Mr. Sweepy's Forums

Members,

Form Filling programs is one of the most discussed topics in sweeping.  He is what I wrote about the subject in July 2009 Newsletter.

The different between AutoFill and Robotic or Macro Programs

A common set of questions that is frequently ask about sweepstakes rules is; “What are robotic, macro or script programs?” “How are they different from AutoFill programs?”

Robotic, macro and script programs are designed by computer programmers to do one of two things in sweeping. Either they are designed to create very large number of entries for themselves. Or, to create individual entries in a “subscription sweepstakes entry service”.  As you will read, these “subscription sweepstakes entry service” is a waste of money because they CANNOT entry you in many of the high quality sweepstakes that uses a “Image Challenge”.

About 7 or 8 years ago, there were computer programmers who were creating programs that would allow them to enter large number of entries in a large number of sweepstakes.  They were able to bypass the very simple security build into the sweepstakes. These programmers created many problems for the sweepstakes administrators like ePrize and Don Jagoda. To counter this, the rules were toughened up.  Then the administrators created behind the screen checking programs.  Last was the creation of image challenge programs. The image challenge programs are ones where you have to type in the letters and numbers you see in a box. This image challenge can only be completed by reading and typing and can not be duplicated by automatic computer program.

AutoFill programs do as they suggest.  They fill in your personal entry information. The most common ones are RoboForm, Microsoft AutoComplete, and Google Toolbar. What differentiates the AutoFill programs is:

• The are based on your computer and not on a server.
• They are not connected to a database program.
• Your personal information can be changed.
• Most importantly, after the information is filled into the sweepstakes, you still must hit the “Complete Entry” button “MANUALLY” in order to complete the entry.

When you fill in a sweepstakes entry using a AutoFill program, the sweepstakes administrators can not tell whether you are using AutoFill or not. All they really care about is that you “manually” hit the ”Complete Entry” button or the “Enter” button on your keyboard OR with your mouse.

Last…  Some sweepstakes entry forms are created with a program called “Flash”. This program is a internet development product produced by Adobe. The easy way to tell that you have run into one of these programs is your AutoFill information WILL NOT work into these sweepstakes.  To enter in these sweeps, you will have to manually type in the entries.

Good sweeping,

Mr. Sweepy

I use Robo all the time.  The only question I have is about the statement

mrsweepy:

• Most importantly, after the information is filled into the sweepstakes, you still must hit the “Complete Entry” button “MANUALLY” in order to complete the entry.

 

If I select "fill and submit" on my Robo passcard button, is that considered MANUALLY hitting the Complete Entry button?

Thanks so much Mr. Sweepy I have always wondered about that.

 The following comes from a ePrize sweepstakes: "Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification."

When you use RoboForm, Microsoft AutoComplete or Google Toolbar, this is not considered as "automated".  When you use Roboform or the other two, you still must MANUALLY hit the sumitt button or complete entry button in order to complete your entry.

Mr. Sweepy

muchcat1:

I use Robo all the time.  The only question I have is about the statement

mrsweepy:

• Most importantly, after the information is filled into the sweepstakes, you still must hit the “Complete Entry” button “MANUALLY” in order to complete the entry.

 

If I select "fill and submit" on my Robo passcard button, is that considered MANUALLY hitting the Complete Entry button?

Yes... Using RoboForm and the passcard button is considered MANUAL.  This is because ONLY you can make this happen. 

In a "automated computer entry program" such as a robotic, script or macro program, the entry is being completed by a computer only in a special program.

Mr. Sweepy

Thanks for the further clarification, Mr. Sweepy. I use the "fill and submit" password function on RoboForm whenever I can, and of course with the other form-filling "button" on Robo as well. Without this one little shortcut, entering the number of sweeps I do daily would just be too much of a job! I'm using the free version of Robo because I'm just cheap and ornery - so I only get to use ten passwords. Thank heavens that the "regular" form filling button also lets me "fill and submit" with one click! Maybe when my fortunes improve - when I win some real money! - I'll spring for an upgrade of RoboForm... P.S. The auto-fill function which came with my computer program (Vista Home Premium) isn't as good as Robo, and neither is Google's as far as I can tell from one tryout. So one way or another, I guess I'll be a Robo-Man! Good Luck Sweeping to everyone in the family! Chuck.

Thanks!

 I find that if people have posted that they are having problems getting their entries to "take," if I handtype my entry form, mine will often go through with no problem.  So it feels like sometimes autofill *is* an issue.  I particularly notice it in the birthday fields.  Maybe it is just a wacky superstition of mine. 

I have been using Lastpass and I love it. It saves so much time.

What a relief! I was worried for quite some time that my entries weren't getting through due to those stipulations in many contests rules page about automated entries. I can sleep at night again! Thanks for this post Mr. Sweepy