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forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM
forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM

Contests & Sweepstakes Tips, Advice, and Questions

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The intent of this thread is for users, both new and not-so-new, to ask questions, and help with tips/advice. This is not by any means the "gospel". Please feel free to add your words of wisdom, and if you have questions, just ask! If you have a tip that will make sweeping easier for folks, please feel free to share. This is a community effort. We all will benefit in some way.


The Basic Advice/Tips for the new-to-sweeping folks.
Enter for the items you want/need. If you have no interest in trips, avoid the sweeps where the only prize is a trip. If you know you can't afford the tax on a new vehicle, avoid entering for those.

Set up folders in your bookmark/favorites. Create a separate one for each month, and file any sweeps you are interested in into the folder corresponding with when it ends. Then, if you have a day where you're pressed for time, enter at least the ones ending that day.

Play the instant win games.

Follow the rules! If a sweep is restricted to only females, a certain age group, certain states, etc, make sure you fit the criteria! If you don't, move on to another sweep that you do qualify for. Do not create a bunch of email addresses so you can enter something more than once, or so you can play an Instant win game more. The Sponsors can tell, and will DQ you. You're better off playing by the rules than cheating and getting disqualified and having NO entries.

Don't immediately dismiss essay required sweeps (or recipes, photos, etc)....well, unless you know you don't want to write something. A lot of people pass on them, so you might have a better shot at winning something.

Don't expect this to be lucrative enough to become a job. Yes, a lot of us win, and often, but not nearly enough to quit a job!

Expect things to go slow at first. It takes a while for the wins to roll in. But once they do...look out!

Expect to occasionally hit a dry spell. It happens to ALL of us.

DEFINITELY USE YOUR REAL INFO! If you use a fake phone number, and a sponsor is calling to notify people of wins, you'll never know what you missed out on. I, and many others, have been doing this for a long time, and we have no problems with sales calls. Also, use your real name. If your name is Robert or Catherine, using Bob or Cathy is ok, as they are known acceptable shorter versions of that name. if your name is Matilda, and you go by Fluffy, don't use Fluffy. Looking at your ID to get an affy notarized, they may reject it because the names don't match. The sponsor may also say "Fluffy won, not Matilda". So stick with using your real name, or something close to it.

Most of all, HAVE FUN! And don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all new to this at one time. Any one of us would be happy to answer questions.


For easy form filling, check out Roboform [roboform.com]. Google Tool bar and the autofill feature on IE also work well.

For Mac users, the best form filler is 1Password: http://agilewebsolutions.com/products/1Password (thanks javaFlower!)

FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/...ll&cat=all

To set up the autofill feature in IE: Click on Tools, then internet options, then choose 'content'. When that pops up, click on "Autocomplete", and make sure to check the boxes for forms and passwords on forms. This is not a good idea if you are on a shared/public computer!

February 17, 2009, 3:10 am: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.

July 12, 2010, 3:23 pm: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
The intent of this thread is for users, both new and not-so-new, to ask questions, and help with tips/advice. This is not by any means the "gospel". Please feel free to add your words of wisdom, and if you have questions, just ask! If you have a tip that will make sweeping easier for folks, please feel free to share. This is a community effort. We all will benefit in some way.


The Basic Advice/Tips for the new-to-sweeping folks.
Enter for the items you want/need. If you have no interest in trips, avoid the sweeps where the only prize is a trip. If you know you can't afford the tax on a new vehicle, avoid entering for those.

Set up folders in your bookmark/favorites. Create a separate one for each month, and file any sweeps you are interested in into the folder corresponding with when it ends. Then, if you have a day where you're pressed for time, enter at least the ones ending that day.

Play the instant win games.

Follow the rules! If a sweep is restricted to only females, a certain age group, certain states, etc, make sure you fit the criteria! If you don't, move on to another sweep that you do qualify for. Do not create a bunch of email addresses so you can enter something more than once, or so you can play an Instant win game more. The Sponsors can tell, and will DQ you. You're better off playing by the rules than cheating and getting disqualified and having NO entries.

Don't immediately dismiss essay required sweeps (or recipes, photos, etc)....well, unless you know you don't want to write something. A lot of people pass on them, so you might have a better shot at winning something.

Don't expect this to be lucrative enough to become a job. Yes, a lot of us win, and often, but not nearly enough to quit a job!

Expect things to go slow at first. It takes a while for the wins to roll in. But once they do...look out!

Expect to occasionally hit a dry spell. It happens to ALL of us.

DEFINITELY USE YOUR REAL INFO! If you use a fake phone number, and a sponsor is calling to notify people of wins, you'll never know what you missed out on. I, and many others, have been doing this for a long time, and we have no problems with sales calls. Also, use your real name. If your name is Robert or Catherine, using Bob or Cathy is ok, as they are known acceptable shorter versions of that name. if your name is Matilda, and you go by Fluffy, don't use Fluffy. Looking at your ID to get an affy notarized, they may reject it because the names don't match. The sponsor may also say "Fluffy won, not Matilda". So stick with using your real name, or something close to it.

Most of all, HAVE FUN! And don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all new to this at one time. Any one of us would be happy to answer questions.


For easy form filling, check out Roboform [roboform.com]. Google Tool bar and the autofill feature on IE also work well.

For Mac users, the best form filler is 1Password: http://agilewebsolutions.com/products/1Password (thanks javaFlower!)

FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/...ll&cat=all

To set up the autofill feature in IE: Click on Tools, then internet options, then choose 'content'. When that pops up, click on "Autocomplete", and make sure to check the boxes for forms and passwords on forms. This is not a good idea if you are on a shared/public computer!

February 17, 2009, 3:10 am: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.

July 12, 2010, 3:23 pm: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.

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Jun 19, 2013 05:19 PM
2,432 Posts
Joined May 2006
TBotzonJun 19, 2013 05:19 PM
2,432 Posts
Quote from implode :
I'm getting really stressed out lately, and wanted to let you in on why I may disappear without notice sometime soon. I've been having ongoing technical problems with my computer for the last month or so. As time progresses this issue is getting worse. My host process (SVC Host) randomly gets to 100% CPU usage. The computer locks up and I'm forced to reset. I've tried many things to correct this issue including updating drivers, running hardware diagnostics from start up menu, looking at event viewer info, and virus scans. Nothing seems to find the issue. I'm pretty sure my computer may die any day now. Worse, I'm kind of broke right now. Additionally, my 13 year old dog is in declining health adding more stress to my situation. I just wanted to say if for some reason you don't see me for a while in the near future their is a reason for that.

VERY sorry to be off topic. I consider all of you as friends for the most part and just wanted this to be someplace where it would actually be seen by you. If I've been curt, upset, or a bit dismissive lately, that is why.

Additionally, that is another reason collecting my Camel win is frustrating, $100 toward a new computer would be amazing right about now.
You might ask on the Slickdeals tech forum for advise. They have helped me a lot in the past. My Mac was doing that and since it was still under warranty we were able to take it in. Turns out our ram was bad. They replaced it and it is fine now. Ram is pretty cheap if you thing that might help it?
So sorry to hear about your dog Frown We lost our 19 yr old kitty awhile back and it is like losing family.
Jun 19, 2013 05:52 PM
190 Posts
Joined Dec 2011
salion3Jun 19, 2013 05:52 PM
190 Posts
Quote from implode :
I'm getting really stressed out lately, and wanted to let you in on why I may disappear without notice sometime soon. I've been having ongoing technical problems with my computer for the last month or so. As time progresses this issue is getting worse. My host process (SVC Host) randomly gets to 100% CPU usage. The computer locks up and I'm forced to reset. I've tried many things to correct this issue including updating drivers, running hardware diagnostics from start up menu, looking at event viewer info, and virus scans. Nothing seems to find the issue. I'm pretty sure my computer may die any day now. Worse, I'm kind of broke right now. Additionally, my 13 year old dog is in declining health adding more stress to my situation. I just wanted to say if for some reason you don't see me for a while in the near future their is a reason for that.

VERY sorry to be off topic. I consider all of you as friends for the most part and just wanted this to be someplace where it would actually be seen by you. If I've been curt, upset, or a bit dismissive lately, that is why.

Additionally, that is another reason collecting my Camel win is frustrating, $100 toward a new computer would be amazing right about now.
Sorry to hear about your troubles implode. Wishing you some good luck in the near future!
Jun 19, 2013 05:55 PM
6,323 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
KMAJun 19, 2013 05:55 PM
6,323 Posts
Quote from implode :
I'm getting really stressed out lately, and wanted to let you in on why I may disappear without notice sometime soon. I've been having ongoing technical problems with my computer for the last month or so. As time progresses this issue is getting worse. My host process (SVC Host) randomly gets to 100% CPU usage. The computer locks up and I'm forced to reset. I've tried many things to correct this issue including updating drivers, running hardware diagnostics from start up menu, looking at event viewer info, and virus scans. Nothing seems to find the issue. I'm pretty sure my computer may die any day now. Worse, I'm kind of broke right now. Additionally, my 13 year old dog is in declining health adding more stress to my situation. I just wanted to say if for some reason you don't see me for a while in the near future their is a reason for that.
So sorry for all you're going through. I'm currently battling to keep my cat alive, so I completely understand your stress. Hope things work out for you and soon. hug
Jun 19, 2013 07:46 PM
639 Posts
Joined Mar 2013
credmondJun 19, 2013 07:46 PM
639 Posts
Quote from implode :
Additionally, that is another reason collecting my Camel win is frustrating, $100 toward a new computer would be amazing right about now.
That sucks! Do you happen to have your operating system discs (win xp, vista, win7, win8)? You can always do a clean/fresh new installation of that (however it would delete everything on your laptop so make sure to back up files/bookmarks you want saved). In my opinion you may have a virus (even if you have an anti-virus program it may not even detect it) so like i said either do a clean install or you can try this programs called malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) and download the free version. Good luck, and sorry about your dog. Frown
Jun 19, 2013 08:43 PM
8,863 Posts
Joined Aug 2010
crazeeceeJun 19, 2013 08:43 PM
8,863 Posts
Quote from crazeecee :
Even I am facing the same problem with Camel IWGs where I have won two gift cards, but they have been giving expired message while redeeming at up2urewards website. I had emailed [email protected] on June 11, then again on June 14, and they replied back with the following yesterday on June 18 with ticket # same as the one that I received on June 11.

*SNIP*


I had also called camel customer service on Sunday, but they simply asked me to email up2Urewards at [email protected], which I did on Monday, but no replied back from that yet.

Let's see how early will this get resolved.


Edit: I also had few gift cards from Camel waiting to be used. I tried using them on walmart and amazon, but I am not able to touch the last $5 on them. Anybody else faced the same problem? Any possible solution?
Update: Just got an email that they have reset the code. And now one of them works. The other one still shows expired. So I have sent another email for the second one.
Jun 19, 2013 08:56 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeJun 19, 2013 08:56 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from crazeecee :
Update: Just got an email that they have reset the code. And now one of them works. The other one still shows expired. So I have sent another email for the second one.
No email from them, but tried registering it again...what do you know, it worked. 2 hours of hounding Camel I will never get back. But perhaps the coupons they are sending me will make up for it Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)

Edit: As typing this up they sent me the email.
Jun 19, 2013 09:02 PM
23,805 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
countylineJun 19, 2013 09:02 PM
23,805 Posts
Camel should fire up2U, their service has been despicable. Besides the fact they were involved in tax fraud (google is your friend). If everyone filed a complaint with the BBB it MIGHT help.

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Jun 19, 2013 09:45 PM
9 Posts
Joined Mar 2013
SweepsterCoachJun 19, 2013 09:45 PM
9 Posts
Anyone have any favorite places to win books? I have used Goodreads and Read It Forward, but am wondering if there are any others out there that offer frequent sweeps?
Jun 19, 2013 09:57 PM
639 Posts
Joined Mar 2013
credmondJun 19, 2013 09:57 PM
639 Posts
Quote from SweepsterCoach :
Anyone have any favorite places to win books? I have used Goodreads and Read It Forward, but am wondering if there are any others out there that offer frequent sweeps?
twitter is a good place for book wins. Here's just some pages that have RT to win contests frequently:
https://twitter.com/PenguinClassics
https://twitter.com/penguinpbks
https://twitter.com/penguincozies
Jun 19, 2013 10:03 PM
1,844 Posts
Joined Jun 2009
JangJun 19, 2013 10:03 PM
1,844 Posts
Quote from implode :
I'm getting really stressed out lately, and wanted to let you in on why I may disappear without notice sometime soon. I've been having ongoing technical problems with my computer for the last month or so. As time progresses this issue is getting worse. My host process (SVC Host) randomly gets to 100% CPU usage. The computer locks up and I'm forced to reset. I've tried many things to correct this issue including updating drivers, running hardware diagnostics from start up menu, looking at event viewer info, and virus scans. Nothing seems to find the issue. I'm pretty sure my computer may die any day now. Worse, I'm kind of broke right now. Additionally, my 13 year old dog is in declining health adding more stress to my situation. I just wanted to say if for some reason you don't see me for a while in the near future their is a reason for that.

VERY sorry to be off topic. I consider all of you as friends for the most part and just wanted this to be someplace where it would actually be seen by you. If I've been curt, upset, or a bit dismissive lately, that is why.

Additionally, that is another reason collecting my Camel win is frustrating, $100 toward a new computer would be amazing right about now.
I'm sorry to hear all of that. For your computer problems, a full backup and re-installation of Windows might be a good idea. It'll be a pain but it should fix your problems.
Jun 19, 2013 10:09 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeJun 19, 2013 10:09 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from Jang :
I'm sorry to hear all of that. For your computer problems, a full backup and re-installation of Windows might be a good idea. It'll be a pain but it should fix your problems.
Working toward that, got some additional ideas in the tech support forum. So downloaded some new AV stuff and actually found a rootkit. I'm usually fairly safe with sites I go to and keep my Anti Virus up to date, so pretty ticked one got through.

1) My best advice--keep your programs up to date (Windows, Java, Adobe, etc).
2) Keep your Antivirus and Fireball rules up to date to keep you safe.
3) Don't go to unfamiliar websites, especially those that deal with hacking or illegal activity like obtaining copyrighted materials.
Jun 19, 2013 10:15 PM
1,844 Posts
Joined Jun 2009
JangJun 19, 2013 10:15 PM
1,844 Posts
Quote from implode :
Working toward that, got some additional ideas in the tech support forum. So downloaded some new AV stuff and actually found a rootkit. I'm usually fairly safe with sites I go to and keep my Anti Virus up to date, so pretty ticked one got through.

1) My best advice--keep your programs up to date (Windows, Java, Adobe, etc).
2) Keep your Antivirus and Fireball rules up to date to keep you safe.
3) Don't go to unfamiliar websites, especially those that deal with hacking or illegal activity like obtaining copyrighted materials.
Let us know how it goes. I'll try to help if I can if you have any more details you can provide.
Jun 19, 2013 11:50 PM
1,122 Posts
Joined Aug 2010
DreOranJun 19, 2013 11:50 PM
1,122 Posts
Quote from SweepsterCoach :
Anyone have any favorite places to win books? I have used Goodreads and Read It Forward, but am wondering if there are any others out there that offer frequent sweeps?
credmond was right about twitter being a good source. I also tend to follow authors and publishers I like on FB and the author's website/blog. I've found that following the authors is the best way to find out about smaller sweeps/contests that usually have a really short time period.
Jun 19, 2013 11:58 PM
6,059 Posts
Joined Jul 2012
ChrisB65Jun 19, 2013 11:58 PM
6,059 Posts
Quote from SweepsterCoach :
Anyone have any favorite places to win books? I have used Goodreads and Read It Forward, but am wondering if there are any others out there that offer frequent sweeps?
http://www.bookreporter.com/ is another site where you can win books.

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Jun 20, 2013 12:08 AM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeJun 20, 2013 12:08 AM
118,455 Posts
Quote from Jang :
Let us know how it goes. I'll try to help if I can if you have any more details you can provide.
Was unaware of just how much effort was involved in Chkdsk mode...someone suggested that. So far over an hour in...it's checking 80 files at a time,out of 1.33m files. Projected to complete step 4 at 11:00pm. Not sure how lengthy step 5 is...feel lie I'm being plunked, but I guess it's only way to know what's going on with HD acting like its failing, hello infinite boredom.

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