So I’m still pondering our next contest, and if it’s going to start on Monday, we need to get the details nailed down today! (or at least enough details to be able to get started.
First, let’s talk about the prize. I thought the idea of a “gift basket” composed of items donated by all the participants was really cool, BUT logistically challenging. First of all, the cost becomes nebulous. A crafter can come up with something really cool for five or ten dollars, but a non-crafter might have a harder time. Plus all those items would then need to be shipped to me - and I would compile them into a gift basket to be sent to the winner. This would, of course, mean a big postage bill for me!
So….
I think it would be much simpler to do the $5 entry fee. It’s the same for everyone and doesn’t take any postage at all if you use paypal. If you don’t, you’re out a stamp! 
However, I would love to bring back weekly drawings for weigh-ins. If anyone would like to contribute a prize to that, please let me know!
Now. As to the prize. Much as I liked the idea of a “Swimsuit Competition”, there have been some objections to having a gift card that was too specific. (though of course, Lands End offers much more than swimsuits, so the winner could’ve chosen something else) I will bow to the people and decree that the winner will receive an AMAZON gift certificate. Can’t go wrong with that! If we have 10 or fewer particpants, there will be only one prize. However, if we have more, I will subdivide the amounts to provide at least two prizes and perhaps a third. (for example, $40, $25 and $10 gift certificates if we have 15 participants)
Just so you know, the basic premise of this contest will be the “Biggest Loser” concept. It will be kept simple. It will not be determined by random drawing. It will be as fair as I can possibly make it.
This contest will be open to OWOA posting members and frequent visitors. Each participant must, in addition to contributing to the final prize, email me a starting photo and a finishing photo. The time limit for this contest has yet to be determined. I’m thinking something like 8-10 weeks.
So that’s what I have so far…. Questions? Comments? Expressions of affirmation or alarm? 
Sounds great!
Beginning photo from the beginning of the contest or from when we first began to lose weight? ’cause I didn’t take one of those.
Comment by Jana — February 15, 2007 @ 7:29 am
From the beginning of the contest.
Comment by blestwithsons — February 15, 2007 @ 7:30 am
Blest, I would like to contribute a prize for the weekly weigh-in drawing. I have a few crafty things that could be fun prizes.
Comment by Anita — February 15, 2007 @ 7:38 am
WHat!!!! Lady you are crazy..I think the idea is just…great! Thought I would pull ya along though. I like the Amazon idea. I think dividing out the prize is also great. Kind of like sharing the love. I could always donate a couple bars of soap again or maybe make a purse of something as a weekly prize. Hey! Wait, here’s an idea. Maybe the moola goes to 1 person and then the 2nd and 3rd placers could have a prize donated by a couple volunteers. Like I can make up a purse for a 2nd or 3rd prize and I’d be willing to pay the shipping to the winner. Whatcha think?
Comment by Tami — February 15, 2007 @ 7:56 am
I just wanted to add that for the purse/bag, I could do one up during the contest that way we’d have a picture OR I could wait until we know the winner and then make one somewhat tailor made. Meaning, if it’s a gal who doesn’t carry a purse but only a diaper bag then I could make something along that line…if it’s a gal that just needs a tote for church, I can do that, a tote for the library…can do. A tote for crafts…now you’re asking a bit much! J/K. A lunch bag…can manage (not insulated though)
Comment by Tami — February 15, 2007 @ 8:17 am
Sounds like a great plan to me!
I can also contribute a crafty prize for weekly challenges or what-have-you: criss-cross coasters, fabric-covered journal,or notecards.
Comment by lady laura — February 15, 2007 @ 8:21 am
If we do the contest for 10 weeks, then that puts us right up to the beginning of May. Which is sort-of the beginning of swimsuit season
Sadly, I’m not too crafty so I can’t contribute much to a weekly drawing. However, I am a big music person, so I’ll happily contribute a fun mix CD for pump-up workout music
I also like the idea of 2nd and 3rd place prizes.
Yay! I’m excited for the new contest.
Do the pictures need to be full-length?
Comment by Anne — February 15, 2007 @ 11:11 am
A mix CD sounds great! And I thought of that too…the first of May. Perhaps we’ll call this the Queen of May contest!
Yup. Full length pic -preferably in workout clothes. But I will not be posting them online. Though I would like to put up before and after pics of the winners. However, we can always password protect them so that only OWOA members and other participants can see them.
Comment by blestwithsons — February 15, 2007 @ 11:24 am
Ok, let’s do this…$5 sounds reasonable. I’ll see if I can think of a “prize” for the weekly drawing…I don’t do much in the way of “crafts” anymore…heck, most of my “crafty” supplies are in storage lol.
I’m feeling really awful since yesterday afternoon…not sure what’s going on…just feel bad overall (and very very bloated…which is odd for this time of month). I need to feel better now - I don’t get “sick days” (as you moms know all too well). Going to go see if I feel up to working out…still sore from shoveling snow for over 1.5 hours yesterday…
Comment by Blair — February 15, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Hi, I just saw the details for the new contest. I’m not an OWOA member or a frequent visitor (just found this blog this week but will not frequent it all the time) but I’m interested in the new contest. Can I participate?
Comment by Cristina — February 15, 2007 @ 12:31 pm
I’m sorry, I just read my post where I said “will not frequent it all the time…”. I meant to say…will NOW frequent it all the time.
Comment by Cristina — February 15, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
I wanna do the contest, but how does it work with £/$ ?
I do have a pay pal account so that’s fine. Although I’ve never actually bought anything with it, but I’m sure I can figure it out
Comment by Debs — February 15, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
Cristina…I figured that’s what you meant. Funny typo though!
Debs, I’m hoping paypal will take care of the conversion for us.
Comment by blestwithsons — February 15, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Sounds good to me! And we’ll be moving in May, so maybe this is just the motivation I need to lose weight before meeting all my new neighbors and dh’s co-workers. And BETHANY!
I scrapbook, so I can contribute a mini-album (handmade). It can be a general one or it can be a weight loss album to show progress pictures.
Comment by Christy — February 15, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Ooooo……..Christy…I like the idea of a weight loss album. For all of you that don’t take pictures yet, I urge you to every month. Same day of the month. I typically don’t see the changes in me that everyone else does until I look at pics!
Comment by Tami — February 15, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
I must must must start taking photos!
Comment by Debs — February 15, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
Just been looking at pay pal and it seems easy enough to do
Comment by Debs — February 15, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Sounds like a great contest. I will be willing to contribute a weekly weigh in prize. Gotta think what it should be though. My crafty things are also in storage. But if all else fails, I’ll buy something!
I wanna help. And prizes are so much fun!
:P I need to lose weight before meeting you too, Christy!
Comment by Bethany — February 15, 2007 @ 3:27 pm