First, I'm sorry but I posted this somewhere else first.  I then found the little button that said "New Topic" 
Here are my questions:  I just copied & pasted what I originally wrote.

Hi, I'm unsure where to start a new topic so I apologize if I'm writing this in the wrong place.  I've never entered any sweepstakes until the other night.  I'm very new to this and I have some questions. 
1.  Does anyone really win?  Or win anything big, like a car for instance?
2.  Do you really have to give your phone number?  I'm a little hesitant to do that because I don't want my home phone flooded with calls or with people trying to sell me things I just can't afford.
3.  How come so many of the sweepstakes make you fill out lengthy surveys?  (for example, the $100 Walmart card) Then at the end of the survey's I'm required click on an offer and make a purchase.  Honestly If I could afford to buy something like a new computer then I wouldn't be entering contests trying to win.  (lol)

Just a little curious about how this all works.  I entered about 12 sweepstakes so far.  I did give my real name, home address and email address but I'm just worried about giving my phone number.  I don't have a cell phone either but even if I did I'm not sure if I'd want people calling and soliciting. 
Any advice would be helpful.  I've found some GREAT sweepstakes to enter here.  Not a fan of the survey's though but I'm willing to do some as long as I don't have to purchase something I don't want or need. 
Thanks in advance 

My number 1 rule: ONLY enter sweeps and instant win games sponsored by reputable companies. Why? Because there are companies, that sponsor sweeps, who's only source of income is selling your personal information!!

Yes you can win things but remember this is basically a fun hobby. If you expect a brand new car or a lavish all expense paid vacation you'll likely be disappointed.

REMEMBER: Technically you owe taxes on anything and everything you win! You'll receive a tax form 1099 for higher price prizes and it must be reported when you file your taxes!!  So don't waste your time entering a sweep for a new car if you can't afford the taxes!!!

Just my 2 cents.

People here win lots of stuff! I, myself have won tons of stuff...this is a SUPER-LEGIT sweep site.I mostly play the instant wins..which you kinda gotta go thru the list and pick the ones you want and add them to your list...you'll get the hang of it. And don't forget to post your first win..we will all be excited for you! P.S. I've been a member here for over 2 years and I'm never disappointed!

Wow thank you for the advice.  I really appreciate everyone being so helpful and pleasant.  I will take your advice.  Hopefully I can come back soon and let you know if I won anything.  I'd be excited to win a bag of coffee if I could.  
Getting a little bit addicted to this already.  Totally lost track of time and it's late.  Oh boy.  Thanks again.

  goodguy46947

Except for #1, I agree with you. 

I understand your point, but I take exception to you defaming a company by stating they sell your info!

We are all free to decide what our comfort level is on every sweeps we enter, so it's on us to check out their privacy policy and decide when they go above that level.

Some sponsors choose to ask if you'd like to subscribe to their newsletter, while others require that you subscribe. Some will ask if they may share your info, while others will require that you allow them to share your info to enter.

So if, while entering a sweeps, you fail to catch a checked box that says you will recieve email from 3d parties, or agree to a privacy policy that states you will receive email from 3d parties, that doesn't mean that sponsor is unethical.

  Welcome to SA Bev. Looks like everyone answered your questions. It can be a bit overwhelming when you first start out so please don't hesitate to ask questions. I have won thousands of prizes since joining SA many years ago.

TIP: One of the GREAT things about FaceBook & Twitter is you can check them when sweeps go down/you can't login or when a sweeps requires a code - just do a search for the sponsor and read their WALL/post to it

TIP: Use an addy you plan to always have - some sponsors only ask you to register 1x & pick a user name and password, which will work for all their FUTURE sweeps. If you change your addy mid-sweeps, it will look like you are trying to enter with multiple addys to them.
 
TIP: when I have trouble with a promo, I search for their home page and use their CONTACT US form if logging into their home site won't work, then once I get that resolved, I go back to the promo

TIP: Can't find a sweeps form or it won't allow entry? Try going through the rules, either through the link they post or by deleting the end of the address.

FYI - trip ARV's are predicated on the furthest/costliest travel - you do NOT have to pay taxes on the ARV they list IF you do a little homework - read more here: http://www.sweepstakesplus.com/smf/arv-and-your-taxes-ty-to-lidarkside-t50686.0.html



I've found that when people go through a dry spell they tend to focus on things that may be preventing them from winning - it's a natural reaction, especially when you used to win so easily!!!

But, all the reasons people think of that may be preventing them from winning (more sweepers/cheaters/etc.) have minimal impact - it's really all about timing - either you have it or you don't.


I find after IE/Firefox/and or ROBO updates I have problems with sweeps rendering properly, so I make sure JAVA/ADOBE are updated too, and then they *usually* will work - FYI - it sometimes takes numerous days/reboots until things are normal again:

IW/FLASH/resource intensive Sweeps not working? Try this:

http://www.sweepstakesplus.com/smf/iwflashresource-intensive-sweeps-not-working-try-this-t17404.0.html   

or try compatbility view

Or ALLOW: If it STILL won't work? Put the pesky site in your allowed:
At the top, click on>TOOLS>INTERNET OPTIONS>SECURITY>TRUSTED SITES>Click on sites button, then type or C&P the site address in add this Web site to the zone then click ok/apply.