The iPad Giveaway…
There seems to be some confusion among some folks as to exactly how to register for the September giveaways, so with the middle of the month nearly here I thought it might be best to try and explain everything a little more clearly.
I launched the new site on September 1st and I wanted to do something special, to both celebrate the launch and attract new subscribers. Through hook and crook I’d come up with some pretty cool stuff to give away and I thought I would make it as easy as possible for folks to register, while hopefully building traffic for the site. So it’s pretty simple, all one has to do to be eligible for the drawings at the end of the month is subscribe to the blog, either through the RSS feed or via email and then leave a comment on any of the posts so that I can contact you if are a winner. That’s it, no fine print, no hidden agenda, I’m not selling your information to anyone (trust me I wouldn’t even know how) and I’m not going to send you anything from me other than a notice whenever I make a new post.
The prizes include, a 16GB WiFi Apple iPad (thanks Marty), a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO lens, a set of Phottix Strato 4 in 1 Wireless Triggers (thanks Steve), limited edition autographed prints and autographed copies of Saving Faces – A Portrait Collection. EVERYONE, except my family, can register to win. Again, you can subscribe over there on the right hand side of this page, either via email or RSS reader → → →
There have been some folks who have registered but left invalid emails addresses on the comment page. Uh, what’s the point? Yes, when you leave a comment you’ll be asked to leave an email address. I am the only person who will see that address and I need that to contact you in case you do win something. Also, if you register to receive the feed via email, you’ll need to confirm your email address with feedburner, it takes about three minutes at most. Some people went through the process of registering but never confirmed the email. Subsequently, they are not in the drawings. I’ve received some interesting feedback too, such as this gem…
Wow, what a rip-off! Your only giving away a WiFi version and not the 3G? You only want to get people to look at your cheesy pictures! Bite me! – Your Mamma
Yeah, OK Mom, you’re not eligible anyway. Seriously, that was an actual comment left with a working email address. I replied to your Mamma with what I thought was some very clever repartee but have yet to hear anything back. Yep, I am trying to build traffic to a new website, guilty. Yep, I am giving away only a 16GB iPad and it is only WiFi enabled and not 3G, guilty again. I was hoping the free part would take care of those rather benign shortcomings! I will also add that the site, while live, is a work in process. I am still trying to get everything in the right place and the galleries are still not updated but one day soon I’m hoping I’ll get to the finish line.
So, good luck to everyone. I hope you enjoy the photography and my musings about life in China and then pass the word. In fact, for everyone who subscribes to the feed and leaves a comment, then “likes” this post via facebook (below) or “re-tweets” the post on Twitter (at the top right), you’ll be entered twice instead of one.
On the personal side, after an unbelievably difficult and frustrating day spent trying to buy airline tickets from here in Liuzhou, I’m happy to report that Natalie and Nick are coming to China in late November/early December. We’ll do Beijing and hopefully Xi’an before coming down to Liuzhou, Guilin and Yangshuo. I am about to burst. It will be the first time I’ll see my two youngest in more than three years. I am counting the days… 72.
Peace!
I appreciate it!
I am subscribed via googlereader.
~Nicki
Cool Nicki… hope things are good in Haikou!
There are always haters in the crowd
Brother ain’t it the truth!
I’d take a WiFi only iPad. Some people’s kids…..
Actually Stevo you’re in line to win the Phottix Strato 4 in 1 triggers. Canon or Nikon… your choice!
I subscribed via googlereader and am enjoying your new site.
Your “Your Mama” story cracked me up, but perhaps the best news of all is that your kids are coming to visit.
Soooo happy for you! xx
PS: Any iPad will do LOL
I think I may fall into the I only thought I registered category! I cant wait till you see your baby girl and get lots of pics! Peace!
Actually it will be a while still before I get to see Layla, the two youngest kids are coming, and they better not be bringing any grandkids along!
You are clearly a callous, mean-minded individual Michael.
Next time you dare to give away any hi-end products to people you just make sure there are no conceiveable features missing….
Site looks magnificent by the way.
R
Yeah, I am a right jerk Rich…
Don’t let the nay sayers grind you down! Jia you wode peng you!!! -ak
Mei guangxi… I’m trying!
Wow, I really can’t believe that anyone would be disappointed to win a non-3G iPad! I would desperately love to get one, simply for showing off my portfolio, but after my MacBook Pro dying last month and my gorgeous wife surprising me with a new one, the funds simply aren’t in the kitty at the moment and won’t be for quite some time!
In the meantime, anyone that really doesn’t want to win a FREE iPad without 3G, please do me a favour and don’t enter! I’ll be very grateful indeed.
Hm, unbelievable…
Yeah, whaddya’ gonna’ do Mike? No pleasing some folks….
Have a great time with your kids, it’s much more than all iPad together (and I’m working with an apple, too). And please go on taking those great pictures.
Yeah I am pretty excited about it… I have been for a while but actually buying the tickets put me over the top!
Haha… that’s pretty cool and kind of you to explain it more clearly.
Congrats on the new website again!
Hey kiddo, how’s school?
Jeez Mike, only one iPad? And the macro isn’t the L version? How could you?
R(etc… )
Ron, I was thinking you should come over with the kids, make that Thanksgiving dinner we talked about and then we can shoot all day, every day for a week!
That would be great Mike, I know we’d have a blast. I have to go east anyway, just not that far east…
R(etc… )
Any chance throwing in a trip to China as well! Obviously just kidding. I enjoy your site very much. Good luck to you for continued success.
Randy Abner so good to see you here, thanks for dropping in. Actually, we may indeed be offering something like that in a few months so stay tuned! Hope all is well with you old friend.
Wishing you the very best as you begin your new adventure with this website! Your photos are the best!
Thanks Jane… hope all is well in the Great Northwest!
Your blog seems to be off to a great start! I am subscribed and confirmed to your newsletter. Thanks for the chance to win!
Love your website and your photos!
I’m glad I stumbled upon your old site (and now I’m enjoying the new one too!)!
I’ve recently met some friends from Liuzhou and hope to come there one day. I could really use some insight from and outsider like me!
Keep up the great work!
Hi Michael, I came across your blog as I have you as one of my contacts on FLICKR. It´s been great reading some of the entries and one day I hope to make it to Hong Kong on a stopover to Australia. Keep up the good work and keep on posting those great photos. All the best, Evan (EWR72)
Sites looks great! I hope I’m in line for the IPad! I dont’ like 3G..bring on the free wifi!
You mean ONLY an iPad and not a 27″ quad core iMac or Mac Pro with LED Cinema Display???? How dare you…
Maybe for the next new blog Jesse!
I just want to confirm that I’m fine with a Wifi iPad
Patrik is OK with WiFi… check!
Registered again just to make sure I am in the running for some of these prizes… I would be thrilled to win the iPad, but also very chuffed about getting some of your prints / book!
Fingers crossed.
Great site Michael… will be back for more soon.
/// AjS
Thanks Adam… if you win maybe I’ll have to deliver!
i’ve been following your blog and the Flickr for a while now and i love the unpretentious yet revealing feeling I get from your pics
Subscribed via email… tried the NetNewsWire and it didn’t work
ah well at least now I can always get informed for new uploads…
“only a wi-fi ipad”… that’s not nice (and I am NOT talking about the iPad).
I think your prize give away is wonderful
Glad to hear you got the tickets sorted out.
I’m glad too Nancie… 68 days!
[...] Don’t forget to register for the September giveaways… click here for details on how to register! [...]
Posting a comment to stay eligible. Man your mamma has some nerve. I hope they were being sarcastic and just having fun, because the thought “I cannot believe he is giving away an iPad” crossed my mind several times while reading this. Great prizes and even better content at the site!
Thanks buddy, appreciate your kindness and encouragement as always.
[...] Don’t forget to register for the September giveaways… click here for details! [...]
LOL, that made me laugh Michael.
Off all the things you list as give aways, I probably only would recognize the book.
The rest is more or less abracadabra to me.
You must be over the moon with the two youngest coming over for a visit.
Hope you guys will have a great time.
Peet I am sooo excited I can hardly stand it… I am thinking about them so much and what we’ll do that I can not get my work done.
Um, Your Mamma, how can it be a rip-off if it doesn’t cost you anything? Unbelievable.
Anyway, congrats on the new site. You’re in my Google Reader.
I like the new site. Well done!
Subscribed via google reader!
Thanks old friend… you still in England?
It’s a good idea, to build up traffic & regular readers. I’ve added your site on Google Reader, & look forward to seeing future posts – especially photos. I’m a big fan of interesting & insightful photography – and sometimes read NYT Lens blog, and check out Boston Globe’s Big Picture, etc – but I’m useless at taking photos myself. I guess that’s my way of saying I would – in theory; for reference – much prefer an iPad to a Canon whatsamajiggy
LOL… duly noted Steven… good luck to you!
Coming from the Phottix Journal I enjoy your images from China. Best wishes from Italy!
The new website is really nice, the images just jump. The contest is a hoot. And oh yeah, I wanna win! Keep up the good work Michael.
Thanks Lloyd… hope all is well with you my friend!
Michael, this is great. I’ve been looking at your photos for more than three years now and the new site is an excellent showcase for you. Well done my friend!
Appreciate that Taylor, good to see you as always. How’s life in Phoenix?
Hey Michael! I stuck your feed link in my reader with my other flickr pals. Good to see you in action again, my friend.
Discovered you in a round-about way by following a link from Flickr. So glad curiosity is my middle name.
Yeah me too Cheryl… just had a quick peak at your website… lovely photography!
Heya Mike!
Haven’t caught up with you for a looong time. I owe you an email explanation, and it’s coming. Promise!
The new site looks great pal, good to see you back and snapping about…
Cheers
-Nik
No worries Nik, I of all people know how crazy “life” can get! Got your email… reply tomorrow after I sleep for a long time!
Hope I’m not too late with the competition! : ) Great site!
[...] I am posting this on October 1st and if you still haven’t made yourself eligible for the September giveaways, you have just one more day to register! If you haven’t heard, to celebrate the launch of my new website, I am giving away a lot of cool stuff, including an Apple iPad. To register or find out more about the giveaways, just click here for details! [...]
I just found your site via Photo a Day from Planet Earth. I find your pictures stunning and you are now in my very short google reader list.
Cheers!
Misty, thanks for dropping in! I appreciate your kind words. I look forward to following more of your Daring Baking Challenges! Is there a way you can ship the final results to China?
I’ve tried to ship goods to Europe… they disappear in the mail! I take that as a complement though.
Maybe I should see what happens when I ship baked goods to China!