[Steve]

This is an "almost comprehensive" guide on what is defined as a contest (at least the NamePros definition ).

Dictionary.com defines a contest as "a race, conflict, or other competition between rivals, as for a prize."

That's not exactly what a contest in the NamePros Contests Forum is.

We define a contest as "a posted competition between NamePros members, by and for other NamePros members, held within the confines of the designated NamePros Contests Forum, usually for a aforementioned prize or reward".

What?!

In other words, a contest is

• a thread someone posts that challenges other NP'ers to do something weird, wacky, or otherwise incredible
• always posted in the NamePros Contests Forum
• always a fun, safe challenge
• a fun way to stretch your mind and earn prizes along the way

A contest is not

• a thread advertising a contest on another site - that goes in the For Sale/Advertising Board!
• something that encourages spam or pointless posts

Now that you know what a contest is, we'll have to go over some basic, yet exciting guidelines that you should keep in mind when either organizing a contest or participating in one (don't worry, this won't hurt a bit!).

1. Remember what a contest is and is not.
2. All posted contests are to take place at NamePros, not at another site. Any thread advertising another site's contest will be promptly be sent on a one-way, all-expense-paid trip to the glorious For Sale/Advertising Board!
3. Members posting a contest may only have one contest open at a time. Contests are great, but we want to make sure they're kept under control! Once a contest you post is over, it will be marked as completed and left to fill the void of completed contests on the board.
4. If you're posting a contest, be sure to specifically state when the contest ends, and in what time zone.
5. Trader ratings are not to be given as a source of reward. Reputation points may be used, but trader ratings are generally for actual transactions in the community.
6. Your post count will not increase, nor will you gain NameBucks (NP$) for posting in the Contests forum.
7. Any contest violating these simple guidelines will be promptly be closed, deleted, moved, or eaten by -db-, depending upon the thread posted.

Also note that anything posted in this forum does not count toward your post count or NP$ bank account; it's purely for fun.
: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=

And as always, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, gripes, groans, moans, or complaints, do not hesitate to send a private message to me (Etab).
I'll try to get back to you as quickly as possible (I'm always open for suggestions, too). When everyone pitches in, contests can and will be a BLAST!