Note: this is not a debate on the worth of contests so let's not bog it down with the usual pro vs anti contest rhetoric.
I look at the contests around and I'm only compelled by those with what I consider to be a decent ROI. Page, Nicholl, TrackingB all have esablished reputations for forwarding careers which alone makes them valuable (they also give out decent prizes as well) but I don't see the point of some of the lesser ones. Granted, the odds of winning any competition with thousands of entries is slim but there has to be that incentive, for me at least.
I won't mention names - and anyone can check them out on the DDP contest page - but for example, I got an email yesterday about a last chance for a small but well known competition. $75 to win $5000 seems nice but the 4 runner up spots weren't even 3x the entry fee (I know it's a late fee but still). Others don't even give out money or anything helpful towards career (software, prod meets, agents) and just hand out trophies.
I know the real prize is being able to put a win/SF/QF on your CV but I still need more. Especially when you consider winning most comps won't make a jot of difference to your career. Even if the comp didn't generate any leads, 4/5 figures would still make it a worthwhile investment.
For those of you who do enter contests, what do you look for (reputation apart)? Am I approaching it in the wrong manner?
I look at the contests around and I'm only compelled by those with what I consider to be a decent ROI. Page, Nicholl, TrackingB all have esablished reputations for forwarding careers which alone makes them valuable (they also give out decent prizes as well) but I don't see the point of some of the lesser ones. Granted, the odds of winning any competition with thousands of entries is slim but there has to be that incentive, for me at least.
I won't mention names - and anyone can check them out on the DDP contest page - but for example, I got an email yesterday about a last chance for a small but well known competition. $75 to win $5000 seems nice but the 4 runner up spots weren't even 3x the entry fee (I know it's a late fee but still). Others don't even give out money or anything helpful towards career (software, prod meets, agents) and just hand out trophies.
I know the real prize is being able to put a win/SF/QF on your CV but I still need more. Especially when you consider winning most comps won't make a jot of difference to your career. Even if the comp didn't generate any leads, 4/5 figures would still make it a worthwhile investment.
For those of you who do enter contests, what do you look for (reputation apart)? Am I approaching it in the wrong manner?
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