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Why do I get the feeling that my original thread was hijacked by someone promoting a product?
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Because that's exactly what happened here.
Getting back on topic - Stuball, I REALLY LIKE the idea of a HANA sponsored handicapping contest. And I LOVE the idea of an ongoing series of contests. I think it could be a great way to create interest and drive membership. And if done right, who knows how much it might grow going forward?
To that end we are looking at the legal end right now just to get it out of the way. There are a LOT of rules that have to be followed. First, there's a difference between free contests and contests where entry fees are involved. And free doesn't always mean zero entry fee. Some courts have ruled that if the process asking for information from contestants up front is too extensive (it's a fine line) then you're not running a free contest because time involved on the part of contestants is worth money. Then you have to structure the contest in such a way that it's a competition based on skill and not luck. If too much luck is involved then you can fall into the trap of running a sweepstakes or lottery. Again, it's a fine line that must be walked. And just like ADWs, contests are legal in some states and illegal in others. So depending on state of residence some HANA members might not be able to enter.
All that said, I STILL REALLY LIKE the idea and it's very likely we'll move forward with it. To that end it's also looking like we'll have our own web based contest software - hopefully in time for the Breeder's Cup.
So YES, it's very likely you'll see a series of HANA sponsored contests in the not too distant future... details such as entry fee and prizes - yet to be determined.
BTW, Ken, I like your suggestion about shoes worn by stakes winnners provided they're easily obtainable. There are probably a lot of creative racing related things that could be offered up as prizes.
Keep the good ideas coming.
-jp
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