Apple has certainly done a remarkable job creating hype around their products, and this makes many of their items the perfect prize for contests.  What’s really interesting is that more often than not, people would rather enter contests for an iPod or iPhone than one that offers straight cash.

iPod VideoTo prove the point, Russell Wagner created a contest with a $25 payout.  Like most blog contests, all participants had to do was write a little something about it on their blog and include a few links.  The rules were light, and entries were collected over a period of two weeks.  But after it was all said and done, only one person joined.

So now Russell is offering a iPod Video, and the winner gets to choose whether they’ll receive a black or white model.  Much like the first contest, the rules for this are pretty light.  Participants need to write at least a paragraph about the contest, include the requisite links, and then let him know that we’ve joined.  Naturally, brand new blogs with one or two posts are not permitted to join (people actually do this?), and entries that link to several different contests are also disqualified.

When I look at how much contest participation sites receive during the summer months, I’m surprised that site owners offer such great prizes.  Quite often, the number of people that take part during the fall and winter months far exceed anything we see the rest of the year.  That said, I’m certainly glad that I don’t need to compete with so many people during these events :P
If you’re in need of an iPod Video, or would like to follow the journey of a young web entrepreneur, stop by Russell Wagner’s site.  Hopefully this contest will provide both the traffic and expanded reader base he’s looking for.