Contests... Win free stuff!
 

This has come up a handful of times, and I think we have come down to two basic contests to hold on the forums. I would like some feedback before finalizing the deal with the sponsor.

I would like to run two contests monthly, the first, would be a referral contest, this would target webmasters, local cycling clubs, friends, family, and the growth of the community. The more people you refer the better your odds are of winning. I would like to see our new members go from 7 a day to 27 a day :)

The 2nd contest would be an active member type contest. Im not sure how to run this, by a monthly essay, or best article of the month (voted by the members). Or maybe a random active member, if you have posted 3 times in that month, your eligible to win. I would like feedback or ideas for this 2nd contest. All members need to be eligible to win.

Joe, I think for the second test it should vary from month to month. One month it could be an essay, the next it could be a random drawing from all users with 3 or more posts in that month, the next month it could be for the best line art made in paint, or it could be best joke, or best repair story. I think having the contest like that would optimize the number of winners and make everything more fun.

Couple of thoughts:

How about posting a picture like MTBR and a "best caption" contest!

How about posting a specific topic and a "best response"!

If we do get the jerseys, perhaps we could get a "best picture wearing your BikeForums jersey", that would unfortunately limit the number of contestants, but may encourage the sales of the jerseys.

Regarding the referral process, perhaps you could give an award to the person who refers the "most active new member" and the new member as well. Something simple like a T-Shirt or socks. That way it's not just how many people are referred, but how much "the referred person" utilizes the site!

The contests could be judged by you and a few of the "possible" moderators. You could pick 2 or 3 different moderators from month to month!

As a side note, I'd like to perhaps start discussing an annual "gathering" for members!
:beer: L8R

Sounds great but please remember those of us outside the USA.

So many comps on the internet have fine print saying that you're only eligible if you reside in the USA or Canada.

I like the caption idea. I also like the idea of automatic entry for those who post a certain amount of times. That way people are encouraged to participate more.

Maybe a prize for the person who starts the thread with the most amount of 'genuine' responses.

And the winner could get FREE USE OF BIKE FORUMS FOR A YEAR!!:D

Question - just how large do you want Bike Forums to be?? At some time it will have so many posts that some people will start to drop off because they just can't keep up.

Also, would Performance or Nashbar (or someone else) be interested in providing free prizes for the publicity to 2,000 bicyclists??

I think a "best post" contest would be fun.