Winning for a Living
9 p.m. ET, CBC
By Brian Richardson
FOR the average contest entrant, the odds of winning are miniscule. But for professional contestors, who make a living off of their winnings, expectations are always high. From ballot stuffing, to garbage picking, to simply praying for luck, these contest junkies will do anything to circumvent the system and win big prizes. Contestors are always after another reward, regardless of the damage their lifestyle inflicts on friends and family. Sadly, what these freeloaders really need to win is rationality.
This documentary mini-review that was posted on the Sympatico website today. Brian’s take on our hobby is, contestors are all greedy people willing to stop at nothing to wrestle our next big win away from the poor average Joe who doesn’t stand a chance at even winning a free cuppa coffee.
Perception is reality. My perception of the hobby is; that entering and winning is fun. I follow the rules, share my enthusiasm (and sometimes prizes) with others and have enhanced my life in ways that I could never have conceived when I submitted my first entry. My reality is; I have travelled to exotic (and some not so exotic) locals, had some unforgettable adventures (like sumo wrestling), and made life-long friends (at club meetings and conventions). My life is better because a marketer, a long time ago, thought a contest would be a fantastic promotional tool to increase sales.
What is your perception of the hobby and what is your reality? Do you believe it is easy or hard to win? Be conscious of those thoughts the next time you enter a contest and remember, your perception is your reality.
March 6th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
So where is the review of the doco ? I want to hear what you thought.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I taped it and thought it was quite good but
they didn’t go into it as an exciting hobby,
with people meeting and socializing with each other. I met many people at the convention from all over the country. The Doc didn’t look at it as a fun way to win a prize and also since I started last September just before the convention I have learned so much about computors and the laws of attraction and communication its exciting.
Yes we all want to win the Grand Prize but maybe the Grand Prize is the contestors.
Julie
March 7th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I think you were represented well as was Fern. I really feel bad for Mike today.
The reviews though were well a bit
over the top and did not no where tell of the FUN and community spirit of contestors.