Here we go again

[Matt. K]

After filling up with fuel I was given a Shell competition card with a number on it proclaiming I could win free fuel for a year. The card has an email address...you have to log on and fill out a fair bit of personal information before checking the number on your card. A long list of legal conditions in small type are presented....as if everyone will read them and condition 24 states

Entrants consent to the Promoter using the entrant's name, likeness, image and/or voice in the event they are a winner (incl. photograph, film and/or recording of the same) in any media for an unlimited period of time without remuneration for the purpose of promoting this competition (including any outcome), and promoting any products manufactured, distributed and/or supplied by the Promoter.

It's a sad state of affairs when huge companies like Shell try and pull this stuff in the guise of giving something away for free.

[Killakoala]

Nothing is 'free', except love and a smile.

So technically (and legally,) the fuel is not free. Perhaps consumer affairs should be made aware of this Matt. It is wildly misleading.

Then again, if you win and refuse to partake in the promotion by demanding to sign a Model Release form, then they can't really touch you. You would need to sign the entry form if that was a condition. Surely just reading the conditions and entering the competition is not enough.

And what happens if you are unable to make it to one of their promotions (due to whatever reason other than refusal,) do you forfeit the remainder of the fuel offer?

Hmmm....... so many questions..

[Matt. K]

Steve
The fuel is allocated on a weekly basis from my understanding. If you refuse to abide by any of the conditions then you forfeit the prize. If any of the information that you provide is found to be incorrect you also get zip.

[macka]

Are we surprised?

I assume company-run competitions are one of the following unless proven to me to be otherwise:

1. A way to try and make me spend my money.
2. A way to collect my personal information.
3. A thinly disguised advertisement (see 1).
4. A market-research tool.

[Matt. K]

macka
And I thought I was cynical.

[Nnnnsic]

Shit Steve. You can get love AND a smile for free? Damn. You've just saved me money.

[foonji]

1. A way to try and make me spend my money.
2. A way to collect my personal information.
3. A thinly disguised advertisement (see 1).
4. A market-research tool.

spot on the mark there... its all marketing in the end