I've had a few emails and questions raised about giveaway week, so I'll try to address them below.
1) You do NOT have to be a blogger to enter this week's giveaways; unfortunately, you do have to live in the contiguous United States unless otherwise stated. PLEASE don't feel silly entering multiple times and/or for every giveaway if it interests you! In the past I've "worried" a sponsoring blogger would think I'm kinda pathetic if I entered a giveaway a bunch or visited e.v.e.r.y. day if they hosted a week of prizes. But the truth is, I'm too busy to notice AND the times I've won giveaways were when I entered multiple times. When you use Random Integer Generator (or I assume Rafflecopter, since this is my first time), your odds of winning ARE improved with multiple entries–it's a numbers game.
2) Speaking of Rafflecopter, it simplifies the entry process once you get the hang of it. BUT…based on feedback, some of you aren't entering because of it. What say YOU: Keep Rafflecopter or go with traditional commenting for all entries (PLEASE share your thoughts in comments! I really want to hear from you!).
3) All contributors this week are supporting my 50th Birthday Blog Bash out of their sweet spirit of generosity. I am not being compensated for featuring any of my good-hearted supporters, nor is it a shameless attempt to drive traffic (though I'm thankful for it). I am using affiliate links because doing so is savvy blogging practice; plus, it's an easy way to direct interested readers to the products associated with them.
4) BIG THANKS to those of you who are sharing daily posts on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest (or wherever else you might be, especially if you share your blogging space with my 50thBBB! Be sure to let me know so I can thank you properly). I'm genuinely grateful for this small way you are celebrating life with me, and I hope to deflect the light onto those who are making this week a whole lot of work FUN for me!
Got any more questions? Ask away!
I personally hate the raffle copter and have begun to pass the sweepstakes up because it takes so long and has so many requirements. However, if I really have time I will try.
I forgot HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I agree. the raffle copter has so many steps to enter and not all of them apply to me since I don’t blog, tweet or tumlbr(not even sure what that is!?). It makes me feel like I don’t even have a chance to win UNLESS I do ALL of the above.
That said, I never really expect to win. However, I do love reading your posts and I love learning about others’ (Lisa Leanord!) through you.
Happy Birthday!!!
I’ve been reading Pioneer Woman for a number of years, and would be more than happy with either set of books!
I really don’t mind raffle copter. I think it’s nice that it remembers who I am across many different blogs. I enter as many times as I feel comfortable with, if it’s something I think I would use or enjoy. I never knew there was an aversion to using it. It’s your blog and you can do what you want.
**Full disclosure** I did just my first ever internet prize from Stuff Parents Need, who uses raffle copter. I can’t remember exactly how many times I entered but I don’t think it was more than 2 of 16 available entries.
I would love to win either set!
For many reasons, like domestic violence safety issues, or in some cases total lack of time or knowledge as to how to join… although many people I know read e-mail… and shop on line… they do not do facebook if they are over 35… or pinterest or twitter… unless they are in some media position that requires it. Real people have a life !!! There is no time for such things. Many bloggers of late have mentioned that social media has taken over their lives. There are good and bad things for all aspects of technology. Personally, I think it would be best left to comments… and maybe someone should actually read them. That way the receiver would be someone who might need the item or want it but it is out of their reach. Just a suggestion. Comments only is less complicated for all. They don’t have to go all over and comment. If you like a product or a blog is it not natural to share it ??? It is for me.
I’d live either. Fingers crossed
I suppose I would choose the adult book pack! Rafflecopter is a Lille confusing. Too many steps! But if it make it easier for you to have these giveaways then use it!
I much prefer the Rafflecopter. Contrary to Bonnie Jean’s assertion, I am double 35 in age and I am on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest…and I still have a life. : )
You only have to click the ones you relate to and if all you want to do is comment in the blog, it’s just one extra click to have that be your entry.
Thanks for the fun week – hope it’s not too much work for you. Happy Birthday wishes.
I did a giant giveaway on my blog for my 50th as well! Like minds! Found you thru Simple Mom.
I think Raffelcopter is fine. Hey, my first time to comment. Happy Birthday, you young thing.
Thanks Margaret! 🙂
Kris,
Initially I resisted entering giveaways through Rafflecopter until there was something I REALLY wanted :). And, now that I’ve done it, I don’t mind it at all. But…a few people in my sphere–non bloggers–HATE it and won’t enter because of it. I don’t want anything to be a barrier for entry, sooo, I’m leaning toward not using it again.
Emily Rose,
I’m assuming you mean you did just WIN your first ever prize??? Congrats!
I get what you’re saying; RC becomes easier with subsequent use.
Wow, Bonnie Jean, I never thought of those kinds of reasons why people don’t use social media. My father-in-law is 73 and on Facebook to keep up with his family :).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts; I appreciate the diversity in this thread.
Tonya, DOUBLE 35??? YOU GO GIRL!
This IS work, lol, who knew? I forgot how much there was to hosting a giveaway…let along 7 days of giveaways. Mercy (but so thrilled to be able to give so much away 🙂 ).
Mrs. Tucker,
SO glad you popped over! I wish I had known you *then* so I could’ve entered :). Great minds, eh? 🙂
Carol!! I’m honored that you chose to comment :). Thank you!
Holey moley, girl, you know EVERYBODY. REALLY?? I LOVE REE. And, of course, I love you, too. Dont’ know what this rafflecopter thingy is about, but I’ll try it. Why not?
um. . . so where is the big deal rafflecopter? what’re they all talkin’ about?
Hmmm. Sorry, but I don’t really like Rafflecopter. I don’t know why, but it just feels like a whole lot of steps and I’m not convinced it gets everything I’ve done. Me being paranoid. 🙂
I’d like to win either set of books. I don’t like Rafflecopter, too much clicking around; I prefer commenting. Happy Birthday, Robin!!
Diana,
Rafflecopter is a giveaway portal you can embed in a blog post (scroll down to some of my Blog Bash posts and you’ll see). It has built-in methods for entry, tracking each one (like Tweets, FB status, etc., and you just copy the URL in the space provided). I decided it’s too confusing for people who aren’t used to the online space and the benefit outweighs the cost.
I think I used it on Bash #2 and #3.
HERE’s a question for you: it’s almost your birthday!!!!! Are you excited yet? Are you getting breakfast in bed? You should – it’s a family tradition here, and lots of fun – even if it’s just an English muffin!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Hope that your day is filled with MORE blessings that you could even imagine!!