What name do use for comps?

Pomdren

Marg2k8 wrote: »

You could think about using a shortened version of your name, so long as it is plausible. For example, if your name was Catherine, you could use Cath, Cathy, Cathie, Cat etc. This way, you would know that any phone calls, letters etc addressing you in a way that you do not usually use are comping related, but if you won say tickets, the box office would not normally refuse your identification, if they think it is an accepted abbreviation.

I'd wondered about this as I use a shortened version of my name and had worried that it might cause trouble cashing a cheque etc. Don't know if banks are fussy about that?

Thankfully the only cheque I have won was made out using my first initial, so it was no trouble (although for some reason they decided to post it to my next door neighbour's address instead, despite it definitely being correct on the mag site.)

As to the OP's question, just use your own name, you're not a spy. Using an alias would just confuse things and potentially upset promoters. Imagine you had to go and collect a prize and they were addressing you by another name. I know I'd feel really uncomfortable lying like that.
Knowing where the spam comes from really isn't worth it, and there isn't that much spam anyway. I get a ton of emails, but in my 5 months I've only had one call and three texts, and they all arrived during the week after I entered my details on a known spammy comp site that I saw on my Twitter feed. Stick to MSE and you'll be fine.

CatsRule

Thanks all, it was just that have I a weird name so I was mostly thinking about the downsides of a google search on my name implying I was a fan of some company I'd maybe won a prize from. Really appreciate the advice, will be using my own name for all prizes (not just cash and holidays!) from now own. Thanks!

weeowens

My name can also bring a few strange google returns as there are two well known people with variations on it.
I have just got used to not googling for wins :-)

One tip I would offer is not to use your MSE log in as a site name on other sites eg Puzzler etc.It may be just me but as I posted more comps to here I worried that they would spot my cheating entries on such as that site :-)

Comping_Awe

My real name, (text removed by MSE Forum Team), caused me problems so I use a different name.

weeowens

A bit like the call for Mr Hunt in the 80s film Porky's.

I think we could play for hours, especially via new accounts :-)

babs

I used to use my maiden name (quite unusual) as two other very active compers have exactly the same first name AND surname as myself. However, apart from a birth certificate I had zero I.D in this name and used to worry if I won a holiday or money I would have some explaining to do. I recently switched back to my married name and now use my first and middle name in all my entries.

However, I do think my wins have gone down a lot since switching as I know we enter the same comps and maybe promotors see at least three entries with the same name and disqualify us?

hazyjo

weeowens wrote: »

A bit like the call for Mr Hunt in the 80s film Porky's.

I think we could play for hours, especially via new accounts :-)

Our French teacher was called that. Really! I kid ye not! Shorterned version and all! We also had a Theresa in the school who went on to marry a Mr Green!

I'd pick Norma Snockers. Makes me laugh the most.

Sorry, getting off track here lol...

Jx

LadyMorticia

I use my real name.

ellielovesem

I use my real name but what about date of birth for holiday comps? I use a fictional DOB (correct year though) so could this cause problems? I'm guessing if you're lucky enough to win they'll double check the details and now thinking about it I use a shortened version of my name that won't match my passport anyway! Do they check before doing any bookings?

Can anyone who has won a holiday clarify?!

weeowens

ellielovesem wrote: »

I use my real name but what about date of birth for holiday comps? I use a fictional DOB (correct year though) so could this cause problems? I'm guessing if you're lucky enough to win they'll double check the details and now thinking about it I use a shortened version of my name that won't match my passport anyway! Do they check before doing any bookings?

Can anyone who has won a holiday clarify?!

I have won two high value holiday prizes & have never been quizzed re errors in my personal details.
My entry name on all comps is a shortened non gender specific variation of my actual name & my DOB is out by one digit.
It may be a pointless exercise but it is just my way of comping & I am willing to accept any issues that arise, not that any ever have in over seven years of comping.