Newbies - helpful links to threads - REVISION

I know when I first came here, (Last Feb) I stumbled around, made mistakes, and asked LOTS of questions!!! At first, I lived in the notes, not even realizing there were forums

It took me a bit longer to realize the sweeps notes are for relevant sweeps info only (we're all sorry you don't win, but please don't clutter the notes - take it to the forums so we can commiserate with you, thanks )

The info is here, most of the times in the notes, but until you get the hang of things (took me more than a few months!) and realize there are so many different forums, you might not find your answers. So I thought I would link a few threads that I feel are required reading if you really want to understand this wonderful hobby quickly

There was too much info for one post, so I've listed what info is in which post:


POST#1}

SWEEPS NOTES
IMPORTANT SITE INFO
vB Code
SPAMMERS - How to deal with them


POST #2}

PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP
MYSWEEPS
SHAZAM
Want to try to WIN a premium subscription?

POST#3}

SWEEPS TIPS
Tips for faster sweeping

POST#4}

GUIDE to FORUM POSTING
No More Trolls.
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=342477

POST#5}

STARTING and SUBSCRIBING to THREADS

POST#6}

ROBOFORM

POST#7}

ABBREVIATIONS
COMPUTER HELP
EPRIZE CONTACTS
PROMOTION COMPANIES (TY Pansy)


POST#8}

SCREEN SHOTS
Didn't get your winning email?

POST#9}
Signature Guidelines
Ask for help with your signature
AVATAR & SIGNATURE INFO
How to create a hyperlink to "wins" lists
Nickyle's Signature Glitter Name Tutorial


First off, there is a (fairly) new rule on notes:

Originally Posted by kbsocial Notes are to be used for essential things only - not idle chit chat, listing your wins, getting into debates, etc. etc. etc. The "willy nillyness" of removal is just as mods see it while sweeping/editing we remove them. It is very hard to "police" the notes as it is now which is why we really need everyone to help us out by keeping the chit chat out of there. Brent is working on a whole new way of the notes system and until that time if everyone could refrain from the chit chat - that would be fabulous

That quote is from this thread:

Rules on Notes?
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=230627



IMPORTANT SITE INFO:


Online-Sweepstakes.com Site and Forum Rules
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=122599

OLS Guide to Common Problems and Questions [updated 1/29/04]
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...ad.php?t=84851

Announcements Forum
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...isplay.php?f=1

Need A Mod???
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...howgroups.php?


vB Code
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo....php?do=bbcode
vB code is a set of tags based on the HTML language that you may already be familiar with. They allow you to add formatting to your messages in the same way as HTML does, but have a simpler syntax and will never break the layout of the pages you are viewing. The ability to use vB Code is set on a forum-by-forum basis by the administrator, so you should check the forum rules when you post a new message.


How do I change my profile, user options or avatar?
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...threadid=27899

Originally Posted by Cahaba Lily - Under the top tab: OPTIONS/HELP - Click on the subtab: User CP - Look on the left side of the screen and click on the "Edit Avatar" - At the top of the middle part of the screen, make sure the "Do not use an Avatar" option is not checked (or green) - Scroll down til you see the "Custom Avatar" box - Click on the "Use Custom Avatar" option - Then upload an avatar from your computer, click the "browse" option to help locate it in your hard drive - Then just click "Save Changes" and it should be there!

Referral And Vote Requests Rules ~ Edited 4/4
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=200308

To post a referral or vote request you must have been a registered member of Online-Sweepstakes.com for at least 90 days and have made at least 100 posts. If you don't meet this requirement, you will automatically be redirected to these rules when you attempt to create a new thread in this forum.


~ New Prize Exchange Rules ~ 8/29/04
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=165862

"To offer an item for sale or trade, you must have been a registered member of Online-Sweepstakes.com for at least 90 days and have made at least 100 posts."

Originally Posted by polsky41 The UPC Database link is pasted on OLS home page under Sweepstakes Resources Click on useful links! So now no ones has to forget it!!

New Sweeper Titles
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...ad.php?t=79706


SPAMMERS - How to deal with them:

Check out this thread:

Regarding Spammers
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...9&page=1&pp=15

Always be careful clicking on links posted by other members - 99% of the time, it's OK, but we do get the occasional jerk who comes here only to post links to ensnare the unwary

If you are unsure, click on the members name, then click on "Find more posts by..."

You will then be able to determine if they only posted spam links, or are a regular contributing member here.

Introducing... OLS Premium Membership Subscriptions:
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=122603



"New premium membership subscriptions can now be purchased

$30 for a 1-year subscription,
$20.00 for 6 months
$12.50 for 3 months

at anytime by clicking on the Paid Subscriptions link from within the User CP (User Control Panel) in the OLS forums."


I bought a Premium Membership subscription, why hasn't my account been credited yet?
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...emium_nocredit



MySweeps in a Nutshell - Updated & Revised 7/8/04
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...ad.php?t=49525

Confused on saved mysweeps disappearing? Read this:

Originally Posted by Kathy If you add a sweep before validation it will show up in your MySweeps. If we end up deleting a sweep that you have saved in MySweeps it will stay there until the expiration date even though it's deleted elsewhere. If you have added an unvalidated duplicate it will will disappear early because we change the expiration date to todays date to remove it from the data base. Hope that makes sense kt

"MySweeps will keep track of both your total number of entries and the last date and time you made an entry for each sweep."

That's my favorite perk, and sooo worth $30.00 a year to me.

You just click on the add/undo button whenever you enter a sweeps, then click on the icon at the top of the page or click refresh to save it - perfect for those 1x/24hr/weekly/monthly/any odd entry sweeps!!!


Still not sure if you should go green (become a premium member)?

Read this thread written by a long-time member who is finally green, it may help you decide:

My review of being Green - after just 3 days
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...0&page=1&pp=15




*NEW FEATURE*

What is Shazam!?
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo..._whatis_shazam

Shazam! is a new feature that enables you to open all the listed sweeps on page in a new browser window with one click of a button. Shazam! is only available to premium OLS members and currently is only found in the MySweeps section when viewing sweeps by entry frequency: Daily (default MySweeps view), 24-Hour, Unlimited, Weekly, Monthly, Other, Unknown and Single.

After clicking on the Shazam! button to open every sweep on the page in a new window, the Count button is enabled. Clicking on the Count button will record an entry to the entry tracking information for each sweep on the same page (each sweep's Last Entry date and time will be updated and 1 entry will be added to Total Entries).

Once you click on the Count button to add a recorded entry for every sweep on the page, the Undo button will become enabled. Clicking on the Undo button will undo all updates or changes made to the entry tracking information of all sweeps on that page, reverting back to the original information. In other words, you can click on Count to add a recorded entry for each sweep, and then click on the Undo button to undo all those updated entries.

You can also add or undo recorded entries for individual sweeps at any time.


Tips for Using Shazam!:


Pop-up blockers will prevent Shazam! from working properly.
If you click on the Shazam! button and nothing happens or only one or two sweeps open up in new windows, chances are a pop-up blocker is preventing the new windows from opening. Instead of completely disabling any pop-up blocker(s) you may have installed on your computer, add OLS to your pop-up blocker's "whitelist." This will enable pop-ups from Online-Sweepstakes.com while still blocking pop-ups from other web sites. OLS does not use pop-ups to display advertisements or for any other reason.

To add Online-Sweepstakes.com to Internet Explorer's built-in pop-up blocker, go to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy and click on the Settings... button in the Pop-up Blocker section. Put online-sweepstakes.com in the box underneath where it says Address of Web site to allow and click the Add button. Click the Close button, then the OK button and you're done. Other pop-up blockers should have very similar procedures.


Adjust the number of sweeps that are displayed in MySweeps.

The older your computer is and the less memory (RAM) your computer has available to it will greatly effect how many browser windows your computer will be able to open and display at one time. By default, sweeps on OLS are displayed 15 per page. Using Shazam!, older computers with little memory may not be able to open and display 15 sweeps in 15 different browser windows at the same time without crashing or hanging. However, you can go to the Member Options page (link is normally found in the Navigation Menu) and change the number of sweeps displayed per page to either 5 or 10. You will continue to see 15 sweeps displayed per page everywhere else on OLS, only the Shazam! enabled MySweeps pages will be limited to 5 or 10 sweeps per page. Most computers should be able to open and display 5 or 10 windows at a time without any problems using Shazam!.


Dialup user? Read this before you shazam:

Originally Posted by geobucks If you are using a dial-up modem connection, Shazaam is not for you. If you have a reasonably fast processor with sufficient memory, IE loads the multiple sites, but modem can't keep up, so the sites, after the first few, time out. Some sites, particularly MTV and VH-1, often load incorrectly and return a "collection is null" or "404" response when you enter. Windows "remembers" the previous resized explorer window and behaves accordingly. As said above, you can try manually resizing (dragging the boundaries) the IE windows to resize. Doesn't always work for me, but worth the try...

Want to try to WIN a premium subscription? Check these out:

United Devices DC Team Statistics [updated 8/8]
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...ad.php?t=45426

Submit a Sweep, Win a Premium Membership [winners updated 8/8]
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=251912

Here's a link to greensthings thread:

Newbie mistakes, and hints and tricks
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=193527

And gregisme's thread:

Hints For Newbies and Experienced Sweepers
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo....php?t=203919]

Originally Posted by SnLizzyFan You could download Firefox, bookmark your instants into a folder and click "open in tabs". It's the same as shazam.

Originally Posted by SnLizzyFan It's simple, really. Click Bookmarks>Manage Bookmarks>New Folder Name the New Folder Instants, or if you have more than 24 instants name the folder 1 Instants and then create another New Folder and name it 2 Instants. The reason for this is if you open more than 24 tabs at one time, you won't be able to see all of them on your screen. You can open more than 24, but they will be hidden until some of the visible ones have been closed. When you go to an instant win sweep, click Bookmarks>Bookmark This Page>Instants>OK. Now click Bookmarks>Manage Bookmarks>Instants>highlight the page you just bookmarked>click properties....In the Description box put the sweep's end date. While the Manage Bookmarks page is still open click View>Sort by Description...this will arrange the sweeps in the folder by expiration date, which I find very helpful. Once you have bookmarked all your instants, you click Bookmarks>Mouse over your instant folder>mouse to the bottom of the instants folder>click open in tabs, and well, Shazam!

Tips for faster sweeping!?!
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=298934

Originally Posted by hofma2 I have discovered the fastest way to complete your dailies in the matter of minutes. But it may require you to purchase the RoboForm Pro. I thinK that the free version allows 30 SAVE FORMS...I can't remember. But the RF Pro allows unlimited. But here is what I do: When you find a daily sweep you want to enter multiple times, open to the form and complete it, check and uncheck what you need, fix what you have to. JUST BEFORE YOU HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON, go to RoboForm and use the SAVE Form function. I then have to name the form...I start with the expiration date of the sweep. i.e. 093005 means that the sweeps expires on Sept 30, 2005. Then I add a short detail of the prize or sweep. For ones that I want to enter big time I flag in some way like with dollar signs. I know that I want to enter those before all others especially if I don't have time. So I now have named it. RoboForm will file these saved forms under LOGINS and they will be in order by the expiration date. I THEN HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON of the form. This ques RoboForm that as soon as you select that saved form, it will fill and submit automatically and you do not need to worry about the form not being filled out incorrectly or scrolling down to hit the submit button next time you enter. As the expiration date comes and goes, I delete the sweep. I keep about 100 saved forms and get them entered in about 1/2 hour. Once you discover this method, you will catch on to other quick method like your weekly and monthly entries...I have saved forms like... WEEKLY 123005 $50G. The WEEKLY will sort all the WEEKLY forms under the LOGINS so I can enter my week sweeps quick. Works for me, hope it help others.

Originally Posted by hofma2 If you have RoboForm Pro, EDIT your Identity and go to the CUSTOM Tab at the end. Here you can add fields so they are automatically filled...for example, when a form asks for Marital Status, I customized it to automatically select or fill in "single". For check boxes that ask you have you read the agreement, I customized to make it check that box. I have custom for Language, 18 and over check box, Cable Provider, etc. You have to fiddle a little but when you get it, it saves a lot of time. Good luck.

Make sure you read the rules, use only ONE email addy for sweeping (you might want to use one different from your friends/family one because you WILL get spam - I lucked out for months, but just recently started getting slammed with the junk)

And remember - this is ALL about timing, entering tons doesn't guarantee you'll win - but if you are eligible, and want to win the prize(s) go for it!!! Some win right off the bat, but for most, it takes 6 months or longer (took me 4 months to win something other than a "gimme" instant - an instant where virtually everyone wins a very small prize.

If you don't smoke, don't enter the sweeps where you have to be a smoker.

If you aren't pregnant/engaged/own a business/have children/etc... avoid those too - representing yourself as something you aren't is cheating, which is a big no-no!!!

So is using multiple addys for yourself/entering for numerous extended family members/or entering your dog or cat!!!




And please check out mgkamish's thread on this subject:

04/15/05 "I didn't follow the rules but the form went through so I'm okay."

http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...light=mgkamish




http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/prizes.htm

Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning, or to pay "taxes" or "shipping and handling charges" to get your prize. If you have to pay to receive your "prize," it’s not a prize at all.

Sponsors of legitimate contests identify themselves prominently; fraudulent promoters are more likely to downplay their identities. Legitimate promoters also provide you with an address or toll-free phone numbers so you can ask that your name be removed from their mailing list.

Bona fide offers clearly disclose the terms and conditions of the promotion in plain English, including rules, entry procedures, and usually, the odds of winning.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ve won a "big" prize if your notification was mailed by bulk rate. Check the postmark on the envelope or postcard. Also be suspicious of telemarketers who say you’ve won a contest you can’t remember entering.

Fraudulent promoters might instruct you to send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier to enter a contest or claim your "prize." This is a favorite ploy for con artists because it lets them take your money fast, before you realize you’ve been cheated.

Disreputable companies sometimes use a variation of an official or nationally recognized name to give you confidence in their offers. Don’t be deceived by these "look-alikes." It’s illegal for a promoter to misrepresent an affiliation with – or an endorsement by – a government agency or other well-known organization.

It’s important to read any written solicitation you receive carefully. Pay particularly close attention to the fine print. Remember the old adage that "the devil is in the details."

Agreeing to attend a sales meeting just to win an "expensive" prize is likely to subject you to a high-pressure sales pitch.

Signing up for a sweepstakes at a public location or event, through a publication or online might subject you to unscrupulous prize promotion tactics. You also might run the risk of having your personal information sold or shared with other marketers who later deluge you with offers and advertising.

Some contest promoters use a toll-free "800" number that directs you to dial a pay-per-call "900" number. Charges for calls to "900" numbers may be very high.

Disclosing your checking account or credit card account number over the phone in response to a sweepstakes promotion – or for any reason other than to buy the product or service being sold – is a sure-fire way to get scammed in the future.

Your local Better Business Bureau and your state or local consumer protection office can help you check out a sweepstakes promoter’s reputation. Be aware, however, that many questionable prize promotion companies don’t stay in one place long enough to establish a track record, and the absence of complaints doesn’t necessarily mean the offer is legitimate.



This is a hobby, some would say a way of life , but don't let it control you - it's meant to be fun, and if you aren't having any fun, take a break for a while

Newbies Guide to Forum Posting:

With the advent of a bunch of newbies (yes, that Oprah episode was aired - again) I ran across a few posts where newbies asked questions in other peoples' threads, I remember when I did that, and was totally igged - it took me awhile to figure out most didn't read all the posts, didn't know the answer, or perhaps thought I was rude for asking.

Either way, I didn't get my answers, and by the time I figured out why, I forgot what I had asked!



1) Make sure you read and understand the Online-Sweepstakes.com Site and Forum Rules:
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=122599

2) NOTES and FORUMS are two entirely different animals.

NOTES:

"Originally Posted by kbsocial
Notes are to be used for essential things only - not idle chit chat, listing your wins, getting into debates, etc. etc. etc.
The "willy nillyness" of removal is just as mods see it while sweeping/editing we remove them. It is very hard to "police" the notes as it is now which is why we really need everyone to help us out by keeping the chit chat out of there. Brent is working on a whole new way of the notes system and until that time if everyone could refrain from the chit chat - that would be fabulous"

ALSO: MODS can't be expected to read every sweeps note, every day - if there is a problem with a sweeps (bad link, new link, etc.) use the report button (located to the right of the rating) to ensure they will see it and correct the problem.

When someone provides trivia/UPC codes?etc., please don't thank them in the notes - it just clutters them up and pushes the pertinent info down so it has to be bumped, and the poor mods/eds have to do clean up duty instead of validating the sweeps!

If you feel you MUST thank the person, click on their name and send them a pm to thank them instead. Thanks

FORUMS:

Where to go for answers, to ask questions, post wins, etc... Each topic belongs in a specific forum, so make sure you are posting in the correct forum - the less the mods have to clean up, the faster we get good links to new sweeps!

3) Posting to get get your count up so you can trade/sell/etc. is allowed, within reason, BUT, be aware that any notes you post to raise your post count will disappear when the sweeps ends! also, you can't go to your User CP to see what notes you have posted in, as you can for forum posts.

4) Most of the time, you should start a new thread to ask a question, if you ask in the middle of someone else's thread, odds are you won't get an answer. The closer to the OP's subject, the better the odds, but it's still pretty iffy.


***BEFORE you post a new thread, go here: http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/forums/faq.php? or do a forum search first to see if you can find the answer. If you start a new thread, don't be offended if only a few people answer your thread. It is not personal, it's probably been asked and answered dozens of times before.

5) Make sure you subscribe to any threads YOU start, and select instant email notification in your User CP so you won't keep asking the same question in every thread. Besides being against the rules, it's no fun trying to remember which thread had which answer!!! Much easier if they are all in the same thread.

6) Common courtesy goes a long way - you don't have to thank each and every person who helps you, but at least acknowledge you read the answer(s) they took the time to give you. If someone pm's you, have the courtesy to respond.

7) Remember that there are people from all walks of life here, and your life experiences are bound to be different - for example; don't assume people will "get" that you are making a joke - it's very hard to convey tone of voice or mood, so make sure you are as clear as possible.

8) Also remember that we are all real people - please don't take out your frustrations on others. If you feel you are being attacked, it's possible you misunderstood the posters' intent - ask. If it becomes clear they are indeed attacking you, don't respond, and notify a mod.

9) To notify a mod for the above, click on the triangle outlined in red next to the # of the post . This also applies to SPAMMERS - don't respond to them! It only bumps up the post, ensuring more people will see it, and it ticks off the mods! LOL!!!

10) Netiquette (Etiquette practiced or advocated in electronic communication over a computer network) is practiced here - please don't post all in caps, in very loooooooong paragraphs, or with no punctuation. Your post will most likely be ignored if you do. Above all, treat others as YOU wish to be treated, now go enter some sweeps and win me, er, I mean, win you something!!!

And make sure you read and heed this thread:

No More Trolls.
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=342477

STARTING A NEW THREAD:

It took me a long time to figure that one out!!! I spent a few years at g4ttv (techtv back then) and it was my only experience with on-line forums. Theirs was laid out completely different, so when I came here, it was a whole new world

Ok, much easier than it sounds:

Use drop-down menu - select Forums.
Select the Forum you wish to post in (click on the link)

Once in your chosen forum, there will be a New Thread button at the top - click on it and write away!!! Hit submit when you are done, and don't forget to use the subscription so you know when you get replies:

At the top of your post is a Thread Tools drop-down menu. Click on Subscribe to this Thread (you need to set it up for how you want to be notified - I have instant selected)



SUBSCRIBING TO THREADS: Thanks duknuk

"For automatic subscriptions to threads you start or post in, you can also go to UserCP. Edit Options and scroll just a little down to Messaging & Notification under that is Default Thread Subscription Mode."

There you can select Instant, Daily, Weekly or none.

Make sure to scroll all the way down and Save Changes.

If you ever want to find a thread you posted to, click on your name -you can go to forums - yours will be the first name at the bottom as long as you are logged in.

You will have the choice of all of your posts, or all threads YOU started. Very useful for threads you post in but forget to subscribe to!!!

To practice, go to Newbie Neighborhood - sub-forum scratch pad

Have fun!!!

Originally Posted by Scibba if you don't want to subscribe to the threads you post in, you can go to the forums page, go down to Active users and then click on your name. When your page comes up - just scroll down and then click on 'find all posts' and you will see all of the threads you have posted in.

Roboform:

Every person has to make the decision for themselves on whether or not to use Roboform.

It's a form filler, nothing more. Most sponsors get that, and we share the info in notes if it's not allowed.

Be aware that some members say it is a macro, and therefore not allowed.


check out this thread to help you decide:

08/09/04 Sponsors who allow Roboform
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...8&page=1&pp=15

And this one:

Does Roboform = automated?
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=253441


Originally Posted by Brent

Another popular misconception is that you'll get disqualified for using RoboForm. It's pure hogwash. I've been running this site for more than 7 years now, and I have never seen or heard of any evidence suggesting anyone has ever been disqualified from an online sweep because of the use of RoboForm or other similar form fillers. Sponsors and promoters care about you using RoboForm to enter their sweeps just about as much as Amazon.com cares about you using RoboForm to buy a book- they don't. Even if they did, it would be very difficult for them to do anything about it. And even if they did decide to try and do something about it, it would be fairly obvious at the very least.

Don't believe the hype.


Brent


Here are some links to help you decide:


[b]Roboform's site[b]
http://www.roboform.com/?affid=loopy


Roboform's FAQ:
http://www.roboform.com/faq.html?affid=loopy


How to Use RoboForm in Sweepstakes
http://www.roboform.com/sweepstakes.html

Originally Posted by Lbush0 To save a form with Robo, enter all the information on the sweeps form manually but before clicking the enter button, go up to your Robo tool bar and click the "SAVE" button". A dialogue box will pop up and Robo will automatically name this form, (you can change the name if you wish). Click the "SAVE" button on the dialogue box and then the next time you come to the same sweep form, you will click on the login name on your Robo tool bar, (by the star) and it will automatically fill in all your info on that sweeps page. Robo is the best things since white bread. When I go into a site, I click on the Robo login name for that site, click enter and I am done.

To further ease your fears:

Originally Posted by mongoose A few months ago when some members were SWEARING it was cheating, I contacted Three JA's including Blair and asked their opinion of Roboform. The letter I wrote asked specificaly if Roboform was considered a micro or any of their other comments about 'auto entry' statements. They all wrote back (actually, one did not and I contacted another one after that) and said that they were not concerned nor would DQ becuase of Roboform. What the micro, bot and other statements were about was the companies who charge people and then enter for their paid members. They all knew about Roboform and none were calling it a bot or micro. All specificaly said it was acceptable to use. OLS is not one of those companies. These are companies that enter contests FOR YOU, so you do not see nor go to the site yourself. Since you do not go to the site, that is a waste of money for the sponsor. Remember, contests are advertising money and if you don't visit the site, then you are not a potential customer. So, if JA's say they are fine (unless the rules specifically say "form fillers"), there is no reason to panic. Eprize was the one who never responded to my request, by the way

OLS abbreviations got you stymied?

Originally Posted by amyshulk They're really internet, not OLS abbreviations - here are a few links I came across from this thread, titled: OLS jargon or abbreviations http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...1&page=1&pp=15 Internet Acronyms, Abbreviations & Emoticons http://webenet.com/internetglossary.htm A parent's primer to computer slang http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...n/kidtalk.mspx

EPRIZE CONTACTS:

call us toll-free at:

1-877-837-7493

for email:

fulfillment@eprizefulfillment.com

( it used to be fulfillment@eprize.net )



Computer help - Post links, advice, etc...
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=128585


I came across this great thread explaining IP addresses from suelee000:

IP adddresses
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=218550



Why has my windows shrinked?

Originally Posted by gcomstock That's an annoyance built into Windows, rather than spyware or anything. I'm not precisely sure of either why it happens or the exact fix, but it's something like this: Internet Explorer tends to "remember" the window size you used "last." Let's say that your typical experience was whenever you'd open a new window it would open full size. At some point you clicked a link (like a contest entry form) which opened up a small size window (because the page was designed to defeat / overrule your page size preferences, for whatever reason....nothing nefarious, just a webauthor trying to be "artisitic"). Then you closed out all browser windows, and went to cook dinner or whatever. From that point on *whenever* you'd open a new window it was no longer full sized, and was always that same reduced size window. What happened was that the popup window's sizing somehow imprinted itself on your settings. The basic workaround (which sometimes takes a few tries for it to "stick" and which works better if you've cleared cache and are doing it on a fresh reboot) is to close down all windows except for the "little one" that you don't want to be little. Then use your cursor to drag the borders in all directions until it fills the screen. Do NOT use the the little Maximize Window icon at the top right hand corner....DRAG the window to the correct size. The close the window, but NOT by clicking the X in the right hand corner. Close it with the pulldown menus: File>Close. To add a bit more chance it will take, go ahead and reboot. Then when you reboot and access the internet all new windows *should* be the full sized version. Hope it works, it's a time waster to deal with a bunch of too-small windows.

Originally Posted by Pansy Central Marketing Ventura Associates Don Jagoda Marden-Kane National Sweepstakes Co. Synergy Marketing Group Traffic Builders Inc SCA Promtions DL Blair Young America American Sweepstakes & Promotions MMS Grand Cypress Group Promotion Fulfillment Center RPMC Lee's Marketing Fulfillment Network The Wilshire Group Services National Corporate Marketing Arrowhead Promotions & Fulfillment Tri-star Fulfillment Sweepstakes Builder EPI Fulfillment Patriot Communications Promotion Activators Integrated Marketing Group CR Communications & Marketing Sweepstakes Engine ARS Fulfillment United Marketing Services Partners Levit Project Supports Team Prosmosis Promotions.com ePrize marc-usa The Promotion Shop Brandcomet The Marketing Agency Gage HWB Irvine Promotion Group Central The Regan Group Acosta Fulfillment Strategies Malone Adverstising Promotion Mechanics Global Fulfillment Services Digital Research The Jay Group Tocquigny Advertising Group O Direct Archway Marketing SJI Fulfillment GMR Marketing Catalina Marketing Corp J3 Communications Interep Marketing Esrock Partners Young & Rubicam Hole In One Inc K/P corp Total Promotions GeigerDonnelly Marketing Gazelle Marketing Group, Inc

Want to see what a winning screen looks like? Then check out this thread:

http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...3&page=1&pp=15

Originally Posted by greensthings click the "print Scrn" button on your keyboard, and then open up any paint program (windows paint works just fine) click on the paint program window then push the "Ctrl" button and "V" button at the same time..this will now paste your screen capture into your paint program to crop, save or whatever you want to do with it....:

Winning screenshot...
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=324138

Originally Posted by luckyinlife Instead of seeing, 'sorry LOSER', let's see pic's of your winning screenshots (if this has been done already, sorry, didn't see it!) It's pretty easy to do... How to post a screen shot 1) Hit the screen print key on your keyboard which will take a "screen shot" of your instant win. 2) Open your paint program on your computer. To find it click the start key, move the cursor to "all programs" and then to "accessories" and then click on "paint". 3) When the paint program opens click "edit' and then "paste". It will paste your screen shot into the program. Next choose "save as" and then choose a name for your screen shot. Where it says "save as type" I generally choose PNG but you can save it as a JPEG or GIF if you like. Finally click the "save" button. 4) Upload your pic to Photobucket etc... To sign up for a free account go to http://www.photobucket.com 5) Upload your photo and copy URL where it is stored.

*** Sponsors will NOT accept a screen shot as proof you won


So...

Didn't get your winning email?

My TIP on instant win screens:

Whenever you see "WINNER" screen, save that page to your Favorites/Bookmarks.

That way, if you don't get an email, you can email them and send the link to that page!

Since your winning page will usually (so far, all eprize sweeps do) have a unique address, plus it usually includes your login info, they will be able to quickly verify your win.

Send the link, your NAZ, email addy, and login info, then be patient - I usually got an answer in a day or so.

You must be a member for at least 30 days and have 300 posts before you can have a
custom avatar.
Premium Members can have custom avatars without the limitations.


Signature Guidelines
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=209892

Signatures
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...ighlight=image
POST#8:
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...68&postcount=8


Ask for help with your signature here!
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...d.php?t=209890

Originally Posted by Vicky Here are some web sites to help everyone understand bytes and kilobytes. http://www.alouwebdesign.ca/toolkit/file_sizes.htm http://www.learnthat.com/courses/com...ilesize1.shtml http://www.t1shopper.com/tools/calculate/

MyWins Help Thread - Do you need help?
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...k+Win%27s+list

Vicky shows you how in This post:
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...0&postcount=37

Or check out this thread:

HELP! How to create a hyperlink to "wins"

http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...54#post2900554

Originally Posted by kav After you have started a thread listing your wins, select the address of that page up in the address bar and CTRL C it. Then go to OPTIONS/HELP and go to USER CP.Under "edit signature" look at the line that has "B I U... etc." there will be a picture of a blue globe and what looks like sunglasses. If you put your mouse over it, it will say "insert hyperlink". It is the icon that's 5th from the right. Click on that, then you can type in something like "my wins". Then click "OK" and another box will pop up and that's where you CTRL V the address of the page where your list is.

Nickyle's Signature Glitter Name Tutorial
http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/fo...itter+Tutorial



For the number impaired, like me!!!

Originally Posted by greensthings Images in signatures can be no larger than 100 pixels in height, 350 pixels in width and 12k in size...now for those that do not know how big this really is..here is a graphic that will help!

I still haven't figured out where all of this fits in.

When I first log in, I go to the main sweepstakes page( with the NOTES). There, for example is a sweep. Under this sweep are NOTES.

Seperately, under the forums, this same sweep is listed either under premium or new sweeps. Each of these forums has replys.

Also under the forums are the answers page. This is for the answers- maybe only for non-premiums.

Sometimes the new sweeps apear in the premium and regular new sweeps, but quickly are removed from the main sweeps page. Then they are added back in the main sweeps. I heard the moderators move sweeps to the proper days.

So, as I understand it, the answers go under the answers forum, except maybe if they are premium answers, then they go under the premium new sweeps?. The main sweeps page is not for answers, nor chit chat.

One nice thing about the forums is the links are permanant when you bookmark them. The main page bookmarks the date and page number. As the sweeps close, the page numbers are wrong for the sweep you bookmarked.

I would love to just use the forums for entering new sweeps, but... Every time someone replies, it pops up to the top of the list again (sorted by date). I then have to decide if this is a new sweep for me to enter, or just another "I didn't win..." reply. Also, all the important notes are over on the main sweeps page notes. There is no link to these from the forums. And the answers are buried under the answers forums. Also as I am green, I have to look through the premium and new sweeps forums. Later I also go through the local sweeps.

Wouldn't it be easier to have all the data contained in the database linked together? Like:
A SWEEP has NOTES, REPLIES, ANSWERS, REPORTS, COMPLAINTS, CHITCHAT... Then let the user filter out what he wants to see (or can see like premium). That way all of the information about any one sweep would be together and easily found. There can also be "flags" which designate the sweep as local, premium, etc..

Confused, but doing the best that I can..
diyer

Originally Posted by diyer I still haven't figured out where all of this fits in. When I first log in, I go to the main sweepstakes page( with the NOTES). There, for example is a sweep. Under this sweep are NOTES. Seperately, under the forums, this same sweep is listed either under premium or new sweeps. Each of these forums has replys. Also under the forums are the answers page. This is for the answers- maybe only for non-premiums. Sometimes the new sweeps apear in the premium and regular new sweeps, but quickly are removed from the main sweeps page. Then they are added back in the main sweeps. I heard the moderators move sweeps to the proper days. So, as I understand it, the answers go under the answers forum, except maybe if they are premium answers, then they go under the premium new sweeps?. The main sweeps page is not for answers, nor chit chat. One nice thing about the forums is the links are permanant when you bookmark them. The main page bookmarks the date and page number. As the sweeps close, the page numbers are wrong for the sweep you bookmarked. I would love to just use the forums for entering new sweeps, but... Every time someone replies, it pops up to the top of the list again (sorted by date). I then have to decide if this is a new sweep for me to enter, or just another "I didn't win..." reply. Also, all the important notes are over on the main sweeps page notes. There is no link to these from the forums. And the answers are buried under the answers forums. Also as I am green, I have to look through the premium and new sweeps forums. Later I also go through the local sweeps. Wouldn't it be easier to have all the data contained in the database linked together? Like: A SWEEP has NOTES, REPLIES, ANSWERS, REPORTS, COMPLAINTS, CHITCHAT... Then let the user filter out what he wants to see (or can see like premium). That way all of the information about any one sweep would be together and easily found. There can also be "flags" which designate the sweep as local, premium, etc.. Confused, but doing the best that I can.. diyer

I'm not quite sure what you mean - I think we use OLS a little differently perhaps?

This thread is just a stop-gap - until Brent has time to make some changes - to help Newbies find the answers that they usually ask. This site can be quite overwhelming at first.

My routine is to go to the Home Page, check new sweeps (as premiums, we see them all, even before the editors clean them up) add the ones I like, then go to mysweeps for entering and sweeps notes. I don't ever go to the forum post of a sweeps, unless it's a snail, or local sweeps.

Most times, the winners and answers links are posted in the notes, so are easily accessible. If I wish more info on a sweeps, I do a site search.

As I mentioned before, this is a temporary thread, meant to get newbies up to speed. Brent is working on a notes system that will implement most, if not all of your suggestions.

hth, amy

Thanks for doing this Amy! I'm going to pass it on to newbies and probably refer back to it from time to time!! Took a lot of work and effort!

What's green mean?

Originally Posted by KISSaholic4life What's green mean?

Originally Posted by KISSaholic4life What's green mean?

Your Hoo-Hah might be about to fall off! Get to the Emergency Room Quick!