EEVblog Giveaway Contests - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:25:58 am
content: I'm thinking about having a kinda-regular giveaway contest thing on the blog.Ex-review multimeters, kits, or whatever I have at the time.Any ideas on how best to run this? I want to give everyone a fair go, but only those who bother to enter.i.e. I don't want to randomly pick a forum user and find they haven't logged on for 6 months or something.And BTW, it looks like there will be a Rigol DS1052E up for grabs shortly as well!Dave.

author: scrat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 10:31:48 am
content: Why not something like you've done some time ago, when the challenge was to understand what a board was intended for? I visited too late it, because at the time I was not a member, but I enjoyed reading the posts of people, and hoped to be in such a contest. Perhaps it could be something easier..

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 11:58:34 am
content: Well , if this offer has to do mostly with the regular members ...The messages counter, its your helper ...You have only to set the number of minimum messages , that qualify s some one as " participant " .It will be always an announcement of the board , about the item and an period of days ,so any one who needs this item , to show his interest with an message like " Me too " .This member will receive instantly an email with an 4 digits number ( lottery number ) .The last day of the predefined time period , one moderator it will select an number , and it will become an public announcement about it .That's my thoughts so far .

author: cksa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 12:09:14 pm
content: Some kind of a challenge to make it a bit more interesting rather than just a random draw would be nice!

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 12:10:00 pm
content: Once you know who has taken part you could always enter the names of those who have given it a fair crack into 'list randomizer' to get a result.http://www.random.org/lists/

author: XynxNet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 12:11:18 pm
content: You should think about the handling of shipping costs. Many of us live overseas.I suggest that the receiver pays the shipping costs. The question is how. Paypal? Unfree postal service? (Does something like that even exist for international shipping?)

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 12:18:12 pm
content: Quote from: XynxNet on November 04, 2010, 12:11:18 pmIf the receiver really want it I'm sure they will gladly pay.A pure draw would mean that those who don't really need it may get it, while with challenges if the bar is set too high the "young players" who can really use them might lose out.

author: cksa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 12:20:44 pm
content: Could be an "easy" challenge.like...guess how many resistors are left in this reel...or something "non-technical" like that to give everyone a chance

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 12:35:54 pm
content: who would be able to generate the fastest oscillator/PWM through IO pin using pic10f202/206! i'm in!or at least make the most challenging EE contest ever, but yet using not so expensive components. at least something to be proud of as achievement for EEVBlog community, something that will attract outsiders and be kept talked about. its not like designing the fanciest 32x32 leds project, hackaday or ladyada will make fun of us. its more like something that closely related to EE subject or more generic design that can be utilized on top of other design (think open source and open hardware!).Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 04, 2010, 11:58:34 ami dont agree, even if i'm more eligible than you are. basing on how long a person become a member will be more relevant, since there are alot more lurker expert here than you can think of that can suddenly pop out with excellent design. but sadly they are not so good contributers. high contributing factor should be counted in the election better, but i dont think there will be an easy way to find out who.Quote from: Hypernova on November 04, 2010, 12:18:12 pmi agreeQuote from: Hypernova on November 04, 2010, 12:18:12 pmi agree tooQuote from: Hypernova on November 04, 2010, 12:18:12 pmthey deserve to lose, as u said it yourself, if the receiver really want it, he can buy from somewhere else.i'm insisting on high standard, but dont let the cost factor influences the decision of a member that could do the contest better, but unluckily dont have enough fund to do it.considering the cost factor will automatically prevents the standard to become too high (such as FPGA+MCU+LCD etc project will cost something significant! and too complicated too! to be achieved by young players)

author: Strube09
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 12:46:12 pm
content: How about a question regarding the Video the product was featured in. This would ensure they watched the video.... Then if they get it right then they are in the drawing and a random pick of the right answers would win.Or you can say that you have had atleaset X amount of posting in the past week to be in the drawing. This ensure people are always adding value and content to the forums.... however I can see this back firing from people posting random junk just to keep and "Active" status.Just some ideas.good luck

author: adam1213
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 01:16:13 pm
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on November 04, 2010, 11:58:34 amplease don't encourage people to write spam bots.Quote from: shafri on November 04, 2010, 12:35:54 pmthat actually has a few uses - if you can do it fast enough you can generate colour tv patterns :O (well maybe with a different pic and with it overclocked)How about having more than one way of giving things away. (even if some ways of giving things away don't work out you might get an idea of which ways work best)

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 01:16:49 pm
content: Quote from: shafri on November 04, 2010, 12:35:54 pmI can learn that, with just a phone call at Hong Kong ..The lottery idea still sounds more "practical " .But I am not going to write an third message on this thread, about it .I am out

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 01:20:17 pm
content: Quote from: adam1213 on November 04, 2010, 01:16:13 pmWell , you are truly new around , and I can verify from my experience ,that no one survives in this forum with spam bots.

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 01:22:40 pm
content: Whatever contest you organize, I'm in!I want a new DMM... or a used one... I don't care.

author: .o:0|O|0:o.
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 01:42:20 pm
content: I like the idea of the raffle because it give everyone a chance.Like in all raffles, participants should have to sign up in some way for a metaphorical ticket.I think you would also have to make sure that a member doesn't enter under multiple accounts in some way. Giving the home/postal address details in advance would ensure this, I think.Also, the participants should have logged in a minimum number of times since the previous contest/ raffle/ prize give-away in order to be eligible. This shows that the prize is of value/ relevant to you, it encourages new members to join and stay on and it prevents hordes of people swarming to EEVBlog only for the prize (though it would be funny to see what would happen if anyone was eligible!)The selection criterion could be a random draw on a live show (that would be awesome!) or the prize could be awarded to the member with the most original idea for some sort of problem, the best idea for a design, or something like that (not necessarily involving technical detail or the veterans will win every time). Another entry criterion would be to post a short video clip of why you need the prize and what you would do with it if you won it, but you don't want to encourage stories of hardship and begging, and for a lot of people they already feel uncomfortable posting their name or photo.I would definitely sign up as I really need a scope! But I think the idea is fun and exciting even if you don't win! (Oh, and an FPGA programmer....)Anyways....o:0|O|0:o.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:03:00 pm
content: Quote from: cksa on November 04, 2010, 12:20:44 pm^^ This.Because if the challenge is too hard.. noobs like me won't have a chanceAnd the EEVblog as far as I am aware is for noobs alsoJohn

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:10:06 pm
content: You want the selection process to be interesting, entertaining if possible, and not have to deal with large numbers of entries, and it should make entrants have to make some effort, so I suggest a question/challenge to which there is no 'right' answer, just the most interesting/unusual/funny, judged by Dave's entirely subjective opinion.Could be as simple as a sentence on why you want this item.

author: scrat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:20:49 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on November 04, 2010, 02:10:06 pmOr, simply, one would have to answer an easy question to participate in the raffle...

author: Strube09
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:38:13 pm
content: You could also do a your live show and give it away to people who are attending. Ths would encourge more viewers to your live events.Just another idea.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:46:49 pm
content: Quote from: orbiter on November 04, 2010, 02:03:00 pmit will push us harder, but to improve, this can be a drive/purpose for a beginner to improve themself... including meQuote from: Strube09 on November 04, 2010, 02:38:13 pmso to encourage people to become imsomniac like me, and wake up late to work, but Dave's live is around 4am our timeline, somewhere in the middle of my dream/sleep. a major adjustment is needed for that. (th non EE'wise stuff)

author: scrat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:54:54 pm
content: I think Dave is gonna have another headache, when he will read all of our posts, everyone with his proposal for such a simple thing...

author: Nermash
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:59:19 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on November 04, 2010, 02:10:06 pmI kind of like this proposal. Not too hard for beginers, should be enough to weed out spammers and bots with minimal human (Dave's or admin's) review time.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 02:59:44 pm
content: Quote from: scrat on November 04, 2010, 02:54:54 pmlet his brain keeps running. who ask him to ask?

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 03:02:11 pm
content: Quote from: scrat on November 04, 2010, 02:54:54 pmFor SuperDave it will be simple

author: Polossatik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 04:25:09 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on November 04, 2010, 02:10:06 pm^I dig this. Seen the EEvblog is just about that , a personal totally subjective ramble, then it would only be right to hold contests with the same basic rule "Dave decides on possibly totally irrelevant things and is always right."As for who can enter, how about everybody who's registered and has 1 post?

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 04:34:55 pm
content: How about the most interesting new topic of the month? You could set up a poll and every one voted.It would encourage good content posting and allow everyone of any level of expertize to have a chance (some of the best questions come from the less knowledgeable). Or how about posing a question that you would NEED to research to answer? Even if you don't win you might learn something, like what was the resolution of Babagges Analytical Engine (Look it up)

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 04:40:00 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 04, 2010, 09:25:58 amIs it prehacked??

author: .o:0|O|0:o.
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 04:46:25 pm
content: Another idea, this might be a bit far out, would be for Dave to occasionally leave clues in some of his posts and video blogs, which might be in the form of something not too obvious; something said between the lines or something in the background of a video, and over the period you would have to piece the clues together and figure out what Dave is conveying (has in mind, is referring to, etc., depending on how the game is set up). At the end, the most accurate solution (failing that, the most interesting one) would be selected and the prize and winner announced..o:0|O|0:o.P.s. Is it "smiley face day" today or something?

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 04:55:32 pm
content: Personal opinion ... If you're giving away DMMs, I probably wouldn't enter. I already have three, and I would much rather see them go to some broke struggling student who can only afford a $10 crap meter.Now in the case of the scope, I think you should sell raffle tickets for, say, $25 a pop. When the pot get's up to a few grand, choose a winner at random and DELIVER IT IN PERSON!Could get you and your wife another vacation.

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 05:07:33 pm
content: Quote from: JohnS_AZ on November 04, 2010, 04:55:32 pmWould run up against so many gambling act laws that it would make your head spin I think! Nice idea though.o:0|O|0:o. Just for youLOl

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 05:09:27 pm
content: Quote from: .o:0|O|0:o. on November 04, 2010, 04:46:25 pmIndiana Jones game huh? now i can see the relevancy of it... DaveJones? interesting!

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 05:22:50 pm
content: Quote from: JohnS_AZ on November 04, 2010, 04:55:32 pmI don't think there are that many members, with that much money

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 05:48:58 pm
content: Make it a geocache :-)

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 06:35:16 pm
content: Quote from: BoredAtWork on November 04, 2010, 05:48:58 pmHow would that work? Would have to be some hole I dug from here in the UK.....Unless Dave sent it to me to bury in my back garden!Might have a bit of an advantage then Lol.

author: .o:0|O|0:o.
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 07:42:51 pm
content: Quote from: orbiter on November 04, 2010, 05:22:50 pmYou could determine the right ticket price based on the average user count per day, the increment in people from when the competition/raffle is announced, and based on these kinds of stats, the number of days or weeks it would probably take to reach the target amount -- bearing in mind that the lower the ticket price, the more likely people are to buy one. The draw date could coincide with the date that the amount is reached, though no later than a date to be decided. The proceedings could go towards Dave doing some sort of review on other equipment and that equipment could be the prize in another raffle. It could go on forever, with prizes becoming grander and grander!However, I don't know how legal it would be (as has already been suggested). You would probably need a licence to do it, which may or may not be easy to obtain. Usually these things are easier to achieve if the proceeds go towards some sort of charitable cause, but that might be more trouble than it is worth...Personally, I think a game (not necessarily hard, but ongoing and which gets harder as it goes along) or an ideas contest with (or) some sort of free raffle would be more fun. Some people don't like the idea of gambling and the odds might not be high enough for them..o:0|O|0:o.

author: MrPlacid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 08:27:32 pm
content: Don't make the give away hard since most of us new to electronics, which is most people and that is why they are watching Dave's blog.Dave, I suggest you make one thread for each giveaway. For example.'Christmas Giveaway 2010.'And put a little message in it that if you want to participate, reply to this thread with your name after the preceding person's name. Disclaimer: Winner must have X number of post + have posted in the forum for x number of time. And most importantly must be a member before a certain date.Post 1:Name 1Post 2:Name 1Name 2Post 3:Name 1Name 2Name 3Post 4:Name 1Name 2Name 3Name 4Doing this dave just need to read the last post to collect all the names then pick one. And these are participants who 'really' wants something. Also, dave only need to check of the winner posting stats to determine if they are eligible.edit: It's all legal. You're not a company and you are giving stuffs away for free. No one can stop you from giving stuff away for free as long as the prize isn't something illegal or dangerous. Heck, you can always said you sold the unit for 1 penny.edit2: When the contest is over. Dave just post a message saying contest is closed, and disable any further posting. Then do a video blog on the contest; and advertise the product you're giving away. I betcha manufacturers will love that and might be sending Dave free unit for give away knowing that dave will advertise the unit before announcing the winner. From the video, the winner get to see the item working before getting it. And as a freebie, the winner gets to see Dave's quality control so the winner can't complain that the item he received didn't work.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:04:51 pm
content: Quote from: XynxNet on November 04, 2010, 12:11:18 pmYeah, overseas shipping costs money (and time), but I want to give something back. I'm doing pretty well out of this blogging gig now, thanks to all you guys (and girls) who come back and visit every day and support my sponsors, thanks.Dave.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:07:32 pm
content: Quote from: Hypernova on November 04, 2010, 12:18:12 pmI tend to agree, people should be able to easily opt-in to each draw, and challenges will always inconvenience someone.Likewise with "first to reply or do something" contests can favor those in certain time zones.Dave.

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:13:54 pm
content: I am a member of quite a few boards and most use a New Topic post to announce the giveaway, with a limited time to enter and requesting those interested to post a reply to the thread such as "I'm in" or another specific "phrase" to weed out the skimmers who are looking for the free loot but can't be bothered to actually *read* the posted instructions carefully. The post # becomes the individuals lottery number for the random draw.I do have a problem with more than a basic minimum post count as many of us who are newer members do follow the proper etiquette of forums and thus do far more searching and reading instead of posting for however long it takes to feel that one has something to share... well, at least that is what I do.As for shipping costs.... yes, this IS an issue..... While it may seem unfair to some, the prize will most likely be at your location and shipping the prize across town is going to cost significantly less than shipping to North America, the Far East, EU etc. Perhaps a base shipping cost could be set with the winner to pay whatever additional costs above and beyond that base rate, should it be required, would be the fairest way?!?!? Frankly, the other boards I've been on have always had rather small items as giveaway prizes and shipping wasn't an issue. On the 3 boards where the prizes are rather large and heavy, it seemed to always be a company offering the prize and they were will to ship it anywhere required.... Your situation is different as the manufacturer has already shipped it to YOU.Dave, the good news is that YOU are the boss, it's your show (pun intended) and if someone doesn't like what you do, they can go get their own show.In the end, I'm fine with whatever you do.....RegardsChristian

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:20:31 pm
content: Quote from: .o:0|O|0:o. on November 04, 2010, 04:46:25 pmNeat idea, but I'd have to think about and keep track of it, I'm too lazy for that!I'm erring toward the idea of:1) You have to be an active forum member (1 useful post is fine), and use your forum name to enter.2) You have to opt-in to each contest3) The drawing would be random so everyone of different skill level, attention span, and time zone gets a fair go. (is there an online program/plugin that does this?). Minimum effort required on my part and the participants.4) The prize is free, postage paid anywhere in the world.Dave.

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:21:48 pm
content: Dave, three thumbs up here!Christian

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 09:22:40 pm
content: Quote from: JohnS_AZ on November 04, 2010, 04:55:32 pmThe wife might like that!...Dave.

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 10:03:27 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 04, 2010, 09:22:40 pmDepends were you end up .there are certain places in the uk I wouldn't like to go with a police escort... sad but true!

author: .o:0|O|0:o.
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 10:16:23 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 04, 2010, 09:20:31 pmhttp://www.random.org/http://www.random.org/widgets/integers/http://www.random.org/clients/http/http://www.random.org/clients/http/archive/.o:0|O|0:o.

author: quantumfall
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 10:36:49 pm
content: I think it should be simple and random as well, to give all levels of player a chance. Hopefully if you do not need the bit of gear you will not enter.open only to forum members who have been here a few weeks at least or a few real posts etc, if possible to be done easily for Dave.Great Dave you are a top man for wanting to give us stuff.Small items test lead sets, books etc would be nice for everyone not just expensive scopes and Flukes if thats not to much trouble.

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 10:54:53 pm
content: 1) Have a program that will select randomly one member2) The member will spin an electronic spinning wheel and get the prize.The persons who make the apps on steps 1 & 2 win a prize as well

author: Feanor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 11:09:06 pm
content: Wonder if there will be prizes form the "Blowin' shit up!" blogs.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 11:22:17 pm
content: ..of course it doesn't need to be the same method for each giveaway - variety makes things interesting, and 'top' prizes should involve people putting at least a little effort in...Qualifying by more than 1 post count will just encourage useless posts to increase count.

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2010, 11:23:29 pm
content: I like the idea of a challenge, which would normally mean a bias towards those who already have their own gear. To get around this you could define a 'kit': e.g. a half-dozen LEDs, caps and FETs, as many resistors as you want, and any DC power source to design something creative. Could have folks coming up with IrPHY hardware sending modulated signals, capacitive control, voltmeters (LED output), etc.

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 12:42:56 am
content: Which ever way I'll be enteringIf you mix it up perhaps a t-shirt design competition or a poster competition?None of the students at uni have heard of the eevblog, if there was a A4 poster or something it could go up on the notice board, perhaps bring in a few more viewers

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 05:20:55 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 04, 2010, 09:20:31 pmThis sounds totally fair. You might contact Andre Rebelo or Vatche Arabian over at planetextech since they've organized giveaways like that before.

author: squeezee
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 06:06:17 am
content: I'd prefer a combination of giveaways and longer running contests.The giveaways could just be simple random "leave a comment", "identify this widget" or perhaps something like picture/video submissions; take a pic of your workbench, inside an old/unsual piece of electronics, best dave jones impersonation, etc.For contests i think a few shorter ones that focus on doing a simple task or making something novel within specific constraints "No ICs/MCUs", "What can you do with XXXX".And perhaps a longer more open-ended contest, such as creating a Project that is resonably inexpensive and would be useful for a beginner/hobbyist. Like a function generator, LED tester, power supply, etc. something similar to what you find published in an electronics magazine. Train of thought is basically even though a beginner may not have a chance at winning they still benefit from the contest. (a nice $400 multimeter or 'scope should be a good incentive to get some quality submissions.)

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 07:50:00 am
content: anything relating to a random unknown probabilistic is an utter bullshit for me eg: lucky draw, fortune wheel, gambling etc, i'm not going to enter! but well.... thats just me.

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2010, 11:51:35 pm
content: It would be nice if a bit of skill and effort were involved somehow. I was thinking something along the lines of short 2-5 minute webcam videos on an informative topic of the persons choice. Maybe even a rant!

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2010, 12:11:05 am
content: Doing some kind of judging would require a lot more time and effort on Dave's part. I think Dave's idea is fine. Might want to require some very basic electronic question to keep bots/traders away. It could be posted in a forum that's only visible for logged in users. A manual sanity check like looking through the user's post history and seeing if they look on-topic and human should be enough to filter out people that don't care about electronics and just want free stuff to put on Ebay.If it leads to a large number of registrations just for the give away, we can figure out a solution for that.

author: Joshua
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2010, 01:26:27 am
content: I really like the idea of a giveaway.I think the idea where some sort of effort and skill is involved is good. HOWEVER, if you have a contest where you are judging an entry, you are just asking for angry people. There is no doubt that you will get two entries, that are a completely different approach, but serve the same purpose, and someone will end up mad, because their idea works just as well.Joshua

author: .o:0|O|0:o.
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2010, 04:29:02 pm
content: I was thinking that it would be cool if the prizes could be autographed, with a thumbs up, down or sideways verdict, if it was one of the models rated on the show.or for other prizes, a card, photo or T-shirt with Dave's motto on it... Imagine something like that on your desk!.o:0|O|0:o.

author: SnakeBite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2010, 08:07:17 am
content: woohoo free giveaway! way to go Dave!!hope to win the Rigol DS1052E i don't have the money to buy one (EE student)Ido

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2010, 09:54:34 am
content: Now and again I have giveaways on my site. Usually I post a few questions hidden inside articles, and the persons who email with the correct answers at the end of the month go into a draw. You could ask one question per video post, then ask for the answers after x amount of videos perhaps? Put those who reply with the correct answers into a draw, then pick one out at random.

author: ChrisGammell
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2010, 02:07:51 pm
content: I was thinking about suggesting that people link back to EEVblog, but that could get nasty fast. It'd be like a human realization of a spam bot.However, you could do something with the show name and work that in somehow.What about a picture contest? Have people take pictures of "EEVBlog" or a logo (if you ever pick one) in different locations around the world? It'd provide a fun bit of geographical trivia, would allow creativity and would be more fun than just a random drawing. Plus the slight amount of effort (i.e. not allowed to just take a picture of yourself in your bedroom) would weed out people that aren't active.

author: TopherTheME
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2010, 11:49:54 pm
content: I think Dave should just give the cheaper shit away to active members through some kind of random drawings. Things like multimeters from the shootouts, etc. Little time and effort on Dave's and the contestants part. Build contests and challenges are fun but not everyone has that kind of time on equipment on their hands, so the expensive stuff like o-scopes could be saved for things like that.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 02:38:07 am
content: Quote from: TopherTheME on November 10, 2010, 11:49:54 pmThat's what I plan on doing. Only problem is finding a transparent way to do it. Both in terms of my random drawing, and people entering twice etc.Would be nice if there was simply an SMF forum plugin that just picked a random post from a contest thread (ignoring duplicate entries).Dave.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 03:32:10 am
content: Dave,There's a woodworking forum that I'm a member of , that have a prize draw every month or so, depending on donations.The admin starts a new thread every 3 months to cover the next 3 months draws.To be included, a user has to reply to this thread with a simple message "I'm in".If the message contains more than those words, the use is disqualified from the next 3 months draws.If the user replies to the message more than once, they are disqualifiedIn addition to this, to be considered for a draw, the user must have been a forum member for 3 months and must have made at least 3 posts.I'm not sure how automatic the whole process is, that forum runs vBulletin.I can get more details if this sounds OK as a basis for give aways here.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 03:57:03 am
content: That sounds like what I want, but this forum uses SimpleMachines, so any script likely won't work here.Dave

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 04:16:34 am
content: I have the alternative of getting more familiar with SMF source code or finishing off cleaning out the shed.I think I'll take the indoor option

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 06:15:10 am
content: Quote from: GeoffS on November 11, 2010, 04:16:34 amwhats all that stuff mounted on the pole in the top left of the picture? looks like science!-sj

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 07:32:13 am
content: Quote from: sonicj on November 11, 2010, 06:15:10 amClose! It's an el-cheapo eBay wireless weather station.Some technical issues at the moment. Rainfall indicator not working and wind speed indicator not working.It probably just needs to have the spiders removed.

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 11:50:32 am
content: Quote from: GeoffS on November 11, 2010, 07:32:13 ams-s-s-piders??

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 07:10:10 pm
content: Quote from: GeoffS on November 11, 2010, 07:32:13 amIsn't the correct term "a hardware bug"?Neil

author: dengorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 08:04:49 pm
content: How about using something likeTHISto get a list of participants from a specific thread and the pick one at random? A cool way could be to choose the winner during a live show, maybe using an electronic gadget or something like that.I haven't tried the mod, so I don't know how it works, like how it manages duplicates etc.Hope it helps

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 09:02:23 pm
content: Quote from: dengorius on November 11, 2010, 08:04:49 pmThat sounds like it will do the job.But unfortunately not compatible with my version of the forum (was 1.1.11, now 1.1.12) :-(Dave.

author: dengorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 09:47:26 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 11, 2010, 09:02:23 pmOh ok, didn't notice the forum version. I guess you can always use the "print" button to get a text version of the topic, save it and then write a little program/script to extract the authors

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 10:20:56 pm
content: 90 seconds with TextPad editor :Quote

author: dengorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 10:26:54 pm
content: you've got to remove duplicatesPlus if you sort the names alphabetically it is going to affect the extractionbut yes all that you need is one regexp and a O(n^2) algorithm

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 10:28:30 pm
content: 60 more seconds....Quote

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 10:40:10 pm
content: And the winner is?!?!?!

author: dengorius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2010, 12:22:58 am
content: This is a small script in Python that takes a file called "topic.txt" (yes I am lazy, didn't bother to parametrize it) containing the text version of a topic and spits out another file called "authors.txt" (same as before) that contains the numbered list of participants to the topic in order of appearance without duplicates.After that you just need to generate a random number somehowObviously you need Python to run it, and you have to make sure that the script and the input file are in the same directoryCheers

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 12, 2010, 12:37:48 am
content: I've partly written an SQL script to scan a thread, apply a set of rules and then randomly select a single post as the winner.Then wrap some PHP around it so it can generate a post to the thread saying ' And the winner is ...'Still some testing to do with a local copy of SMF after I generate some test threads.The problem is that it's such a nice day outside and the forecast for the weekend is also looking good....Edit:An even easy option may be just to create a poll with a single question i.e. 'Do you want free stuff?' (this would need a change to existing code as a poll is assumed to have at least two choices. Or perhaps 2 choices but both are the same?)The code is already present to check if a user has already voted and to lock out users below a certain number of posts.As how each user voted is logged, it would just be a matter of selecting a random entry from the list.

author: adam1213
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2010, 12:22:17 pm
content: its nice having people posts scripts but people should try to note how their scripts might breakways to break scripts:Post by: someEvilUserWhoJustBrokeYourScriptEnjoy on November 11, 2010, 02:50:26 PMPost by:someEvilUserWhoJustBrokeYourScriptEnjoyonNovember 04, 2010, 08:25:58 PMnot sure it achieves much though as someone may just as well postthe following is probably just as brokencurl "https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=1658.0" | html2text | grep -P "^Post by: ([\S]*) on " | sed "s/Post by: //" | cut -f1 -d" " | sort | uniq

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2010, 06:47:19 pm
content: It looks like the mayority participants of the first Giveaway didn't event read the rules.

author: profany
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2016, 07:40:45 pm
content: yes dave, giveaways are cool, plz do moreps: "oscillloscopes"