I'm trying to raise money for a new dv camera.
So I created http://www.mywritingcontest.com
Entry fee is seven bucks, the prize is an ipod!
Dear admins, I didn't know where else to post this.
(It's sorta a sale/trade thing.)
Want to win an ipod from me?
October 25, 2004 - 12:06am
#1
Want to win an ipod from me?
You know doing this is illegal? Your not supposed to have raffle/drawings unless its for a non profit organization. You might want to delete this post
It is illegal to hold gambling sorts of things, but writing contests are not considered gambling.
Lots of companies have writing contests all the time.
Often it's a magazine. A writing contest is not a raffle or a drawing.
It is a competition, the winner is based on Merit.
Examples of private writing contests:
http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/self_published.asp
Writers Digest writing contest. Entry fee is $100.
http://www.fountainheadpub.com/fh_contest_call_for_entries.htm
Their entry fee is $45. It is held by Fountain Head Publications.
Do I need to list more?
Please don't go scaring people away from my contest with claims that aren't backed up with research.
I'm sure you can understand people are going to be somewhat skeptical that this is on the level. I mean, what evidence have you provided that you aren't going to draw a ringer's name for the ipod, or that there even is an ipod.
And I can assure you there are laws and licenses governing a contest like this to prevent such scamming, especially as it's for profit. The contests you link to are run by corporations who are already bound by stringent business and tax law, not just some guy who wants a new camera. Have you gone to these companies, or to the state or federal agencies to find out if you are within the law? If so, could you cite that here or on your web page to provide credibility, otherwise I give you as much credibility as that Nigerian prince offering me a million dollars to use my bank account (I'm still waiting for the cheque!
This is technically gambling, and in many states you need to be licensed in order to sell raffle tickets.
It's hard to track down appropriate info about writing contests.
However, I found something to address this correctly.
According to the Washington State Gambling Comission...
"Essay contests aren't considered gambling if the award is really based upon merit or skill. Therefore, they are not illegal."
from http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/docs/essay.htm
Which has some good info regarding fraudulant contests.
I expect that if I defraud people, I'll get a visit from some nice uniformed men. I don't plan on doing it. That's why my name and address are up on the site.
Again, please show me some evidence before making claims.
Since that was from Washington state, and I live in Missouri, I plan on verifying it with them later when I'm not working.
I think the responsibility is on you as contest holder, not us, to provide evidence of legality and honesty, and I'm glad to see you've been able to provide some information on at least the legality of what you're doing.
If you want to search Applefritter for 'Steve Landon' or '$900 Powerbook G4' you'll see why some of us are a bit cynical.
...but down here in the Great State of Texas, you have to have the item physically available for view if you want to sell raffle tickets. It's a little legal loophole put in specifically for non-profits, but everyone raising money can use it.
If you want to ship the iPod to me so that I can physically verify it's existence, then I will gladly enter your contest.