Apparently there are several companies giving away some really nice goodies such as Alienware computers (alienwaregiveaway.co.uk/index.php?referral=18137) and Game Consoles (gameconsolegiveaway.co.uk/index.php?referral=31976). I'm currently looking into these claims and so far the offers seem legitimate, but then why should you trust me? No reason, but I figure there's nothing to lose, and I might end up with a spiffy new computer.
To qualify you have to refer 25-35 "friends" for the Alienware offer and 4-12 for the Game Console, all of whom have to sign up for at least one trial offer. So, for example, by following the above links and registering you would be helping me to earn points for the aforementioned dream machines. In turn, you would also receive a referral code to pass on, so you too can earn points, and so on. Registering for one of the offers could leave you out of pocket, but then, �20 for a computer that's worth a couple of grand, worth it? You tell me.
I was sceptical about the scheme until I read the following reports:
From the BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/3683524.stm
From Wired News -
http://wired-vig.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,64614,00.html.
Now I'm cautiously optimistic.
So, you need 25 referrals, but what if you're Billy No-friends (like me)? The prospect of an Alienware computer (free or otherwise) is tantalising, I want it so bad I can taste it (take a breath, now, say it with me "Alienware... Alienware...". Er, where was I?), and it's tempting, very tempting, to tell all and sundry just so that you can obtain that sweet, sweet gaming monster. Indeed, some have resorted to cross and multiposting on news servers and forums and even to spamming, thus generally adding to the sum total of human misery. Alternatively, a number of referral "help" sites or "conga lines" have sprung up, but be careful before signing up as some have already gone stale, their administrator seemingly moving on once he receives his goodies.
After my initial excitement, I've figured out the downside to this apparently wonderful scheme. The scheme does "really work" but for who? The major shortcoming is the same as any pyramid scheme, despite the howls of protestation from the scheme organisers. For each and every successful claimant there must be at least between 4 to 35 who receive nothing, so the majority of participants (80%-97%) will get nothing. Basically, you have a 1-in-25 chance of succeeding. Better odds than winning the lottery (1-in-13,983,816), but still there will be a lot of losers.
The "conga line" system demonstrates this perfectly. The administrator registers, then site visitors register through his referral. 25 referrals later he has his throbbing computer. The 25th registrant must wait for previous 24 registrants to each receive 25 referrals (24 x 25 = 600) plus 25 for himself making 625. The 625th registrant must wait for previous 624 registrants to each receive 25 referrals (624 x 25 = 15,600) plus 25 for himself making 15,625. The 15,625th registrant must wait for previous 15,624 registrants to each receive 25 referrals (15,624 x 25 = 390,600) plus 25 for himself making 390,625. I'm sure you can see the trend developing here. These figures reflect a best case scenario, some registrants will receive far more referrals, and many people will register with being referred, so "wasting" referrals. Additionally, many people will be sceptical and dismiss the scheme out-of-hand, reducing the potential take up.
Hence, the scheme may "really work" for early adopters and of course for the scheme organisers. Late adopters would be better off setting up their own conga lines.
Furthermore, the scheme organisers can change their terms and condition at any time. So, they are under no obligation and if they decide to send you a geriatric camel as an alternative to your gleaming Alienware computer, you'll have no come back.
Having visited the sites and registered, I found them to be somewhat intimidating in their brutal yet stylish simplicity. Sign up, sign in, register and refer. That's it. I personally I found the lack of information disconcerting, if not downright suspicious.
Each registrant can only make one referral, referrals cannot be revoked nor transferred, and additional referrals count for nothing. Each referral must register for an offer, if you get only 24 registered referrals or only 24 out of a needed 25 register you get squat.
For now, it looks like it's worth a shot and I'm giving it a try. Obviously I've already registered for two offers, but if you're interested, drop me an e-mail (freebies@graphicscode.com) and I can swap referrals for something else (iPod, camera all sorts of stuff).
Now, if you'll excuse me I've got to go and talk to some complete strangers about this sure fire scheme.