Hello fellow GOGers,

I just recently started posting in the forums (although I lurk here since 2011), so I am not really familiar with a few features, especially the giveaways...

I would like to give away a few games for which I have the gift codes.
Unfortunately, I have no idea how to best do that. The search function eluded me so far in this matter.

People mentioned the use of random.org for randomizing names or digits. Which subset of random.org should I use? The List Randomizer? Or another different site altogether?

Also, why do most people who give away stuff say the participants need at least a reputation of X? Is there a rationale behind it?

And last, how long should the time limit for participants to enter be? Is 48 hours (e.g. the weekend) reasonable? Should there be any participant number limit?

I know, this is a lot to ask, and even though it's just a few unspectacular games, I would like to make it as fair as possible.

Thank you for your replies!

Reputation limits are used so that new users that have not participated in the community come in and snatch games from giveaways to disappear after that.
Can't answer the rest. :l

Give me the code, I'll take care of it for you. :P

Way to go mike; I almost had him!

You might find this post helpfull. There is advice and you can look at the long list of giveaways other people have done.
https://www.gog.com/forum/general/how_does_one_make_a_gift_aka_gifting_on_gog_for_dummies/post1

The randomizer is just a matter of taste. I've known a few people to actually write names and put them in a hat.

The time limit is as variable as you want it. Some people make them for two days, some run giveaways that last a month.

You might want to consider having people do something you enjoy. Say if you want a new desktop background have a requirement for participation be an interesting picture.

The most important thing to remember is that your the one doing something nice for people by giving them a chance to win a free game you don't need to break your back over it if you don't want to, just cut loose.

Nah, you'll be fine with TeenAgent ; )

that is a very underrated title my friend

Is it? Have no bloody idea again, not really interested in ratings. Enjoyed the game in previous century I believe. Hard to say when it exactly was in my age.. ; )

Just PM them.

Thank you for the swift replies! It was faster than expected.^^

@theslitherydeee: I'm sorry, I would have marked your post as "Solution" as well as mike_cesara's (since you were only minutes apart), but after clicking I just realized I can only grant one post the Solution-Star.

Anyways, thanks for the links. I will read through a few and then start a giveaway thread (have to look for those gift codes... hopefully GOG didn't delete them or something after changing the "My Account" page or it was all for naught)

Basically, there are no rules beyond the ones you figure appropriate. Most of the rules used in various giveaways are made up on the spot, learned by own experience, or figured out from observing others.

The time for entry (48 hours, 7 days, five weeks, between 8:20:05PM GST the 1st and 9.30AM CET the 28th of April, "until I say it's done",... whatever) is up to how you view the number of people on the forum and how many of those would maybe be interested in joining, and how many would be needed to make it "fun" and "interesting" (or whatever you're aiming for). Observer the forum for a little while, you'll likely get some manner of view of how many people are here.

The same with requirements, be it "have 67 rep or more", "draw an image of a drunken elf and post it", "just post 'I'm in' or equal", or "film yourself doing an interpretation of Lord of the Dance and put it on Youtube", it's really up to what you think isn't much too much work for the prize (or too little, for a personal suggestion).

There's also a matter of how you choose the winner or winners. This can vary, and there are no set rules. Either you do a random choice, and in random.org can help in this (but you can use some other service and it doesn't matter much), whether it's randomise lists and you pick the top one(s), you pick the one you like most, or the one who had the bluest outfit, it doesn't really matter. It doesn't much matter, nor do you really need to tell the entrants about what exact method you're using ("I'll choose a winner" or "a winner will be randomly chosen" is perfectly fine).

EDIT: Personally, I've hosted "make a comic", "make a story", and "make audio" contests, as well as a "minesweeper" game with two kinds of mines (one kind was "you're out of the game" and the other was "congrats, you got the game in this block, also, you're out of the game" - if I remember correctly), the three contests were even decided on community votes rather than my own opinion.

Want only to say I love you!
Not only for your intention in making giveaways, but mostly for your role as antacid and proton pump inhibitor.

You can still + rate theslighterydeee's post if you wanted to give a show of appreciation.

As far as my own opinion, having hosted around 9 or 10 giveaways myself, do it however you want. The posts above (and in that thread) give a pretty good idea of how you could host a giveaway but in the end it's all up to you. I myself once hosted a giveaway where you had to write a poem or an essay about skunks or draw a photo of a skunk in order to be considered (check my avatar to see the winning post!).

Thank you! Gastric reflux is a bitch, although one should utilise me cautiously, since if one empolys me a long time, I tend to eat away at their bones (by eating up the calcium) and harm arteries/veins, and do other nasty stuff.;-)

@NoNewTaleToTell: Thanks. Already rated the ones I thought informative!^^


Oh, and one last question: I just realized that you cannot send PM anymore since GOG changed the "My Account"-Page... How does one best send gift codes to the potential winners?

Thanks again in advance!