Thursday, September 11, 2014

A Weekly Giveaway Day????

So I have been contemplating the notion of having a weekly giveaway day.  These would be on the same day each week  (I am thinking Terrific Thursday Giveaway Day).  They would be sponsored giveaways hosted by the shops that sponsor Happy Quilting.

 Now, I know that no one likes hoops but I also want to  highlight the shops that would be  sponsoring these giveaways.   So I thought a fair compromise would be to have 2 entries for the giveaway.  The first would be no hoops attached, just leave a comment.  And the second (which would be optional) would ask you to get to know a shop thorough any social media you use.  So something like . . .  Follow a shop. You can like them on Facebook or  Instagram or Twitter or their Blog or sign up for their Newsletter and then leave a comment here of where you follow :)    Edit - We could even add pick a favorite item from their shop and comment about it if that is an option people like ;)

Second Edit and really a tangent from the original question, but while we are discussing . . .  -  I appreciate the comments that have been made about the concept that giveaways are advertising.  And yes, I agree, they are, absolutely but I think they are also a fun way to advertise.   I advertise for my sponsors on my blog, otherwise they would not want to sponsor my blog which I don't blame them for because the long and the short of it is that they are a business.   I am in the same boat, I love to create and share beautiful things  but I also have to pay for that passion,  But, please know that  I really do try to keep the "business" side of Happy Quilting inline with the goal of  sharing my love of quilting.   All of my "advertising" will always be quilting related and in harmony with my quilting passion.   , I just hope this helps explain more why I choose to have sponsors and why I am contemplating doing this giveaway day :)   (And please don't think my explanation means you still can't share your thoughts, including if you don't like giveaways, it is just that, an explanation ;)


So that's the idea.  

So now, I would love it if you could share with me your thoughts about this??

Would you love it???

Do you think giveaways are great and you wouldn't mind a little optional hoop???

Would you hate it???

If you aren't a giveaway kind of gal, would you still come and read the other 6 days of the week???

Would you stop coming altogether to read because it drove you nuts??



Please, leave a comment.  I want to do what majority of readers are looking for when they come to read here ;)  You are all a part of Happy Quilting :)  You can share whatever opinion you have, but lets just remember to be nice ;)

Thank you so much for your help in this :)  I look forward to reading your thoughts on the idea ;)





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116 comments:

  1. Do you really need to ask? Who doesn't love giveaways, especially when there are no hoops. I don't mind visiting other pages some times, but it fills up my mailbox when I start getting everyone's newsletters. But count me in! :) Thanks!

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  2. I must admit that while I love giveaways I hate hoops. I follow a few fabric stores - the ones I buy from frequently but I rarely if ever sign up to follow new ones during giveaways although I do always visit their sites to see what they are about. My email, facebook, Instagram and Pinterest are more than cluttered enough as it is and I already feel I need to frequently go through them to cut down on those I follow so that I get to see the content I really want to see and not just lots of advertising. As a result the only time I would take the extra step and follow somwhere new is if I find that they stock something unusual or exceptional and if I know that I will therefore buy from them in the future.

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    1. I should also mention that I do read the blogs I follow all the time regardless of whether they do giveaways or not.

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  3. The comment only option is generous on its own. Having a hoop for an optional second entry is not out of line. The sponsors should get a benefit for giving away free merchandise. It is our choice to jump through the hoop or not. Thanks a bunch.

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    1. I agree with Gayle - well said. I also agree with Paula that I read the blogs I follow every day , giveaway or no.

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  4. Now, I know that my opinion will not be the most popular one. I really don't want to discourage you. It is just that I have been having these thoughts on giveaways for quite some time and haven't had a chance to get it out of the system... So, here are my apologies in advance :)
    I read a lot of blogs. And when I says 'a lot' I mean hundreds and hundreds. And I keep subscribing for more, because I'm afraid of missing something cool :) That's just to give you an idea of what kind of reader I am.
    And I hate giveaways. Really. They upset me. When I started reading sewing blogs I was very excited about all those giveaways. I could not pass a single giveaway I saw. And of course I never won. Not a single time. Because with the popular blogs the chances are almost non-existant. That's simple math. Giveaways are profitable for the shops (they get likes, shares, subscribers and increase brand awareness). Giveaways are also good for the blog owners (because giveaways are shared on social media and otherwise and drive more traffic to the blog). But I can't see in what way giveways are good for the readers. After estimating how much time in total I spent on participating in giveaways I understand that I should have better spent that time working and earning money to buy whatever I need instead of hoping to win it.
    Giveaways are advertising. And I feel cheated when bloggers say they are something else.
    And yes, sometimes I unsubscribe from bloggers that host too many giveaways, because I don't want to waste my time on opening and scrolling through their posts to find out it is just another advert. That's not why I subscribe to blogs. I subscribe to look at beautiful handmade items they make and get inspired, to read their advice and tutorials. And I don't mind honest reviews of fabric stores or supplies. But a giveway is not a review. It's advertising.
    P.S. I've reread my comment and it sounds angry. I didn't mean it, sorry. You can just right it off to frustration of a generally unlucky person if you want :)

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    1. thanks for the input from a newbie. I'm taking it all in. Have to agree tho my time is best spent on what relates and inspires. Honestly too, I am limited $ wise; have own local resources and, am still moving towards the "modern look" movement.

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    2. Have to say too, that I wouldn't have come this far in viewing other blogs and creating my own IF not for the blog hop and giveaways. So it's all good. I can pick and choose.

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  5. I agree with Gayle. And extra chance for going through a hoop-- not a bad trade! Besides, I have found more than one shop by using the hoops :D However, on a personal note, I don't follow a shop (or blog) unless I really want to see more of them in the future. As the others said, the choice is open.

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  6. I'm probably in the minority, but here's my $0.02 - I still use an RSS feed (feedly) to follow quilting blogs. On any given week, there are multiple posts about giveaways. Personally, I get tired of seeing them. I follow quilt blogs because I want to read about other quilter's creative processes, learn from their mistakes, learn from their tutorials, and see their beautiful finished products. I like to draw inspiration for my own projects and learn about quilting. Giveaways seem to adulterate the craft and point to a slow march towards becoming a businessperson, rather than a crafter -- it's a big glaring neon sign pointing towards the monetization of creativity. I'm not opposed to supporting oneself through blogging - it's great that talented people can turn a hobby into a profession with income. However the creative content of blogs are quickly overtaken by giveaways, product reviews (that I find suspect, even when the "my opinions are my own" disclaimer is used), advertisements for sales from sponsors, pictures of finished products with no discussion of process, and/or self promotion of a book/pattern/ruler published by the author. None of that is my cup of tea. I think I wouldn't be so jaded if I had started following quilt bloggers in 2008 when the big explosion of modern quilt blogs started and seen the gradual change in blogs, but I just started quilting in 2013 and a lot of good bloggers with great content in their archives have already made the monetization transition.

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    1. You have explained it so much better than I did in my comment above :) I'm glad to see I'm not the only one :)

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    2. I really like your comment above because it much more clearly states our shared frustration - we get tired of seeing advertising all the time!

      I do enter giveaways - but only Rafflecopter, because it's a mouse click. I don't have to come up with then type some comment about the blog post. I don't "unfollow" those blogs that have tons of giveaways, I just mark those posts as read on my RSS feed without actually reading them.

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    3. I so agree with the above comments, however the giveaways through Rafflecopter is one I will not do, I did it in the beginning when I first started following blogs but it takes so much time to go through all the clicking, I'd rather be looking at a tutorial to help me better my quilting.

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  7. I don't mind one hoop (or sometimes two if they are easy to get through). I usually already follow the giveaway sponsor, but if I don't already, I don't mind following them on ONE optional social media site. I hate the ones where you have to follow them on 'every' social media site because it's usually the same content on all and I don't want to see the same thing over and over again. So yes, a comment, and one 'follow' is perfectly acceptable to me.

    If I visit the shop/blog / social media account of the 'sponsor' and don't find it appealing, I won't follow, thereby not utilizing the second 'entry'. Personal choice. Also, I do not enter every giveaway. If I don't truly want or have use for the prize I will not enter. Simple as that.

    @Laughing Owl - no, your response does not sound angry to me. It sounds honest.

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  8. I am rather middle of the road with giveaways - I used to enter every one (and never won) then I got smart and realized that I did not really like the fabric or notion that was being offered so why enter to win...nowdays I enter maybe one or two giveaways a month. Then along came rafflecopter - the few times I have tried to use it just says aw shucks we did not get your entry....I think it wants you to use facebook all the time and I refuse to clutter up my facebook with advertisements. Facebook for me is for family - after all I live 3000 miles away from my 3 y/o triplet grandbabies. long story short, if you decide to do giveaways, I would probably do the comment entry, and even check out your generous sponsor as I am always on the lookout for good prices and/or sales, but only for those giveaways that I would want and use.

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  9. I love giveaways. It's up to me to join it or leave it. And in your way it is also my own decision to use the second hoop or not. The only thing I don't like is, when a giveaway is restricted to one country. Ok, shipping won't be for free, but then it would be good, if readers from other countries could pay you the shipping. So, it would be our decision, if we want to pay it or leave this giveaway out.
    So, please share the giveaways in any case. :-)
    Sorry, my english is not the best.
    greetings from Germany, Rike

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  10. Hi, I think everyone loves Giveaways! I agree with you, it is great advertising too!

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  11. I love the giveaways, I don't like having to subscribe to a site when I already get their blog in Feedly. I would prefer to add to Feedly rather than get an email and same info in my blog program. Face book is ok. Love your blog, either way, I won't stay away.

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  12. I love the option of giveaways, even though I've never won one! LOL

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  13. I always read what you post, giveaways are a bonus.

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  14. I bove giveaways! I don't mind hoops that involve going to sponsor's site and sharing something I like there. I say go for it, it is fun to enter, there is always that hope that I might possibly, maybe win this time. Whether you have giveaways or not, I still love your blog and will still be a frequent visitor.

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  15. I love giveaways! Hoops not so much ~ but I'll never leave you. Just cancelled some of the blogs I read but not yours ~ you've always got lovely posts!

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  16. I think it's a terrific idea and really love giveaways...just that I never win.

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  17. Awesome!! I love giveaways and I love it that you held it to two optional entries and not 5 or 10!! Thank you to you and to your most generous sponsors!!

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  18. I enjoy entering giveaways when I can leave a comment in the comment section or even go to a sponsor to check them out as I've found new online store that way. I do not like the widgets or rafflecopters as they tend not to work well. So I would encourage you to keep it simple and ask for a comment with the optional second entry of checking out the sponsor or even a third entry of following you as you might get new followers that way.

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  19. Hello ! What is not to like about giveaways! Great idea.

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  20. great idea!! I love giveaways, and your explanation is on the money. sounds good to me!!

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  21. I would like to add that I appreciate when the blogger sets a deadline for entering and follows it and then emails the winner and also posts the winners name in a new post.

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  22. Who doesn't like a giveaway? And one little hoop, especially if it's optional, isn't a bad thing. Thanks for considering doing this too!

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  23. I love giveaways that don't use the rafflecopter. That is what annoys me most about giveaways! I say if they are willing to give fabric away then super, do it. My favorite giveaways from you, though, are the ones that go with the QALs. That is my most favorite kind of giveaway, but I also see it as not really being great for the shops because the only that really ever gets a real spotlight (making the bundles) is the Intrepid Thread.

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  24. Rosemary B here:
    It is your blog.
    I love winning stuff, especially if it is from one of your sponsors. Many of us are busy and do not know about the latest fabric line, or very versatile tool. I read your blog.
    I will jump through hoops --- it keeps my mind - er, creativity active :-D

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  25. First of all, I love giveaways! And I really appriciate it if I just have to leave a comment to be drawn into the pot. If there's a second option (like follw on socail media) I'll take my time to think about it and mostly (and honestly) vote against it because I don't use facebook (and most are facebook-options ... don't mind pintrest so much it's more okay to me). What I hate, really hate if the giveaway is just open for US resident because (let's face it) neither the showowners nor the bloggers mind the shipping when I order form their shop. But I think a weekly giveaway day would be much more for a quilt shop and not so much for you who's first of all a designer. Perhaps a monthly giveaway and/or on special days?

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  26. Love giveaways, maybe pick your favorite thing on their site, to give feedback to sponsors.
    24Tangent@gmail.com

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  27. I like seeing/reading people win giveaways even if it's not me. I like ones where we are asked to answer a question and each person is allowed only one entry. I do like when they are sponsored, because I learn something new that the site stocks and I can file it in my long term memory for when I need something similar. I enjoy the info you and other blogs share with all of us, I have learned so much this way.

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  28. I like giveaways even though I never win. For optional entries I prefer things like 'follow on FB' or follow blog. I don't do Twitter or Instagram. I read blogs all the time - not just when there is a giveaway.

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  29. I don't mind give aways, but I really dislike those that are restricted to US people only. People from all over the world order fabric from US stores, so why shouldn't we also have the chance to win something from those stores? The chances of us winning are low because there's always so many US entrants, but surely if an overseas person did won occasionally, the store could foot the postage and send us the prize? If they're not willing to do that, then we should vote with our feet and shop elsewhere.

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  30. I like giveaways and think it's a win win. I have sponsored giveaways and my own giveaways so it's not always about advertising but even if it were I don't have a problem with it when it's fabric! We all have to buy it to create things!

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  31. My thoughts are the same as #13, Paula. We can choose to do the extra hoops or not. And I think you offer so much GOOD content that once a week wouldn't bee too much!! Hugs to you my friend!! H

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  32. Love giveaways! And I don't mind an extra hoop just not an extra 20 hoops! It gives people the chance to try things they might not otherwise be able to and produces new customers. I think that's a good thing :)

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  33. I like giveaways as much as the next person. I will say there are blogs I have followed in the past that got to the point 90% of their blogs were about advertising or giveaways and I've stopped going to their site. I enjoy content and being inspired by what others are creating. When I stop seeing that, I tend to gravitate elsewhere. I don't mind commenting on a favorite item for the sponsor, and I don't mind the follow Facebook etc. Usually those are about getting extra points for each like or follow and I choose which I take advantage of.

    Thanks for asking1

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  34. I love giveaways and I love your idea for a giveaway day. Honestly, the only time I get frustrated with giveaways is when you have to be a FB or Twitter user (I am not for either one) to enter. That drives me nuts. But I like the way you want to set it up.

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  35. I think the giveaway idea is a great one. I don't have a problem with the advertising aspect of it. I will happily read your blog regardless.

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  36. I wish this had a "Like" button! It's not cheap to be able to maintain a blog with a high readership, so I understand the need for sponsors. I like your two-prong approach, simple for those who just want to enter, and a bonus for those who like to explore new things!

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  37. I like giveaways as well as anyone.... but I read quilt blogs to get ideas and oh and awww

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  38. I think that one post a week with sponsor related information, including giveaways, is totally acceptable! I would read and enter when it was convenient or when I was genuinely interested in the sponsors offerings.

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  39. Everyone loves giveaways. I've participated in giveaways where I've had to visit other sites and sometimes I've found sites I love, others, not so much. But I still participate if I llike the prize.

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  40. I love giveaways. I don't always enter them - it depends on what the prize is b/c if it's not something I love, then better to let someone who really wants it get a better chance. I read the other material too, so weekly giveaway or not, I'm around. I don't mind it being tied to promoting a business - of course it's advertising! I don't blame businesses for that. I appreciate the comment only option though. On the other hand, if you don't have a weekly giveaway it doesn't mean I'll go away either.

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  41. I love giveaways but hate hoops. I think your proposal of an optional entry for those who can be bothered with the hoops is a good compromise.

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  42. First let me apologize in advance! I proofread this and tried to cut things out and I'm still left with what appears to be a novel. (actually I read this three times and did A LOT of cutting to get to the point in which it is now)

    I understand you wanting to do giveaways Melissa. It will help your advertisers, and will also drive a lot of traffic to your site as well. I don't mind them and I have entered many over the years.

    I don't enter as many as I used to for one reason. That reason is this: If a blogger has a giveaway and posts the exact date it ends and then the exact date a winner announcement will be, then be nice to your readers and do it. Requiring your readers to come back to find out if they won, then further requiring them to email you within 24 hrs or 48 hrs to accept their prize or they forfeit but the winner announcement doesn't happen when promised it forces them to check back daily to see if an announcement was finally made. I've seen some finally post a winner over a week later and then give them only 24 hrs to email. Some never post a winner announcement as promised. That shows me they don't care about loyal readers who are supporting them. I would love to see all giveaways have a date posted for the end and a date a winner will be announced, either a separate new post, or on the giveaway post, not as a random comment in another blog post that has nothing to do with the giveaway so no one see it.

    As far as jumping through hoops? One easy entry is great. Thank you. A second one with a small hoop to jump through isn't that bad and you already said it will be an optional one so no one really should be upset. If someone wants the prize, then do that optional 2nd entry and jump that hoop, otherwise don't. Some recently have required readers to follow the sponsor's blog and Facebook and also sign up for their newsletter as well. Way too much in my opinion.

    From what I can recall you have always been fairly prompt at announcing your winners on any giveaways Melissa, so the above was not pointed at you. I just wanted to put this out there for any other bloggers who might be reading comments here to use the feedback you are getting to gain insight for their own blogs/giveaways.

    You know I've followed you for a very long time now Melissa and having a weekly giveaway isn't going to make me stop reading. I love your quilting style and you have such awesome tutorials, which is greatly appreciated. Now, if you grow into a bigger business and you stop doing all those things, including taking the time to sometimes email after a comment was left, then we need to talk. LOL I have had that happen with another blogger I followed daily and commented on almost every single post she made because she was super sweet and I loved her style as well. Now, however she can't take the time to reply to any emails or comments because she's grown so large. It's sad from the reader aspect, but that is the direction she wanted to take her business so I'm happy for her.

    I've babbled long enough.
    And all this rambling I just did? Yea, THIS is why I don't have a blog yet. I don't seem to know when to just stop. Sorry.

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  43. Keep it simple. I hate the raffles where you get one entry for doing this and another one for doing that, etc. I skip the blogs where someone is just listing fabric. However, if I get a post from a fabric company I read it as I do want to see what they have available. I like it when bloggers show a new gadget and what it does. Then I'm more apt to go to the other site to get the gadget and then look at what else is available. I appreciate your asking.

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  44. Hi Melissa. I love reading blogs and if there is a giveaway, that is a bonus. If there are too many hoops or ones that I can't do (like FB, Instagram) I just don't do them. I read blogs for inspiration and not just for giveaways.

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  45. Hi Melissa! I enjoy reading your blog and do like the giveaways. I think I would prefer just a straightforward make-a-comment entry, but I do also enjoy exploring sites and perhaps choosing a favorite product. I have become fairly picky about signing up to follow sites. Too many sign-ups and my inbox is too full and there is not enough time to read the blgs I already follow and enjoy, like yours!

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  46. I love reading your blog....and enjoy giveaways..... Just wish I could win!!!

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  47. Love give-aways but really don't like to have to jump to another site and back again to be able to enter. I will read your site no matter, I love it! On sites that I read regularly if they have a give-away with hoops I usually just pass the give away by. Go for it, it just adds another dimension to a lovely blog.

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  48. It is a bit of a bind to skip to another site and then back to leave a comment. Also I am UK based so no point doing it if your sponsors will not post internationally. Love your blog though.

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  49. I LOVE GIVEAWAYS !!

    I don't mind at all to jump to another site for a give away :-D

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  50. Weekly giveaway, did you say weekly giveaway! Sounds good to me, as long as there aren't so many hoops to jump through. What your proposing sounds reasonable to me, so thank you in advance for this generous giveaway on a weekly basis.
    lv2bquilting2@comcast.net

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  51. I think it's a fine idea :) Everyone loves a giveaway. I often find new-to-me shops this way. I don't mind going to the sponsors store and looking around it, then commenting on what I like. I dont' do any other social media, but I don't mind signing up for a newsletter. Thanks Melissa, I enjoy your blog, even though I don't comment often, I'm a pretty quiet person :)

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  52. Hmm, I have a few comments on giveaways and the whole weekly thing that we can maybe chat about separately, but here's my general thoughts:

    I don't like to have to jump through a bunch of hoops.

    I don't like Rafflecopter, mainly due to its flaky software and insistence that you have to use Facebook

    I don't like country specific giveaways. Or to put it another way, if as a business you'll only ship within your country in a giveaway, I won't ever be buying from you, never mind trying to win your prize.

    I don't like it when people do giveaways and you don't see a winner announced for ages, possibly because they've forgotten, or they've got busy. If you know certain days aren't good, then don't say you'll announce that day! Please do, though, indicate when you actually will be announcing...

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  53. I love giveaways! Just don't use Rafflecoper because it doesn't work on my ipad!

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  54. I love giveaways and jumping through a few hoops is ok. I find that I find new shops or blogs that I like that way

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  55. I like giveaways and I also try to have them on my blog... I actually always offer fabric from my stash because I don't have sponsors but people seem not to participate if there are "things" to be done... a comment is the only thing that works. And while I understand that most people have little time and don't want to jump through hoops, I use giveaways to initiate interactions with others so I usually require people to do something (like linking up a blog post or picture). Maybe that's why all my efforts seems to fail :(

    But if you have sponsors and you offer giveaway from them I think that asking people to do something for that shop is just fair, especially if that is just an extra entry :) And they are your giveaways so you can do them however you like!

    I think that people who are inspired by you will keep coming if you keep sharing your work, even if for one day in the week you share your thoughts about a sponsor and offer a giveaway!

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  56. I love giveaways. I love having the option to not go through hoops because I don't have a blog, don't have facebook, twitter or even a smart phone! I l am sometimes willing to sign up for newsletters but I have to balance that so my husband doesn't get irritated since we share an e-mail account. I think one day a week is fine but I know for me it is discouraging if you don't read blogs until evening and there is a giveaway where there are already 300 people who have commented because they live on the east coast and not the west coast to make the effort to do it. I like to have something to comment on either fabric or a question and not just pick me! Your sponsors are always interesting to go and look at.

    So as long as there is still an option that is just a comment and no strings I am okay. I do like variety in the days of the giveaway but I understand for planning and sanity sometimes picking a day is easier.
    Thanks for letting us comment on this. K-

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  57. I used to like entering giveaways...but now I dont even bother to read those posts.
    they are generally a waste of my time (as im in australia and more-often-than-not they wont post out here even if I won)...and I just am generally not interested.
    I wont stop reading your blog if you have them though... :)
    I just wont be reading those posts...
    Jessica xx

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  58. I love giveaways; I've won several times. But reading the blogs is always why I'm there in the first place, and I have learned SO much that I never ever would have learned if it weren't for all the wonderful neighborhood of quilting blogs out there. It has changed my life. I don't blog, it's just not something I feel able to do, but I so admire all the people that do. Some blogs have tutorials, some don't. That's okay, too. I still learn from all of you out there. Sometimes I feel like a "lurker", but that's not what I want to be. I feel like I'm part of the community, even though I don't blog, and I enjoy you all so much! So there are my thoughts. Run your giveaway any way you like. I will participate and thoroughly enjoy giveaways.

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  59. I agree with your other commenters, giveaways are always fun, hoops are optional. I have found a lot of great on line stores through giveaways, so it's been a win-win in my experience. :)

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  60. I follow several blogs and you're among my top favs. I would much rather see your work than a giveaway. I do sometimes participate if it's just leave one comment but definitely no hoops. So I would say go ahead and do the giveaway if you really want to but please no hoops.

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  61. Hi Melissa, it's your blog - remember that! I think you have been quite generous soliciting feedback and offering a no hoop option. Plus if you do your giveaways on the same day and people don't like them them you can always choose not to read that day. I'll read your blog regardless and enter your giveaways! Good luck with whatever you decide to do

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  62. I don't mind giveaways, as long as you keep doing all of your other wonderful posts too. What annoys me most about giveaways is that far more often than not, it is never even mentioned if it's open internationally or not, and if it is, it's right at the bottom of the post in a small font. Most blogs I read are run by people in the US and they seem to forget that not all of their readers are from the same country. Also sometimes they will post a prize internationally, but the winner has to pay the postage, which I find ridiculous.
    I read your blog to see all your great quilts and to hear about how you make them and will continue whatever you decide about giveaways.

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  63. I too love a giveaway and I like to visit your sponsors websites. I don't like to add more newsletters or blogs to my already longish list I like to read every day - like yours:)

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  64. I like giveaways, never win, but I do try, like the comments for entering, dont care for rafflecopter software
    and I read your column each day it comes
    aka kingcooper0001@aol.com

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  65. I love giveaways and appreciate that the blogger is able to have a giveaway because of a sponsor. I don't mind jumping through one hoop but do not like having to follow them via several methods and hate rafflecopter. Chances are I already follow the sponsors shop and if I don't, I might find that I really like them and begin purchasing from them. I have found several of my favorite shops this way.

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  66. Dear Melissa. I'm always happy to read your opinion on quilting related businesses or products. If I have a chance to win something then that's even better. You don't force people to participate, nor do they have to visit your blog. I don't mind a few hoops and I have discovered some great sites through this means. Go for it. I will stick with you.

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  67. I debated for a long time to leave a comment or not. I finally decided to leave my 2 cents worth.

    I love giveaways! Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! lol But what I really like is how you have been doing your giveaways. Leave a comment, Mr. Random generator, I DISLIKE Rafflecopter, then you post the winner in a separate post.
    I usually look at blogs from my Ipod, while I have a few minutes here and there through out the day. I just can't look at stuff at shops on that tiny screen! So having to go to a site, usually turns me away from the giveaway.
    I read your blog for inspiration and your tutorials. Giveaways are just icing on the cake.

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  68. I would love a giveaway. I always enter, but have never won. I personally prefer not to have to 'follow' a sponsor on FB because I'm not on FB. I have personal reasons that I have stopped FB. Hope you decide to do a weekly giveaway. I'll be in the comments hoping that I might one day become a winner!!!

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  69. I read each of your posts as they are delivered to my email and will continue to do so whether there is a giveaway or not. Your posts make me happy and inspire me. I do like giveaways, but I do not have Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts and I really appreciate when there is an email or Bloglovin option. It bothers me that on some blogs you can follow by email or Bloglovin but can't enter their giveaways. Thanks for asking my opinion.

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  70. I love giveaways and have won a couple of them. I would definitely leave a comment and would visit the sponsor to see what kind of merchandise they sell.

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  71. I enjoy following your blog and enjoy giveaways. I have only won 2 giveaways in 2 years, but hey...its a giveaway. But...what I really dont like is when they offer the only ways to enter is to post on facebook, twitter or instagram. I don't do any of those, therefore I can't enter the giveaway. I follow via Email and some Bloglovin' and google. That's all I can handle! I'd do ALL via email if I could but some are starting to not offer that option anymore for the blog. I also love pictures with the blogs to see the wonderful projects in living color!

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  72. These are my thoughts--many of us may not like advertising, but it is a necessary part of business. And I think giveaways are a fun way to give your sponsors exposure. We, as readers, have a choice--nobody is making us add a comment or hop over and pick out a favorite fabric. So, no I would not hate it or stop reading your blog. Love your blog, especially the quilt-a-longs--I have learned so much! Thank you!

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  73. Hi there Melissa. I will continue reading your blog as you are an upbeat kind of person and I love having that in my life! You are not at all pushy or marketing driven and I appreciate your wonderful tutorials. Vine and heart leaves is one of my "go to" quilting stitches! As for giveaways - I never enter - but I have noticed that there are always HEAPS of entries whenever something is being given away. I guess it can't be too unpopular! Keep up your wonderful work :)

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  74. I will only enter giveaways when I like the fabric. It wouldn't be fair to those that love it to enter and win if I didn't want it.(not that I ever win) Also, like others I don't "Like" on social media unless I actually want to keep track of the store. A simple entry is the best. I regularly check your sales list on the right hand side, so do like that it is kept current.

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  75. Love giveaways (raffle copter please) but I read anyway.

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  76. Love your idea of 2 "hoops". Love giveaways and like rafflecopter

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  77. Like giveaways although I've never won and would still visit your blog daily.

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  78. Love giveaways even with a few hoops....I'm getting used to that rafflecopter as well.

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  79. Love giveaways! Don't mind one or two options to enter. Will still read your blog no matter what, hehe. Thanks for asking us.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  80. Of course I would still read. I never win, but I would still enter ; )

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  81. I enjoy entering giveaways-I've been lucky to win several over the years.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  82. I quit entering giveaways when I realized that the overwhelming majority of them are won by other bloggers.
    Seems like a big racket to me!

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  83. I will always read your blog , giveaways or not. I don't enter giveaways on any blog but it is a way to learn about new products, fabric & stockists. Thanks for asking :-)

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  84. I do have a go at giveaways and have won occassionally. Of course I will still follow your blog giveaways or no giveways

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  85. I love giveaways and think it is perfectly fair if a shop is sponsoring a giveaway to ask people to have at look at them etc. If people don't want to take that 2nd option then it is their choice. x

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  86. Would love another giveaway even though I never win. It's always worth a try. I'd still follow even if you don't do it.

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  87. Love all giveaway's, but personally I think it is more fun if it is random days that way you are surprised when you read the blog and you find a giveaway. Otherwise you may have people that just read on Thursday and catch up on all the post on that one day since its giveaway day. I have only won one giveaway in all the years I have been following at least two dozen blogs. mburnette912@bellsouth,.net

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  88. Melissa, Terrific Thursdays sound wonderful! I'd jump thru and around any hoops you set to enter your giveaways. YEP I'd still read your posts even without a giveaway....you and your work inspire me so!

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  89. Wow!!! Lots of great input by your readers!!! My opinion.... I do love a giveaway... BUT... If the prize does not interest me I skip it... I always think that gives the people that want it more of a chance to win. I like easy and fair. I think the rafflecopter has to be the best way to be fair. I do not like the social media shares. I have a family, I love to quilt, I do other crafts, and I read blogs... This leaves me with very little time for social media. Maybe the advertisers should be a little more creative in their promotions to get us creative people on board... Just clicking, not so much fun. Maybe you could do a giveaway one day and the next week just feature a shop with a special sale for readers. No clicking... Unless you want or need to browse!!! Ok... This is out there... But you could even just do a really large giveaway for Holidays. Make it fun!!! A treasure hunt through your sponsors... Radio stations do it all the time during holidays with a LARGE prize to be won!!! Tons of people participate!!! Just a thought.... I like fun.... Not boring!!! Happy Day!!!

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  90. I love giveaways but they don't love me -- in my 66 years, I have only ever won 4 things!!! Not a good track record but I keep trying. I would still come to your site!

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  91. I read blogs to get inspired and find new ideas. I used to enter many giveaways but never won a thing, so I don't any more. For me, I'd be better off working a few extra hours to buy the thing I'd like to have. I don't mind ads or giveaways, it they serve to fuel or reward the bogger's creativity and all the work they put in to write tutorials that we, their readers benefit from (by paying bloggers or giving them free products), but I'd like to see the ads marked as such. Thanks for asking and for putting so much work into keeping your readers happy!

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  92. Melissa, I'm all for a giveaway day! Hoops? Bring 'em! I like getting to learn about new/established shops and new lines of fabric and notions/patterns. How else do you get people "in the doors", especially when there aren't any "doors" in an online business? People need to be realistic... Nothing is free in the end... Someone always pays. I'm in and hope I win! ;) Best wishes!

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  93. What I love about fall is the foliage,the crisp air and soup,chowder,stew time.

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  94. I am following superior threads via Pinterest .

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  95. I like giveaways and have gotten lucky a few times in the past~ but it is all in fun. I don't mind a few hoops, but if I have to like/follow/sign up for a newsletter for every chance, I skip it. I don't have enough time to go through all those emails! ;-) I do like visiting the shops of new places and just looking around~ that's how I find new patterns and things. :-) Have a great weekend!

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  96. I like your idea of a weekly giveaway. One easy entry and one hoop is good. If folks aren't interested they can skip that post.

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  97. I like the idea of a weekly giveaway. One easy entry and maybe only one hoop that anyone can do, such as go to a sponsor's site and pick something you like or maybe answer a question. I don't do social media, don't have a blog and only have a dumb phone that doesn't even text. I don't like the idea of Having to sign up for a newsletter or follow a blog, simply because I find many of them boring or I get inundated with too many mailings from them. Too often the blog contains the same stuff as the newsletter. So I tend to skip those.

    There are periods when I don't have the opportunity to check my email. I can easily have over 400-500 messages. There is no way I can take the time to read all them. I scan through for my favorites (yours is one of them) and delete the rest whether they are having giveaways or not. Seeing as how I have only won something 3 times in the last five years, I often consider it a waste of time, especially when it seems as only other bloggers win. As for advertising on your blog, I don't mind. It is your blog.

    I hope this makes sense. Whatever you decide, as long as your blog content remains good, interesting, useful, I will continue to subscribe and read it.

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  98. A weekly giveaway would be great. I like the idea of one easy entry. I do not like the Rafflecopter entry for giveaways and I skip these posts. I will continue to ready your post daily even if you never had a giveaway.

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  99. I would love it! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  100. I check all the posts from blogs I follow - I love giveaways, and 40% of the time will click and browse the company that is giving the item away (sometimes I'm just too busy) If the giveaway post also includes a project made from fabric from the company, or good experiences about that company it ups the chance I will browse their site. 60-80% depending on how much I like the project!

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  101. As a new quilter following posts/blogs is a great way for me to learn from experienced quilters. I scan through the projects and absorb as much info as I can. Free giveaways and a chance to win something is a bonus and who would say no to winning some great prize.

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  102. Hi Melissa! I follow you with bloglovin and even if I dont comment on each of your entries, I sure do read them. Do whatever makes you happy (giveaways make me happy, ;) I will read you!

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  103. I won the very first giveaway I entered and it was 6 yards of fabric so I was hooked on giveaways and love them even if I don't win. Almost all of the blogs that I follow I started following because of a giveaway and I spend a part of each day reading those blogs. I only get behind when I am out of town and have no access to the internet. I like the idea of having hoops and no hoops since I am often left out of entering because I don't want to be on facebook. But seriously it is your blog and you should run it the way that works best for you. I do appreciate all the knowledge I have gained about quilting from the different blogs that I read.

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  104. Looks like you have enough comments. Let me add my 2 cents to the mix. Giveaways are great! It doesn't matter if they come with a few strings. And I just want you to know that I enjoy your blog and would read it even if you gave away nothing except free ideas. Thanks for sharing.

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  105. I know I'm a little late to the comment party (still playing catchup on my blog reading), but I love giveaways. I don't like having to follow someone but I don't mind going to their site and seeing what I like. I think that's a fair thing to ask. I don't like Rafflecoptors at all and will never use one. The only way I'd stop following you, is if you stopped your normal posts and all you ever posted were ad posts. I hate that. But otherwise, I love your blog, your quilt alongs, and am an avid follower!

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Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I just love hearing from you!!
Have a Happy Quilting Day :)

Melissa