My site will turn 2 next month and I was thinking of running a comp to thank the members. I was reading a post here about emailing sponsors to see if they would like to donate something in return for their banner placed at the top of my site and their web site mentioned as many times as possible.

Anyway, I sent out two emails to pilot shops. The first one never responded, but the second one asked what sort of prizes would I like. I said whatever you were willing to give. They are sending me 5 aviation calendars. I'll be running the comp till the end of Feb.

I'm stuck on ideas at the moment on what to do for the comp. 5 people will each receive one.

What about -

* a short questionaire
* fill in the missing word
* Something related to the web site

I don't want to do a post count comp. What do you suggest? Also should I limit it to people with a certain amount of posts to be eligible?

Thanks

Unfortunately, the prizes you've been given are not very big...there's only so much you can do. Do realize that we're more than halfway through January...the demand for calendars is dropping quickly, which is probably what you're being sent 5 calendars for free. By the end of your competition, 2 months in your calendar will have come and gone. Granted, part of the reason your users will want these calendars is just for decoration or the pictures...but by the end of February, calendars will literally be dirt cheap in stores.

I really don't have any suggestions because the prizes are just not all that attractive to your members so there's not much that they're going to do to win them. I'd almost lean towards giving them away as freebies or thank you's for exceptional posts, participation, helpfullness, etc. instead of running a contest.

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Well if I could afford more I would give more. I've got something worked out for it but I won't mention it here.

The calendars have an aviation theme and I am sure that someone will want something for nothing. I'm just thankful that the sponsor has given something, when they didn't need to.

So what if we are into 2 months of the year already. It's better than nothing.

By all means get them out to some good members or maybe one or two new ones that seem interested , but do it soon . If you run a competition now it will take weeks to run it , then time in the mail , so they might not want a calendar by then .
Let the sponsor know afterwards that his donation went to aviation enthusiasts , then he may offer you something better next time .
You might tell the other one that one sponsor got a head start on him and he may participate next time .

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