ITV competitons postcard entry

Babbacheez

Does anybody have any details regarding the postcard entry method to the big ITV competitons, This Morning, Loose Women, Dancing on ice etc.
As anyone entering by postcard ever won?
All the big ITV competitons have the same Derby address, has anyone any information on this address, how the draws are done, are they scrutinised, how is the winning entry determined phone call, text, online entry etc.
I have sent dozens of postcards to all the big competitons over the last year, I would just be satisfied if I knew my postcards were actually being put stored legitimately and an actual postcard drawn as a winner.

Thanks, Mike

mjm3346

Asked and answered before - in summary

ITV used (may still use)

The Winner Selector works by taking in all entries to a competition from each entry route, and assigning a unique random number to every entry. This is done independently of the original entry method, and assures that each entry has the same chance of being selected, irrespective of the method of entry.

ITV get over 1,000,000 entries a week so the chances of winning are very slim whatever the entry method.

The Derby address is used by several others apart from ITV and the company that handled them (may still do) entered the required details onto a database by optically scanning/typing etc.

So if a postal entry is correct and received in time it has as much chance to win as phone/text/web entry and is a poor gamble even with just the value of a stamp being lost.

mjm3346

Found the "Derby" bit

We regularly capture data in any volumes from a variety of media including:... competition entries...

data capture is split across two locations, each providing connectivity and contingency for the other in the event of a major system failure....

We have the capability to process data via the traditional method of keyboard input; by scanning; through the use of automated data capture and data recognition systems

and how some of the magazine entries were handled

The monthly entries are scanned initially and then the unique competition code for each entry is captured by our data capture team. This allows for competition entry results to be provided and each entry is placed in a unique competition pot to allow for computerized winner selection once each competition has closed.