We have been consulting with an attorney and have learned that our "contest" was technically illegal. Apparently, you can't have a contest where consideration (payment of some sort) is required to enter a game of chance (random drawing). We never intended for the prizes to entice someone to donate to the site if they weren't inclined to do so otherwise. The prizes were just a way to say thank you for helping out the site.
For this reason, we have been advised by our attorney not to give away any prizes. We will refund anyone's donation if you send a request to orders@ford-diesel.com and include your name, e-mail address, order number, and type of payment. No questions asked and no hard feelings if you want a refund. Credit card payments
will be credited back directly to your credit card. If you paid in cash, by check, or by money order, we will mail you a refund check. I sincerely apologize for this, but we can't afford to face legal action over something like this. A legal battle would result in us completely shutting down the site.
If you want to discuss this, please come to the News forum. This topic will be locked in all other forums.
See what happens when you involve Lawyers. Nothing is sacred anymore
Seemed to me it was a pseudo-raffle. They are legal. One chance per donation. How can that be construed as wrong? Each of us knows how many chances we have in the 'pot' and accept it. You have already listed what the items were we were purchasing the chances for. Change the wording from donation to raffle.
Seriously, what is going to happen to the contest? Is it now officially over? All donated items returned?
Since the upgrades and running of this site is based on donations, and the appearance is that some may be returned, is there a way for you to let us know the situitation? This is one of the best information sites I have seen. I would hate for financial reasons and lawyers to close it.
The ideas represented here are wholly my own. They do not represent this site in any way and they are not liable for the consequesces of them. Wanted to make sure you were covered
Ron
------------------
95 PSD CC Dually 4.10 E40D. Git Kit, Deep dish tranny pan, B&M tranny cooler, in-line magnetic tranny filter with synthetic fluid. Dual bypass oil filter system with synthetic oil (so far...).
[This message has been edited by ranaumo (edited 01-24-2001).]
__________________
2010 F450 CCLB 4x4 Lariat KR, Two tone red/tan. Engine rebuilt due to turbo seal blowing and trashing all the pistons on one bank. New to me.
95 F350 PSD CCLB DRW 4.10 E40D. Died a terrible death at the hands of a moron in a hurry
Other things done just for fun... FLHRCI for fun. 26 years Naval service, finally retired and still haven't grown up.
I still wanted to make a donation, but the donation section of the store was pulled (I assume because of the "land sharks"), so I bought a hat and a hitch plug. Is it still possible to have the donation option available with out a contest?
Any similarity, real or implied, in this post to other posts is purely coincidental, and should not be construed as a purposeful transgression of the copyright laws as understood by this, or any other, party.
__________________
Thanks for reading, Dale Pics 1995 F350 - To much stuff to list,
more money spent than I want to admit.
I would hate to think that someone who actually donated to the site would actually have heartburn with the decision. I being of sound mind and body, donated to the site of my own free will to help support the information exchange (and not to win a prize!) Sure, winning something would have been cool, but I've gained so much more just by participating in these forums!
Jason, do what you have to do and don't regret it! Cheers!
------------------
1994 F350 Crimson Red/Silver Crew Cab Dually, 2WD, PSD, Gutted Kitty, Shimmed (CA kit), Close-Ratio ZF 5 Speed w/AMSOIL, Ford 4.10 LS Rear w/AMSOIL, Fumoto ODV, A-Pillar w/ISSPRO Black Ice, Vacuum/Boost, & Oil Pressure. 1971 25' Airstream International Travel Trailer. Life is good in Bear Valley Springs!
Well, I don't want my donation back, prize or no prize,raffle or no raffle. The info. I've learned on this site is prize enough as I'm sure it is for alot of other people.I'll continue to donate!
Raffles are only legal for non-profit organizations. That's is why I thought we were in good shape on everything. I buy raffle tickets all the time. However it is only legal if it is a registered non-profit organization.
There are always problems when lawyers get involved. Unfortunately, we have grown large enough to show up on people's radar now. The laws were originally created so that I couldn't call you and say you have won $10,000 but you must send us a check for $150 to claim it.
I also find it interesting that so many states have lotteries now that are perfectly legal, but they don't allow anyone else to do the same thing. I'm not sure how they justify that.
As for the donations, we will put it back up at some point once we work out the legality of everything. We were advised to pull everything until we find out for sure.
Would it be legal to send a Ford-Diesel.com window sticker or bumper sticker to all of those that donated? If you didn't advertise it as "donate money, get sticker" but "thanks for supporting the site, here's a sticker to show who you support" Would that work?
------------------
2000 F-350 SD Lariat, 4x4, PSD, CC, LWB, 6-speed, 3.73LS, Dark Torreador Red
__________________
<font color="#008800">Forget about world peace...Visualize using your turn signal!</font>
The reward for donating to this site is having the site running for us to use and enjoy.
Use the raffle prize money/items for site expenses. Can't imagine anyone really donated with the idea of a prize as their primary motivation.
I'll continue to use and enjoy the site, and despite being as cheap as an old suit, I'll send another donation next year.
------------------
2000/F250 XLT CC 4X4 6spd
LB 305 Gy's Rancho 9000's and Stabilizer
__________________
'03 F250 (7.3) 4X4 Auto CC, Long Bed XLT. AIC, Camper Shell and Sirrus Radio - Most of the options. Purchased via the courtesy of the DSB
Jason, it's real sad in this day you have to worry of such things. I understand the law, but it's a shame common sense does not exist anymore.
Sorry to hear it.
Bob
------------------
99.5SD PSD, CC, Black, 4X4Off Road, Lariat, Diablo 78hp, Amsoil from front to back. PICTURES Turbo Brake, A-Pillar with Trans Temp, Boost, and EGT Guages. www.dieselsite.com
__________________
Bob Riley, Owner DieselSite.com
Proud Sponsor of TheDieselStop.com
GOT DIESEL? call us at 888-414-3457
The first year I contributed, there was no mention of prizes until after I had contributed. I did not contribute to win a prize, my prize was already here - access to this site.
This year, I knew there were prizes being offered. I did not contribute because of prizes - I contributed because I want to support this site and I want to help insure its' continued operation.
So, no problem here. My donation remains in the custody of Ford-Diesel.Com. I do not want a refund, all I want is a continuation of this great site.
Mike
[This message has been edited by mhardin (edited 01-24-2001).]
Wow and it had to happen on the very day that I decided to donate too. Im sure I probably wouldnt have won anyway . It is indeed my pleasure to have contributed to this site as Im sure I have learned more than my measly donation would warrant This is really one of the few sites I come to on a regular basis and would feel a loss without it. I love this place and I love my PSD !!!
Jason,
No probems with this decision at all. My donation is for the value I place on the information and education we all get out of this site. I've donated for three years now and have no regrets. It would be nice to receive a "Real Trucks" bumper sticker as a "free" promotion form F-D.com for the support
------------------
99 F250 XLT 4x4 SC SWB Auto 3.73 50/100 Superchip A-pillar/3 gauges cat-delete/BD 4" exhaust and S.S. flex pipe, BFG T/A 285 KO's Edelbrock IAS SnugTop cap K&N air filter Fumoto drain valve, 9/98 build date
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
