Flap Off: Contest Junkie
In which I flap off about a stoopid question and you: a.) Weigh in. b.) Tell me to F*** off. c.) Ignore me completely. d.) All of the above.
Question: Am I a contest junkie?
Nothing feels better for a book lover than winning a book in a giveaway. Yes, we may already own more books than we will ever be able to read in our lifetime, but it is still not enough. WE WANT MORE!
Since I’ve started book blogging, just over a year ago, I’ve entered about a trillion book giveaways. If I come across a book giveaway that is even remotely appealing to me, I enter because well, why not? You asked me to enter after all.
Though I can’t really pin point the number of giveaways I’ve entered, I will say that of all those giveaways, I’ve won approximately 40 books, plus a few bookmarks, t-shirts and giftcards! 
Normally, I’d be super happy about all my wins, but I have to admit that a nagging feeling in the back of my mind is telling me that maybe I shouldn’t enter giveaways anymore. 
The reason: Contest junkie much, Missie?
I can’t help but think that developing a reputation as a Contest Junkie is no bueno. Mainly because I remember when I first started book blogging, I read some rant in which someone was complaining about contest junkies i.e. people who follow your blog just because it was a requirement to enter a giveaway.
At the time, I thought, Really? Of all the things to be offended by you’re complaining that someone entered the contest that you practically begged them to enter? I mean, that’s the honest impression I get some times. When a giveaway is promoted on blogs, twitter, facebook, goodreads and other book networks I follow, somehow I got the notice and I entered. No, I many not be a “regular” follower/commenter, but that wasn’t a requirement.
Even I’m guilty of “hassling” people to enter my giveaways. With most of the giveaways I offer, I ask for help promoting. It might be considered bad behavior, but my only excuse is that being able to host a giveaway is just as fun as winning a giveaway. At least for me it is. It gives me the opportunity to promote books I love and pay it forward for all the awesomeness I’ve won.
Which got me thinking… Giveaways are awesome and all, but is the blogosphere too flooded with them? Can people *points at self* actually develop a bad rep as a contest junkie? Is there such a thing as too much giveaway promotion? How do you feel when a person who doesn’t regularly follow your blog wins your giveaway? And most importantly, did I automatically just disqualify myself from your giveaway by admitting to my addiction of entering giveaways? *cringes* I hope not.
I think if you break down the motivation for hosting a giveaway to the simplest reason, you’d get PROMOTION. That is what it’s all about. Promoting your site or products, books and/or authors. Everyone certainly has the right to set up their giveaway guidelines as they please, but the reality is that the easier the requirements, the more entries you’ll get. But even if you make it as easy as ‘just leave a comment’ that does nothing if you don’t market your giveaway.
The way a giveaway is marketed is also up to the host. I don’t think that there is a book blogger around that can’t help but hope that the giveaway has the intended effect which is to gain follower or recognition for a product/book. And let’s face it, the only way to do that more effectively is to make sure you market the giveaway through as many avenues available to you as possible. That’s the reason for asking people to RT, grab the button, or post about the giveaway. Word of mouth goes a long freaking away and is usually the way I hear about the opportunities to enter giveaways.
I remember someone apologizing on Goodreads for sending out a notice about a giveaway, and I was like What? My thoughts on that was why apologize for wanting to give us a chance to win something cool? Is it not a social network for book lovers? Isn’t that the purpose for being involved in a network? If people didn’t want to hear about it they could easily turn off their notices or stop following that person, right? The same concept applies to twitter, blog networks, FB like pages.
So yeah… I guess I’m a Contest Junkie. Also, I’m not really sure what the point of this post is, just thought it might make for some good randomness or discussion. LOL!
You can blame Aylee for my new addiction to Paint. Potterpuffs…Cuter? Please.
Love your artwork this week ~runs and places it on fridge~.
I don't think there is anything wrong with being a contest junkie. The reason we hold giveaways is to share the book love with other book addicts.
It depends on the contest if I ask people to spread the word. I like to give extra enteries for old followers because I tend to get super excited if I know the person that random.org draws (even on other people's contests).
And I agree it is just as much fun holding one as winning one.
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I love the pictures!!
I am a contest junkie too.Ever since I discovered book blogs last year, I have entered a zillion giveaways! I don't win many and yet I am addicted to them! Earlier I would enter giveaways for books which I am never going to read. I have stopped doing that at least.
Hosting giveaways is fun too! I love giving away books as much as I like winning them
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I could stare at your pictures all day. They're so hilarious! Always puts a smile on my face
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Aw dang, it seems like your stick people drawings are superior to my stick people drawings
haha, jk. ANd I think there's never gonna be anything wrong with being a “contest junkie” 
Hmm.. I used to enter quite a few contests, but nowadays, it's quite rare (unless it's simple entry or book-im-dying-for). i just don't because I tend to find that despite best intentions, I don't get enough reading done, and books sitting on my shelf staring at me make me feel kinda guilty :p haha but that's just me.
On the extra entries, I agree, it's good for promotion but of course there's the line and sometimes I'll look at a form and see tons of checkmark boxes and I just close the window… don't even want to deal with it :p (why would bloggers want to be counting up 20 extra entires either?!) I try to keep mine minimal while including one or two 'spread the word' type things.
awesome post as always, Missie!
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*giggles* awesome post!
There is so nothing wrong with being a Contest Junkie! Let me tell you I also am a Contest Junkie, but from the other site. (Also because being international means I can't enter all of the contest around..)
I LOVE being able to give away a book, honestly it makes me simply happy. And of course I'm also happy when we get more attention through a contest. Is that so wrong? I hope not.
Sometimes, when I want to pimp a post I add a giveaway mostly when I own the particular ARC. Why? I want to pimp this book because I loved it and I am all about sharing. Makes me happy.
So in the end? You are very welcome to enter every tiny giveaway we have.
And, there is nothing wrong with entering all the giveaways you can find. That is why they are there…
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Great post! I too am a Contest Junkie. But unfortunate for me I have rotten luck and win almost nothing out of all the contest I enter. And its a lot. Anything I see that I can win I enter!!
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I have no problem with contest junkies. I'm a bit of one myself. As long as they actually visit and comment when there isn't a contest going on
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Nothing wrong with being a contest junkie – I don't think I enter that many myself, but I don't think there is anything wrong with those who do. And if some blogger complains that the only reason a person is a follower on their blog because they just wanted to enter a contest, then perhaps that shouldn't be a condition of that person's blog contest. I've set up my giveaways both with a follower requirement and without – it's a personal choice, and I don't think there is a 'wrong' or 'right' way to do it, but I don't think bloggers should complain when they see their follower count go up but not their comment amount – hey, it's just the way it goes, right?
I do love it when I someone I know gets a book from one of my giveaways, but it doesn't bug me if someone else who is new and may not be a follower gets it – like I said above – that's the risk you take when you set up your rules a particular way. I also don't there is anything wrong in asking for help to promote the giveaway, esp. if you make it a choice in exchange for extra entries – like I said – it's about choice. I think people who complain about these things sometimes get caught up in their blogger ratings, and maybe need to take a step back and remind themselves that the book blog because they love books.
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I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a contest junkie. I enter every contest for every book that I want cause frankly I spend enough money on books already LOL
As a person who does giveaways, I get excited when people enter! I do a little happy dance, look at each entry, and get giddy when I do random.org to find the winner. I don't promote much, other than move it to the top of the posts each week (dang blogger needs to catch up with sticky posts) but I don't mind when others do. It frankly reminds me to enter.
So all us contest junkies can unite and form our “did you see that contest” club
Who's in?
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I am also a contest junkie and think most people should be. That is what contest and giveaways are for! and when you host one it's even better because it gives people a chance to discover you and see if they like what you got
Love the artwork BTW
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I dont enter many contests…BUT I think its ok to be a contest junkee…its fun and hey its a contest. I do like when I have one that one of my reg. followers win..(by that I mean peeps who actually acknowledge I have a blog outside of a contest) but I think people should be able to hold and enter as many giveaways as they want…
**Bad Behavior my bootie!!!
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I love entering contests, I usually don't win, but I get to hold out hope for those few days/weeks the contest is running that I'll be a winner. A winner I tell you!
As far as the rules for contests, like Linds said, I've set them up both ways, requiring them to be a a follower and not. I figure if an author/publisher is providing the prize, then I don't make it a requirement since I'm more of an in between person in that instance. If I'm providing the book prize/gift card, then I go ahead and make entering the blog a requirement. I figure they only have to hit a button to do so, no big deal:)
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I am not a contest junkie. I'm too lazy for all the, tweet this, follow that blah blah blah. Now if I can just comment, and answer a question and it's book I really, really want, I might give it a go. Otherwise I'm more likely to hit Amazon's one click purchase button and start reading in seconds on my Kindle. *sigh*
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I do love to enter give-a-ways, but I've never won one to date. Sigh. Maybe its because I only follow blogs I think have interesting content? I won't follow someone just for a contest.
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I am a contest junkie, I admit it lol. But I think its fun and I find a lot of good blogs while hopping around, and add them to my blog roll.
when I first started my blog I admit I entered anything and everything but recently I cut back on entering contests that have books that don't interest me.
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Contest junkie much, Missie?
You talkin' to me? I haven't won much… *ahem* *checks nose for growth* but, but, but… I do read them all. I'm not a junkie… I'm a coin-a-seur! Yea… yea… that's it! Oh, and I do love the cartoon. Looks like me when I win something and I'm showing the family. Hm… they do have the same reaction. lol
Btw, what are you doing here? Go enter my contests!
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@Nic, I love you for putting my drawings on your frig. I agree, it is super exciting to see someone you know win.
@Misha, I'm glad I'm not the only one entering a zillion giveaways.
@mssammydean, Thanks!
@Audrey, Yeah, when I see a ton of check boxes, I usually just close the form too. It can feel overwhelming. I've don't the extra entries on my own forms, and I don't think I'll ever have the energy to do it again.
@Danny, Smart ideas to pimp a post with a giveaway. And thanks so much for letting me enter as many as my heart desires. *kisses*
@Savy, I hope your luck changes soon. I've been on a streak, but I fear it will end soon.
@Juju, Yay! Thanks hun.
@Linds, yup, that is just the way it goes. You can't really control these things. And that is one heck of a good reminder! Thanks!
@Felicia, That is why I enter so many, because my bank accounts wants a break sometimes. LOL And I get excited to see people enter my giveaways too, that is why I pimp them so hard. Yes, to starting the club!
@Mimi, Agreed. I think most people should be too!
@Tina, *snaps and shakes head* Thank you!
@Jenny, I think your rules sound more than fair. If you are investing in the giveaway yourself with your hard earned money then I think it perfectly okay to making following a requirement.
@FV, Yeah, I feel ya, but that one click button is way too tempting sometimes, especially when debating whether you should buy the books you want or pay the light bill. LOL
@Gina, I'm guilty of following just to enter a contest, but I think I will be changing my ways.
@BLH, It is fun, but yeah, I need to cut back too.
Thanks for the comments everyone!
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@Melissa!
Don't think I haven't noticed how you promote your contests? By offering kisses from MY boyfriend.
For shame.
Still, I entered your giveaways. Yes, I'm that addicted to contest.
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Thank you for this post! It is nice to have reinforcements out there.
I am also a contest junkie ~ I love having them as well as entering them. It is a rush to get an email in the inbox stating that “you're a winner!”. It's also a lot of fun sending those out and making someone else's day.
I have to admit that I do skip over the ones that have ten different things to do to earn an entry. My favorites are the leave a comment types. I usually offer a extra entry for my followers and subscribers, but that's it.
Have a great weekend!
Jules
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I admit to being a contest junkie too, I have actually gotten better. Cos I won a lot and started feeling bad, I got really really lucky..a lot. Hihi.
So now I enter if I truly want to read the book at once
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I'm a contest junkie! I don't feel too bad about it. If a follow is required, then I will do the GFC thing AND add the person to my feed reader. If a person is willing to spend a little cash to share books, then the least I can do is continue to support them even after the giveaway is over. That's how I justify my contest addiction.
I think the whole “follow me to win” is a little misleading though. I can imagine so many people will follow just to win only to not actually continue to follow up with the blog in the future. So those “Followed by 12378692 people” seems inaccurate to me. I could be wrong though…
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I also have two different rules for contests. If an author or publisher is giving it away I, usually, don't make following an option. If it's something I've bought then I require following my blog. If it's a giveaway hop then I ask that they follow. I like extra entries, but when I've had 100+ entries, it's way too much to calculate all those.
When I had my old blog platform, I asked people entering to leave a comment. Many people did, but some didn't. It was a requirement. Guess they couldn't read the directions!
Some people who have won my giveaways never come back or maybe view it but don't comment on any of my posts. Does it make me mad? Nah. I spread the word on the author and book. That's the most important thing. I enter contests, but rarely win. I've only won 4 books. One of goodreads, one from a publisher, one from RandomBuzzers and one from a blog I follow. You're pretty lucky!
Btw….I have another giveaway LOL!!
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Hi, my name is K. and I am a contest junkie.
We need a club with a tee shirt don't cha think?
Fun post Missie. You know, people do giveaways to get the people to follow. The only time it has bothered me in any way, was when people follow my blog, then pester me about who won the contest (before the announcement date) and THEN stop following after they didn't win.
But you know what. I think I get as much joy mailing a book to someone as I do getting a book. Because I know how much joy and excitement I feel – I know I passing on the same happiness.
Anyway – have a great weekend.
k.
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PS if there are half a dozen hoops I have to jump through just to enter – I pass. I also am reluctant to join a contest that has a bazillion entries. It has to be something I really want for me to do it.
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Missie, I absolutely think the illustrations you do are HILARIOUS! Don't worry about being a contest junkie. We all are.
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Your art work just keeps improving as time go by! LOL
Misse dear, we are all guilty of over indulging in book contests, so don't feel like you should stop cold turkey! Even that whiny person you mentioned in your post that said he/she hated Contest Junkies is guilty, of this I'm sure.
They probably only ranted about that because they weren't winning that often and got their nickers in a twist about it, anyways. XP
~Kelsa
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I'm totally a contest junkie. Unfortunately, I have terrible luck and don't win very often, but I do love getting that “Winner” email. These days though, I only enter at blogs where I'm already a follower, and only for books that I'd actually like to read. My TBR pile is humongous so I don't want to keep adding to it with books that I'm not that interested in. As I tell the hubster, at least I'm addicted to something that doesn't cost any money, and in fact actually saves us money since I'm winning books that I otherwise would have bought LOL.
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I have no problem with being a contest junkie. So what? I follow over 800 blogs because I want to win stuff, and eventually I find that I like their content. If someone wants to follow me to win stuff, that's fine with me. Do it! Maybe they will keep coming back and actually begin to care about who I am and what I have to say!!
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'm a serious contest junkie because I'm poor and can't afford books.*sad fac* I rarely follow a blog just to enter a contest anymore. I'd rather enter on the blogs that I'm a fan of, ya know? When I first started blogging, I did a lot of follows due to that reason and discovered a ton of great bloggers, but my follow list overfloweth, so I just stick with what I love now.
As far as my contests, I do them for my followers. I don't get a lot of new followers for this anymore but it isn't what I'm looking for anyway. I want to share my books with my followers. Period. I am doing my first author-sponsored giveaway soon, and that is open to anyone. Seems like that is kinda the norm…
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Recommended Viewing: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Now that lady was addicted to contests.
I'm not a contest junkie, yet. I do have a hankering for a good book contest, though. I'm picky about which ones I try to win, however. If I'm not interested in a book, I won't enter.
I think a true contest junkie just enters whatever contest, because it's a contest. Is that you?
Not that it matters. If the contest is there, it's meant to be won!
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..but …but… he SAID you'd understand! He SAID you agreed to it! 0:-)
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I freaking love contests. And I don't know if you've noticed from my IMMs, but I tend to have incredible luck in them for some reason. I recently won two signed Breathless Reads books. From two separate contests! I mean, what are the chances! Still shocked. I really only enter giveaways in which I really, honestly want to win the prize. And that are open to Canada, which does not leave too many available to enter and yet I still have this incredible luck.
And no, I don't think it's a bad thing to get a reputation as a contest junkie. The only thing that annoys me are the people who unfollow blogs right after the contest is over and they didn't win. Even when following wasn't a requirement! Although honestly, I'm not too upset when this happens to me because the people who unfollow really aren't the “quality” blog readers so it's not really a loss to me.
But I will not deny that I do enjoy getting new followers and it is part of the reason I hold as many contests as I do (well, only once a month for the past 3 months but it feels like a lot). The other reason being that I would feel guilty if I rarely held any contests considering the contest junkie and incredibly lucky receiver that I am. I've really only given away a fraction of books that I've received for free from contests and publishers.
And it does make me immensely happy to give books to others! Even if that someone isn't a regular commenter, I still imagine it must make their day when they receive the book in the mail. It sure makes mine.
And pfft, your drawings are plenty cute but your cartoon girl appears to be missing a shirt. How embarrassing for her.
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I hardly ever seem to win the giveaways I enter. I usually have a few giveaways going at a time (for ebooks, as that's what I “specialize” in), and I don't require any of the “following/twittering/whatever else-ing” in order for people to enter. Comment and email only. I guess I feel like it'd be worse to feel like I was making people follow, and then losing followers at some point because they only followed to enter! It's like being defriended or something
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LOL! I was just at two other blogs where I saw you were a winner. I thought to myself, “Go Missie!”
You wear your contest junkie hat proudly! The next best thing to me winning is seeing a blogger I love win instead 
I'm pretty lazy, so I only enter contests where I really want the prize and I don't have to do a lot of work to get it. (My gosh, I'm complaining about “working” for free stuff?) When I host contests I'm also equally lazy, so I don't want to deal with counting up extra entries. Easy peasy.
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I know when I first started blogging and found out about book contests I entered a lot of them and won too. But now I don't enter that many and only enter if its a book I really want. My sister has a youtube channel where she does makeup stuff and she enters a lot of contests and wins quite a few but she has gotten some hate comments about her entering so many and being a contest junkie.
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I'm like Smalls – LAZY. If I have to tweet and post a button and blog then I probably won't enter unless it's a super sweet prize. I like to spread the word more if it's a blogger I follow regularly.
I don't think there's anything wrong with entering contests, and though it's more fun to give a book to someone you “know” I still get a kick out of giving some book love to strangers.
Sometimes, though, I worry that book giveaways just go around and around and around. I win one, then give it away, then that person gives it away, etc. ad nauseum. Still, I suppose that's kind of the point?
I am also now addicted to paints. I LOVE THEM.
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