OP/ED: Consumed by internet contests
By Mona Mattei
I had full intentions of a great work day filled with exciting stories for readers, when I was sideswiped by an online contest. Little did I realize that I could be so competitive and yet I am fully aware that the contest is not a real competition but actually just a venue for proving who your Facebook friends really are.
My husband and I got really into the contest before it started – win a chance to photograph a band in concert. If you know me then you might also know I’ve been a picture hound at several concerts in the past couple of years and I’m proud to say I have taken a few great ones. So when this contest appeared on the band’s site, win a chance to photograph Soundgarden in concert, we both thought I had a good chance.
I decided along a path to determine the best picture by consulting friends – after all what appeals to them is likely to appeal to others. I diligently thought about which picture to submit and chose one most people liked even though I would hardly call it my best. But the rules indicated voting would occur and I wanted the best appeal value. What has been my discovery since I entered the contest is that this can completely consume you! I have come to realize that the contest, despite clearly outlined rules about the pictures, is really all about votes and not quality. Now I’m not dissing all those great pictures in the contest – there are some awesome shots – but really, some mediocre shots are in the running because, well, I hate to say it, they have more friends then me I guess. Since entering this contest I have found many other “voting” contests out there. One of the most popular is the Pepsi campaigns for their grants. When this first came out I thought it was a great idea – get the public to vote for what they want instead of some corporate committee determining what gets money. But as I watch this play out for different groups it is, like my contest, really about mobilizing your social networks. Twitter, Facebook and email – drive everyone you know to act! Interesting concepts but who are the real winners here? My guess – Twitter, and Facebook. Just think of all those hits! I’ve been living on Facebook trying to mobilize my needed 80 some votes. In fact the nearest runner up to me for the Vancouver show that I can tell only had 30 votes this morning so I could easily win with 50! Harassment of my friends has consumed me as I truly believe my photographic skills surpass the current leader….it’s just not fair! But reality is that fairness has nothing to do with these web contests. So the next time you decide to get into an Internet-based contest you may need to evaluate just how much time you have to commit to harassing your friends as much as the concept or quality of what the contest is about. Good luck! BTW please vote if you haven’t already 😉 http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/a0204fc5dcda50bee0c45fdfecf84b21/208 Thanks!
