Giveaway Bust and Insight

This is slightly embarrassing.

But I guess mortification is good for the soul, right?

I was talking to a friend of mine this morning about how my Giveaway for Michaelmas has gotten absolutely zero traction.  I couldn't figure out why.  My other contests have at least gotten some sort of action.  This one, though?  Zip. 

So I asked her, "Why do you think that is?  Did I do something wrong?  Are my 'prizes' sucky?"

She gave me some interesting feedback that I hadn't thought of before (being new to all this "contest" stuff).

She said that books and cards are seen as "low value."  They're "pointless" for us bloggers to give away because they're seen as cheaper than an entrant's information.  Folks could easily purchase the book or the deck of cards from Amazon or something for a paltry fee, and they wouldn't have to fork over effort to get them.  It's a sure thing, and all they'd need to do would be to give consent because Amazon (or wherever) already had their information.

My blog, however, does not.  It doesn't store anyone's information, and getting the items isn't a sure thing (though in this case, it might end up being).  They'd also have to see my face on Twitter / Facebook or whatever just to get an entry, and lots of people don't like the added hassle of connecting to yet another pointless page on Facebook. 

Hand-made items, like earrings, on the other hand - those tend to do well for blog give-aways because they're personal.  You can't get them anywhere else, and it's always nice to own something from a blogger you've come to know through their online musings.

Point taken - I've enjoyed very much the things I've gotten from bloggers who offer unique and beautiful things online.

I asked her why, then, folks weren't entering even if it was just for the earrings.  I mean, I've gotten a few orders this past week, and not one of those who ordered entered the contest (so I was confused... people obviously wanted the earrings... but I guess they didn't want to chance not getting a free set?). 

She said it was because the chances were greater that they'd get one of the "sucky" items, which cancelled out their desire to enter.

That was interesting.  I'd never thought of it that way before.  She gave me a lot to think about, and I'm happy for her honest feedback.  It makes a lot more sense, especially seeing my stats every day remain about the same, but no sort of "activity." 

So my quandry... should I take down the contest early and create a separate one for earrings, or should I leave the original one up in the interest of fairness (since I did say I'd be pulling names on Michaelmas)? 

Anyone else have this sort of issue when they've run contests in the past?

Ah well.  Even if you haven't, this is good food for thought in case you folks have any ideas of looking to host one in the future.  *Grin*

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