Need critique of new web site/idea

Hi all,

I'm looking for some feedback on a new web site idea.

http://www.jarofcandy.com

Basically, visitors guess how many pieces of candy are in the jar and win prizes if correct.

Looking for feedback on the site idea and anything else.

Thanks!

 

How come i can still "crack it" without email address?

 

Actually waiting back to hear from script writer about that one...people can still guess but if they win and don't put in an email, there's no way of contacting the winner.

 

Wow, I think its a good idea!
However, I'm not saying that I don't trust you but it could more than EASILY be rigged as no one else knows:
Who else has entered
If anyone else has entered
The exact amount/proof (Say the amount of candy is 500, and you publish that as the winning result. How can you PROVE that)

Just tryna help

 

Wouldn't that be true for ALL contests?

 

Plus the visitor has nothing to lose as there is no fee for entry.

 

Any other suggestions/ideas?

 

Should I change the prize each week or until someone wins the current prize?

I'm thinking changing it up may get more returning visitors?

 

The immediate problem with this is that you won't be able to prove that the correct number was calculated prior to the contest day. IMO, if you're serious about this, the 3 digit number should come from an actual lottery source so that the results are completely random and you have no controlling influence on who wins...check out the Daily 3 lotteries.

 

it seems pretty cool. i like the concept but would like to see the design of the page a little better. sometimes sites like this just make me feel uncomfortable because they do not seem professional or real. but great site.

 

<?php 
$name = $_POST['name'];
$email = $_POST['email'];
$answer = $_POST['answer'];

if(empty($email)) { 
echo "You did not enter an email address! Please do so!"; 
} else {
echo "Thank you $name for your submission of $answer pieces in the jar."; 
?>

PHP:

 

Its an interesting idea. This kind of fun contest was/is held in town/parish fetes all over the UK. It reminds me a bit of 'spot the ball' competitions' where there is a little skill/judgement involved, but its mostly based on a fun guess.
I agree with the comments about re: trust. You will need to build some transparency into the process for people to trust.

 

Could be a cool idea but I just am not sure how you could actually make it work.

 

Could become pretty viral. Bored people at work, trying to guess teh answer.

Cool idea! Hopefully it'll make you some great money, too.

 

Cool idea. I would redesign the site to make it look more stunning and trustworthy. I would also put the past winners on the front page and offer cash prizes instead. Perhaps stated as : "$100 cash prize, paid to your paypal" or something like that.

Or even better, make it a blog and have each competition a blog post so everyone can see the archive of competitions.

Also, having the three combo boxes is a pain, why can't people just type in their number?

 

I think your site cam aid at the mobilephone users, especially the smart phone are popular, they have demand of online games with mobilephones.