If I have a logo contest or similar here on Digital Point, and I pay the winner whatever was offered, what do I need to do to make sure I have full rights to the content? Would them just granting me permission through a PM be sufficient? Also, how can I insure that the work I am paying for was 100% created by that person and they actually have the rights to give me. Thank you.
As long as it is clear that you will have the rights to the content (outlined in the contest) that should be fine. There is no way to be sure on the content creation. That is the one risk you take when you don't deal with an established company - and you are liable if you put someones else's work on your site even if you didn't know.