I might get banned from HB. But has anyone else noticed the one post just joined winners??? One was removed from the winners list, but now we have another??? Is the contest legit???

It is absolutely 100% legit. No question about it.

That said, yeah it does suck that people can win with one post. Happened last year, too.

Are you referring to people who have never posted before? I guess lurkers are just as welcome as the more frequent contributors. If you read my posts you might wish I was a lurker!

I certainly understand the frustration, however, the same thing could almost be said about me. I have been coming to this site since mid-summer but only joined in October. Before the contest started I only had five posts, but I have been coming here multiple times per day for months, I check out all of the new posts on the front page, and read many of them. I even feel like I have gotten to know many of the regular posters; at least in that weird way of knowing someone online. I don't contribute a lot, but I do feel like part of the community.

That said, I can certainly understand the frustration when someone happens upon the site, sees that there is a contest to enter, and wins one of the best prizes. Such is life. Though I could really have used the Macap to replace my whirly-blade grinder (I am still new to espresso and being a full-time college student and stay-at-home dad with no job doesn't lend itself to being able to buy expensive equipment). Oh well, the Mazzer is still out there!

Brad wrote:I might get banned from HB. But has anyone else noticed the one post just joined winners??? One was removed from the winners list, but now we have another??? Is the contest legit???

The previous winner was disqualified because he isn't a U.S. resident of the 48 lower states. That restriction is clearly indicated above the entry form, in the entry text itself, and the contest FAQs explains why.

As for new members winning... I seriously considered offering an "advantage" to long-time members who contribute. For example, they would be able to post every 2 hours instead of every 4 hours. But I was concerned it might send the wrong message for the holiday season (good will and all). That said, I ran the idea by a lawyer friend to see if it passed muster. Weary of my requests for free legal advice, he told me he charges $325/hour and requires a retainer before offering an opinion.

Bushrod wrote:That said, yeah it does suck that people can win with one post. Happened last year, too.

Personally it pleases me when a long-time member wins.

[rant] What really sucks is when a new member accepts delivery of a gift with nary a thank you and is never heard from again. Yes, in the past two years, several winners accepted gifts worth hundreds of dollars and my e-mails simply asking that they publicly say "thank you" to the sponsors were ignored. I sincerely hope that doesn't happen again this year! [/rant]

*Whew* I've been waiting a long time to get that off my chest.

HB wrote:That said, I ran the idea by a lawyer friend to see if it passed muster. Weary of my requests for free legal advice, he told me he charges $325/hour and requires a retainer before offering an opinion.

Dan - I hope this guy isn't on your Christmas Card list!

Many thanks for a fantastic site which gives far more to me then my contributions could make up. Happy Holidays and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Everything offered, whether it's free shipping or an expensive grinder, is greatly appreciated and the sponsors don't need to do any of this - not thanking them is really surprising to me. I guess you just have to be abnormally lucky to win a big prize with your very first try. I wish I had luck like that lol.

I'm a new member and long-time member of CoffeeGeek, but fell away from the coffee scene for a while before getting back involved. I lurked around HB for a while before joining, and just happened to see the contest. I didn't realize what a flourishing community there was here.

Oh, and I posted in the contest just because I happened to see it. I think it's a great idea. Some will come and go, but I would wager that a lot more stay and provide valuable contribution.

Please accept my apology.
Last night I posted something on this site that I am deeply sorry for. I questioned the legitimacy of the current contest when I had no right to. HB, your sponsor's and members, please accept my sincere apology.
Brad

Really Brad, no apology is necessary (but thanks ).

Actually I'm glad you brought it up since others may have wondered what happen to the (disqualified) winner. On a related note, another lawyer friend warned me about the risks of running a contest with high-value prizes -- people are more likely to question its legitimacy if there's a Mazzer Mini E involved than a nice tamper. Similarly the risk of fraudulent entries goes up as the value of the prizes goes up. But so far neither has been an issue.

In the end it's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun too.