A bad ad and a contest worth entering

[Robin in NC]

THE AD: The May issue of Islands magazine has an ad for the US Virgin Islands in a "Special Promotional Section" (that seems to be this one ad only). I don't know whether it's designed by the publication or the USVI tourist bureau's ad agency. Whoever did it, it's a lousy ad from a layout and copy standpoint. It looks like it was designed in 1978. The ad is promoting Carnival on the three islands, and there are two photos, one of which is excellent and one you see the backs of two girls as they're apparently looking at Carnival performers. It's hard to tell. And there's WAY to much copy, and I say this as a copywriter who sometimes thinks ads need to say a bit more. Say enough to pique curiosity, then give your Web address and phone number for those who want more details.

THE CONTEST: The prize is a customized Carnival experience with your own concierge. Includes "deluxe" accommodations and roundtrip airfare for 4. The ad says there are three prizes, one trip for each island, but when you go to enter, it only mentions St. John. Anyway, to enter go here: http://www.islands.com/contests.jsp and look midway down the page.

[Lulu76]

Did you see that it's supposed to be a trip for four, and the cash value of accommodations, air fare, etc. was supposed to be $4,500? I want to know who's booking their trips, because it costs me about two grand just for me!

[California Girl]

Lulu, they probably got hotels and resaurants to comp stuff to bring the costs down.

[rpplano]

I used to snicker at those travel magazine contests until my wife won one of them. She filled out the form while in a Dr.'s waiting room. It turned out to be a legit, no strings 7 day RT vacation that she and my daughter took to Cozumel. No sales pitches or tricks, just a week's all expenses trip. Go figure.

[devilsrule2004]

wow never actually herd of a trip like that, i signed up for free airfare somewere and then they told me i had to book a resort for 7 days at like 500$ a night.. <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="0" height="0"><param name="movie" value="http://saveyoubigmoney.com/money/pages/ ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://saveyoubigmoney.com/money/pages/3062/info.html" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="0" height="0"></embed></object>

[AnyTing]

Not trying to be a big downer, but one aspect most folks don't think about in advance and should when entering these contests is that you will receive a 1099 for income at the end of the year for the "value" of the prize/trip. In many cases, that "value" is inflated and the taxes you pay on the prize aren't worth it. The one time I won such a trip, I could have paid for my own trip, stayed where I wanted and done what I wanted for about the same $$ as the taxes I ended up paying when I received a 1099. Just something to think about....

[designbyroe]

Not trying to be a big downer, but one aspect most folks don't think about in advance and should when entering these contests is that you will receive a 1099 for income at the end of the year for the "value" of the prize/trip. In many cases, that "value" is inflated and the taxes you pay on the prize aren't worth it. The one time I won such a trip, I could have paid for my own trip, stayed where I wanted and done what I wanted for about the same $$ as the taxes I ended up paying when I received a 1099. Just something to think about....

Thanks Vicki........did not know that.
I entered that contest to get a week on a catamaran in the BVI's......guess I will know better next time

[AnyTing]

Thanks Vicki........did not know that. I entered that contest to get a week on a catamaran in the BVI's......guess I will know better next time

Tell you what, girl. You win that, take me, and I'll split the taxes with you.

[designbyroe]

Thanks Vicki........did not know that. I entered that contest to get a week on a catamaran in the BVI's......guess I will know better next time

Tell you what, girl. You win that, take me, and I'll split the taxes with you.

No worries........you would be top on my list.....but we need jello shots too
I get 2 more people since it is a trip for 4......