Brumby - the possibility and services were mentioned on the first couple pages but I absolutely did think of that and agree and have edited my posts to take out any names
Chunky - I watched that third persons vote count the last hour+ - it didn't go up by a single vote. How can someone get 950 votes worth of momentum in a 12 hour period then have it literally come to a screeching halt? I feel like Keysight really bungled this, giving away a $70k technical instrument based on social media popularity might not have been the best idea, although I am grateful they did any giveaway at all
I have to say that considering the value involved - scamming the system could result in some legal troubles on top of the nearly $20k tax bill that goes along with winning.
![ThumbsDown :--](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_thumbsdown.gif)
It may be that I am the only one expecting and prepared to deal with the tax reality - thanks to having tons of losses the past couple of years carried forward.
I have to say that considering the value involved - scamming the system could result in some legal troubles on top of the nearly $20k tax bill that goes along with winning. ![ThumbsDown :--](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_thumbsdown.gif)
The other players may not have even considered this aspect!
![Banging Head |O](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/bangheadonwall.gif)
It may be that I am the only one expecting and prepared to deal with the tax reality - thanks to having tons of losses the past couple of years carried forward.
Not good
![ThumbsDown :--](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_thumbsdown.gif)
, but it does allow you to write the $20k off against these losses?
The jump by David K. is remarkable.
It could well be he had a successful campaign - maybe community radio or TV or something like that. Maybe something as simple as a letter box drop or an endorsement from a well known figure. Maybe he got in with a school or some such. There's a lot of avenues one could explore and what works for one person may not work for another.
My voting criteria is on the technical merit of the intended use.
My voting criteria is on the technical merit of the intended use.
Yes, but that isn't the way this contest is playing out, unfortunately.
Not good
, but it does allow you to write the $20k off against these losses? ![Confused :-//](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/confused0024.gif)
Yes, I don't have to come up with the cash to pay the tax. The gain from the scope is offset by previous losses.
giving away a $70k technical instrument based on social media popularity might not have been the best idea
Yeah ...well...that's what happens when you listen to PR firms...
This has got to be an outsourced idea. I'd expect something from
HP Agilent Keysight to be a lot better thought out.
And after the contest is over they are either going to be looking for a new PR firm, and /or someone is going to be out of job.
Is there any evidence of her cheating...
We are checking as best we can to make sure all votes are legitimate.
Here is what I've noticed twice so far:
I refreshed the page probably 5 times and the votes are the same. You add a vote for one, and as if by magic another contestants votes go up two. Then you wait........refresh the page a few times...and vote. and as if by magic....the other vote goes up too.
It's magic!
Or it could be that someone is just sitting in front of their computer with their three available votes and they are waiting for someone else to vote before they do...hmmmmm
What's a claim with no data to support it?
Here is some data from 8:37 to 9:04 PST:
2304 2699
2308 2701
2309 2702
2311 2705
2313 2705
2314 2705
2314 2707
The jump by David K. is remarkable.
It could well be he had a successful campaign - maybe community radio or TV or something like that. Maybe something as simple as a letter box drop or an endorsement from a well known figure. Maybe he got in with a school or some such. There's a lot of avenues one could explore and what works for one person may not work for another.
I personally like the idea of Dave pushing a couple of videos of course - Even if it just promotes the contest itself - go watch the videos of the top 3 and vote for the one that you feel matches the prize best. Even better if he pushes my video, but it does not seem needed - only a solid bonus. There are 3 videos in the running essentially at this point. The playing field is not fair and not even. Why not take a position and tell people along with talking about the importance of taking a minute to vote on it and tell everyone that Carlos A is the favorite one. We could have a $70,000 scope that is abused, under-used, sold on eBay, or being used as a hobby tool - or it can be used by a small business professional with 3 kids struggling to jump to the next level designing high-speed circuits for a living. I would hazard a guess that just a solid push on YouTube to review the top 3 and vote for what they think is best would land me the votes we need - the EEVBlog YouTube audience is a sophisticated bunch which is why they watch these videos.
Doing my best to keep it together, but I have to say, this is one hell of a tough spot to be. It is painfully nerve wracking to watch it play out.
![](http://i.imgur.com/A1Ex6o9.png)
0 is 5:11am .8 is about midnight
I love the graphs. Love them.
Here is another exciting thought from a neutral and impartial source:
What if Keysight sent all the entrants the tax forms to be filled out tomorrow, ahead of anyone winning. With the brutal reality that this scope costs more than a brand new Toyota Corolla - that may clear the path real quick.
If there is any concerns about 'buying votes', then I might suggest Keysight ask the people running the contest for a breakdown of votes by country. If Dave's experience is any indication, a spike of votes from Vietnam would be highly suspicious.
Some services may use VPN services, this ultimately will turn into a cat and mouse game.
The David K jump appeared to have happen after the links to buy 150 votes for $5 where posted here.
The whole voting system is mess. Anyone can add large numbers of votes to the 'contestants'. Who knows who is responsible. Spend 50 quid on votes and get and get your competition knocked out for cheating.
Oh well it is all good for marketing purposes. .....
What if Keysight sent all the entrants the tax forms to be filled out tomorrow, ahead of anyone winning. With the brutal reality that this scope costs more than a brand new Toyota Corolla - that may clear the path real quick.
Or worse, they go to the bank for a temporary loan and sell the scope to pay the taxes and profits
The real bad ass thing to do was to pay for bad quality votes for the other competitors and get them banned *G*
Brazil is not elegible to participate in the giveaway!!!.. How can i support Carlos?
You are not eligible to win the scope, but, of course, you're perfectly fine to vote on Carlos if you wish so.
BTW: WTF happened to David K., if he maintains his momentum he will topple Nilu in no time
You are not eligible to win the scope, but, of course, you're perfectly fine to vote on Carlos if you wish so.
BTW: WTF happened to David K., if he maintains his momentum he will topple Nilu in no time ![](http://forum.cycling4fans.de/imagesdez03/smilies/blink.gif)
No i can´t...here is the link, and what i got... i can not go any further...Maybe i can use a Proxy server to simulate i´m not in Brazil...
Bummer...
I don't know if it's a very good idea to work around their "firewall", if they somehow find out it may backfire on Carlos
Bummer...
I don't know if it's a very good idea to work around their "firewall", if they somehow find out it may backfire on Carlos ![Confused :-//](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/confused0024.gif)
Yes...well... i just can say good luck to Carlos! I´ve tried to proxy..but i can´t pass the "choose language" screen. I´ve tried....
Current positions:
Position | | Votes | | Name |
1 | | 2987 | | Nilu J. | | |
2 | | 2709 | | David K. | | Trails leader by 278 |
3 | | 2410 | | Carlos A. | | Trails leader by 577 |
David K. has found some hectic support!