Running a Contest - Creating Your Rules

Posted by: cworrall on Monday, May 19th, 2008

If you decide to create a contest, either as a marketing ploy or as an employee motivation tool, be careful when writing the rules. When someone writes contest rules, he or she can only write from his or her perspective. The problem is that this person is not the one reading the rules.

Because the English language is complex, sentences can be interpreted in different ways. It would be too bad if one reading of your rules allowed everyone who is entered to win.

Therefore, always have two or three others read your rules for interpretation issues. It is best if those people are not like you at all. For example, if you are an engineer, have a marketing person and the receptionist read the rules.

Finally, always allow yourself an out. The last rule should read, “In the case of a tie or other dispute, the final winner will be determined by the judge/panel/committee. All such decisions are final and not up for debate.”

Topics: Corporate, General

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