here. How nice. :)

@Lemond Okay, slapped my forehead. Have no excuse bar forgetfulness.

@Di_D Hehe. Well in your defence I had no profile pic on Facebook to jolt the aging memory cells. Good Luck with the Facebook competitions. :)

Hoping everything is ok there, fourleaf.... We'll keep your place on the Leaderboard warm, ready for your return. Best wishes..

Best wishes :)

@toxicgherkin lol. Yes @fourleaf will be greatly missed from the leaderboard. :)

@fourleaf Permission to borrow your four leaf clover in the meanwhile. I promise to take special care of it and treasure it. :)

Welcome your return soon.

No not me but I'd be interested to hear more about it if you did.

I've downloaded Nabbit but not used it yet in store.

I've won a few movie tickets, and an entry into a food event.... grateful for them .. as I'm out of work and cannot afford that much, winning something for the home would be nice.

Everyone has to have a hobby! (I'm in the cuppa/competition in the morning brigade as well)
No wins from puzzle competitions though

Well done @CeCee14. You've certainly had a good start. Keep up the good work!

Aww that makes me feel so much better, I am not alone haha
I'm 33 & when I bought those magazines last week the girl at Coles asked me if I was buying them for my Grandmother. I said "No, they are for me & I will win lots of cash & prizes from them" She was a little perplexed & we laughed at her all the way home!

Heres to LOTS more wins for all of us!

Sounds like a good start, congratulations on the wins!

Good for you ! I was going to write something but Ms Lobster said exactly what needed saying!

Great to hear your winning streak is still going strong! I always loved to check the forum and see what your latest wins were. Agree with lobster, keep comping and winning and a big congrats from me!!

Great to see you back

Send your awesome winning streak my way

We missed you. :) I was wondering a couple of months ago we had lost you overboard. One of the midnight crew doing the guessing game. :)

I totally agree about someone getting a bargain if you decide to sell. A win win. :)

Any funny stories or hints from winning? Especially from skill based competitions.

I don't see any of those negative vibes about every keeps bring up. Security must of stopping them at the gate.

Big congratulations @Inwithachance

@jennifer.lobster Thanks it gives some understanding of the source of those "vibes". I find this forum to the contrary where it's quite friendly and helpful. I can understand why those feelings may exist, however they are not constructive. If anyone feeling that way should find a way to turn it around to motive or more positive feelings/behavior. Sounds like the competitive spirit has got out of control in that forum and forgotten about enjoying themselves in the process.

I can relate that when umpiring cricket. It's great to see teams/players really enjoying themselves despite not winning or decisions made. Yeh, it occasionally happens that they really enjoy themselves. lol

I also have to deal with code of behavior in a competitive situation. There are clear rules in cricket where the captains are responsible for the conduct of the game and their players under the spirit of cricket. Also under the association rules their are immediate penalties/deterrents with green/yellow/red cards which isn't the norm. Generally they're regard as use with restraint, however it's a fine line the degree of flexibility, and can be taken advantage of. From experience like having a preemptive friendly reminder before each match with the captains and their responsibilities regarding COB and what is expected. ie. for them to be proactive to rectify an issue. Why I enjoy umpiring cricket where COB and the conduct of the game is ultimately the captains responsibility and not the umpires. Dealing with the rare occasion when captains are the issue well... see penalties/deterrents. Yellow card and above ie. COB issues result in a tribunal visit.

There was major incident this year which unknown persons dug up a whole pitch then poured oil all over the pitch. This denied a team making it to the finals. An example of the extremes of behavior that can occur and how the spirit of competition can be forgotten. As a result, rules have been changed to hopefully eliminate this type of incident. There also criminal consequences. A sad day for competition in general.

Regarding anti sociable behavior it should never be tolerated or encouraged. Hopefully those individuals can see how inappropriate it is . It also may open themselves up to legal consequences for their actions. I find it reflects more on yourself then the person mentioned/targeted.

It doesn't sound like a friendly group to aspire to join. Mainly being a closed group raises the eyebrows and not the alleged behavior of some individuals. Ultimately sounds like no clear rules/guidelines for that forum regarding the COB and promoting a friendly and competitive environment.

In a previous discussion regarding is it appropriate enter a competition with the intention to sell the item etc which touched on those negative vibes.

@inwithachance made a great point about selling some wins. Where ultimately someone wins getting a bargain. So win win.

I don't think its appropriate to judge what someone may or not do with competitions wins or if entering appropriated suited competitions. Those tensions usually seem to revolve around when dragging children/ "kid" prizes into the equation. Understandably a highly emotive subject. Yes it nice or gives the warm fuzzy felling when someone who you feel deserves/needs that win.

In the end it's all about the promoter and getting their brand/product exposed to their intended market and appreciate they have provided a chance to win.

Great that can discuss those negative "vibes" / topics without getting personal. Comping can test the patience evoke negative feelings of frustration. Argh it's all just like playing/umpiring cricket without the sunburn. lol

Good Luck to all. Spread more of the good karma about. :)

while people spend time watching what you do , you win , no wonder they wonder why they win nothing

@jennifer.lobster A worrying sign an admin of a forum would resort to that. They should know better. Hopefully they have had a good think about their behavior and actions.

Apart from the possible legal consequences they open themselves up to, personally I can't see why someone would bother to go out their way to intentional cause harm to someone, who they don't care about.

I could never grasp that concept of behavior when I went through a neighbor episode, involving all forms of harassment/stalking/violence over a 6+ month period. Resulting in arghhh trying to hammer into my place. I did every to avoid not to respond back etc in case it would provoke them. One of the few things said to them in an non offensive manner basically was they were wasting their effort and should be focusing it on their partner. In the end they were on a mission and I just meticulously recorded every incident. Gave them ample opportunity of cease their anti social behavior. In the end was the hip and shoulder and they knew had no chance. Lot of patience required lucky I've got an almost infinite supply.

On the cyber stalking front I've seemed to have gained myself a fan on facebook last few days with someone using a old pic. Last few days requesting to add to a very good friend. Now what to do about that? Can't be anyone that really knows me as don't use facebook for personal use. Only for comping.

@jennifer.lobster Nothing major looks like that profile/pic was set up mid last year. With you mentioning about cyber stalkers etc and have that happen yesterday, where a good friend messaged me that someone was requesting to be added as a friend to them using my pic as their profile. Bit weird considering I don't post personal pics on Facebook. Any good friend would know I'm not a big fan of doing social media more old fashioned. Call me or arrange dinner/lunch. lol

Have suspicions who might do that. Not going to worry too much about it. I just reported it to Facebook and put it in their hands in case trying to impersonate me etc.

@Inwithachance Appologises if hijacked this thread and steered it more towards the negative "vibes" you subtly brought up. Great that you can own the wins without having to be concerned how it is perceived to be judged. How it should be. :)

I was bit perplexed and curious why it would happen in a comping the negative aspects. Sounds like I opened a can of worms. I guess it reflects what happens in throughout society occasionally.

Lot of positives to take from your post to help stay motivated with comping. Like get to it and make your own luck. Sounds like you've been very busy in the last 18 months manufacturing luck. Got it on tap. lol :)

If not too busy comping or enjoying your prizes are there any great stories of determination/perseverance or funny stories for any of your wins. :)

Same message to all other compers be great to hear about the stories behind the wins. Especially the skill based competitions or how felt beat the unlikely odds etc.

Best Wishes @Inwithachance

lol

U can come out of the naughty corner now tox.....lol

..is it safe to emerge...? Crap! 19 points this morning. Grrr.

lol i got 13 . you get a big score soon

happened to me also, many months in a row. Wrote to admin but no response so now I don't bother with leaderboard or clicking every comp at all.

..and a '2' today.... :( lol

@toxicgherkin lol. Put it this way someone has to come last. hehe.
I don't think there is anyone who has a lower total daily points that has logged in every day and done the guessing game as well.

This is the first month, since joining last September I've got more points at the end of the month then you. lol Hmmm sounds like rubbing it in.

X fingers and hopefully the first month I get in the Top 20. Think just done enough. Now having a quick look at the spread on total daily points for this monthly leaderboard.

Some general observations for this month compared to previous months from about last September.

Given
Average daily points (50+1)/2 = 25.5
Average total daily points for 31 days 25.5*31 = 790.5
Approximately 50 regular members that log in daily and do all the guessing game entries for a month.

1 Looks like spread of about +130 to - 170 from total daily points from the total average the top 40ish. There seems about 40-50 regular members that login daily and do every days guessing game. Base this on rough observation since joining.

One major difference I'm noticing this month that the spread of total daily points for a month is spread on both sides of the average.
Noticeably a lot more below the average then previously and looking more normally distributed on both side of the average.

It seemed previously heavily skewed to above average with very few scores below average . This happened month after month. Which is why I was suspecting something wasn't quite right.

2. So If about 40-50 regular members loggin in every day and doing the guessing game I'm expecting if get just over the 790 total daily points and tick off all the competitions viewed I would expect very close to the top 20. Gee I compared it to what I got 796 going to be close X fingers might be based on a couple of extra competitions I have viewed.

3 Also got birthday bonus which can effect the leaderboard
50/12 = 4
So expect about 4 birthdays a month on the leaderboard each month.

So getting about breakeven random points now I would be expecting roughly Top 20 +- few positions. Only rough this might have an effect of requiring about another (10-20) points to be very as few positions are pushed down the list due to birthdays.

Overall
Then take in account points major points missed the odd guessing game etc seems be roughly a handful of members each month pushes down the cutoff for the Top 20 to back to about "breakeven" the 790 daily monthly points .

Rough comparison to previous months was approximately +75 (865 overall) from the total daily points average for a month to at least to be in the Top 20. The Top 3 seemed about +200 (seem consistently need about 1050 daily random points 31 days)
Now looking at this month scores that is about position 5.

Now statistically you might argue that all scores this month have just been randomly lower then previously.

Regarding suspecting something seemed flawed with the daily random points up to 1st February 2016. It was the spread of values looked abnormal consistently high and was by accident observed what appeared to be a statistically improbably. Ie the run of low and high values within time periods. "the smoking gun". If the values had been high then low probably would of missed it. The day after I recall their was the system went down possible for maintenance. lol

Never got an explanation if there was a issue with the random points.

So assuming that there was maintenance done to the random points system this would be first complete month since then. Also the first month the scores look roughly what would expect if got 40-50 members and do most of the competitions viewed etc be very close if not in the Top 20 if "breakeven" on the daily random points.

Looks like everyone on average got lower random scores on for this month then previously, if that helps. lol

@Lemond, I gathered the system had been reset, and I was royally on the receiving end, as were many others. It's random. I just cross my fingers as I click on the login, and wish others the same. ;)

@toxicgherkin Well done in hanging in there and not giving up.
Yeh you got the royal treatment :(. I noticed that early on in the month. We all were starting to miss you being off the leaderboard for most of the month.

It's the first month I've seen a good balance of statistics with scores also below the average which would expect being random.

As probably having the lowest total for the daily points throughout most of the month, what was your impression of how many regular members are dedicated to the leader board competition?

Interesting to generally compare this months spread of scores to previously and why I was suspecting previously there seemed a flaw in the daily point system. My spider tingling feeling of the randomness and statistics, especially after a few months last year.

Whatever was going on, thou might of had some sort randomness, it seemed it had the effect of unintentionally favoring groups of members. Probably as people are creatures of habit related to similar login patterns. EG. If you have a loaded die and people have a favorite number and that happened to be those loaded numbers they would be more likely to win. Or a random approach would better off then those who favorite number would be disadvantaged etc.

It didn't appear to be a simple pattern fixed at the same time every day. Overall would of been too time consuming to identify exactly what was happening.

Possible hints with roughly how much the distribution was skewed above the average previously each month could suggest more likely of been a once a week occurrence. Combine that now with 1st Feb being a Monday is setting of some tingling sensations. Probably the most likely scenario that happened. Most members logged in later got the high value batch each time. Very weird the random points flaw to even to happen in the first place.

It was the consistent grouping of high outliers each month 200-250+ generally for the same members with few scores below the average. Combined with the median score looking skewed significantly above the average as a result which made me suspicious.

Above post I was trying to gauge now what the monthly total daily score would roughly be required to make the Top 20 which looks approximately about "breakeven" ie. 25.5 average daily score. This would be dependent on the number of dedicated members each month, currently approximately 40 members. With a slight influence of number of birthdays. Maybe a case for expanding for a Top 40 to encourage more members to more actively use the site. Also may reduce the probability of a win :( Doh.

General observation birthdays now should have a more impact for your chance to make the Top 20 or Top 3. Especially as those consistently group of high outliers are unlikely to reoccur.

Knowing roughly what the cutoff score for the Top 20 is and how many points tracking above or below average I feel I get a better feel for my position on the Leaderboard and if realistically to get into Top 20 etc. The leaderboard displayed throughout the month greatly influenced whether members haven't viewed the competitions yet which maybe be done right at the end.

Argh An old job was implementing a financial modelling and analysis system ie rating all the retail managed fund products. Looking a groups of similar classified managed funds and rating according using a combination of statistical/financial methods. Ie. measure against performance, benchmarks and risk/variance etc. Often would come across data errors or reevaluation of unit prices spread throughout a large database. One of the many roles to ensure the integrity of data as it would effect the modelling. Using various statistics like variance , mean and compared to benchmarks for that fund category. If outside a couple of standard deviations from the average it would be automatically highlighted to examined more closely. Or quick glace at performance distributions for a fund category compared to appropriate benchmarks

@Lemond, in my golden days of Leaderboard inclusion, it did seem odd to be amongst the same group of Top 20 users month after month. I'm glad the system seems to have been righted, though I'd appreciate more than this '8' this morning! Lol

@toxicgherkin Well looks had a good day. :) Was going to say 8 is a lucky number.

Yes the golden days of being about 4th on the leaderboard every month, how frustrating to tease you like that. I did offer you those spare points. lol

It gave me the motivation to hang in there if once, only once, end a week or month above your score. Closest I got was exactly the same score and got the boot tumbling down the list. Wasn't untill the New Year hangover period. X fingers that curse has been lifted. hehe

@toxicgherkin You've passed the low score to me, so far this month I've received a few 8's & 11s LOL

@Annaar lol Ouch -63 below the average so far. It would only take a few good days to get back to even. Hang in there your luck will turn around.

@Lemond thank you :-) there is nothing to do but wait for a good day lol

@Annaar lol. I look at it in blocks of least 3 days and end of week. Verses the daily pick me up. So often I got 50 then a 1 previously.

I'm just treading water trying to keep above even at the moment. I wouldn't mind getting up a few points with a birthday coming up. If get lucky enough to get up around +50 to 100 above the average points for the month I might even have a chance. I'm expecting a bumpy ride hopefully in the right direction. Damn 7 today still above average. X fingers for tomorrow see how the first week has panned out. hehe

Last month you had a bumpy ride you and still managed to scrape into the top 20. Well done. :)

Any luck you might pick up a guessing game win with the double guesses this month.

The interesting part looking at the lowest scores gives an impression there are about 40ish compers doing the leaderboard competition regularly. About 3/50 odds for winning something is quite good. A likelihood of a win every 18 months approximately. Putting in those terms doesn't sound as attractive lol. It doesn't take much time each day. The biggest hurdle is remembering to log in each day. :)

Point is hang in there and give yourself the chance for a win. Being smart about how much time and effort to put into comping. Having a healthy approach helps so while not winning and getting comping burnout. Have fun while not winning. I know it's a hard concept to grasp. hehe

Last couple of months have taken a step back and now steadily getting back into it. You could probably guess that as I haven't posted any international competitions for a while. I should do some for my birthday. :)

@Lemond if I manage to guess the secret number, I'm buying a lottery ticket lol.

Not entertaining many comps, so hard to get burnt out .. Only things I want for me & few for gifts, as I'm still out of work.

There haven't been that many comps to enter lately....

@Annaar :) Lot of other good sites if competitions.com.au isn't putting suitable competitions up. Even without trying always a dozen could do daily if in the mood to do them all. :) Just the womens weekly, guessing game, leaderboard, got a few there before you start. After a while you a lot get emailed to you from subscriptions from previous competitions. Just be careful of the spam ones looking like competitions. I get plenty of those. :(

My PC keeps reminding me I should look for competitions involving a new PC. Must be some out there. :)

Well your guessing game chances have just double what ever the odds are. It would depend if you maximize your odds if smart about it. No prizes for being the 2nd to guess the number put it that way. It would be just my luck when I finally guess it.

There would be about couple hundred members might play occasionally each week. It's been a while since I've been that low on the leaderboard to gauge. Definitely at least 100+ lol. One thing I noticed a while back for the winners a lot didn't actually guess the number they just got reasonable close. It probably reflects the popularity of the guessing game since and increase in members. I think there might even be winners that have won more then once. So odds can't be that extreme.

I wonder on average, how many days does it take for the number to be guessed correctly? I wouldn't think that many days currently.

Lets assume takes 3 days on average for a correct guess to occur each week.
Assuming play the leaderboard gives currently roughly 50% chance of having double guesses for any given month.
Rough odds first day with 2 guesses 1/500 , Odds of someone else guessed it first day approx 1/5 i.e 200/1000
Second day 1/250 v approx 2/5
Third day 1/166 v approx 3/5

Going to be approx 1/100 to 1/200 for each week sounds about right come down how many members are doing it regularly and if maximizing your chances. Got 4 guessing game competitions per month makes the rough odds 1/50 per month.

So include the leaderboard competition approx 3/50 and 1/50 for the guessing game per month. Expect on average to win roughly once a year on average between the two competitions. I think more realistically more towards 18 months going by @toxicgherkin leaderboard/guessing game wins lol.

If doing the site just for the guessing game . You might question is it worth the commitment. Doing both the guessing game and leaderboard still looking at a good commitment of time and effort. Hint to @Admin case to jack up the prize money on offer and inflation to consider. :)

I would like to see the guessing game to be out of 10,000 with more members playing now then when it was first introduced. I.e. less chance then of been beaten due to someone guessing correctly on the same day. Also maybe extending to a Top 40 getting double guesses to encourage more site participation. The odds would be the same using current rules. It comes down to the number of members playing each week :)

Now verses a lotto ticket win you got to remember the system is designed to suck money out of its participants. Good luck at beating the odds there. hehehe

@Lemond A lot of comp sites publish same comps. Eg MindFood might have a DVD comp win one of 3... They advertise on numerous sites ... 3 DVDs & may be 1000 people trying to win (good luck with that ) LOL

IF it's one I want or know will be a much loved gift, I enter.., otherwise I don't

When it comes to guessing game, I've noticed that if no one guesses the closest guess wins. More people might play if the kitty doubles the week following no win.

Between trying to get a job, social media, reading newspapers online, comps ... I' in front of the screen way too much...

Last night was a nice break & Chris Isaak was fantastic. Back to reality today, interview at recruitment agency in the afternoon.... Will have to convince 20yo to give me a job. Getting to agency interviews is getting close to impossible... Tis my age... Will never see 20 again :-)

@Annaar Good Luck for the interviews. A more important competition. :) Lesson is how to improve your chances for success and not letting the odds of failure dictate your choices. Gives you a estimate of what is required to win.

I did a Facebook competition yesterday with those sort of odds. About 2000 entries with 10 DVD's to give away. Extra entries for each tagged entry. I put in 3 tags. So about 1/70 chance to win. I think I need a lot more contacts to tag to have a realistic chance for those type of competitions. About 10 times as many lol.

Probably the major difference between the average comper and the ones winning regularly "beating the odds" are more organised and understand the competition, and terms and conditions, and what is required to give a good chance to win, whether it be skilled based or random competitions.

You can apply that approach to job interviews. It comes down to how badly you want it and what effort willing to put in. It might require big a commitment of time/money to the type of job you desire, like getting appropriate education or training. As job interviews are skill based a random approach or doing nothing is highly unlikely to have much success if any. You might randomly get to the interview stage then find have no realistic chance for the real prize, the job! You might even get lucky being in the right place at the right time.

You need to assess what skills you have and how can improve them to give you that edge over your competition.

Good Luck

@Lemond interviews last year and today will be based if I'm the right fit for the team, as I have the right attitude, majority of the skills required for the jobs.

No one comes in into any jobs knowing everything....

Not sure about the odds as interview seemed to have gone OK, but after I came home and decompressed some things are replaying in my head and I am starting to second guess myself... do it every single time LOL

Have more chance of getting the job then winning an overseas trip comp :-)

@Annaar For the guessing game and leaderboard was looking at it from the perspective how it attracts active members to the site.
For the guessing game I don't think it's a problem attracting more members to play it. It looks like a good percentage just play the guessing game and don't actively use the site. A lot of winners of the guessing game have either stopped comping or rarely check out what competitions are on offer.

Rolling over the kitty if no one guesses it correct, I don't think it would change how the site it utilized by it's members. It might temporarily attracting more users to the site. It would probably have to roll over quite a few times like powerball to have a noticeable effect. Going by rough trend of percentage just doing the guessing game to active members it might only result in a small flow on effect to number active members.

Expanding the leaderboard to a Top 40 and having a Top 4 prize list might have more of a desired effect of encouraging more active members, who checking out those feature competitions and advertising. Currently it seems static at about 40-50 members each month. The good side to that currently there is good chance for a leaderboard win, however over time the incentive to be an active member diminishes if prize value doesn't change.

Maybe doing both ideas might work using the guessing game to reel them in and the leaderboard to keep them.

Also the hint of improving the site with the competition in the forum run last year doesn't seem to have come to fruition yet. This may be be the underlying cause why there isn't more active members.

Like most competitions it's all about the promoter getting their brand/product out there. Competitions.com.au would be selling eyeballs for their featured competitions and advertising. It seems that there are around 150-250 regular members and about 50 dedicated members that are highly active on average each month. A more active member base hopefully would flow on to larger prizes, or more competitions offered exclusively from this site. Makes me think about what has happened to the weekly caption competition. Was fun thou probably didn't suit my skills so mixed feelings about its loss.

I'm guaranteed, "well highly probably" for dinner tomorrow with a good friend that the discussion will touch on how free to air TV etc treats viewers like customers selling your eyeballs. :) They have been running a long term campaign on removing advertising from SBS. SaveOurSBS.org for anyone reading if interested.

It should be a very interesting conversation what they have been currently doing and achievements. Last year it resulted in a bill being rejected to shift advertising from off peak periods to peak viewing periods. Currently it seems to be ideas floated to merge SBS and ABC backroom operations to reduce costs. This could have implications on quality of content and loss of services.

@Annaar lol. Yeh I'm way too self analytical. Long as do it in a healthy way to improve yourself and maximize your chances for next time. All a learning process. Like doing WOL competitions. I need lot more practice. I think I've been unconsciously avoiding them. It might be just what you need to wind down. hehe

Regarding winning an overseas trip well there's a can of worms you've discussed your dissatisfaction with previously. It seems to be major dissatisfaction with compers in general. Was doing a post in response to someones "win" on that and own experience. lol

A lot of travel competitions seem to heavily weighted towards promoters as a direct marketing ploy to attract sales. I.e aimed at those that can already afford to take the prize or genuinely interested and planning a trip. Way of weeding out the general comper and reaching their intended market.

Often appear to recover a good part of the costs for competition promotion. I wouldn't be surprised they get some sort of kickback or commissions with the additional costs of taking up the prize. Disguising themselves as a competition where it's more of a discount offer to lure in customers. Using that "fuzzy" feeling of "winning" a trip and preying on peoples emotions.

I should be more focused just doing some more competitions. hehe

@Annaar Agree can't know everything when going into job. It's probably a good warning sign to any employer if come across anyone thinking they know everything.

Like in IT/programming etc I need a good base and knowledge of skills required gives that intuitive ability to flexibility in whatever computing task. Having that good base I know what questions to ask, if don't know. From experience, try and not word it as "There's a problem" hehe. Seems bosses don't appreciate "problems" and interrupted the wrong way.

If specifically required focus on that skill to bring it up to speed. EG. It might be a specific computing language or software tool used.

An old job a good understanding of financial statistics and analysis was required apart from the computing side. Bit rusty now on those specifics. Underlying those mathematical skills naturally flow into computing with problem solving. Also explains my curiosity on the odds for competitions. lol

@Lemond when it comes to interviews & recruiters sometimes I know immediately that nothing will come out of the meeting, sometimes I'm unsure & keep on thinking back to what was said, what should have been said.

Usually really cautious when asking questions but for some reason today asked 3 questions & he couldn't answer them. AT ALL.. Changed the subject each time.

Years ago, if you had the skills you were hired. Now you have to be right fit for the co. Age is a huge factor.

Did you see the thing on compung on Tv this am? Apparently we have to enter at least 3 comps per day.., some days it's almost impossible lol

@Annaar No I missed the thing on comping on TV. Which show was it? I have seen previously some small segments about competitions on the morning shows a while back. More self promotion of a particular competition site and how are full of winners.
.... Well it has happy compers at times at least. hehehe

3 competitions per day equates to 1000 per year and get a couple of wins a year on average. Nah it's far from impossible doing that many. if look at it as few minutes a day and do 3 a day. If looking at have to do 100 per month it seems bit more of a mountain. It can sneak up on you the amount of competitions entered. Pity my spam emails as a result of comping don't sneak up the same way. It's more of a flood each day. It would be 150+ at least. That's my biggest challenge/problem lol. I've won a lifetime supply of spam emails.

@Annaar Good point asking a prospective employer questions. They also have to suit your requirements. Some are even outright dodgy.

There have been some dishonest practices by recruiting agencies in the past exploiting government kickbacks for "offering" jobs and interviews for fictitious jobs etc. Hopefully this has been cracked down on. Would make a frustrating experience if that is still happening.

Age shouldn't make a huge difference. I guess it may depend on the industry and physical requirements. Experience must count for something still. Lessons you have learnt and how improved verses little experience. If can demonstrate the willingness to learn new skills if required. Younger might have current educational advantages if the new skills being taught are relevant. Unless your talking about age where lower pay rates come into it.

@jennifer.lobster lol.

:)

Thank you.

Thank you.

Awesome prize 'congratulations '

Di_D! Wonderful!!!! That's Easter sorted..(and then some, hopefully...?). All the best! Cheers.

Congratulations,that's gold!!!!

Congratulations!!!!!

Congratulations :)

Thank you everyone!

@toxicgherkin My kids are a bit older and we have convinced them they don't need a lot of chocolate. Instead they can pick something from one of our favourite websites (Thinkgeek)

I've been ordering quirky stuff from ThinkGeek for a few years..lol..sometimes for the kids, often just for me.... ;)

I excited because I have a Tardis shower curtain on its way - sigh

@Di_D,...so your shower will now be bigger on the inside...? ;)

Yup

HI, sherrin. I suggest you send a message through the 'Contact Us' (at the bottom of the page), and ask @admin to confirm for you, if you hadn't seen it earlier on your account. Happy Birthday (belatedly), by the way! :)

Happy birthday!!!!

Happy birthday :)

Check your birthday details under your My Account details. Possible you haven't set it up to the correct date. If it wasn't set or incorrect I don't think the system will backdate it automatically. From the explanation given it updates the birthday points just before midnight on the birthday. Hopefully Admin will fix your issue for you. Let us all know how you go or if they get back to you.

Unusual I haven't noticed any birthday points for anyone this month. I was starting to wonder about that a few days ago, the lack of birthdays for March. Has anyone else missed out on birthday points this month? I hope it's all working for next month. :)

I had the same problem with my birthday points not being automatically added last month, but I just shot admin a message a few days after the fact and they fixed it ASAP.

Lovely prize, Di_D. Congratulations - and about time you retained something for yourself! Cheers.

Congratulations...!!!!

Congratulations!!!

Big Congratulations @Di_D I got your facebook message of the win. :)

Good on u......Congratulations!!!!

Awesome well done!

Congratulations! and Happy Easter!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Yay, kaybee!!!! :)

Good win! It took me ages to find .

I know @Winner1 it always drives me bananas but I guess it shows that persistence pays off! Thanks toxic.

Congratulations, should be a great package!

Well done, congratulations!

Congratulations!!!!!

Nice win!!! Congratulations!!!!

There is Competitions Guide.com.au :)

I go for days not finding a comp to enter... with Easter around the corner, i expected a lot of comps to be published

thecompetitions.com.au is another good free site. Good luck

@Annaar @kaybee72: Thank you. I hadn't heard of this one. Have you tried www.netrewards.com.au ?

I've tried them all! Still waiting to win big lol @gaseja

I spoke too soon! Found it!!

lol, always the way!! Good luck kaybee72. :)

I gave up on looking for it!

Okay, now I found it.

lol

Congratulations,they definitely are a hard one to crack :)

Congratulations!! I'm still trying lol

Congratulations! Really like their magazine too. : )

I scored a DVD last week.

Congrats! @Jrob71

I won a DVD last year but they are a tough one. Congratulations

Congratulations! I have won twice in the last twelve months with Mindfood. It's a Great magazine

Congratulations,winners are grinners :)

Good on you.....congratulations !!!!

Thank you joLee,Trevsta.Persistence has paid off.

Congratulations!

where is the link to the comp?

You need to go to Morphy Richards Australia website to find the Competition. if you find a answer, please help me . I must very stupid because I cannot find the bunny .Thank you.

It's the word "bunny" not an actual bunny you need to find. I can't remember which page it was on though. It took me ages!

Go into the handblender total workstation page, under downloads I think it says mr bunny!, click on that

After I asked help, I found it . Thanks all of you . It is great feedback to see members very nice. I am very happy. Have great Easter . I am greatful.

Or win a holida! Just leave the kids at home lol :)

I must admit that, just at the moment, I am entering more competitions for a wider range of goods than normal. And, yes, in a way it is to sell these extras. But not for me. And only for a limited time. The extras are going into an auction to raise funds to rebuild Friendship House where our Myrtleford Scout Group meets. It is going to take a lot of funds.
But once the fundraising is over I'll go back to being selective about what I enter.

Does it really matter what other people think? I think not. If they aren't happy for you, they aren't your friends. Life is too short to worry about what other people think of you. Live you own life how you want to.

Honestly I enter everything & anything. If I don't need or want the item I will give it to family or friends. There is always someone who wants something for free. If not I will give sell it. I haven't won much at all so I am hoping that will change soon.

Honestly I enter everything & anything. If I don't need or want the item I will give it to family or friends. There is always someone who wants something for free. If not I will give sell it. I haven't won much at all so I am hoping that will change soon.

If people can win big & can sell since they need money to pay the bills then I cannot see it as a problem... raising money for charity that helps poor, sick .. not a problem. But winning for sport and selling then the rest of us cannot win & use the product.

@Di_D guess since you always win, I better stay away from big items that I cannot afford to buy & need for at least 5 years ....

@Di_D that's an amazing thing you are doing!! Well done and I wish you all the best with the fundraising!! Great job and I hope you win some awesome stuff!!

@Annaar I agree if people are struggling and win big ticket items to sell to get them through that's awesome but people who go out of their way fight to win a candle or Thomas the tank toy or baby clothes just to see their name flash up then make a few $$ I don't get it and never will. I enter for family, friends, my kids & myself, and yes it's awesome to win, but I don't get why people enter to win and sell a $5-$10 candle - too much effort for me lol

@CeCee14 fingers crossed for you

@Lemond that sounds like an amazing idea lol I stay away from holiday competitions, most of them have specific flight dates which is hard to coordinate with work and most are for 2 and have 2 kids under school age so wouldn't want to leave them behind - will let someone who can go and enjoy themselves have it & spend my time trying to win a toy pack for my kids or a bottle of wine (or 6) for when they go to bed lol
Hope your wins have picked up :)

Oh I'm terrible at selling.. I enter to win for me as I've been out of work & not able to purchase some items ... For now I win few movie tix & great full for them @Alittlebitoffun

@Annaar I'm sorry to hear that, that's not good at all!! I hope your luck picks up!! Fingers crossed for a few big wins coming your way!!

@Annaar - How I wish I always win! Bit of a dry spell at the moment. Keep entering. I love it when people on here win things.

@Di_D Thank you! I don't win big (home appliances), have won a few movie tix and grateful for those. :-)

@Alittlebitoffun thank you :-) Wakeup hopeful every day LOL ... ignore the greedy and keep on entering.

Overheard a woman on the bus yesterday complaining that for months she won at least 3 comps a week, and for the last two weeks nothing... she was feeling rejected and hoping that her winnings return soon....

@Alittlebitoffun - I also stay away from holiday prizes for the same reason - most are for two or one and we have a family of four and one of those would be classified as an adult so a lot of the family prizes we wouldn't be able to use either. I also avoid prizes that would cost too much to redeem - like tickets to a great show in Melbourne but would involve getting there and staying overnight at our own cost.

I don't go near holiday comps.. Need a job & wouldn't be able to go on holidays for at least a year...

So far have missed out on tix to shows. They are usually very expensive & not in the budget :-)

Some of my neighbors want to renovate & that involves the whole building... No one has the money, but very few.. If they force it through, living expenses will go up. Minority has the voice & they are convincing people to get things done based on a lie.

Congrats. That's amazing. With the cost of going to the movies these days, that's worth a small fortune! If you don't like Star Wars you can sell the items as they are such a huge thing at the moment :)

Congratulations,happy days for sure !!!!! What a great prize!!

Big congratulations.

Great win! The force was with you!

For that competition was it for the person who watch Star Wars the most of something like that? If that was the case how many times did you go and watch it lol. Great win. :)

Wow. Wow. Wow. Huge prize there, @wolverine. Congratulations!!! :)

That is so awesome. Congratulations!

Lemond yes you have the correct competition - the winner needed to see the star wars movie the most. Let's just say I saw it a few times.
Thanks to everyone for the congratulatory messages on here, cheers!

@wolverine A few times lol. The story behind the win is the best part. How many Ewok toes did you have to trend on to get the win? hehehe

Congratulations mate . Great win for sure !!!

Awesome prize!!! Congrats

:( Damn first daily points below 30 for the 2nd week. Still just scrapes in for double digits. lol

@Lemond How do you know when comps don't have many entries?

All this week I have only had numbers between 1 and 5 !

@Winner1 Hopefully this week will be better for both of us :-)

@Annaar For that particular competition according to it's instructions it stated that you had to like their page and share the competition post on Facebook and answer/complete the entry form on their webpage. I couldn't see many people that had shared the competition post on Facebook. That's assuming that is enforced according to the instructions provided.

I.e. I could only see less then 10 people had shared the competition post it was about 5 at the time for 5 DVD's to be given away for the competitions. I couldn't see how many entries but valid ones I could get a rough total. :)

X fingers guess find out in the next week. :)

Ta & good luck !@Lemond

Yes finally today I got 35 points@Annaar

@Winner1 YAY! I got 45 yesterday and back to 17 today ... might be one of those months lol... as long as I'll win something :-)

@Annaar Hopefully not to curse myself ,I had the best week / 8 days since joining last September. Lowest for the week was a 10 , couple low 30's and rest high 40's to 50. All up gained just over 100 on the average for 8 days. Long way to go still, I've got a good chance for Top 20 for the first time. :)

@Lemond Since joining my lowest was a 1 and highest 50.. last week for 3 days I had 6,7 & 9... don't care as long as I start winning comps. :-)

Congrats

Awesome toxic,just awesome!!!!! Great win!!!

Awesome work :)

Oh wow amazing - good for you!! Congrats

On ya mate . What a Great win !!!

Thanks all.

Wow! Congratulations! : )

Wow Congratulations @toxicgherkin was going to give you the heads up for a DVD competition last night which looked like the odds were almost 100%, with only few entries. Makes up for your horrid run on the daily points.

Beats my win for the week of 4 days umpiring at a Grand Final, if lasts that long.

@Lemond, lol. Yes, I feel like I'm taking on all these 'so-called random' points for the team! ;) Anyways, swings and roundabouts as they say... Enjoy the weekend! Cheers.

@toxicgherkin lol. The big question is who are you going to the GP with? I'm sure I'll see you zooming past my place in one of those jets across St Kilda on your way to the GP, just remember to wave.

The Grand Final down Hampton is going fairly smoothly. I'm hoping it can go into next weekend. Odds are I won't be able to make next Saturday for the GP, Sunday maybe. hehe

The random daily points seem improved with more normal distributed spread +_100 points from the average. Looks like you're on the lower boundary :(. If you can scrape in just above the average now you might make top 20.

Well done!

you little ripper :) well done

I'm not a petrol head and want to preserve what failing hearing I have - or is that...selective hearing... lol..perhaps. I'm offering the passes around family and friends, and let them work out the logistics.

@toxicgherkin yeah good choice im not into that f1 either went 1 year see it , didnt like :)

well done toxicgherkin

Good call @Mama. I learnt this ages ago.Harrassed big time . Good luck My friend!!!

Yep. I also avoid Readers Digest comps to avoid the harrassment

I didn't receive calls but got bombarded with mail. The amount of paper they must waste is unbelievable.

i noticed since i entered a comp , my mobile has been called so many times from overseas numbers , making out like they from like sydney or qld , because as soon as you call number back it doesnt ring , so its obviously from a computer. so annoying had to bannned every call , but they call from other similar numbers.

If you read the terms and conditions, sometimes it says skills, creativity, and other times has random , lol.
Always disheartening, especially when you put a lot of time and effort and then a pretty average one wins that doesn't even answer the question😩, I personally don't enter many unless it's something I reallly would like to win

I often wonder the same. But then last year & week I won things were they commented on my answer :) I guess it all depends on the company!

I cant stand them to be honest. I see some publish people answers and people have made up there own poems and rap songs etc im like urgh.....Im a mum of 3. My creativity stops at cutting sandwiches into triangles lol I have no energy for peotic answers

it works like this - if you win, then they were judged on skill. If you don't win, they were obviously a random draw.

Ha ha! @jrob71 that's really funny!
I think it depends on the company and whoever is sitting behind the computer judging them. I've seen some very bad answers win and sometimes ones that have gone over 25wol. In the case of one well known company last year they gave away a mobile to the very last entry on the page that didn't even answer the question ( there were howls from other entrants) and another that only awards prizes to poems. I always answer in 25 WOL, make sure I follow the T&Cs and put in my best effort hoping the company will do the same. Most times they do follow the rules but if there's hundreds of entries they may be tempted to take shortcuts. Here's an example of a comp that didn't go right....

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1105600432804281&substory_index=0&id=140279612669706

and another that's kinda related to this...
https://m.facebook.com/GilletteVenusUK/photos/a.214670481893642.68394.194816007212423/1009460189081330/?type=1&permPage=1

In the last one, Carmi who lives in Philippines had her photo stolen by a person who worked as a contractor to Gillette (£5000 holiday) . You can see her response after she was contacted by one of the entrants.

@fourleaf WOW Just read the post about Carmi. That's disgraceful. I had someone steal my photo from Instagram & use it on their website. I was so pissed off. If they had contacted me like other companies have then it would of been ok but to just take it without asking isn't right.

I really enjoy entering photo comps as I get to show off my work & usually get some great feedback. Haven't won anything yet but hoping too.

This on is in a current comp!
It from a helicopter tour over the NaPali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii

Some companies only award wins to people with certain names ... when I check if I'd won all I see is Smith, Brown, Citizen etc ...

Will continue to enter and hope that thee 'judges' change sooner or later :-)

Wrote a small poem and didn't win tix to Melbourne and a show + transfers + hotel, the winning poem was published and it didn't even make sense... depends on the company.

Wow CeCee14 that's a great photo! I'm sure you'll win soon.

With the Carmi situation, have a look through the 24 replies under her comment. Gillette offered to send something to her in return and it was noticed on the first winners facebook business page and LinkedIn profile that she had just finished some advertising contract work with Gillette. Highly doubtful she didn't understand the terms. The comp was also judged weeks and weeks after the date in the T&Cs.

I've had wins where they have contacted me and commented that they liked what I wrote so some do read them and actually choose.
What steams me up is where the winner exceeds the word limit and Facebook comps can be the worst culprit for that.

@Annaar, I am a Smith and trust me I am not a HUGE winner. I really think it depends who the Company assigns the judging to. I think you will find it is the Junior. I remember in the 1980s when I was a junior office clerk, I was asked to go through 1000s of baby photos to narrow down the selection for final judging which was a public event.

Awesome win,good stuff. :)

Nice one, bexibex!

Congratulations :) Happy days!!!

Congratulations!

Congrats - great win

Well done! All I got was a "discount" voucher from them saying I hadn't won but.....

Voted :)

Done

Done

Done-ski...

Thanks all - awesome stuff :)

done, she is a cutie!

I do and I absolutely love the crosswords, havnt won anything but only been buying for 5 months,good luck :)

Hi, CeCee14. I'm a recent Take 5'er and That's Life'r. I won cash with That's Life a few months ago - $30 odd - and just last week, with Take 5 - a DVD set. I'm in it more for keeping the grey matter active - matches my hair... ;)

That's good to hear :) I'll keep buying them & keep entering. Now my Hubby has started getting into them too. We sat outside with a drink & did them together haha Fingers crossed we are winners. You've gotta be in it to win it!

Good things come to good people! Awesome attitude!!

Haven't purchased them in a while but yes I've probably won about 4 things through these magazines

I have been buying them for over 10 years and have won a few things. The largest prize I won was $1000 but I have also won lots of little things from bath sets, scarfs,toys and last year I won a bbq tool set. I haven't bought them much recently as I am too busy and always forget to send the entry off in time. I will have to try again now that you can enter online. They are good for the brain matter!

Thanks for sharing :) Its good to hear that winning can happen. Doing it online is so quick & easy. And free as you don't need a stamp hehe I've only bought them the last 2 weeks so I'll have to wait & see if I do win anything. I have definitely turned into a comp addict lately. Keybee $1000 would great to add to our next overseas holiday.
But in saying that I am 100% sure I am going to win a holiday this year ;)

Annaar, you have to view/'enter' at least one competition for your monthly points to reset. It's the same at the start of each month.

Thank you! Didn't know that :-) @toxicgherkin

Toxicgherkin for President!!!! :)

No points now and no ranking!!!

@Lilli, you have to view/'enter' at least one competition for your monthly points to reset. You need to do this at the commencement of each month, as it's a cycle. Hope this helps. Cheers.