From The (Contest Queen)
What You Need to Know About the 2026 Annual National Sweepstakes Convention
It was so lovely out, I didn't want to come inside, so I brought out my portable studio and livestreamed from my backyard (complete with a very energetic neighbor dog crashing the party). I wanted [...]
PIN Codes, Prizes & a Plan
PIN code hunting can be incredibly rewarding when done strategically, safely, and with the right preparation. From cash to trips, and swag, the prizes are real – and so is the adventure. So if you're [...]
Spotting the Word WIN @ 100 Paces
Originally published January 24th, 2008. Updated for 2025. I wrote about a weird contest I spotted in the newspaper way back in 2008. How times have changed! While newspapers aren't exactly where we find contests [...]
To RoboForm or Not to RoboForm, That is the Question!
I frequently get asked if using RoboForm is against contest rules because most official rules have a clause similar to this: Use of any automated system to submit an Entry is prohibited and will result in [...]
How Technology Can Affect Your Sweepstakes Hobby
Several months ago, Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 as of October 14th, 2025 (scroll down for FAQs). To continue receiving support, you will need to upgrade to [...]
Contest Crack: one win & you’re hooked!
I wanted to write this post to address some of the comments I received regarding my post, You Can't Win On Cue, plus the hundreds I have seen in various groups and forums about the [...]
You Can’t Win on Cue
In 2011, I participated in a pilot episode of a show called High Stakes Sweepers on TLC. (SPOILER ALERT: It wasn't picked up as a series.) Why? Here are my guesses: we were not odd, [...]
PCH Declares Bankruptcy
"Is the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes real?" is one of the most frequent questions I get, but not for much longer. HISTORY Here are the Cliff Notes from the Wikipedia page: Publishers Clearing House (PCH) [...]
How to Deal With an Overfull Email Inbox
Abbey sent me this question: I know sponsors deserve some return on the money they spend offering contests - so it is REALLY an advantage to winning to agree to sign up for their emails, [...]