  Contests & Activities
This week: Edited by: Octobers Lie  
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3. Letter from the Editor
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5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
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Looking for something new to try? Need a little inspiration? Maybe you just want a challenge. Whatever the case, Contests and Activities can be very rewarding.
This site is overflowing with creativity which means there is always something going on. Whether you're a host, a contestant, or just plain curious, this newsletter is for you!
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I know several of my past newsletters have touched on the subject of being responsible hosts. I can't emphasize that enough because it is very important. None of us here started out with the reputation of being responsible and dependable. At least I didn't. I had to prove myself first, and everytime I host or get involved with a contest or activity I feel like I have an obligation to prove that again. That's just me. I strive to have a reputable item and want everyone to feel like they can trust me and my abilities to accomplish what I set forth. I hope that when members see my name attached to something they will feel comfortable that I am a responsible member and will do my very best.
I have participated in several reputable raffles, but have never hosted one of my own. The main reason I haven't is because raffles require a lot of dedication and time. Raffle host have a lot of responsiblity. They have a lot of things to keep up with, and I admire those that do such a wonderful job.
There are many raffles on the site that offer a range of prizes, from upgrades, gift points, reviews, Writing.Com merchandise, etc.
Many of these raffles benefit Writing.Com charities, particular members or assist the raffle host with their own upgrade. Whatever the case, raffles are fun and exciting when done right.
Raffles are mainly fundraisers and before I enter or even entertain the thought of entering, I want to know the benefactor(s). I don't mind entering a raffle if it's for upgrades, even for the host, as long as it's stated. I also look at the 'Pot'. Where will the gift points go? What's the percentage? I applaud the hosts that keep running totals. That takes a lot of time and hard work.
Posting the results is very important. Seeing the winners and the final break down of the prize pot is essential in hosting a reputable raffle.
Writing.Com also offers a nifty little tool that can be used for raffles, and that is Virtual Dice. I have to admit that I have only played with the Virtual Dice for my own entertainment and have not used them for 'more productive' reasons, but I see a wonderful opportunity here. I've also seen many raffles that do use Virtual Dice and some of those raffles even store the results so that they can be viewed publically.
The bottom line of my rambling is that if you are going to host a raffle think it through. Strive to be a responsible host as many are and have been in the past. If the purpose of your raffle is to benefit you only, then state so. If you are offering percentages that don't weigh out, or low percentages to the winner with the rest going straight to you, then expect low participation. Many members, like myself, don't mind the host benefiting. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, but a raffle that states 10% to the winner, 10% to a charity, and the remaining 80% to the host will probably not see Ollie buying any tickets. 
On a very serious note, if you state a percentage will go to a charity, a particular member, winners, etc. then be honest and dependable and do exactly what you state. 
If I ever do host a raffle I would definitely post in my forum ticket sales, gift points raised, percentages, etc. and would continously keep that information updated for all to see. I would want everyone to see what was going on, and to show that I was being responsible. Another reason I would do so is because I am so terrible at math!  So if you see a raffle hosted by Ollie, do the math. I'm honest, but fractions and percentages are something that I am very terrible at it. 
I love entering raffles. Raffles can be a lot of fun. Supporting a charity, members, or a contest is well worth while.
To all those reputable raffle hosts: 
Until next time...
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Ollie's Disclaimer
All items I listed as Editors Picks were current at the time I submitted my newsletter. Although, I sincerely hope that each item I list will be run responsibly, I can not guarantee it.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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 Submitted by: Lexi 
Ollie,
Good pointers for someone looking to start a contest!
Thank you!
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Submitted by: terryjroo
Great Newsletter Ollie! You are so right, too. If the name or brief description don't grab my attention, I'll never look inside. Then, once inside, if it isn't well presented I figure, why bother. If the host doesn't care to set up an attracive and interesting contest, I often wonder how interested they'll be in my entry.
You summed it up in one paragraph! Thank you, Ter for being so supportive.
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Submitted by: AXiLeA
Your point of view is always enlightening, October Lie. I'm glad I've discovered new contests thanks to your interesting choice.
THANK YOU!
Axilea
 Thank you, Axilea for the wonderful comment and for being a subscriber to the Contest & Activities Newsletter.
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Submitted by: kiyasama
Thank you! For the plugs in your latest newsletter and for another informative and entertaining read!
I definitely learn something new each time your newsletter comes around and
thanks to that, I'm getting more entries each week. w00t! Thank you again and keep up the great work.
~Kiya
Thank you so much, Kiya! I'm glad you enjoy the newsletter and hope those entries keep coming!
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Contests & Activities: August 02, 2006 Issue [#1181]
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