Contest Guide

While the ultimate goal of joining contests is to have fun and sometimes to learn while in the process, there are simple mechanics one must remember when entering contests. Here are a few suggestions contest enthusiasts must keep in mind:

1. Read the Rules. While this may seem like a simple suggestion, it is amazing how many people ignore the rules. The rules are put up for a few reasons, some of which are so that the contests have some form of standard, to limit the number of contestants only to those who are qualified, and even to give everyone a fair chance of wining the contests. Reading the rules saves everyone a lot of headaches. Imagine having to enter the contest with high hopes that you are a shoe-in for the win, only to find out that you are disqualified because you did not follow the contest rules.
2. Understand the theme or the purpose of the contest you entered. If for example you entered an online contest where you have to submit an essay about saving the environment and there is a theme, then by all means, stick to the theme. While your creativity is very much appreciated, the theme is put up for the purpose of standardization. It is also a good way to explore your creativity in a restricted set-up.
3. Fill up the forms. Understandably you are thrilled and excited about entering the contest and harvesting your free goods, but you forgot to fill up the forms. Forgetting to fill in your complete address, your zip code, and all those little details which might help the judges assess your information. Imagine having to win a contest, only to be disqualified because, say, you did not fill out your complete address, or provided the wrong email adress or contact numbers? Where do you expect to be contacted?

These are but a few contest guides you must adhere to. While there may be different rules and guides for every contest, the number one rule is to have fun and take things with a grain of salt.