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We try to make contests as wide-open as possible, but are often limited by either country-specific regulations, shipping cost (bulky prizes cost $$ to ship from the US), or prizes that just don't work outside the US (a region-specific piece of electronics or a gift certificate to a US-only site won't do you any good.)
I'm sorry we had to limit this one to the US, but there will be more internationally-available contests coming up soon!
I'm sorry we had to limit this one to the US, but there will be more internationally-available contests coming up soon!
I don't recall where i read it but someone had a lengthy post about the legality of conducting contests that cross international borders. It largely has to do with import regulations, customs, duties and all that jazz. Essentially they said that in order to have a nation included in their contest they had to consult attorneys specializing in import law (or something like that) within each country. In short, it wasn't cost effective to open the contest to the world. I'm not sure how much that weighs in on the decision but is an unfortunate "global economy" side-effect.
Feb 2, 2010. 2:02 AMBobS
says:
Legal considerations go both ways. Commercial reasons could touch international law, as this comes close to protectionism! Global economy means open up borders, not close them, to only include 'the great satan' and its northern satellite...
Feb 2, 2010. 9:58 PMBobS
says:
I enjoyed living in Florida for 8 years, but had to go, since I had no legal status. Both the US and Europe have their plusses and minuses. I prefer the tropics though (Guyanese girlfriend).
Jul 10, 2010. 4:06 PMelephant1292
says:
It does look rather close to the equator. Thanks I forgot where it was :)
Well, you were correct about it being in South America :-)
The above pic is from the Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana
Feb 28, 2010. 5:24 AMdelfo77
says:
What a pity... i live in Italy and I have just create an electronic drum machine from an old dead pc keyboard and compact discs..... probably i will create the instructable also if I cannot partecipate (i have already take pictures during the build up...) I know that are the sponsor who decide the target market for their gadgets, but I hope to see almost the pro membership price open to non US people like me... Remember that a lot of inventors of the past came from the "old continent"... Greetings to all from Leonardo's country ;-) !!
Oh come on!
I was really excited about this. I even had multiple ideas going on...
Luckily I waited t'ill the contest start before getting my material...
I don't blame instructables they just have to follow the sponsors but I can't deny I'm dissapointed.
Oh and it would be nice if it's posted in the topic before getting our hopes up. They probably knew this before the contest started or am I wrong?
I was really excited about this. I even had multiple ideas going on...
Luckily I waited t'ill the contest start before getting my material...
I don't blame instructables they just have to follow the sponsors but I can't deny I'm dissapointed.
Oh and it would be nice if it's posted in the topic before getting our hopes up. They probably knew this before the contest started or am I wrong?
to clarify with "the topic" I mean the topic that is on the community forum.
There's nothing stopping you posting your project anyway. Maybe if the sponsors see lots of excellent international entries they cannot use, maybe next time they will widen the contest.
I totally agree. To all non-US residents: whining won't change a thing unless you want to be eligible for winning the whining contest (maybe there is an idea!).
The point, that it is unfair, has been made, but just keep posting the ideas. The quatity and quality of your postings will eventually change the rules, nothing else.
Bertus52x11, a non-US resident.
The point, that it is unfair, has been made, but just keep posting the ideas. The quatity and quality of your postings will eventually change the rules, nothing else.
Bertus52x11, a non-US resident.
What about package forwarding? People from outside U.S. can open a package forwarding account in the U.S. for a short period when they win, just to forward the prize internationally.
I would like to know if this is allowed.
I would like to know if this is allowed.
Nooo I was just about to start a dead computer project and now I read this!!
Ok,,, US and Canada only ....
What if i have a friend in US or Canada?
Can i put his details and ill get him to send the prize 4 me? is that possible?
What if i have a friend in US or Canada?
Can i put his details and ill get him to send the prize 4 me? is that possible?
Are you answering this post or you only answer the ones from US and Canada as well!!!!
Feb 17, 2010. 2:01 PMsquit101
says:
People outside the US should at least be eligible for 1st 2nd 3rd recognition even if they cant get a prize .But so not to waste a Net book just give it to the 4th place US winner. Or even 5th place since there are so many international contestants , it wouldn't surprise me if two places were claimed by international instructablers.
Feb 14, 2010. 2:21 PMspicy_puppy
says:
i feel a wall building up.
us vs. the rest of the world.
wait.... naa that cant be right.
you should be sponsored by companies who ship all over the world. like dell , who have no problem finding a localized keyboard for us with all the strange letters and voltages..
us vs. the rest of the world.
wait.... naa that cant be right.
you should be sponsored by companies who ship all over the world. like dell , who have no problem finding a localized keyboard for us with all the strange letters and voltages..
Feb 3, 2010. 6:59 AMChickenGrylls
says:
Instructables could insist (or at least strongly request...) just one prize or special mention for an "overseas" contestant...Surely any company wants to increase it's standing even in places where they don't have a market... yet.
Feb 13, 2010. 5:47 PMgnuoy
says:
Indeed, it'd be something nice
Maybe even making a separate contest for non-US-and-Canada with online prizes; doesn't have to be something big, just something that encourage us to participate too.
Maybe even making a separate contest for non-US-and-Canada with online prizes; doesn't have to be something big, just something that encourage us to participate too.
Feb 12, 2010. 9:34 AMjapala
says:
I am too bit sad as I can't enter the competition. Is the ASUS the actual sponsor for the prizes? I would imagine that they have tons of offices around the world that could supply a prize for the winner from their respective marketing area... Then again, when corporations are involved, one can't now their true operating procedures. :)
Feb 1, 2010. 9:58 PMBobS
says:
Next time the instructables staff really should negotiate better, and create rules for potential sponsors.
If you go this way, is the next step a mandatory use of inches, Lbs,$ etc.?
Very discouraging!
If you go this way, is the next step a mandatory use of inches, Lbs,$ etc.?
Very discouraging!
Feb 7, 2010. 12:43 PMdigitrunner
says:
BobS stop whining, I'm sure there's many contests where you live that we cant participate in either.....:P
II'm not kidding here but in Belgium we have a saying: "kom nooit tussen een hollander en zijn prijs" Translated to english "Never come between a dutchman and his price"
I find it sad to that we can't participate but it isn't instructables fault. It are the sponsors. But I can imagine that instructables doesn't have a row of sponsors at the ready to give them free stuff so I don't blame them.
Next time however they can inform us from the beginning that only US and Canada can enter.
Not to insult ey Bob ;) a little Belgium-Holland once or twice doesn't hurt ;)
I find it sad to that we can't participate but it isn't instructables fault. It are the sponsors. But I can imagine that instructables doesn't have a row of sponsors at the ready to give them free stuff so I don't blame them.
Next time however they can inform us from the beginning that only US and Canada can enter.
Not to insult ey Bob ;) a little Belgium-Holland once or twice doesn't hurt ;)
Feb 8, 2010. 9:31 AMdigitrunner
says:
LOL I'm sorry if I sounded cold, Bob just seemed so angry about it that I had to comment
Feb 8, 2010. 10:29 PMBobS
says:
Actually, the highest price I expected to get out would be a tee shirt, which I already have. But I do hate the injustice, as I see instructables as an international site.
My experience in doing a project is that you have to be hyperfocused. There is always a point that you have to desolder, or deconstruct a large element, or overcome an over eagerness to publish a project and never really do the finishing touch. I have to become a bit crazy, making myself think this will be the best project ever launched!
A contest is a great tool to get in the right mood.
An unjust contest policy is a great excuse to do some America bashing!!!
My experience in doing a project is that you have to be hyperfocused. There is always a point that you have to desolder, or deconstruct a large element, or overcome an over eagerness to publish a project and never really do the finishing touch. I have to become a bit crazy, making myself think this will be the best project ever launched!
A contest is a great tool to get in the right mood.
An unjust contest policy is a great excuse to do some America bashing!!!
Feb 7, 2010. 11:01 PMBobS
says:
Of course there are local contests. My point is that I seldom yet got inspiration from their projects, since it is more local, and thus limiting the amount of projects. That is why instructables is my (international) site of choice, and as many folks in the world as possible could benefit from all the projects showed here. But then of course it becomes very irritating when suddenly almost half of the participants are excluded from a contest. I would disapprove of excluding the US, or China, etc. as well.
. Are you volunteering to find sponsors* that would be willing to follow your rules?
* Plural. You need to find a sponsor every month or two - this is not a one-time deal.
* Plural. You need to find a sponsor every month or two - this is not a one-time deal.
Feb 6, 2010. 9:53 PMElmoRoyD
says:
Argh, i hate this kind of stuff, i live in Mexico i have PO box, and a direction in the USA. i go to the USA every month. I live 1 hour from the border, yet i cant participate in a lot of contests, becouse im not "american" (actually i am american, american is not a country, is the entire continent)
RANT BLA BLA BLA, good luck to my americans friends
RANT BLA BLA BLA, good luck to my americans friends
The weird thing is Mexico is closer to Squidlabs than some parts of the Us...
Feb 7, 2010. 8:56 AMmedicontherun
says:
Hi guys, just an idea for those who are able to pop into the states for some time..
Is it possible to pop into the states during the period when the prizes are given out to receive them?
Is it possible to pop into the states during the period when the prizes are given out to receive them?
You haven't mentioned the competition people are talking about.
It may just be a "we're not shipping this one overseas" thing. Most traffic is US (UK 2nd but not far off Canada, Aus ~half Canada, India half again).
L
It may just be a "we're not shipping this one overseas" thing. Most traffic is US (UK 2nd but not far off Canada, Aus ~half Canada, India half again).
L
Feb 4, 2010. 4:04 AMBobS
says:
Dead Computercontest:
I want to withdraw my entry for the contest. Do I have to unpublish/ republish or is there another way?
I want to withdraw my entry for the contest. Do I have to unpublish/ republish or is there another way?
Feb 4, 2010. 8:56 PMBobS
says:
Why? because only inhabitants of the great satan and its northern satellite are eligible, and this was not announced beforehand.
Bryan Adams, Anton LaVey, and Hugh Grant hereby vote to prohibit Holland from all future contests too. But to be fair, Hugh Grant may have been distracted by an undercover female officer.
. Bah! Everyone knows Hugh was distracted by a meter maid.
How about the U.S. takes control of ALL nations and renames this planet into "The united states of earth". Or better yet: www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/nukeart2.jpg
That's the way the geography crumbles.
It's disappointing (to me also), but when the contest is sponsored, there's not a lot the site can do about where the contest is targeted.
Partly it's to do with the way large companies work - Singer sewing machines are available in the UK, but only from (say) Singer UK PLC*, which will be a different company to SingerCorp USA and to SInger NZ Inc.
Since the contest is sponsored by SingerCorp USA, they are only going to want to promote the contest to its geographical market. Presumably, American sewing magazines will be running adverts or articles promoting the contest.
*Company names are all made up, purely for illustrative purposes.
It's disappointing (to me also), but when the contest is sponsored, there's not a lot the site can do about where the contest is targeted.
Partly it's to do with the way large companies work - Singer sewing machines are available in the UK, but only from (say) Singer UK PLC*, which will be a different company to SingerCorp USA and to SInger NZ Inc.
Since the contest is sponsored by SingerCorp USA, they are only going to want to promote the contest to its geographical market. Presumably, American sewing magazines will be running adverts or articles promoting the contest.
*Company names are all made up, purely for illustrative purposes.
*Company names are all made up, purely for illustrative purposes.
LOL.
Seriously though - Surly they could allow entries and make other arrangements. It is not as if people seeing and participating outside target markets, decreases the impact on that market. Quite the opposite in this case I would have thought, given the way things snowball on the net.
Am now wearing my instructables t-shirt with slightly less pride :(
Feb 3, 2010. 7:00 AMChickenGrylls
says:
I agree! Though my later post makes it look like I didn't read yours before posting... and of course I wouldn't have done that!
You'd think so, but no, and it is beyond the site's control.
I won Amazon vouchers once, and Amazon refused to honour them on any version of its company except "amazon.com", which is the American branch.
I live in the UK, so a large part of my prize went on postage costs...
I won Amazon vouchers once, and Amazon refused to honour them on any version of its company except "amazon.com", which is the American branch.
I live in the UK, so a large part of my prize went on postage costs...
Feb 2, 2010. 2:34 AMsoldeerridder
says:
I'm extremely disappointed about this!!
I had some nice ideas, does anybody know a similar contest for the rest of us??
I had some nice ideas, does anybody know a similar contest for the rest of us??
Feb 1, 2010. 9:51 PMlukaj2003
says:
Just a quick thought though, if I were to say enter in an entry (even though I live in Australia, not the US or Canada) and won second prize, would I still be eligible to win the Instructables prize pack?
Feb 1, 2010. 7:04 PMbeackmaniax
says:
.Yes, there are lots of international members on instructables.
Why some of the contest, aren't international?. I mean, shipping is not that expensive
Why some of the contest, aren't international?. I mean, shipping is not that expensive
OMG! I was very exited and I have started my project. Maybe, as well as lukaj2003 says, we can pay the transport cost of the prizes if the case require it. I understand the situation but the Eee PC is sold in Spain and Europe as well, and if you are very interested in the book or the netbook you can always buy it throw internet. So, please change the rules!
. New Zealanders are out because they can't post a comment with any indication of what it is about. ;)
.
. Assuming you are talking about a contest, the sponsor(s) will sometimes require that contestants/winners be from a certain geographical area. Presumably because that is the only place they sell their product(s). Don't blame Robot.
.
. Assuming you are talking about a contest, the sponsor(s) will sometimes require that contestants/winners be from a certain geographical area. Presumably because that is the only place they sell their product(s). Don't blame Robot.
And I've already started one of my entries for this!
There will be an awful lot of people extremely upset by this.
There will be an awful lot of people extremely upset by this.
Feb 1, 2010. 2:05 AMknex_mepalm
says:
I live in Australia and I have 14 dead computers from the past and I wish to participate, it is probably due to the handling and costs and Instructables run on pro membership costs only
Feb 1, 2010. 1:01 AMlukaj2003
says:
I too would like to know why. I think it might be due to shipping costs of the Eee PC if you won first place? I mean, maybe something could be worked out if that was the case?
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