Hello everyone, I don't know if this is the correct place to ask a question about the competitions so if it isn't I ask a moderator to please move my post. So, my question is, do we have to guarantee that there will be a winner when someone starts a contest? Thank you very much for your input.
There is no guarantee! But you can still check the contest holder's iTrader points if he can be trusted or not. Ask him to show you some of his previous contests that's been paid. AND DON'T FORGET TO WATERMARK YOUR WORK SO THAT NOBODY STEELS IT =)
If you start a contest, you may add a forewarning along the lines of "If none of the entries meets my requirements and/or does not suit my liking, I reserve the right not to choose a contest winner". When designing content for contests, you have no guarantee but basic instinct by looking at the CH's previous contests, his itrader, any visitor messages, etc. If someone does steal your design work for their website or print, send them a cease and desist letter. If that doesn't work, contact their webmaster/hosting service and from there, if they claim the artwork is their property and/or their own work, you have the right to pursue legal action. BUT it usually never goes this route genuinely CHs that run either steal the work to enter in another contest at a place like Crowdspring or 99 Designs, or they run because they don't like any of the work. Best regards, xDemevenx
Always have look at Contest Holder's Reps, iTraders and visitor messages. This will help to avoid some scam. Watermark your work before submission. In some topics, the CH may specify some conditions like xDemevenx mentioned.