Hey there! I am curious to see if the community has a preferred format for giveaways.

I have seen some giveaways where all you have to do is type "I'm In" to be entered. Others that ask a fun question or require you to post a screenshot. I'm sure there have been many types of giveaways here on GOG over the years, and I would like to hear about your favourites, or if you prefer to live on the dark side, your least favourite.

Next question: How do you feel about giveaways that have entry requirements? Things like a minimum Rep or Join Date, not allowing users to enter for other people, requesting that you only enter if you actually intend to play the game(s) offered, ect.
As a mildly contentious individual, I can see both pros *and* cons of such restrictions, but I would like to hear what the community, in general, thinks about them.

And finally, any preference as to how long giveaways should be? For a single game? For multiple games?
I realize that these terms are left up to each contest holder, but I would still like to gain some insight from more experienced users, and even hear the opinions of newcomers like myself.

Thank you all!

Anything goes. It's your giveaway, give it away the way you want to!

I like fun giveaways. Ask a question, post a link, compare/contrast, etc. I think it's fun to learn more about people.

I also like the ninja giveaway thread. Different kind of fun. Quick reflexes, high blood pressure, no sleep kind of fun. But relaxed at the same time.

Requirements are generally there just to keep people honest. They're fine.

Cheers.

What mysterio said, pretty much. If you're fine with seeing pages of "i'm in" then that's your call. A little conditions and context in the OP can lead to some conversation and life for the thread, which makes the thing much more enjoyable, overall. Might be a bit harder to keep track of, but that's a trade-off you'll have to decide on :-)

One thing though, I DON'T like being prohibited from entering for others. If I know someone is really interested in a game and should play it, I'd like to improve their odds, especially if they're a deserving community contributor. It just seems more right than just putting everyone on a level and spinning the wheel. For that matter, I don't like random draws to begin with. Once again, it's much better to have someone earn their prize.

I don't have a preference to be honest as to the type of giveaway, or the requirements. But I will say, the most fun giveaways come from those that give you a task and are actually judged and rated by the contest holders instead of being an entry requirement that just gets tossed into a random.org draw. Though, I say that mostly because I tend to win those kinds.

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/age_of_wonderful_defenders_quest_giveaway/page1

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/insane_giveaway/page1

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/quest_for_the_ultimate_sandwich_prize_available/page1

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/are_you_worthy_to_play_legend_of_grimrock_giveaway/page1

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/nasty_knife_or_elvish_broadsword_giveaway

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/creative_charity_giveaway/page1

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/the_worst_day_of_the_year_giveaway_2_the_pizzaing/page1

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/the_fencing_tournaments_giveaway/page1

http://www.gog.com/forum/general/the_fencing_tournaments_giveaway_the_sequel

In my brief time here, I've done a number of different GA's - some of them are straight GA's where peeps just have to say they are in. Some have had requirements such as to state who has gifted them in the past or to tell me something about the entrant. Some I've done rep or join requirements but mostly I stopped doing that except in my most recent GA - it was a GOG birthday GA so I wanted to gift peeps that have posted a bit here and made this forum the nice place it is.

Ultimately, you can do whatever you like - it's supposed to be fun!

Definitely some good points here! I too like the excitement of ninja type activities, but I can't help but feel bad for those who miss out, especially those who really want the game but can't purchase it themselves for whatever reason. Perhaps there is a way to combine the two.... I'll have to give it some thought. Thanks for your input!!

How about providing two gifts at once, one winner chosen with random.org and the other is the one who win your contest?

I had not even considered that entries might stack! *facepalm* But you make a very good case, and the insight is appreciated! I agree that random draws might not be the most exciting way to go about things...Then again, perhaps they even out playing field in a way that might make them more fair to everyone? At least in a certain sense. (Is my ambiguity showing?)
Whatever the case, I shall take some time ponder your statements. Thank you for weighing in! =)
EDIT: Spelling.

I think you really should have made a giveaway and made answering the question the requirement for entering. ;)

Anyway, variety is the spice of life, and frankly I don't mind giveaway rules. The giver can choose any rules and limitations. It's not like entering a giveaway is a born right of anyone.

I like giveaways which ask for opinions or posting something, because they're more interesting to read. I only occasionally enter giveaways, but I might participate in a discussion even if I'm not entering.

When I give stuff, I just pick something convenient or whatever comes to mind. I don't normally limit entries by rep or registration date, but I'd prefer the game to go to someone who will play it, and I tend to disregard people entering for others.

Regarding length, I usually go for "a couple of days", not really a hard cutoff time, not too short so more people are included, and no hard cutoff simply so I can freely extend it or just postpone the decision if I don't have time to make it.

I also dislike ninja giveaways, because they typically go to a small subset of people who look for them.

I'm a fan of the game /action giveaways. I might be biased as one of my giveaways was one :) But really I feel its whatever you feel like doing. The gifter is giving of themselves, so they shall get to choose.

Yeah, it seems like contests that require some kind of effort by the participants give the people who really want the prize the best chance to actually winning it. And the links you posted are fantastic, thank you so much for sharing, they've already given me a few ideas!

EDIT: Agh, spelling, again. >_<

Hahaha, you have me there!

Like you, I think it's nice when the prize goes to someone who has a real interest in it. I do like the equality offered by random draws, but I'm just not sure it's the way I'll structure my giveaway(s).

Using a soft deadline is a great suggestion, thank you!
As misteryo pointed out in the first response, the tempo of a ninja giveaway can be very exciting, but as you stated, many potentially deserving entrants might be left out, and that would be a shame. I'm hoping there is a way to mind-meld the two into one vastly superior hybrid. ;^) Hey, that's not a bad solution! I have a few ideas starting to take root that I might want to try instead, but it's always nice to have a backup plan, right? =) Thank you kindly for your suggestion!

The only kind I really dislike is the 'ninja' ones, I like it when everybody that is interested has a chance.

That seems to be the popular opinion, at least so far! I also think it's important that anyone who wants to enter be given the opportunity. Obviously you can never please everyone, but hopefully this research will help me set up a fair and enjoyable contest or two in the near future.

Yep I agree.
No preference about giveaways.