I won the PC Format GI Joe Competition and Then Got Shafted
I was recently informed that I had won the GI Joe PC Format competition. You know, the comps that you SMS in an answer and your name. I was concerned because I didn't want to use up my luck before the myGaming PS3 competition, but I was excited nonetheless. I gave in my delivery details and waited patiently. I couldn't remember what the prize was, so when I got home, I dig up my September issue of PC Format, flipped through the pages, and found the competition.
This is a screenie of the competition page:
Four days later, I was informed to pick up my delivery at the post office. I collected it, and opened it as soon as I got back to the office. This is what I found in the box:
Charlotte's Web DVD <-- WTF! this is a GI Joe comp! What GI Joe fan would be caught dead watching this!
The Fast and the Furious DVD <-- You can get this for like R20 and coke.
Coraline PS2 game <-- I don't own a PS2
Transformers Action Figure <-- I buy PC Format, hence I can read, hence I am too old for cheap action figures.
A Pair of Watchmen sunglasses <-- Looks pretty cool though. Atleast it doesn't have "Watchmen" branded on the side.
GI Joe Waterproof Pod <-- WTF is this!?
Not only were none of the prizes listed, in the box, it looked like they just collected a bunch of stuff that no one wanted and sent it to me as some sort of sick joke. I was humiliated. Strontium Dog was amused. Where is my real prize!!? Where is my fridge magnet!!
Update:
I emailed the magazine editor, Nicholas Boerma, regarding this. He just called me now to apologise. He explained that the competition prizes are not handled by PC Format directly, but the people who are holding the competition. He didn't go into too much detail, but according to the competition page, I assume it's United International Pictures, as the competition is a promotion for the GI Joe movie.
So, my anger was incorrectly aimed at PC Format. Obviously, this competition prize balls up reflects badly on PC Format and Nicholas will ensure that U.I.P resolve this issue.
Who knows, I might get an apology printed in the next issue or even a cameo in a GI Joe sequel. Maybe have a new Joe created in my image called "HANDsolo", because he can only use pistols and camps a lot.
Update:
U.I.P. is sending me the correct prizes and has allowed me to keep the incorrect prizes too. Good thing too, as I am really getting into Charlotte' Web and need time to finish watching it
Update:
Just to let you guys know, the correct prizes were delivered last week. So stoked about the fridge magnet. I got to keep the incorrect prizes, although they weren't able to get the Duke T-shirt.
I would phone them and give em a serious talking to!
Originally Posted by Raven Gold
