How I choose winners in online random-drawing contests
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
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The first time I held a contest, I chose the winner by literally choosing their name out of a hat. But after that I decided it was way too much work, plus I’m lazy, so I looked around the internet for something computer-y to solve my problem.
When I found Random.org I knew my problem was solved. Now I just use their Integer Generator and quick as a flash I have found the winner! It is so simple, and I’ll show you how.
- Count the number of entries you had in your contest.
- Go to www.random.org/integers/
- Do not panic. These are the only boxes you need to pay attention to:
This example shows a contest with 17 entries and 3 winners (hmmm, much like this contest…). Change the 3 to a 1 to just choose one winner.
Stand back in awe of your mighty mathematical prowess, contact the winner and get them the prize — so easy!
Sounds like the evil algebra class I got a 2.8 in. I get to take algebra 2 in the fall. Oh my goodness, help! I’m having flashbacks to my algebra final! The agoneeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
(actually very cool way to make things fair)
You’re such a tech geek. (it’s part of your charm)
Ohhh, just what I needed, thanks!!
The RAND function is pretty easy in excel as well-same thing really.
Ahhh, PERFECTO! I am holding a contest on my site right now and was totally going to pick the names out of a hat too. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! :)
Thank you so much for the tip! I was about to do the hat thing. :)
I googled “random drawing” and got you, thankfully! So simple! So wonderful! Thanks for posting the link to the savior of my fingers and eyeballs. This is the 3rd Bloggy Giveaway I’ve put on, and when you have over 100 comments to draw from, it takes up paper, then I cut them into strips and fold each one…and I guess you know the rest (your bloodied fingers).
I’m grateful for this simple answer. Oh, that all life’s answers could be solved with a link and a click. :-)
Susan
Susan’s latest post: Family Secret is up for grabs!
Excellent — I’m glad it helped ;)
From one Erika with a K to another:) – thank you so very much for this, now I don’t have to figure out how to do it in excel. This will save me a lot of time!
Erika´s latest post: Oct 16, Adiri Nurser Bottles
Awesome! Thank you for sharing this! I was just Googgling “random drawings tools” for my online contest and found your blog. Glad I did!
Thank you! I’m holding my first contest this week and I forgot where to go to pick a random winner. Your site popped up in my google search and I’ve been here before so I knew I was going to get the answer I needed, and I did!
Thanks~Pam
Thanks for the great idea and link! I have plans to do a giveaway contest in my blog too in the future.
I have a giveaway running through this Friday and have close to 20 entries so far. Thanks for this tip! I was looking at Random.org but didn’t know what the Integer Generator was until now. So easy! And no paper cuts! :)