[mhackl]

We held a successful giveaway during Christmas last year, but e sure could have used something automated. What I need is something that requires not only membership, but participation, and I don't mean post count. Something like a lottery.

We used a random number generator to pick two user ids (semi-finalists) a week leading up to Christmas. Then we picked three winners from a hat. This gave users a reason to at least check in once a week if nothing else.

What ever the method it needs to promote interaction and not just membership. We offered seasonal advertising in exchange for retailers providing the prizes. All in all it worked out well and it didn't cost us a thing, but it was a little laborious.

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I've seen a lotto hack before, but I think that it was removed due to some security issues.