SilentKnight

Re: Deception, fraud and improprieties surrounding several banner/logo design 'contests' lately on GFY.

Say it isn't so.

Sad, but true.

Just a heads-up - but lately there have been several of us designers and graphic artists chatting privately about fraud design contests where prizes are either promised and not awarded, or handed to dubious winners under questionable circumstances.

It should go without saying that bogus design contests are unprofessional and tantamount to theft - plain and simple.

I will not finger-point nor will I name names here, however. You know who you are...and so do some of us who spend considerable time and effort submitting graphic entries.

This is not a sour grapes or crybaby thread about specific incidents or individuals - so if that's the best constructive input you can think of replying with...spare us your shallow opinions.

Instead, this is a call to all GFY mods and admins to help us monitor and eliminate the practice of fraudulent design contests on GFY. Not only do they waste the time and effort of designers...but it discourages potential designers from participating. The practice also contributes to a negative experience and bad reflection on the forum as a whole.

That said - my best advice to fellow designers is to be wary of the identity of those who start contests. Save yourself potential frustration and futility - try a keyword search and do a little digging on the forum before devoting time to working on a contest entry. Ask other designers if you have doubts about the integrity or honesty of the contest starter. I'm sure there's a few of us who keep mental notes on a few of the 'bad apples' and would be more than happy to pass along whatever knowledge we have.