One morning on my local radio station, the DJs, Roz and Mocha, discussed how the show Pawn Wars was set up. I had to call in and chat with them about how ALL of those shows have an element of leading questions, set-up scenarios, etc., as I was in the premier of High Stakes Sweepers that aired on TLC in 2011. The film crew was at my house for two days, shot 16 hours of film, and only 11 minutes made it into the final show. Now when I watch other shows on TLC, I can almost see the production crew there and see how they are leading the storyline in the direction they want it to go to create drama.
When Roz and Mocha found out I was a “professional” contestor – I hate that term as I do not earn my living winning, but that’s a whole ‘nuther blog post – they began asking me a heap of questions. They were shocked at how I could enter so many in a short period of time.
SAVE 30% or more on RoboForm!
The secret to this hobby is to be organized!
If you are organized and use form-filling software, you can submit about 100 entries in an hour or two. (NOTE: Your computer and internet can also affect your speed.)
My current tool of choice is RoboForm. I use it to organize my sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways, along with using it to fill out online forms faster.
I also use it for its original intention, as a password keeper. I have the Everywhere version (vs. the free version), which allows me to save unlimited Passcards on multiple machines. As I have hundreds of Passcards and I use a laptop, netbook, and tablet, I would be lost without it.
There are other programs out there, such as Last Pass and Type It In, but I began with RoboForm in 2003, and I never changed, so I can’t give an educated opinion on any other program.
Watch my interview with Simon Davis, VP of Marketing for Siber Systems, owner of RoboForm, on the 20th anniversary of my using the program.
What tools do you use to enter online and stay organized when you contest?
I only use Roboform and also recently upgraded to the Everywhere version of the software so that I can use the filler on my desktop and laptop, plus any other computers I may use such as at the library, hotels, etc. I also have an iPad but I couldn’t get the two to work together. At last year’s National Sweepstakes Convention there was a representative from Roboform there and she stated that they were still in the processof trying to get the iPad and Roboform to talk to each other. Do you know if it’s fixed now?? I’ll have to pull out the iPad and give it another try…Roboform is the only way to go to keep things orgnaized!!
Hi. I was just wondering what show “Pawn Wars” is. I have never heard of it and a google search didn’t show anything. Did you maybe mix up Pawn Stars and Storage Wars?
LOL! I should never write when I am tired. You are right. I must have combined the two. The show is Pawn Stars, not Pawn Wars.
Darn. I thought maybe there was another show out there I hadn’t seen. Pawn Stars and Storage Wars are the only reality shows that I actually like to watch even though I know that they are staged somewhat.
Hi Carol,
You spoke to me at the National Sweepstakes Convention. Make sure you are using RoboForm Everywhere. Once you have RoboForm Everywhere on your desktop, please download the RoboForm app from the iOS app store (it’s a free app) on your iPad. Enter in your RoboForm Everywhere login information and Master Password in the RoboForm app. Once you have done this you should see all of your RoboForm information on your iPad (in the RoboForm app).
Hope this helps!
Michelle
Please contact support http://www.roboform.com/support with additional questions.
Many contests state that you will be disqualified if you use auto fill programmes. I know that they cannot tell if you typed the words yourself or used a progreamme. I get that but there is talk that they can tell by the speed that the form is filled out i.e.: it is just seconds between the form appearing and the submit button is hit. Do you have any comment on that ?
I have spoken of this before. RoboForm is a form filler, not an auto-entry system. Many rules state not to use auto-fillers. As I track my wins in a spreadsheet along with entry method, I know for a fact most of my wins have used RoboForm to enter. I have been using the software for 10 years. I write about it. I promote it. Most of the contest management companies and judging agencies know who I am. If anyone was going to be disqualified it would be me, and yet I still win. Do not be afraid to use any form filling program. GOOD LUCK!
Thanks Carolyn. That’s what I thought. I know that you enter alot and I greatly respect your opinion.
When I use auto fill and the company (mostly banks and credit cards) it is immediately rejected.
Definitely read the rules as this RBC contest https://mortgage.rbc.com/giveaway/index.asp , prohibits the use of Form filling software, and specifies manual keystrokes.
“8. Online entries must be made by the original, manual keystrokes of the individual entrant. Use of mechanical assistance, form filling software or robotic assistance is prohibited. Online entries generated by script, macro, robotic, programming, or any other automated means are prohibited and will be disqualified.”
I have read those types of clauses in many sets of rules for many years. As I track my wins, who I won from and how I entered, I know for a fact I have won contests using RoboForm with a similar clause. I also know that to add a component to a contest that tracks keystrokes or a timer on a webpage is an additional cost to running a contest. Many companies have tight budgets so adding on a component like that is just not done. What they do is add the clause in the rules hoping to scare entrants. If you ask they lawyers who write the rules, they do not know for a fact if the company has in fact tracked the entracts as it states in the clause. I think I will make this a blog post and see if others have won like I have and from where.