We have seen many a contest go awry because the sponsor did not put a few safeguard in the official rules to protect themselves. Here is our short list of restrictions you should have in place:
- Don’t allow copyrighted materials.
That means no music, copy or images of anything that isn’t original. And sometimes you have to further spell it out in the FAQs – no trademarks on your clothing or in the background of your video or photo, no TV, radio or music playing in the background, and no quotes or song lyrics from other people in your essay or video.
- Limit File size.
“What? Why can’t I submit this 45 minute video that is 35 GB?” No. No one has time to judge that or to pay for the hosting and streaming costs for large files. Unless you plan on using submissions to create high resolution art, ask people to submit small files.
- Limit file types.
Same as above. Just say no. If you are asking people to submit photos, don’t accept Word or PowerPoint documents. Limit the acceptable file types to the types of files consistent with the ask.
- Make submissions appropriate.
No one wants to watch a video entry of a naked man, in skeleton makeup, singing a Sound of Music song. Trust me. Set some limits on appropriateness in your rules.
- Ask that entrants have model releases for anyone in your photo or video that isn’t you or your immediate family.
This concept could protect your business from being sued by someone appearing in a contest winner’s photo. Include it in your rules or affidavits – and ask for the releases before you announce a winning entry just to be sure the photo or video subjects all have their permission slips signed.
- No leader boards.
If you have a cheater in the lead, you don’t want a PR nightmare on your hands as people make accusations on your social media pages. Not having a public leader board lets you deal with cheaters privately.
- No buying votes through a service or using vote exchanges.
Voting services are springing up as fast as UGC-contests that use public voting. They create an unfair advantage to those that can pay the fee. Avoid the headache, and potential public outcry if one of your winners turns out to have bought their votes, by banning the use of these services and monitoring your votes for any fraud.
We can help you draft official rules that includes these restrictions and more. Contact us to get started.
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