Forum
General Chatter
http://financeezi.com.au/application/GuessTheGear-21
Any guesses what the gear is? I thought it might be a sleeping bag?
Ps if you share your URL link and you are the winner you get an extra $200 BCF card, the link above is my link.
Good luck :)
General Chatter
I did the Today show selfie and 25 words less to win a TV.
But when I clicked submit the page just kept loading for 5 minutes and so I kept clicking submit and then it went to the Today show homepage.
I'm worried my entry didn't go through or my picture didn't upload. J don't want to re-enter as it says one entry per person. But is pressing the submit button again will that corrupt the entry
Compbee
20 Jun 17 11:35 AM
Hmm sometimes changing browsers might work. It's possible had an issue with the browser when attempting to submit. One of reasons I've installed a few different browsers as it lot easier in a crunch to just switch and try again.
What's the comp link? I might check it out later if can find the email address sending to and the subject title.
To find the email address etc you might be able to find it by checking out the underlying HTML for the submit button. At least if you're calling up and enquiring it might help track it down.
To check what the submit button is doing would require using the browser developer tools and/or using the shortcut right click on the button and select INSPECT (at least in Chrome). Also view source HMTL option may help, thou the inspect option and tools available help search through the HTML DOM (Document Object Model) a lot easier. It may be "touch" over whelming for the uninitiated thou it's not rocket science. lol.
If using a direct email approach to act the same as the form submit, it might also wise to know how the form is formatting the email, so there wouldn't be a difference to other entries. Most likely thou might need to consider what additional info the program your using for emails eg Outlook, adds to the email. That might picked up with detailed inspection of emails/form submissions. I..e. Most likely it's acting like a email client and header info attached identifies the method it was sent.
I'm a bit rusty on form submits, it's something will be looking in more detail very soon my comping management project. Not looking to implement automatic entry for competitions , thou possible using browser automation. Looking into automatically logging into various social media eg FB/Twitter etc and obtain my notifications and compare against comps entered and draw/closing dates.
Good luck x fingers you haven't accidentally submitted a dozen entries for every push of the button.
Think found the comp
https://www.9now.com.au/today/2017/extras/competitions/competitions-folder/samsung-qled-form
At the bottom it mentions the following:
File upload (Max size 5mb)
(File uploads have been disabled for this form.)
IF YOU CANNOT UPLOAD YOUR IMAGE PLEASE SEND YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS, ANSWER TO THE COMPETITION QUESTION, AND PHOTO TO COMPETITIONS@NINE.COM.AU
So either you didn't see that message or it has been recently added to the form due to technical issues. It's highly possible your entry wasn't submitted. Try doing a direct email as instructed.
It doesn't mention what subject to put in email. From the HTML of the form it should be:
"Samsung and Harvey Norman Giveaway"
For the email content to make it easy for them follow the same format as the form at the competition link.
eg
First Name: Malcom
Last Name: Trumble
Phone: 000
Email: donations@email.com
Address: 287-289 New South Head Rd
City: Edgecliff
State: NSW
Postcode: 2027
In 25 words or us why you would like to win a brand new Samsung QLED TV?
Good Luck :)
Hmm a TV would be great. A screen shot of trying to watch TV in HD format on my PC/Media centre in all it's pixelated glory might help. At times like a Picasso artwork if doesn't manage to freeze up TV viewer first. :(
Gee: The best thirty-five (35) entries, as determined by the judges, will each win a Samsung Q7 55" QLED TV valued at $3999.
It might be worth entering. :)
It's changed again and now displaying the option to load the file, which didn't display for me few hours ago. It's possible due just doing a fresh instalation of Chrome which usually use.
It's lucky as got your answer what email to send to. :)
What's it now displaying for me:
File uploads may not work on some mobile devices.
Also the file upload option has appeared.
It's probably best to use the form or email as a last resort.
If emailing don't forget to include a subject, otherwise it might be lost amongst other competitions they might be running.
I've Won
There must be something in the water up here.
1 - Perth Mint Birthday -FB -Won $1 mythical coin set collection
2 - local Toyota Dealer - raffle - Tonka toy set after visiting the Tonka Hilux display they had
Sending good luck to everyone for the rest of the week. Wishing you all some big wins :)
Smalot11
19 Jun 17 8:27 PMOn fire!!!! Way to go mate.
surferboy83
20 Jun 17 8:27 AMCongratulations :)
moreofachance
20 Jun 17 8:28 AMI've Won
My lucky week.
$500 from Yellow Pages for a local Sunshine Coast comp
$100 bunning voucher from CBUS Super
$50 iTunes voucher from Telfast
All Facebook comps. Hope you all are having a lucky week too.
Smalot11
15 Jun 17 9:39 AMCongratulations :)
moreofachance
15 Jun 17 10:08 AMCongratulations
Brookemaree93
15 Jun 17 12:27 PMGreat news. Congratulations!
toxicgherkin
15 Jun 17 1:44 PMgood wins there mate!
surferboy83
16 Jun 17 11:21 AMBloody awesome!!!!!!
FARMERTYSON
17 Jun 17 9:36 AMGeneral Chatter
Wondering if I'm the only person who never ever has won a lucky number nor been in the top 3..
Anna2077
12 Jun 17 3:38 PMThe first month i joined I came 3rd and then 2 months later I won the guessing game, then another 3rd about 6 months later, talk about beginners luck :)
moreofachance
12 Jun 17 6:53 PM
Only once courtesy of the birthday bonus :)
It took me about 18 months which is about the average time to win with roughly 40 active members. This year only had a couple of months over average scores. Most months been close to average scores. It would be nice to get over 180 points for a month for a change.
@Anna2077 Your not going too bad for the month, just a few points below average. Still plenty of time with a outside chance. Hmm you need roughly 130 points from 18 days maybe a bit optimistic for top 3 this month. Always next month.
On the bright side you might win if end up in the top 10. Just you won't be able to cash it out anytime soon.
I won on my birthday month(April last yr) just, plus 3rd and also won the lucky number once, can't complain :). :)
FARMERTYSON
12 Jun 17 9:41 PMI got 3rd last month, 25$ Happy Dayz
Brookemaree93
12 Jun 17 9:45 PMAnd in 12 months 1st 3rd twice and guessing game once, thank you Comp God!!!
moreofachance
01 Jul 17 11:25 AM
@moreofachance Argh today you guys get lower scores you could of done that yesterday. That's cruel to be a a couple of points short of a cigar. Robbed. lmao
@Anna2077 Well off to a decent start only 30 more days to go to have your dreams snatched away. lmao.
All you can do is maximise your chances and hang in there. You can't expect to win if slip up too much. The rough odds currently to win once every 18 months with around 40 active members. (That's assuming maximise your chances with the skill component)
So it's highly likely it may take a couple of years grinding it out for your lucky numbers to fall just at the right time.
Leaderboard
Could anyone else not get on the site yesterday?
ouzocoke
11 Jun 17 9:13 AMHi, @ouzocoke. Same experience here. I think the site's server/s went offline. Back in business now. yay
toxicgherkin
11 Jun 17 9:37 AM
It was fine "early yesterday" around 12am. I then checked back around 8pm and the severs were offline until at least midnight. I think it was around 12:00-12:30am this morning it was back up.
I couldn't tick off yesterdays comps until around 12:30am this morning. Luckily I don't think there were any comps posted yesterday that also expired.
Something strange is going on as I go on every morning and have viewed every comp but leader board is showing I've only viewed 144 while leaders are on 152 viewed comps. There couldn't have been that many expired comps in 24 hours?
purplesp8y
12 Jun 17 11:41 AM5 comps with 0 days left to enter were added yesterday afternoon, so by this morning they were expired and deleted from forum, only by chance did I see this yesterday :)
moreofachance
12 Jun 17 1:04 PMSavvy
FARMERTYSON
12 Jun 17 1:12 PM
@Anna2077 Just don't go trying clicking on expired comps posted in the same month. If that "feature" is still about it subtracts the point if you had previously viewed it. I've haven't tested since about Feb. I'm not game to try that again.
Usually expired competitions are removed quickly before most would trip over them. Only if you're online before the maintenance to remove them has kicked in. Most members wouldn't come across expired comps still listed, unless you go looking for them.
@Lemond I think @admin @Zedmin have nobbled that points deduction for clicking on expired comps. I ventured bravely there the other day, to no points loss. I just wish one could click on expired comps posted/hosted in the month, to catch up on missed points. I guess there's no incentive for site management to get value out of belated click-throughs. Bother!
toxicgherkin
12 Jun 17 9:37 PM
@toxicgherkin Well I don't mind not getting points for expired comps. It's part of the skill component to keep actively using the site etc.
I not game to test expired comps. If it's been fixed it's only been since Jan/Feb when accidentally rediscovered that feature.
Must say they have been a lot more active with posting comps this month. Also a lot more closing on the same day as posted. Keeping everyone on their toes.
Thou with last minute postings, if it's a brand new comp not really a desirable posting on the last day. If it was reposting a comp as a reminder that's expiring would be acceptable. Guess depends whether they are holding back on competitions found or just discovering some at the last minute. Also got the possibility of a one day comp thou don't come across those too often.
@spyglass Agree it's not hard to check for new postings and tick them off. Overall the leader board is one of the more interesting comps. I shows who the "determined/persistent" compers are. God for most comps you get hundreds eyeing off of a prize. The odds are pretty good compared to most comps if persistent.
@toxicgherkin your next movie script
A comping expert finds himself transported to another planet after conquering The Leader Board only to find out it was just a test. He was recruited to join the team of best comper's to defend their world from the attack. :)
@ouzocoke If ask the admin they might be able to give you a fix for the missed guessing game. I t was down for an extended period on that day. I'm not sure exactly how long somewhere between 6pm and midnight.
For competitions in general I've come across technical issues eg page won't let me submit entry or comps have closed early. In those cases see T&C's and better luck for the next comp. Always best to enter ASAP instead of the last minute. Now if only kept to that rule I might have better luck.
@Anna2077 These comps did you see them on the site earlier in the day? Guessing you know missed some if checking other members comps viewed.
I do recall some expiring comps posted most likely you didn't check close enough around 9pm. Unless there has been a change where comps are displayed as "expired" as soon as past the closing time, instead of at midnight. I haven't paid close attention if that's the case.
Some sites do list closing times if available and when the closing time expires the competition status immediately changes to closed. It not always consistent or correct.
You still got top 10 to hope for. Will probably need a slightly above score around 170-175 depending on how grouped the scores end up. Could end up with around 15 or more members "winning".
@Lemond didn't check around 9pm .. mostly only check one time a day.. now twice as I've noticed that some comps come up for a few hours.
No chance for top 10 as lost few days have been 2 1 4 daily scores... cannot ever remember finishing in top 10 either.
not even winning comps ... nothing in the last 6 months or is it 8? lost track
@Anna2077 You never know you luck might turn and end up in the top 10. It be around 30-40% chance of making the top 10 each month with 40 active members. So over a year be like picking up 4th once. Mind you might need those compbux to fill in the discrepancies for 2nd and 3rd to be able to cash out immediately.
Also without the birthday bonuses the leader board should be fairly tight from 5th to 10th. There's the possibility that 10th could be a below average score i.e. for 30 days 165 random daily points required. It all depends how grouped the scores end up. I shouldn't say too much on that subject. I call it the Ophra scenario.
@Anna2077 It will happen. :) I find the harder you try the less success you have. @toxicgherkin usually has a good strategy focus on the ROI for time spent. :)
I've done much comping for a few months. My ROI for comps entered isn't bad. i.e. the leader board about one of the few comp I focused on. The odds where too good at the time to ignore. lmao
Hmm after a few good days might have a shot at this months leader board. Still bit early to starting getting too excited. The random email might be my Achilles heel. I don't get the reasoning why they want members to find a random email in the haystack of spam emails. Especially if it just linking back to the site. WTF . Could save the trouble and just use the new messaging system or put whatever important enough prominently on the site. +1 For a big red button :)
I'm still preoccupied doing my Giveaway Entry Management System. It can be exhausting keeping up with all the emails and Facebook notifications etc when in comping binge.
It's making good progress this last week for one major section. Maybe by the end of the month that section will be a working prototype. Then need to revisit the interface section to manage comps to enter/entered.
I think be a couple of months before get around to linking comps entered to my emails and social media notifications. Aim to highlight any emails/notifications to comps entered. eg if expecting a draw or new comp announced. etc. Will act as a filter for comps entered. :)
I find programming more relaxing them comping any day. I.e. no deadlines every few hours for bonus entries, delete, delete, delete endless emails and endless notifications. I'm not missing keeping up with those.
@Lemond not won anything since Nov, Dec 2016.. only entering few comps for the crap that I need or want.. everything else is just clutter.
cannot even win chocolates or tix to see something.
need at least 20 days of high numbers to get anywhere.. may be after I've been here for 5 or so years my luck will change.
Money would be good to win as I have a huge dental bill hanging over me.
@Anna2077 Well all the random comps are a numbers game the more times you enter the better your chances, obviously! It's it matter of hanging in there and being persistent. They can be time consuming thou to pick up wins depending on how many entries.
You looking at requiring to enter and manage checking back for a few hundred at least each month. Occasional you might come across comps with a high number of prizes. There is one or promoters that come to mind that do a few comps each year.
The main skill for random comps is finding the ones off the main comping radar. Ok well also the skill of marketing for referrals etc. For some international random/referral based comps you've got your work cut out against some organised compers. For the aussies from what if noticed minor in comparison.
I've seen some international comps where can they get 300+ referrals which is about the core number of total active Aussie compers. If going down that track you need to work on networking skills.
Skilled based comps, if you got a forte at creativity for WOL, photography, video, comedy, beauty you may expect a higher ROI for time spent.
How you think @toxicgherkin gets those regular wins? It's not just his pretty mug. :)
@Anna2077 Well you got just to got to find your forte there are plenty different types of creative comps. :)
Well if the comp is going around the Aussie comping circles the promoter is highly likely to be notified if in comper's opinions they think might be a breach of T&'Cs. Sometimes jump the gun and get "emotional" lol
Yeh @toxicgherkin is always good or good at it. If it's a matter being persistent with the WOL/creative generally having better odds. :)
@Anna2077 I only do the occasional WOL and probably not my forte. There's plenty of advice in the blogs and if check out previous winning examples can help you improve. It can be ongoing process. They can good fun and change of pace form the random draws. Overall they usually aimed at marketing the promoter and helps if have genuine interest in the promoter and/or prize for ideas. The Gruen Transfer was a great show for marketing ideas for WOL I miss the show.
Part of what I aiming at is keeping an organised record of my own responses and possible the winning one as quick reference for future. It might improve myself you need to be wary the influence they might have on your own responses. Sometimes key words or ways to cut down on words so it's not so verbose. (unlike my responses) lmao
The stage working atm giving it eyes to find comps to enter later.
From there list those entered for checking back and/or bonus entries etc etc. I did that part few months back. Note to myself must remember to add in features for storing WOL/creative comps.
I've Won | Listerine - Win 1 of 3 trips to Spain to watch Neymar Jr play! (Purchase Required - Excludes TAS Residents)
Glad my 25 word or less game is still good. Just missed the big trip, but got runner up prize a football Jersey worth $100.
surferboy83
09 Jun 17 8:17 PMThanks @smalot11 :)
surferboy83
10 Jun 17 8:06 AMCheers guys
surferboy83
10 Jun 17 1:02 PMGood stuff, @surferboy83. Congratulations.
toxicgherkin
10 Jun 17 1:54 PMCheers toxicgherkin . Trevsta i thought i had too when i read the email header they sent me. 👍
surferboy83
11 Jun 17 9:10 AMInspiration right there! Congratulations :)
Brookemaree93
11 Jun 17 4:57 PM:) Brookemaree93
surferboy83
11 Jun 17 7:49 PMCongrats mate
moreofachance
12 Jun 17 10:44 AMThat was close, nice one
FARMERTYSON
12 Jun 17 1:10 PMThanks all!
surferboy83
12 Jun 17 2:31 PMGeneral Chatter
The Living Room has this competition on tonight
https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-living-room/competitions/shop-a-docket-instant-win
https://www.shopadocket.com.au/competitions/the-living-room?utm_source=TLR_eDM_0505
Can anyone post the code word if possible, it airs at 7:30 PM on ten. Thank you very much
Leaderboard
@admin Regarding the guessing game. I think someone's made a change to the guessing game where you can now accidentally enter a duplicate guess within the week :(. I'm fairly sure previously it used to warn if a duplicate guess was entered.
Doh!
Lemond
06 Jun 17 12:07 AMIt really does not matter at the end of the day sorry, cause I will win this week!! Lol
Brookemaree93
06 Jun 17 5:28 PM
@gaseja Interesting, so getting this right on Sunday you attempted to enter a number which gave you the notification it there was a duplicate guess? That sounds highly irregular I haven't come across that "feature". Did you try and reenter the same number with success?
The only other possible cause for allowing my duplicate number there might of been a space before the number. I copied and pasted the numbers from last week. If that was the case it may be doing a text comparison instead of a numeric comparison.
General Chatter
Hi,
Just wondering which icon is the one to use for arranging a subscription to the newsletter. Is it via the Chat facility? In the My Account section there is what seems to be a link to newsletter subscriptions but this gave me a sad to see you go message.
Regards
Donek
01 Jun 17 10:57 PM
@Donek Thanks I don't think I noticed it. If it's still avail will check it out. Was that an email or from the site? Was preoccupied doing a fresh OS install to fix up some PC issues.
Argh the site was down at least all Saturday evening. Lucky I do my daily login usually around midnight. Thou hadn't got around to ticking off Saturday's comps.
They seek it here, they seek it there
Those compers seek it everywhere
Is it on the site or in the email shredder?
That damned elusive newsletter!
No luck finding it! A direct link be great or just a big red button. I know I'll just want to push it to see if it blows up the site! lmao
If these were called up in the subject title of the email as numbered updates or numbered newsletters together with other changes as needed (such as clear links/icons to subscribe/unsubscribe) it would be quite helpful.
Another option, which unfortunately would require more work, would be to rewrite/reformat these so that they indisputably were newsletters.
@Donek Ok so it's an email I'm looking for? I don't think I've had any emails for a few weeks, since the last compbux survey I received which wouldn't let me complete.
Oh I think I see emails also from competitions.com.au in my email shredder. I don't usually use Gmail I forgot about their spam folder. Gee for an account I don't use often its got plenty of spam.
@admin
We don't need another email,
We don't need another way to your home.
All we want is relief for irritable email syndrome!
Regarding Newsletter Points - Random newsletters during the month will have a leaderboard link to earn you X number of points
Well I guess it's no surprise few actually read the emails even if they managed to find them. Be better off sending the information via the new messaging facility or making it available via the site.
Let me get this straight. You want to encourage members to go their emails, find it and then link back to the site. All I saying I know where I can find this site 99.9% of the time. :)
@Donek Thanks finally found emails that look like your posted image which are "news letters"
It might help if they actually put that in the subject "News Letter"
I was wondering where the red highlighted "FEATURED COMPETITIONS" originated from. For the site's competition page it's highlighted in black.
It appears news letters are aiming to highlight featured comps which are already displayed on the site which was confusing.
Still.. my feedback why the hell encouraging members to check for a random email which maybe buried in the haystack of emails/spam.
I hope this random x points from news letters is referring to just required to click on the competition postings as usual. It's not well explained in the new leader board rules.
If it's generated by clicking on links in the email its most likely going to be a world of pain and another potential source of issues. Is there or will there be a new section in the your points for the month to show this?
The ultimate aim is to visit the site and if the information is "important" enough it should be to able to complete the "task" via the site.
They could utilise the new messaging feature for newsletters if can't easily display them on the site. Or provide a new menu option for newsletters. At least more likely to find this "news letter".
.
Give me Big Red Button please. lmao
I've Won
$100 instant win Coles gift card thanks to Mortgage Choice. So thankful and it will come in very handy.
Link below if you want to enter, I do get extra entries if you use the link below or just delete the bit after .au not to give extra entries.
http://25thbirthday.mortgagechoice.com.au/?utm_campaign=Mortgage-Choice-25th-Birthday&utm_source=referral&utm_medium=ref_app_fb&utm_content=ref_id%3A4084221%7Cref_name%3ARowan#/app/3580/page/10383
Leaderboard
Hi All,
We've made some changes to the leaderboard today.
Key Points
- No more Birthday Points
- Prizes will be awarded in CompBux
- You will be able to earn points via the newsletter, so be sure you're subscribed, if not, contact us via the icon below.
Guessing Game will also be transitioning to CompBux next week.
What this means is that you will be able to just enter your PayPal email address to redeem CompBux to PayPal cash, at the moment this is in the Survey Section, it will be to moved to a more obvious place this month.
At first we will run this manually on our end, then it will be automated and instantaneous!
We will introduce new ways to earn CompBux, such as entering comps or earning cash back on your purchases, so you will not be forced to do Surveys, although we are in talks to get more surveys paying more CompBux.
Admin
admin
01 Jun 17 1:45 PMSounds good,,
FARMERTYSON
01 Jun 17 5:08 PM
Argh no more birthday bonus. At least got 1 full year of birthday bonuses in. Some of the birthdays from last June that didn't win might feel a bit gutted thou. Overall that bonus would eventually require adjustment if not scraped. Well lucky left that change till after mine. :)
The CompBux what's the current exchange rate?
Any members that have actually cashed in CompBux before what's their opinion on those?
The news letter how often is it sent out? Also when in the month would we expect to receive it?
I'm not sure I've ever noticed it, probably due it's filed away to an email account not used as often. Could there be a way to obtain this news letter directly form the logging into the site? It would save hunting for elusive emails. I think my luck is going to determined by finding it. hmm odds 1/30,000 lmao.
Well the good news my chances and any non birthday members this month have dramatically improved. :)
Gave up on the leaderboard yonks ago as the daily pints were so low. Now compbux only for prizes? They're a hassle, may as well give up on the daily guess also.
Goldmember
01 Jun 17 8:32 PM
@Goldmember Thanks. It does sound like an extra level of complexity to clam your "prize".
Noticeably 2nd is short changed by 200 Compbux to cash out instantly to $50 and 3rd you cant cash out until have least 3400 Compbuxs i.e $30. So if you end up 2nd you may have to wait a few months and x fingers get in the top 10. Coming 3rd now you have to sit on your virtual windfall. The solution is cash in any previously accumulated CashBux and/or do surverys and then lose out on the exchange rates for payouts less then $100.
If there wasn't the discrepancies for cashing out lower then $100 and could cash out in $25 increments would be great.
I'm not sure if I've done any of the Compbux surveys, maybe a while back. I've got enough spare Compbux to bridge the gaps.
@admin
I'm not 100% sure if done any of Combux surveys in the past. I tried doing one from an email received moments ago.
The message I got after getting past the initial part of a survey,
Thank you for your interest in participating in our surveys. Unfortunately we are unable to record your participation due to one or more of the following reasons:
You or someone else using the same computer has already participated in this survey.
The country under which you are registered does not match the location of the computer you are currently using.
Sometimes, if interviews are rushed through they can't be used and you may not be eligible for the survey reward.
Our security system detected that someone using this computer engaged in irregular activity.
A suspected or actual violation of our terms and conditions.
Any suggestions?
Or has anyone else come across this issue when attempting to do the Compbux surveys.
Tips & Tricks
Hi Compers!
Are you swarmed with emails and newsletters because of comping? Here's how to manage it:
http://blog.competitions.com.au/tips/inbox-zero-and-how-to-achieve-it/
Thanks!
Nicole
Leaderboard
So how is that fare if I have received 40 less points than others?
ouzocoke
29 May 17 8:17 PM
First of all you're forgetting rule 1.
Rule 1 : Competitions are all about the promoter.
Rule 2; Read the T&C's. If you're going to play the game know the rules.
Rule 3: See Rule 1
Competitions achieve what the promoter perceives will benefit them.
The leader board is weighted system that's predominately skilled based with a random element to decide the winner from members of similar "skill". The skill is being an active member filling in all the "prerequisites" and completing the daily tasks. You can call the skill determination, persistence or active member. Overall not a complex skill thou seems to weed out the hundreds of less active members and left with approximately 50 determined active members each month. So for starter's the leader board is biased towards the most active members.
You could argue that the penalties for not completing a task are excessive i.e. missing a day of the guessing game (-50 potential points) and are virtually a prerequisites to have a genuine chance of the top 3. That is likely by design to achieve rule 1 and encourage members to be active.
Now the random component excluding any skill components for competitions viewed etc which continually raises eyebrows.
I underlying burning question is there an issue with the random generator?
Most random number generator use pseudo random numbers generation. Not all random generators are equal. They simulate random numbers according to an algorithm usually based on a seed value. There are various tests you can use whether a random generator is robust enough for it's purpose.
One method is examining it's distribution/pattern. That may spot potential issues when scores frequently exceed expected outliers.
The total monthly daily random points for follow a cumulative distribution function. The shape of the distribution bit like a slippery slide which tappers off at each end. I.e. The odds of achieving a score higher or lower then the expected extremities tappers off fairly quickly. The majority of scores will be around the average monthly score. The expected scores depend on the number of days in a month.
So your absolute monthly score score and difference is meaningless by itself. You need to compare it to the expected average for a month. i..e. average daily score is (10+1)/2 = 5.5. and days in this month 31, 5.5*31 = 170.5. So if end up with a score around 171 expect to end up midway of active members. 50% mark
For 31 days the average top score is approximately 206+- about 5 points and the lowest is about 126 +-5. The +- is the level of confidence. I think with around 99.9% confidence top scores was around 220ish. Yes it's possible to achieve scores higher or lower but highly unlikely. The range of expected monthly scores for 31 days is around 90 points. So being 40 points behind the leaders is well within expected scores.
Looking at this months the top 3 scores 216, 208, 206 three scores equal or above the average expected top score. "interesting" I might have to dive into the simulation spreadsheet I did last year for rough odds of having that many. From memory possible and probably due for some scores higher then average. My impression of the last few months have been slightly below average top scores. The top score is getting close to limit where would start getting concerned thou in isolation nothing unexpected.
The combination probability of having the same 3 winners
Will have to think back 20 years. Could be some errors.
See for combination and permutations calculators:
http://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/discretemathematics/combinations.php or
http://stattrek.com/online-calculator/combinations-permutations.aspx
Presume minimum 30 active members
nCr = n! / r! (n - r)! i..e n = 30, r = 3
30!/(3!*27!) = (30*29*28)/(3*2*1) = 24360/6 = 4060 combinations each month where order of top 3 not important
So odds of picking the top 3 in any order would be 1/4060 and in order 1/24360
For picking two out of three winners : (3*2)/(2*1) = 3 combinations i.e. (1,2; 1,3; 2,3)
Two members out of 30
C(n,r)=C(30,2)
C(n,r)=C(30,2)
=30!(2!(30?2)!)
=30!(2!(30?2)!)
= 435
For 2 members 435 combinations of those 3 combinations are top 3
so 3/435 = 1/145 both are in the top 3
So given member X and Y the odds of them being in the top 3 is 1/145.
Something like that will think it next month :)
eg For a 6 sided die if roll a 1 then probability of rolling a one next roll is 1/6. Given 1 then next two rolls 1/36.
I think using last month as your base reference ie given member X and Y then the probability is 3/435 chance they will be top 3. Nothing way out of the ordinary. If the same two end up the following 2 months =(1/145) ^ 2= 1/21,025
See how it goes in June.
The birthday bonus component is another point you and argue if fair or not. i.e. birthday distributions aren't equal and higher bonus the greater bias against higher then average birthday months. Think about it if set too high they on average they share the top prizes, the more birthdays the more sharing the same prizes and in effect lower odds compared to other months. Then you got the effect members wising up an going AWOL if feel the number of birthdays in a month is high. Might explain why it's posted as late as possible now.
Hmmm maybe still a touch high from memory with a slight disadvantage to higher number of birthday months. Something like 5% will have look it up later. 25 points thou is vastly better then 50 bonus points that was initially set last June. If less then 5 birthdays in a month I don't think was a significant issue. At some point it might need revising by lowering that bonus or increasing the number of prizes to compensate, if the number of active members increases enough.
ps From memory almost forget about winning in June, If it's not your birthday. If it's like last year which had at least 6 birthdays about,
you're likely to need close 210 points, a slim thou possible chance for non birthday members. Will place bets will see the return of @moreofachance etc being more active in June and at least two birthday winners. :)
Hmm one thing noticing is lack of lower scores expected around the 135-150 range.
Struggling to find many, I think should expect a handful at least. That will have to check on average roughly how many scores would expect in that range.
Possible due to the multiple fixes have pushed those active members off the leader board which usually show up.
Might be hinting the distribution might be skewed towards the higher end this month caused by abnormalities with the random daily points. Might also explain why top scores are a touch on the high side.
Can u please explain all that one more time lol
Brookemaree93
01 Jun 17 9:21 AM
@Brookemaree93 lmao. Well the odds of any two members winning in a month is 1 which was the what @ouzocoke overlooked.
Argh worse thing knowing there're so many June birthday's about. I've got Buckley's chance this month. :(
Note for next year note there didn't appear to be many if any May birthdays for the active members.
Leaderboard
I just dont get it, I enter the guessing comp every day and also every competition everyday and am always way behind the leaders, so I do not know what I am not doing. At present 41 points behind the leader. ????????
ouzocoke
28 May 17 5:59 PM
The critical factors that determined the winners are:
*The total amount of random daily points you've accumulated throughout the month. (1-10 points per day)
*Also whether it's a members birthday month. +25 bonus points
Note:
An additional 25 birthday bonus are awarded at then end of the month. (Despite stating on the leader board page: 25 points - Rewarded on your birthday (just before mid-night AEST). It's was changed a few months ago to be rewarded right at the end of the month around 11:30pm AEST)
Due to the late addition of the birthday bonus the leader board may change right at end of the month. Good chance this month a couple of the current leaders, "might/likely" just end high enough to be unaffected if any birthday members about.
To have a genuine chance :
Visit the home page every day to obtain your random daily points
Do the guessing game every day to obtain it's bonus
View all the competitions that were posted within the current month before they expire.
Also for the new comps posted not expired in the current month viewed before the end of month to count.
It appears that you understand all that from logging each day etc.
Comparing your score to the leaders.
The leaders have 192 daily random points and you 152. Also you've currently view one less competition that was posted this month making it total or 41 points behind the leaders. So it all adds up no missed points from any of the guessing game issues this month.
You haven't been crossing your fingers and toes hard enough for the "lucky" daily "random" points. :)
I've Won
1 of 3 winners in the Bundaberg BREWtastic promotion. Pre-dinner drinks will be served at 5 pm. Please being a plate! ;)
Leaderboard
Leaderboard Update:
There have been 23 games played this month, the server has gone down twice and it is almost impossible to know if you were affected or not.
Those with 22 games played have received 50 points 'Guessing Game Fix 1' with the assumption they were affected.
Those with less than 22 games placed have received 100 points 'Guessing Game Fix 2' with the assumption they were all affected.
Any issues, feel free to use the little icon on the bottom right of your screen to chat with us.
Thanks
admin
23 May 17 5:30 PMI've let admin know if a flaw in the implementation of this fix where a number of people who had not entered their daily guess when admin made the adjustments subsequently entered their guess later that evening and effectively doubled up on points for that day as they were given adjusted points as well as their daily guess after the adjustment was made.
Thank you :)
Brookemaree93
24 May 17 7:13 PM
@spyglass Hopefully the @admin will be able to identify those user's that received the additional guessing game bonus easily and rectify it with fix for the fix, otherwise the winners will be "fixed".
A quick fix could be done either at the end of a day or the month by finding those with too many guessing game + fix bonus points.
Will add this quote from a users tagline on a computing forum was reading this morning.
The problem with making anything foolproof...is that fools are so darn ingenious! :)
@Lemond Not really sure about being a favourite member! Just did my guessing game later that day after they had done fix 2 and must have thought i missed out.Have been told they will do another fix and look into this as I have had a look and some other people have also got 50 extra points too.
Difficult for @admin @Zedmin when issues like this arise....and ... issues will arise. It is, of course, an imperfect system. It places them in a difficult position. To @admin, thank you for reconciling points for this month. It demonstrates that you are truly promoting a level playing field. Thanks. :)
toxicgherkin
26 May 17 7:10 PMGeneral Chatter
I like reading that people win things on here. I enter heaps then don't win so your wins spur me on to keep going.
General Chatter
Wow, my profile pic has changed without my knowledge , it's a nice bike, although I ride a Harley :) Maybe my luck will change too!! Good Luck to everyone!!!
Leaderboard
@admin
HI... I'm missing daily points.. I have sent a message and no one replied nor adjested the points .. thanx advance
Tips & Tricks
Happy Friday Everyone!
Here's the latest form the Competitions.com.au blog: COMPETITION KARMA AND HOW TO EARN IT....
http://blog.competitions.com.au/tips/good-competition-karma-and-how-you-can-earn-it/
Hope you enjoy!
Hope you all have a winning weekend!
Nicole
I've Won
Thank you for the heavy duty torch, will come in very handy :)
Smalot11
19 May 17 12:15 PMNice win, Beaming!!
moreofachance
21 May 17 7:52 AMAwesome!!!!!!
FARMERTYSON
21 May 17 9:08 AMCongratulations, nice prize :)
Brookemaree93
22 May 17 6:33 PMLeaderboard
Weird just caught a short period where the site appeared down. On top of that it appears it's only showing only 2 competitions for me posted today. From the looks of things that's wasn't the case for some members.
Lemond
18 May 17 5:15 AM
@wolverine Well that confirms you must of registered your guess as well before 10am today.
You might also notice the random daily points displayed were the same as yesterday and haven't actually been generated or added to the total. You'll have to make sure you revisit the home page after 10am AEST unless they have "fixed" the time issue before then.
Hmm you could try doing a test post each day and check first. Argh
@admin
The site time settings are out of sync again. Also the cascading issues resulting from that are back. I.e. The guessing game bonus not adding to the total, daily random points not generating until after 10am, expired competitions still being displayed as active etc. etc etc.
It appears whenever there are any time issues on the site the guessing game registration is working independently to everything else. i.e. working off AEST like it should. The guessing game bonus addition and probably everything else is most likely working off the server's Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time.
Today's time issues might of started from yesterday May 18th around 2pm AEST when the site appeared down for a while.
@wolverine I've noticed that there might be a member who has two days not registered for the guessing game earlier this month. Their high daily random score hints that might be the case, thou possible they just forgot to do a guessing game. I don't think they have posted yet.
Really the @admin should be able to regenerate the calculation of the guessing game bonus instead of relying on members to know if bonus points weren't added.
I always log in early morning and I'm now missing 2 days of guessing game points, didn't even think about the bonus points being out too......well looks like this month is a write off
purplesp8y
19 May 17 12:44 AM
@spyglass well I just know from my current total daily points if got a realistic chance. The average is 5.5 points per day ie. for 31 days an average score is 171.
For top 3 looking around 192ish-206+. So 206/31*19 = 126 if around 120+ at this stage in with a realistic chance. :)
Easiest way to look at it how many points you're currently above average. 19*5.5 days is 105 and require on average about +25 before getting too excited. Allowing for a couple of birthdays looking at requiring 171+25 = 196+ plus. If it's your birthday month almost a formality.
Let me see your on 127 +22 above average currently, so good chance of top 3. Still need slightly above average till end of the month.
The downside you're overdue for bad week after about 6 weeks punching consistently above average scores. lmao
Maybe with all the current mess the top score might end up a touch lower this month. i.e. members not realizing didn't get a bonus due.
Depending how many birthdays about be good news for them. i.e. might still sneak in top 3 with close to average to touch below.
Argh I'm out of luck need around 90 points from 120 available. It's probably not going happen this month.
General Chatter
When is Catrina Murray accepting new members for Competition Winners Australia
I been trying to join for the last two months.
I've Won
One QS sheet set delivered today, courtesy of Take 5 magazine. Yay! Very much appreciated. :)
I've Won
A book through Money Magazine - Blueprint to Wealth - an omen perhaps?
jennye
11 May 17 1:38 PMCongratulations, jennye. Omen? Hoping so. You deserve the best. :)
toxicgherkin
11 May 17 9:20 PMGeneral Chatter
I'm annoyed at a certain person who for nearly every competition they enter they write my son had leukaemia and past away.
No disrespect to her. But I hate to use that to win a competition.
My grandmother past away and I had Uni exams during that week. I could have been exempt but I don't think my grandmother would be proud if I did that.
In_it_to_win
11 May 17 1:16 AMI don't enter those sorts of competitions but it would be interesting to see if the same person has won something with the same story on more than one occasion (and also how long ago the unfortunate event would have occurred - assuming they are being truthful as well)
General Chatter
Conversations feature now active on the website, I see. Check out the new icon! Another communication means with our admin. Yay. Like private messenging, akin to Facebook Messenger. Timely, and very welcomed. Thank you, @admin and @zedmin.
General Chatter
For anyone entering the Deniliquin trip posted today flight are ex Brisbane, just in case you miss it in the T&C's. Hope you have a lucky weekend :)
General Chatter
Any interested in the family Fued competition
Lemond
04 May 17 6:34 PMMay, the Fourth, be with you, don't you mean, pizzaman? ;)
toxicgherkin
04 May 17 9:37 PMLeaderboard
Hi there was a glitch with the servers yesterday, they had to be restarted and the time didn't update correctly..
Seems only a handful were affected.
Please post below so we can investigate and rectify.
admin
04 May 17 1:23 AMI haven't received my guessing game points it's 4 days in to the month and I only have 150 but should have 200, I have guessed 10 numbers since Sunday so should have more points. Thx
purplesp8y
04 May 17 1:51 AMHi, @admin. My session this morning (4/5) was affected. I did not receive daily logon points and did not receive guessing game points. Thank you.
toxicgherkin
04 May 17 4:58 AM
@admin Maybe if you have got a way to calculate how many days members have registered a guess could reconstruct the guessing game bonus. It might be complicated adjusting for members with double guesses.
Assuming for the weekly guessing game the guesses each day are time stamped, for the first to guess the number to work maybe could do a query that obtains each day guesses were registered. Then group according to unique days guesses registered and then perform a count of days for each member. Also filter from May 1st onward, otherwise will count Sunday April 30th.
It would require converting guessing game time stamps to a date only, stripping out the time.
eg dateGuessRegistered = DateSerial(Year(guessTimestamp), Month(guessTimestamp), Day(guessTimestamp) )
There also could be a chance of royally stuffing up the guessing game bonus points while attempting to reconstruct them via a mass update, if not careful.
Or of course individually adjusting members affect scores which seems to be the current solution.
Good luck.
If relying on members to reply to this post an email might be advised. I don't get the impression a high percentage of members read the forum regularly.
Missed today's guessing game points admin :)
FARMERTYSON
04 May 17 9:06 PMI am down 50:(
Brookemaree93
04 May 17 9:09 PMThe dingo took mine too , nah seriously, my fitty pts gone AWOL!!
moreofachance
04 May 17 9:15 PMMe too
kingoftheducks
06 May 17 12:06 AM@admin I still haven't received my guessing game points, I'm a day out even though I see some have received their points.
purplesp8y
06 May 17 2:47 PMAwaiting points reconciliation though I suspect this will be effected late(r) in the month. There might need to be some code written, as a check for this/these type of glitch/es.
toxicgherkin
10 May 17 8:19 PM@Lemond, re my earlier comment in a separate post, yes, there's a new contact feature I saw this evening. Not a chat frame exactly, more like leaving feedback via convenient portal within the Forum. I'm sure @admin ( and @zedmin) will inform users shortly. :)
toxicgherkin
11 May 17 12:17 AM
@toxicgherkin They're probably still waiting for the flood members to wake up that they might of missed some guessing game points last week.
From a quick eyeball last week might of been around 15 members that were fine out of 45ish regular "determined" members that were affected. So expect at least 20 members to have posted.
Leaderboard
@admin @Zedmin, I didn't receive random daily points and guessing game points for this morning. Please remedy all affected members' accounts, from when the issue arose - yesterday - and continuing this morning at least. Thank you.
toxicgherkin
03 May 17 11:00 PM@admin @Zedmin these comments were from today, Thursday morning, 4th May, yet the date/ time stamp is way off. This now represents two (partial) days of nil daily points (Wed, Thur) and nil guessing game points (similarly) for presumably most of the daily site interacting members. Please resolve. Thank you.
toxicgherkin
04 May 17 12:12 AM
@toxicgherkin I think you got the last few days of the random daily points. I can't recall your first day, fairly sure your total daily visit scores were: May 2nd 8, May 3rd 16 and 26 as at May 4th 5:21pm AEST
Did you get a chance to do today's guessing game? If have registered a guess today, yeh the today's guessing game points haven't been added.
It's confusing when currently when the day rolls over. Looks like on UTC time i.e. 10 hours behind AEST. Weird thou today the guessing game for me was available I think from about midnight AEST thou the daily points only from after about 10am AEST.
Still no points reconciliation.... :(
toxicgherkin
06 May 17 10:46 AM@toxicgherkin Patience. If they're rectifying the guessing game issue similar to previous months, it appears they will obtain a list of members affected and get around to adding a patch to guessing game bonus. Hopefully it's done ASAP and enough time before the end of the month so if anyone gets overlooked and ask for more.
General Chatter
@admin
In case members aren't aware it doesn't appear the random daily points are being generated and added to the total for today. Placing bets it should be ok after 10:00 am i.e. midnight UTC. Try visiting the home page after 10:00 am to obtain the random daily points. X fingers.
The guessing game seems to be fine for today.
@Adim ps I didn't get yesterdays bonus points for completing the guessing game
I've Won | Fashion Journal - Win 1 of 3 pairs of Dr. Martens Original 1461 shoes!
Haven't posted in a while, but have had a pretty great week. Sunday I won a new GHD hair straightener and today I won a new pair of $250 Doc Martin shoes and a $1000 red balloon voucher. Feeling pretty happy right now.
Hope you all are getting some luck come your way
I've Won
My daughter won a hair and makeup makeover for me for Mothers Day. Does that count? Of course it does, she is learning!
Feedback / Suggestions
Logged in today and it says no new competitions and that I have already guessed today!
Looks like today hasn't been reset?
Anyone else with the same problem?
General Chatter
@admin Is there a bit of lag when midnight occurs now? Waiting on the guessing game and also looks like the daily points aren't generating and/or adding to the total. 12:20am.
I'm guessing not the only one as the leader board hasn't changed for the midnight crew :)
Lemond
02 May 17 2:10 PM
@admin We've had a problem.
I get the impression the guessing game etc is down for "maintenance" or the cleaners have pulled out a plug. :)
Is anyone else "experiencing" issues this morning with the guessing game and/or the daily points? i.e. The daily points are the same as yesterday and not adding the to the total.
General Chatter
@Lemond Congratulations mate, you finally cracked it!! Now the guessing game eludes you!! Good Luck Alwayz!!
Trevsta
01 May 17 4:00 AM
Thanks. @Trevsta Agreed way to long to receive my welcoming "gift".
God if wasn't this month next realistic chance could be a year away. From memory forget about June with what was at least 6 birthdays. Hmm May can't recall lmao.
Think there's a period from July to Sept with few birthdays for non birthday members to look forward to next.
Argh I think blew my luck on the guessing game last year just missing about a few weeks in a row.
Happy birthday for @bj74 for April better luck next year. :)
Good one, I know the feeling @Lemond :)
FARMERTYSON
01 May 17 7:04 AMGood win for good bloke!!
moreofachance
01 May 17 9:06 AM
@spyglass Yeh it's a "cunning plan" to try keep members in the dark.
The currently trend is around three or four birthdays each month of determined compers. Once there's more then 6 birthdays in a month little chance for the non birthdays members. i.e (40-45% chance of a birthday member having a higher total score then any of the non birthday members.
X fingers the vast number of members don't get inspired on their birthday months otherwise will definitely be at least year for a genuine chance.
It's an interesting competition as it highlights who and how many determined Aussie compers there are.
Congrats also @wolverine @Brookemaree93 and @spyglass :)
Well done, young man! Congratulations, Mr Lemond!
toxicgherkin
01 May 17 8:45 PMThankyou@Lemond
Brookemaree93
04 May 17 9:09 PMFeedback / Suggestions
Really disappointed. I bought 3 bottles of prosecco and was pleased to read the tag on the bottle advising of a chance to win a gourmet trip. Not so pleased to find I needed to keep my receipt to enable me to enter (I don not think I even received it. As well, I also see I need the last 5 digits of the barcode.
You do not see the terms and conditions until after you open the tag - who keeps this type of information let alone the bottle for the barcode - you drink the prosecco and the bottle goes in the bin.
gpbristow
30 Apr 17 5:36 PM
The only advice as "comping" protocol demand all receipts upon payment and store in a safe location, until second chance draws are completed. :)
Always could do a quick google for the competition while shopping, if that was conditional on purchase. Even better check out what purchase competitions are about before shopping and plan ahead. You may come across T&C's that need X amount of the product on the same receipt. With that information could ask nicely to split up receipts. Eg Ask the checkout if they could please do all my 20 items on each separate receipt. ;-)
Enjoy the 3 bottles of Prosecco. It will soften your disappointment :)
@bj74 lol. Generally I'm pretty bad at keeping receipts. Thou I've allocated a draw to stuff them in. OK I've also got the Eftpos comp pics still sitting on the PC and probably littering my Facebook account. They could be cleaned up any volunteers?
I'm liking the idea just take a photograph and file away on the PC. Then could associate it with the competition entered. Also acts as a backup in case the physical receipts fade get damaged etc etc.
Could do some basic organisation with folders and meaningfully name the receipts. Issue might be if the same receipt is used for a number of comps. Either copy the receipt and rename for each comp. Endless ways to hoard/organise them. lol
I doubt competitions these days would ask to physically send in the actual receipt. A photo should be ok. X fingers. Guess read the fine print just in case.
I don't do many purchase competitions so not a priority. Wonder what organisation tips for keeping receipts for purchase competitions member's have.
@gpbristow, I get a little sad on missing out on a good comp too!. it's pretty standard on purchase comps to keep receipts, barcode/ whole product especially with the big ones and keep the receipt for three months after in case of a second chance draw. For me, rule 'numero uno' is always to read the t&cs first to find out what they want you to keep. Sometimes entry needs a photo upload of the receipt but if you are lucky enough to win the major prize generally they will want the original as well because of the value of the prize. It all helps making sure it's a genuine entry and keeps cheats at bay. At the end of last year three major companies required winners to mail in ALL receipts entered in their comp. Some wanted original barcodes as well! A couple of years ago, I even had to get a signed statement from a JP for a second prize. Agree with @Lemond and @bj74, I've never had to mail them in but I've never won a major, major holiday yet either! Why take the risk, I'd hate to miss out because I didn't keep the original receipt as per the t&cs. Here's hoping for everyone lol! :) There's a couple of articles on entering purchase comps in the blog from memory. Enjoy and good luck with comping :)
@fourleaf Wise words to file away the physical receipts. I still think at least a photo of the receipt should be enough proof of purchase. If mailing them in they could get lost or damaged. At worse a photo acts as a backup.
For bar codes I kept a big bin of empty dairy milk bottles for their competition for ages. Was to lazy to take the bar codes off.
General Chatter
Hi : I have problems to find a Le Louvre competition form. Any suggestions? Thank you. Have lovely weekend .
shuching
28 Apr 17 11:49 PMhttp://lp.megaphonemarketing.com.au/lelouvrecomp?kid=F35RV Here's the referral link I got when I entered :) good luck