What am I doing wrong ???
Over the last few months I have given away some fabulous stuff. Some of it I have purchased myself.
But other items have been given to me by companies and whenever that is the case the company has been clearly named in the post ... and I have shown a photograph of what you will receive in the prize
I have used InLinkz to ensure that the draw is done randomly and fairly ... to give every body a chance ... and the winners are notified by email from InLinkz of their win.
The winners name is clearly announced on the Blog and Facebook and I have asked for their land address so that I can post the prize. I have even said I will post it anywhere in the world to the winner.
I know that many of you enter the draws and would dearly love the prizes on offer and I know that if I was the winner I would be there straight away claiming my prize. And so I am more than confused..... and I am very disappointed to say that the winner of the last "Give Away" for the Wild Orchid Flowers has NOT yet come forward to claim the prize.
These are lovely gifts that I am offering and so I don't understand why someone would add their name and then not check to see if they have won... and this is not the first time it has happened.
Remember the Grand Decorative Ovals that have never been claimed. (They will be offered again soon.)
So as far as the beautiful flowers are concerned I have decided to give the winner until tomorrow morning ... which will make it one week from the draw ... to claim the prize and if it is not claimed then another name will be chosen.
Do YOU think that is fair ???? or maybe I shouldn't have added this post. Tell me what you think please.
So come on Carol Sue get your skates on or you will lose the prize ...
Hugs xx
I think the problem is Christina that people see the word "Candy" and add their name automatically . They might well be a follower but don't actually check in regularly. Although I don't always leave a comment, because life can be pretty busy at times, I always check in to see what wonderful creation you are posting. Don't worry about it. I think you are more than fair - and to be fair to everybody else I think you are right to place a time limit on claiming the prize. We are very lucky that you are offering these gifts! Thank you so much!! love from Christine xx
ReplyDeleteI check every day, just to see your new creations! But, I always look to see if I was lucky to win something. I would dearly love any of those lovely prizes, and I'm sure many others will, too. Very nice of you to offer them, and if not claimed within 1 week, I think it's fair to pick another winner who will no doubt be delighted with her good fortune. (especially if it's me :)) BethAnn M.
ReplyDeleteLike I would be there like a shot as I am sure many others would be. I use Wild Orchids myself...saw a link you posted and visited the site. I think waiting until tomorrow is more than fair, though Im sure if Carol Sue claims her prize after that she will not share our view LOL. But on the whole I think you have given more than enough time...you have made several posts. And lets be honest and truthful...she saw the posts about the giveaway to be able to enter...???
ReplyDeleteSo just my two-cents worth Christina.
And can I please take this opportunity to thank you! for each and every giveaway/contest you have done. you dont have to do this but Im sure it is appreciated by many. I have not yet won...but who knows if Carol Sue doesnt appear...??? LOLOL!
There may be a lot of reasons why the winner hasn't claimed their prize. Having said that, you clearly state the consequences of not claiming any prize within the stipulated time frame! So you can redraw with a clear conscience or save time and just post it to me!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteooooooo Thats really surprised... WOC flowers are so gorgeous to die for.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you've done anything wrong, Christina. I check in on your blog every day. I don't have to 'remember' to do it as I get notifications on Facebook when you post something. Some folks do not sue Facebook every day or Blogger for that matter. I would expect that some are very busy during the week and get only around to Facebook, emails etc. over the weekend. Two weeks should be enough. Don't be discouraged :) It's very nice of you to continue to give us all the chance of a wonderful freebie!
ReplyDeleteKindest regards,
Cathy
Dear Christina any one with half an eye can see you pour your heart into your sites and your craft . Please put away such negative thoughts . Its not personal. Concentrate on those of us who appreciate your endeavors and follow you avidly. Put the negatives away ... it comes with the territory sadly. Best wishes and hugs . Kay
ReplyDeleteChristina you know I love all the fantastic things you bring us and your work is wonderful the lady in question may be away on holiday?
DeleteBut if you want it to go to a good home I am more than willing to oblige ;-)
I think a week is plenty of time to claim. You are being very fair Christina.
ReplyDeleteI check your blog every day because I think your cards are wonderful.
Hi Christina you are very fair. I do not leave comments very often but visit your blog, Facebook and you tube channel every day because I enjoy your card making creations. I would certainly let you know straight away if I was lucky enough to win.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.Rosemary
hello christina
ReplyDeleteyou've done everything you can do
it's not so nice for you that have not reported winner
I think if they can not present a make other happy with the price
wish you a very nice weekend to
lovingly jacqueline
http://jacquelinekaartencreatie.blogspot.nl/
hello christina
ReplyDeleteyou've done everything you can do
it's not so nice for you that have not reported winner
I think if they can not present a make other happy with the price
wish you a very nice weekend to
lovingly jacqueline
http://jacquelinekaartencreatie.blogspot.nl/
I believe that one week is a fair time limit on claiming a prize. Other craft blogs I follow have a one week limit. I do think that each contest post should include the information that you will select a new winner after one week.
ReplyDeleteI think the problem is that there are so many greedy people who put their names down for all candies but are not true followers of the particular site. It is quite obvious when a candy is not claimed that the so called follower has not been looking on the site at all. We all have so many "followers" who never leave a comment - personally I would love to be able to delete them. I feel that the real followers are the lovely people who take the time to leave a comment on a regular or even fairly regular basis. Personally if I add my name to be a follower of a blog then I do follow and leave regular comments. It is a shame that this is happening as your candies are always so very generous.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you Marie-Louise, and was going to say something similar.
DeleteLoads of people only go to sites for free stuff when they hear about it, but don't check back to see if they've won thinking they'll be notified.
But... true followers check in regularly so it's not an issue to claim a prize.
Hi Christina do not feel that you are being unfair,I would also love to win one of your prizes,put a time limit on the draw,and then if not claimed draw again.Your blog is so helpfull you put a lot of work into it and do not let this upset ypu
ReplyDeleteSmiles
Ita
Hi Christina, feel assured, you are not doing anything wrong. If no one is coming forward, it's probably that they either have not come back to check and see what's going on or they did not recognize the email and deleted it without thought...not your fault, theirs!
ReplyDelete...it just gives us another shot at winning your fabulous giveaways...aw, to have some flowers and/or grand decorative ovals...heaven ;)
thanks for sharing with all of us...and don't give it another thought...
now if you would like I can send you my land address in a heartbeat!! cheers.
I for one appreciate so much that you take the time to share your knowledge. You were my first inspiration. I am in awe of your creativity and the polished and professional, yet very friendly way you give instruction. That in itself has to be so time consuming because you make it seem flawless.
ReplyDeleteAs if that was not enough, now you are again sharing your enormous generosity with free products and I am so grateful.
So please know that you are very much appreciated and respected for what you do.
It could be that the email gets put in the SPAM folder. I know I am very leery about opening emails from someone I don't know. You might have to somehow make sure the email says FLOWERS RIBBONS & PEARLS WINNER. I know I check your page every day just because I love your work.
ReplyDeleteChristina, you are doing absolutely nothing wrong. Your blog/Facebook posts are great and anyone can see that you put your heart and soul in your crafting. I for one always look at your daily posts, although I'm guilty of not always commenting. Please do not feel guilty about redrawing any of your giveaways. You clearly state what is required and you always allow plenty of time for a claim before taking any further action. Hopefully your licky winner this time, might see this post but if not, just re-draw.
ReplyDeleteSimples !!!!
Toni xx
It's nowhere your fault Christina...people follow so many blogs ...n some especially for the candy...that they cannot keep track of where all they droped in their name...I guess candy hunters should not be allowed and drawing another winner is just fine..:) your candy is sooooo lovely ..I wish you draw it again ..;)
ReplyDeleteCheer up!
Hugs
Jaya
You have done nothing wrong Christina! Ones i gave a candy too and i become a lot of new followers. But after the candy is given away i have never seen them coming back, that makes me sad. So i learn here out that there are a lot of people who only entry for the candy.
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling and make me glad with beautiful projects.
Hugs Thea
Perhaps she is on holiday, as am I. In sunny Bridlington! Mind you, I still follow what you are doing! ♥
ReplyDeletePerhaps she is on holiday, as am I. In sunny Bridlington! Mind you, I still follow what you are doing! ♥
ReplyDeleteI don't think you are doing anything wrong,people obviously sign up and don't think they are going to win or have signed up for so may other giveaways they just forget who they have signed up for.I think your time limit to claim is very fair, I don't think other blogger owners would be so fair and patient.Ok enough
ReplyDeletehugs adie
Hi Christina. Its her loss. You are more than generous with your time and candy. It is Carol Sue who is missing out on a beautiful prize and I just hope she does not reply then we will get another chance to win and appreciate all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful person whois much appreciated by me.
Wilma x x x
Can't believe that they haven't claimed this fantastic giveaway. I go on your site daily to look at your tutorials and the stunning cards that you make. I would be thrilled if I was lucky enough to win, and would let you know straight away. You've explained the rules clearly and think it's fair to redraw another winner after 1 week as passed and no claim made.
ReplyDeleteSharon
They could be on holiday or unwell, pc may not be working or just someone that enters every comp they see,and loose track of what they have entered, but it is fair to give them a week to claim and if not claimed to go back into the pot. You are very fair and I look forward to you posts everyday thank you x
ReplyDeleteI am sure it is a case of life events have overtaken. I have had a lovely catch up seeing your inspiring posts. Please keep doing as you are and hopefully my life will have slowed down when you repost those ovals. Take care. xx Flora
ReplyDeleteI think you have done everything right, and I, like some of the above ladies, check your link, Facebook, etc. regularly, I don't always leave a comment. So I think this lady is losing out, but then - life happens, who knows why she didn't get back. Her loss, this time.
ReplyDeleteJulie
I think you are being perfectly fair Christina. I know I would be claiming the prize that fast if it were me.
ReplyDeleteI keep checking everyday also. If Carol Sue doesn't want these beautiful flowers, I'll take them. Maybe she is away or sick and hasn't checked your blog.
ReplyDeleteWell Christina if I had won I would be there like a shot claiming my prize...I think sometimes you get people that just browse your blog and dont return....two weeks is ample time for people to claim their lucky wins...
ReplyDeleteAnne
Hi Christina
ReplyDeleteI enter a lot of contests with the big paper and supply companies. I have also been quite fortunate as I've won on 9 occasions since January. However I have probably entered countless contests to get those 9 items. I'm not saying it's hard to find the winners on your pages, but I know there are companies that I mark on my calendar to go back on a certain date to check the winners and it's impossible to find. Perhaps I'm doing something wrong and just don't look in the right spots but it's frustrating. I think the people have just entered and forgotten to come back and check the winners. I don't think you should take it personally, just draw another name if they don't come forward in 2 weeks. The next person in line would be thrilled to receive it. I try to catch your posts every day but sometimes don't. Life just gets in the way sometimes, so please as I said; don't take it personally. You are doing a wonderful job with your website and your giveaways are very generous!
Marianne Grimbly
Hi Christina, greetings from wet and rainy Ireland. You are doing nothing wrong, quite simply people just don't check in regularly enough. But their loss is going to be someone's very welcomed gain!!!
ReplyDeleteKind regards
Miriam Beegan
Even though there may be special circumstances that may prevent people from claiming their win. You cannot be expected to keep holding on to the prize. I don't always comment but I always check to see what new creation you have made. I get emails for your blog and if you do a youtube video, I am there watching. So all in all I think you are being more than fair.
ReplyDeleteI may not always comment each time...... But I do come in to see your beautiful card creations. I take a quick lookover and outside I go to do my gardening or whatever that needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteI know when others have giveaways, the winner has 48hours to respond so I think you are more then generous on giving extra time.
Could be several reasons why some don't respond; they could have computer problems; health issues, etc.
Have told my daughters and my grandkids that if you snooze, you loose.
I say;redraw with a clear conscience.
ColleenB.
Yes! I too would LOVE to win some of these lovely prizes - and can't believe that even the grand decorative ovals have not yet gone! I was away for a few days which makes commenting difficult, but I still checked to see who won. I too stop by every day mainly to feast my eyes on your latest beautiful card.
ReplyDeleteHi Christina, like someone said already there could be many reasons why the winner hasn't come forward BUT that is not your fault/responsibily. I get emails everyday about whats happening on your blog and it's the entrants responsiblity to check in to see if they have won. You've given them every opportunity to come forward so you can move on with a clear conscience and we can all sit with our fingers crossed for a few days to see if lady luck will visit us lol. As you can see we all appreciate your creations and your gernerosity so don't dispare! Lorraine T
ReplyDeleteDear Christina, I am one of the lucky ones to be notified by e-mail when you post to your blog, so I never miss it! I think putting a "claim-it-by" time-frame on your giveaways is more than reasonable....I absolutely love your style and would be more than happy to "claim" anything you giveaway! LOL! Don't worry about it...just keep on being your wonderful, creative self!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Tanya T.
I think you are wonderful for offering the prizes. A week is plenty of time...some only give you 48 hours! I don't think people should enter if they're not going to go back and check. If you know you won't be around for the drawing...don't enter! I just wish I could change my name to Carol Sue LOL. Keep bringing us those beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteChristina, you're doing nothing at all wrong! Love your creations and ideas. Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteChristina, I repeat do not let anyone steal your joy. I have introduced my 9 year old granddaughter to your blog and website and even she gets your postings everyday. As someone above pointed out, even when some of us don't post a comment, we enjoy your artistry everyday. Keep doing what you are doing and as we say in America, "Keep it Moving". And if the wonderful give away is not claimed by tomorrow, draw another name and make another person really happy.
ReplyDeleteI personally love your blog and the project you share. I can't imagine anyone not wanting to get their candy! I follow your blog all the time just to see the beautiful cards you share with us. It is the highlight of my day to open your emails and see what is next! Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteI personally know how amazing and generous your prizes are, Christina!! You are so sweet to offer it in the first place. You are doing everything right...once you post a name, it should be the winner's responsibility to contact you. If they don't, it's their loss. So I want to thank you again for your amazing kindness and generosity...you are so sweet!! Happy Friday :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Raise Your head, and be happy. Nothing is wrong, You make the rules, and they are very clearly, every time.
ReplyDeleteIf I take part in Your wonderful give away, I have to check it by myself. Thanks for sharing. Mona
I think you have been very fair Christina. I know your candy is better than mine but I had to draw a name 3 times before someone responded and gave me their address. If I enter my name I always check back to see who has won. It is their problem and their loss so dont worry about it. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteChristina;
ReplyDeleteYou are not doing anything wrong. It is truely their lost. I love your site and read daily. I don't often post but I keep up with you as you encourage me so much to try new ways of using the dies and flowers. We love you for being so kind and giving so much.
I think you are being more than fair. Even if people are busy and don't have time to blog hop during the week I think that most people would check their emails.
ReplyDeleteI think it is more than fair. I don't understand why people don't claim their prizes either. You offer wonderful prizes and beautiful cards for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI think giving someone a week to check back is very fair.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the problem is that many of us are subscribed to 20+ blogs, and sometimes the emails get a little out of control. Their are some bloggers who send out a newsletter every day, so it can be a bit too much. Just a thought.
I think if this person doesn't come forward by tomorrow, you should open it up again...I would certainly be thrilled to win!
I think it is possible that the notification went into the recipient's spam folder....If my server doesn't recognize the sender it puts it into spam...and if I don't check it before I delete it...it is gone forever and I would never know. Hope this helps you to understand.
ReplyDeleteMarianne
I think a week is plenty of time.I work and still check my e mail and of couse your blog daily.
ReplyDeleteI think a week is plenty of time.I work and still check my e mail and of couse your blog every day.With so many ways to check I don't understand some one not responding
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of people who don't check their e-mail every day...some, like my mother, only check it once or twice a month! I don't know how they survive that way...I couldn't do it. However, maybe Carol Sue is one of those ladies that only check her e-mail sporadically. Another reason might be if she were having computer issues, she may not be able to access her e-mail. Those are the only reasons I can think of...other than some kind of family emergency or something.
ReplyDeleteHi Christina. Well, I certainly cant understand it, because if your a subscriber then you automatically receive all postings in your inbox, which, to be honest, gives me breathing space not to 'remember' to check in. I'm checked in 24 hours a day!!! You cant post without me knowing about it, so you just cant hide, woman. Playing the devils advocate, maybe Carol Sue is away on holiday, or in the middle of a emergency, or just to busy to check her emails. I know on rare occasions It can be a week before I can check mine. I'm sure she will be 'gutted', when she realised what she's missed. I think your lovely to extend it for her. Thats why I love you so much, coz your so caring and giving xxxx
ReplyDeleteYou are going above and beyond fair so stop beating yourself up, dear woman!! :-) I get notices all the time from your blog and website through my email. So even if Carol is on holiday, as someone suggested, how hard is it to check your email or your blog in this day of technology. So no worries!! As a duggestion, you should post in your contests that if the winner does not contact you within ? number of days, that another name will be drawn. You have a very busy life and need to get on with it.
ReplyDeleteChristina, you are so lovely to and generous with your followers. And I'm still blown away--with all the obvious time you spend on your blogs and crafts--that you have always answered my emails. So a BIG thank you for taking such care with those who enjoy so much what you do. :) Giveaways are just icing on the cake for us. And you are always more than fair! I get your content by email but also always click through for your blog count and to leave comments. I won't make a judgment about the people who did not collect on the drawings but will say that their loss is our gain. :) Blessings, Christina!
ReplyDeleteMelinda Smith, USA
Christina I also think that you are doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteBUT sometimes there is the chance that, that the person is ill.
In saying that you dont know any of the persons circumstances.
A week to claim a giveaway IS plenty of time regardless of the circumstances of the winner.
I hope this has not put you in any further delimmas.
Many thanks for your videos, blog and giveaways.
Too win a giveaway is gift from heaven and doesnt happen often.
Blessing to you.
Hi Christina, I definately think that what you did is extremely fair. I think I would go with quite a few of the messages that you have had and put on the acceptance of freebies etc, a timescale that people must accept their prize by. Then that way everyone knows what will happen. You take up so much of your time when you post the wonderful cards that you make and all the videos that you produce. You really can't keep going back and checking to see whether or not you have had a response back to your gifts that you give. Keep doing what you do and maybe change the way freebies, gifts are given. Then get back to doing what you do so well and that is making those wonderful cards that you do for us all to look at in awe. You certainly give me so much inspiration with your tutorials and I love learning new things from your site. I wish I was able to win one of your freebies, I would be answering you "toot sweet" lol. Jen xx
ReplyDeleteKrafty Keepsakes