forum thread Posted by FreebiesRGreat • Jun 3, 2008
Jun 3, 2008 2:50 AM
forum thread Posted by FreebiesRGreat • Jun 3, 2008
Jun 3, 2008 2:50 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://agilewebsolutio
FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.
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.
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://agilewebsolutio
FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.
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://agilewebsolutio
FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.
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.
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://agilewebsolutio
FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.
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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-MJ
-MJ
Thanks for the information. I'll try some.
That, and probably a new laptop(as my current one has had so many problems, plus its screen flickers every so often as well). Of course gift cards are always good too; I am curious about this repping thing though as well.
What are reputation points and what are those green boxes under my username?
Accumulating reputation points
Every user starts with 10 reputation points. You can give other users rep points if you feel that the post has been helpful. Reputation points can only be given in the deal, freebie or help forums. The best way to accumulate rep points is by posting a good deal.
You can view the last 5 reputation points you have received in your usercp. The ones with green boxes count towards your score, while the gray ones are not. The points that count usually come from seasoned users.
If you have less then 50 posts you can rep others but it will not count towards their reputation points. Instead of showing up green under their user CP function, it will be grey.
Negative rep points are not allowed due to abuse but certain privileged users are able to give negative rep.
Regarding reputation abuse
Rep points are a way of saying thank you, gain a rank and maybe get recognition. There's no tangible value for reps and never will be. However, it is a metric that can be used to determine how helpful the user is to the community. Thusly, to keep the reputation points meaningful, we have general guidelines on how how reps should be handed out. The premise is, if it is used as a form of "thank you" for a user who did something helpful to the community, it's ok.
The following kinds of comments/usage are generally not allowed:
"Give me rep!"
"I'll rep you, you rep me"
"User XYZ is almost bold"
"Let's make User XYZ bold"
"Let's get User XYZ to X number of reps"
Threads/post where the user offers rep points for help or favors (not disguised as trading or trivial questions) are ok. However, rep points given for contests/games or trading for value items are not allowed since it doesn't follow the "thank you" premise. Examples:
"Answer 1+1 and get rep from me" not allowed
"Do something trivial and get rep" not allowed
"Beat me in game XYZ, get rep" not allowed
"Help me find a deal on X, get rep" ok
"Help me find a rebate form, will rep" ok
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
I add the end date to each, so that I can move them out to an expired folder later
and "IWG" to the instants, so that I can search for IWG on days when I don't have enough time to do all of the entries.
-MJ
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One sweeps or Two?
Rules Pages:
http://www.tbs.com/sweepstakes/sw...74,00.html
http://www.tnt.tv/sweepstakes_alt
This time I have switched to doing only IWG and I have found it to be much more satisfying. So far I have won a Fast 5 dvd, a cottonelle tp roll cover, and a $25 dollar macys gift card (all in the last week).
Does anyone have advice for prioritizing my sweepstakes? I was figuring to get in all the IWG games and have a bookmark folder for those.
Then should I do daily/weekly/montly or 1 entry? Or do you think that just doing IWG is the way to go?
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?
I have never won a contest ever before and I was wondering if you guys can give me any tips. They are asking me to fill out a W9 and a release form. I just want to make sure this is not a scam.
What are reputation points and what are those green boxes under my username?
Accumulating reputation points
Every user starts with 10 reputation points. You can give other users rep points if you feel that the post has been helpful. Reputation points can only be given in the deal, freebie or help forums. The best way to accumulate rep points is by posting a good deal.
You can view the last 5 reputation points you have received in your usercp. The ones with green boxes count towards your score, while the gray ones are not. The points that count usually come from seasoned users.
If you have less then 50 posts you can rep others but it will not count towards their reputation points. Instead of showing up green under their user CP function, it will be grey.
Negative rep points are not allowed due to abuse but certain privileged users are able to give negative rep.
Regarding reputation abuse
Rep points are a way of saying thank you, gain a rank and maybe get recognition. There's no tangible value for reps and never will be. However, it is a metric that can be used to determine how helpful the user is to the community. Thusly, to keep the reputation points meaningful, we have general guidelines on how how reps should be handed out. The premise is, if it is used as a form of "thank you" for a user who did something helpful to the community, it's ok.
The following kinds of comments/usage are generally not allowed:
"Give me rep!"
"I'll rep you, you rep me"
"User XYZ is almost bold"
"Let's make User XYZ bold"
"Let's get User XYZ to X number of reps"
Threads/post where the user offers rep points for help or favors (not disguised as trading or trivial questions) are ok. However, rep points given for contests/games or trading for value items are not allowed since it doesn't follow the "thank you" premise. Examples:
"Answer 1+1 and get rep from me" not allowed
"Do something trivial and get rep" not allowed
"Beat me in game XYZ, get rep" not allowed
"Help me find a deal on X, get rep" ok
"Help me find a rebate form, will rep" ok
I live with my parents, and i'm 26 years old(and I don't mind admitting either of those things by the way). Basically I've read that you have to report everything you win in a contest, no matter what the value of the prize is on your taxes.
However, I don't pay taxes because I don't have a paid job, but my parents do. My question though is this: if I win something, because I still live in the same house with my parents, would they still have to report it on their taxes?
I mean I like winning stuff, but I want to make sure on this because I don't want anybody to go to jail or anything over this, or get an audit.
I live with my parents, and i'm 26 years old(and I don't mind admitting either of those things by the way). Basically I've read that you have to report everything you win in a contest, no matter what the value of the prize is on your taxes.
However, I don't pay taxes because I don't have a paid job, but my parents do. My question though is this: if I win something, because I still live in the same house with my parents, would they still have to report it on their taxes?
I mean I like winning stuff, but I want to make sure on this because I don't want anybody to go to jail or anything over this, or get an audit.
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First, I qualify for SSI, Food Stamps(which in Washington State is through what's called the Quest Card) and Medical Coupons because my folks both work for a local school district, and because of the income they make every year.
Would qualifying for any of those things affect taxes as far as contest winnings go? In addition(for now) because of everything I mentioned above, I have a volunteer secretary job at a local church. Problem is I get a paying job, even part-time, it might affect the SSI and other benefits I and my family receive.
Also, my dad has heart and knee and a few other smaller medical issues. In addition, I already won tickets to a College Basketball game in December between Washington State and Pepperdine through a contest on the local ESPN Radio affiliate(Seattle)'s website.
My question with that is this: on the tickets, it says comp, for complementary. I looked online, and the value of the tickets if I hadn't won them would have been in the neighborhood of twenty-fourty dollars(I forget the exact value); now, as far as tax purposes go, would the value of the tickets be what you would report come income tax time?
Just curious.