Well some companies don’t and have their own definition to it. The story goes like this:
They contacted me to ask if I would like to hold their giveaway. I checked the site and found the products nice. I also noticed that they were sponsoring giveaways for a few other bloggers as well. Everything looked fine and I went ahead with the announcement. A few days later a reader commented that her friend won a similar giveaway with them and had some issues. Upon investigation, it was found that the girl was indeed right. The “$50 Gift Card” is actually a $50 discount. So you can use it ONLY if you buy something from them which by the way starts at a minimum of $100! Yes this is their idea of a giveaway.
Well how is that supposed to be a “gift card“? And they are claiming that they have a “very good giveaway record” and its the first time a blogger has got issues. Yes all the winners are so happy that they now are warning others again entering their giveaways.
And after days of all that research I’m so pissed off that now I’m no longer interested in any kind of association with them. Later they ask me if I want to review their jewelry instead! Well I’ve no comments on their jewelry since I’ve not tried it and neither am I interested now.
A giveaway should just be a giveaway without any terms and conditions attached.
Imagine had I gone ahead with the giveaway? Its time these companies take us bloggers very seriously and not take us for granted.
To make up for all this mess, I’ll announce another giveaway very soon. And yes a Christmas giveaway is in the pipeline and I’ve already started saving up for it. Hint: Its something every one wants but only a few have access to.
Whats your take on this matter? Isn’t it time companies stop thinking of bloggers as just a promotional and marketing tool? Pen is mightier than a sword. In this case, keyboard!
I’m still mad though.
