Unfortunately I strongly think an explanation of how Ascending Butterfly has integrated Rafflecopter into our giveaway process is necessary.
Butterflies you asked for Rafflecopter and you got it. I have no problem exploring options that make things easier for us both, but it does NOT and I repeat do NOT substitute me moderating the entries. I still moderate EVERY entry. So for those who thought it would allow them to bypass the rules, I'm very sorry to tell you, that nothing slips past me. It is my job to give sponsors accurate numbers. And I will not allow entries that do not comply to pass through to 'pad' my numbers. I do everything with a very high level of integrity. I do not let Rafflecopter do my work for me.
Comments that read:
I want this
I want to win
I like that
Enter me
ARE NOT, and I repeat are NOT being entered, they are being DELETED before the random number generator picks the winner.
All of our entries, and this is PRIOR to our use of Rafflecopter, have had the same 2 mandatory requirements, since 2009, you have been informed clearly that to 'play' you need to be following us via GFC, this is mandatory, not an extra credit, and you need to post a URL link to an item from the sponsor that you like OTHER than the review item. Please don't tell me you can't copy the link. If 500 other people were able to copy a URL link so can you. No exceptions. If you do not post a URL link, regardless of whether or not you completed a million extra credits, all entries have to be deleted. and they will.
Mid 2010 we posted very clearly that we no longer email entrants when their main entries do not comply with win it instructions. We posted this clearly for a full year and a half. We are not emailing people to tell them their entries were voided for not complying with instructions.
I'm not naming names, but for the MOR giveaway instead of linking to another product from MOR's website, someone actually copied and pasted the link to our giveaway page and put in the rafflecopter form. All those entries from those that did that were deleted. Yes I do notice, yes I do check everything.
I look at it this way, I'd rather show 500 entries that are complete and fair and followed instructions than 1,000 that were not all legit. For those that took out the time to do things properly, I assure you that when a winner is being drawn, the only entries the random number generator will be choosing from are VALID ones.
Giveaways are truly labors of love for the bloggers that run them. We are not being paid for them. We do not profit from them. Bloggers can host plain reviews instead of going to bat to get a giveaway in addition.
I am not saying landing reviews are 'easy', but brands are of course more apt to welcome a review, but for the giveaway component, we are pitching and selling to that brand as to why they should consider including another item for our readers. Dear Butterflies, giveaways are a thank you. They are not required. They are not a given. Rafflecopter for the most part is making this process easier for YOU, I am still moderating all entries. So please help make this easier on us BOTH. Do not put in incomplete entries, do not put in false links, do not leave entries blank and think they won't be caught. The more my way of thanking my readers becomes a chore, the less prone I feel to keep doing it.
Now on to the fun stuff:
Join me in congratulating our winner! And don't forget to show our current active Rafflecopter Giveaways:
In Bloom Pajamas or Nightgown of YOUR Choice Giveaway
AND Ugglebo Seattle Low Style Shearling Boots Giveaway! ARV $309 Ends 02/18 LOTS of love! (The In Bloom PJ's ends VERY SOON, so act fast!)
And as many of you already know my twitter alter ego is as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' and I'm currently live tweeting during the Grammy's, follow me @Tracy_Iglesias and feel free to share with me your Grammy impressions, anything from performances to the fashion, nothing is off limits!