Comments on: What I Learned From Darren Giving Away $60,000 of Prizes in a Week http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/ Build your business by sharing what you know Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:51:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Chris Garrett http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5892 Chris Garrett Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:56:57 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5892 Yes I think being first makes a big difference to outcome but also means that Darren as first has to hit all the speed bumps that the rest of us get to learn from. As I said above I think the project worked out great for Darren and I think we have all benefited from his learnings. Yes I think being first makes a big difference to outcome but also means that Darren as first has to hit all the speed bumps that the rest of us get to learn from.

As I said above I think the project worked out great for Darren and I think we have all benefited from his learnings.

]]> By: Chris Garrett http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17679 Chris Garrett Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:56:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17679 Yes I think being first makes a big difference to outcome but also means that Darren as first has to hit all the speed bumps that the rest of us get to learn from. As I said above I think the project worked out great for Darren and I think we have all benefited from his learnings. Yes I think being first makes a big difference to outcome but also means that Darren as first has to hit all the speed bumps that the rest of us get to learn from.

As I said above I think the project worked out great for Darren and I think we have all benefited from his learnings.

]]> By: Steve M http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5890 Steve M Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:49:14 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5890 These things will lose their effectiveness once everyone starts doing them. They key is to be the first, and when you do get a great idea to do it well These things will lose their effectiveness once everyone starts doing them. They key is to be the first, and when you do get a great idea to do it well

]]> By: Steve M http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17678 Steve M Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:49:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17678 These things will lose their effectiveness once everyone starts doing them. They key is to be the first, and when you do get a great idea to do it well These things will lose their effectiveness once everyone starts doing them. They key is to be the first, and when you do get a great idea to do it well

]]> By: Jermayn Parker http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5889 Jermayn Parker Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:48:50 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5889 I was also surprised at the contest, it was great fun but there were a few issues. Month long contest with other content (like you suggested). It was too short, it kinder finished before you got into it. Also dont have contests on weekends.. I was also surprised at the contest, it was great fun but there were a few issues.

Month long contest with other content (like you suggested). It was too short, it kinder finished before you got into it.

Also dont have contests on weekends..

]]> By: Jermayn Parker http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17677 Jermayn Parker Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:48:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17677 I was also surprised at the contest, it was great fun but there were a few issues. Month long contest with other content (like you suggested). It was too short, it kinder finished before you got into it. Also dont have contests on weekends.. I was also surprised at the contest, it was great fun but there were a few issues.

Month long contest with other content (like you suggested). It was too short, it kinder finished before you got into it.

Also dont have contests on weekends..

]]> By: Ashish Mohta http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5881 Ashish Mohta Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:10:44 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5881 I was really turned off honestly. Prizes were exciting but then again overloaded. Darren tell lot of stuffs not other blogging blog says....i didnt visted his site just due to this. I was really turned off honestly. Prizes were exciting but then again overloaded. Darren tell lot of stuffs not other blogging blog says….i didnt visted his site just due to this.

]]> By: Ashish Mohta http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17676 Ashish Mohta Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:10:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17676 I was really turned off honestly. Prizes were exciting but then again overloaded. Darren tell lot of stuffs not other blogging blog says....i didnt visted his site just due to this. I was really turned off honestly. Prizes were exciting but then again overloaded. Darren tell lot of stuffs not other blogging blog says….i didnt visted his site just due to this.

]]> By: Ken Dahlin http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5877 Ken Dahlin Sun, 14 Oct 2007 02:56:53 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5877 I was a little disappointed that after I won a 10 dollar mug, I couldn't win anything else. Some of the other prize competitions seemed somewhat offhanded... like the "link to this contest" one and the "everyone wins a free sponsored to this new link directory we're trying to get off the ground" contest. Over all, it was fun... I mean I won something after all. I was a little disappointed that after I won a 10 dollar mug, I couldn’t win anything else. Some of the other prize competitions seemed somewhat offhanded… like the “link to this contest” one and the “everyone wins a free sponsored to this new link directory we’re trying to get off the ground” contest. Over all, it was fun… I mean I won something after all.

]]> By: Ken Dahlin http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17675 Ken Dahlin Sun, 14 Oct 2007 02:56:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17675 I was a little disappointed that after I won a 10 dollar mug, I couldn't win anything else. Some of the other prize competitions seemed somewhat offhanded... like the "link to this contest" one and the "everyone wins a free sponsored to this new link directory we're trying to get off the ground" contest. Over all, it was fun... I mean I won something after all. I was a little disappointed that after I won a 10 dollar mug, I couldn’t win anything else. Some of the other prize competitions seemed somewhat offhanded… like the “link to this contest” one and the “everyone wins a free sponsored to this new link directory we’re trying to get off the ground” contest. Over all, it was fun… I mean I won something after all.

]]> By: cerebralmum http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5873 cerebralmum Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:17:23 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5873 @Darren - I'd just like to say that while it wasn't my cup of tea I think that you took on a pretty mammoth task and broke some new ground. It was a learning experience not just for you, but also for the rest of the blogosphere. Anyone who wants to do something like this in the future won't have to start in a vacuum. So kudos to you. @Darren – I’d just like to say that while it wasn’t my cup of tea I think that you took on a pretty mammoth task and broke some new ground. It was a learning experience not just for you, but also for the rest of the blogosphere. Anyone who wants to do something like this in the future won’t have to start in a vacuum. So kudos to you.

]]> By: cerebralmum http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17674 cerebralmum Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:17:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17674 @Darren - I'd just like to say that while it wasn't my cup of tea I think that you took on a pretty mammoth task and broke some new ground. It was a learning experience not just for you, but also for the rest of the blogosphere. Anyone who wants to do something like this in the future won't have to start in a vacuum. So kudos to you. @Darren – I’d just like to say that while it wasn’t my cup of tea I think that you took on a pretty mammoth task and broke some new ground. It was a learning experience not just for you, but also for the rest of the blogosphere. Anyone who wants to do something like this in the future won’t have to start in a vacuum. So kudos to you.

]]> By: Darren http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5870 Darren Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:53:10 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5870 all good feedback. As I wrote at PB - next time we do this type of thing it'll be much different. we'll have less prizes, less actual competitions and hopefully deliver more value to sponsors. I'd also point out that we did have a few prizes that were open to a lot of readers (one where up to 3000 people could get something for free). The hope was to not only have some high value prizes but to give everyone a pretty good chance to win at least something - to try to get over frustrating those who didn't win. Anyway - like everything I do - it was a learning experience and will shape the next one we do. Appreciate everyone's feedback. all good feedback. As I wrote at PB – next time we do this type of thing it’ll be much different. we’ll have less prizes, less actual competitions and hopefully deliver more value to sponsors.

I’d also point out that we did have a few prizes that were open to a lot of readers (one where up to 3000 people could get something for free). The hope was to not only have some high value prizes but to give everyone a pretty good chance to win at least something – to try to get over frustrating those who didn’t win.

Anyway – like everything I do – it was a learning experience and will shape the next one we do.

Appreciate everyone’s feedback.

]]> By: Darren http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17673 Darren Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:53:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17673 all good feedback. As I wrote at PB - next time we do this type of thing it'll be much different. we'll have less prizes, less actual competitions and hopefully deliver more value to sponsors. I'd also point out that we did have a few prizes that were open to a lot of readers (one where up to 3000 people could get something for free). The hope was to not only have some high value prizes but to give everyone a pretty good chance to win at least something - to try to get over frustrating those who didn't win. Anyway - like everything I do - it was a learning experience and will shape the next one we do. Appreciate everyone's feedback. all good feedback. As I wrote at PB – next time we do this type of thing it’ll be much different. we’ll have less prizes, less actual competitions and hopefully deliver more value to sponsors.

I’d also point out that we did have a few prizes that were open to a lot of readers (one where up to 3000 people could get something for free). The hope was to not only have some high value prizes but to give everyone a pretty good chance to win at least something – to try to get over frustrating those who didn’t win.

Anyway – like everything I do – it was a learning experience and will shape the next one we do.

Appreciate everyone’s feedback.

]]> By: Forest Parks http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5868 Forest Parks Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:12:38 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5868 I think competitions need to be managed in the correct manor but are probably a nice worthwile thing for subscribers that like that sort of thing. If I ever grow big enough to offer comps I think i'll probably schedule them for a particular day each month so that regulars have choice to switch off for that day if they so please. PS. I like the new design. Good job Adii. I think competitions need to be managed in the correct manor but are probably a nice worthwile thing for subscribers that like that sort of thing.

If I ever grow big enough to offer comps I think i’ll probably schedule them for a particular day each month so that regulars have choice to switch off for that day if they so please.

PS. I like the new design. Good job Adii.

]]> By: Forest Parks http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17672 Forest Parks Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:12:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17672 I think competitions need to be managed in the correct manor but are probably a nice worthwile thing for subscribers that like that sort of thing. If I ever grow big enough to offer comps I think i'll probably schedule them for a particular day each month so that regulars have choice to switch off for that day if they so please. PS. I like the new design. Good job Adii. I think competitions need to be managed in the correct manor but are probably a nice worthwile thing for subscribers that like that sort of thing.

If I ever grow big enough to offer comps I think i’ll probably schedule them for a particular day each month so that regulars have choice to switch off for that day if they so please.

PS. I like the new design. Good job Adii.

]]> By: Simon http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5867 Simon Sat, 13 Oct 2007 01:26:05 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5867 I think Darren got alot of the prizes wrong, which meant I didn't enter most of the competitions. Things like one-on-one consultancies only suit certain people in certain positions, and I don't think he had the caliber of people offering the prizes that he really needed. Why would I take advice from someone who has a less successfull blog than my own, just because it's a prize. A complete turn off. I think more tangible prizes would have been better, how about some Photoshop, Ecto, Hosting, Stock images, books, iWork or some other tools that bloggers use every day. I wasn't particularly keen on the idea of having, what may very well be, a spotty 12 year old designing a logo for my blog. Either get some tangible prizes, or some reputable names. Or maybe I'm being a little harsh... I think Darren got alot of the prizes wrong, which meant I didn’t enter most of the competitions. Things like one-on-one consultancies only suit certain people in certain positions, and I don’t think he had the caliber of people offering the prizes that he really needed. Why would I take advice from someone who has a less successfull blog than my own, just because it’s a prize. A complete turn off.

I think more tangible prizes would have been better, how about some Photoshop, Ecto, Hosting, Stock images, books, iWork or some other tools that bloggers use every day. I wasn’t particularly keen on the idea of having, what may very well be, a spotty 12 year old designing a logo for my blog. Either get some tangible prizes, or some reputable names. Or maybe I’m being a little harsh…

]]> By: Simon http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17671 Simon Sat, 13 Oct 2007 01:26:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17671 I think Darren got alot of the prizes wrong, which meant I didn't enter most of the competitions. Things like one-on-one consultancies only suit certain people in certain positions, and I don't think he had the caliber of people offering the prizes that he really needed. Why would I take advice from someone who has a less successfull blog than my own, just because it's a prize. A complete turn off. I think more tangible prizes would have been better, how about some Photoshop, Ecto, Hosting, Stock images, books, iWork or some other tools that bloggers use every day. I wasn't particularly keen on the idea of having, what may very well be, a spotty 12 year old designing a logo for my blog. Either get some tangible prizes, or some reputable names. Or maybe I'm being a little harsh... I think Darren got alot of the prizes wrong, which meant I didn’t enter most of the competitions. Things like one-on-one consultancies only suit certain people in certain positions, and I don’t think he had the caliber of people offering the prizes that he really needed. Why would I take advice from someone who has a less successfull blog than my own, just because it’s a prize. A complete turn off.

I think more tangible prizes would have been better, how about some Photoshop, Ecto, Hosting, Stock images, books, iWork or some other tools that bloggers use every day. I wasn’t particularly keen on the idea of having, what may very well be, a spotty 12 year old designing a logo for my blog. Either get some tangible prizes, or some reputable names. Or maybe I’m being a little harsh…

]]> By: Karthik http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5864 Karthik Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:18:23 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-5864 @David I just read about your plight yesterday in one of Matt's comment threads, ironically, I was going to have a go at the same contest you had trouble with! Good to know you're back though :) About the guest posts, that's what they should be - guest posts, and guests don't stay forever when they visit, just the same way, guest posts should be regulated - personally, I wouldn't mind 1 out of 10 posts being a guest post, but I'm sure it varies with each person. @David

I just read about your plight yesterday in one of Matt’s comment threads, ironically, I was going to have a go at the same contest you had trouble with!
Good to know you’re back though :)

About the guest posts, that’s what they should be – guest posts, and guests don’t stay forever when they visit, just the same way, guest posts should be regulated – personally, I wouldn’t mind 1 out of 10 posts being a guest post, but I’m sure it varies with each person.

]]> By: Karthik http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17670 Karthik Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:18:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/what-i-learned-from-darren-giving-away-60000-of-prizes-in-a-week/#comment-17670 @David I just read about your plight yesterday in one of Matt's comment threads, ironically, I was going to have a go at the same contest you had trouble with! Good to know you're back though :) About the guest posts, that's what they should be - guest posts, and guests don't stay forever when they visit, just the same way, guest posts should be regulated - personally, I wouldn't mind 1 out of 10 posts being a guest post, but I'm sure it varies with each person. @David

I just read about your plight yesterday in one of Matt’s comment threads, ironically, I was going to have a go at the same contest you had trouble with!
Good to know you’re back though :)

About the guest posts, that’s what they should be – guest posts, and guests don’t stay forever when they visit, just the same way, guest posts should be regulated – personally, I wouldn’t mind 1 out of 10 posts being a guest post, but I’m sure it varies with each person.

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