2012 Photo Contest Rules

Reef-Geeks Photo Contest Rules

Please take the time to read and follow the rules for 2012.

1. In order to enter any one of the photo contests you must have made at least 5 valid, aquarium related posts on this forum (per that month). What this means is that you can no longer enter a photo and then go away. We run these contests as a perk and for the fun of our members. So if you want to participate in the contests you will now need to participate in the community also. Lets face it, its only 5 posts for that month, is that asking too much?
2. In order to vote in the contests you will now need to make at least 10 valid aquarium related posts that month. We're no longer allowing people to just jump on in to vote - it's not fair to our members who enter and who actively participate in the community. These are fun photo contests not popularity contests
3. Only pictures that have been taken by the contest entrant can be entered in the voting.
4. All photos must be reef-related and pertain to the theme of the month (includes reef diving),but do not have to be pictures of your tank.
5. Once you submit a picture for the contest, it can not be switched.
6. Do not post multiple photos and then ask the members which one to enter...the choice is yours.
7. Since many members do not have a photo editing program (i.e. Photoshop), pictures can not be manipulated. But, since all of us who enter a photo do have a photo share program(photobucket, snapfish etc.), minor edits - like cropping, adding watermarks or your name,and adjusting the lighting - in your photo share program is permitted. Water marks can not be URL's to other websites or blogs. Watermarks are intended to protect your photos not advertise your website.
8. If your picture wins it will no longer be eligible for re-entry.
9. If you win, you are not eligible to win the next 3 photo contests.
10. Once a winner is notified by RG admin of their prize, they have 72 hours to reply to the notification. If the winner does not reply within 72 hours then their prize will be given up to the entrant with the next highest votes.
11. By entering your picture in any of our contest's you give permission to Reef-Geeks.com to use your photo as we wish (i.e. the portal picture, mass emails etc.).
12. RG admin has the right to disqualify any entry for any reason.
13. Entries will be allowed for the first 3 weeks of the month and the last week will be the voting period.
14. In the event of a tie the winner will be chosen by RG moderators.