Zune Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

It just so happens that I have a pink Zune to give away, and it just so happens that most of you Zune Thoughts readers are eligible. Why "most"? Here's why: since launching Zune Thoughts nearly a year ago, I've given away two Zunes. Being in Canada, I'm particularly sensitive to the frustration of seeing a contest where it says "USA only", so I always strive to have my contests be open to anyone in the world - that's the way I think it should be.

Random chance seems to agree: both of the Zunes I gave away went outside North America. One went to Poland, and one went to The Netherlands. Much to my dismay, in both cases the Zune never showed up for the winner! The second one was particularly baffling because it was send via Purolator courier with a tracking number (the first was regular postal mail) - after a two week investigation the courier company declared the package as lost. The first Zune I gave away was paid for out of my own pocket, and the second one was donated by the Zune team, but it's still frustrating for a winner not to get their prize. So, because of the problems I've had with my two previous Zune contests, I have no choice but to declare this contest only open to people in the USA or Canada (sorry Mexico). Maybe future contests I'll feel more lucky and try to ship it someplace far away...

So how do you enter this contest? Simple: just post a message in this thread telling me one of the features that you like about the Zune. I'll randomly select one person that posts, and that person will win the Zune. That's it! I'll leave this contest open until 12 noon (GMT -7) on Thursday the 20th.

Ok, so here's the deal: remember my dusty white Zune? I sent it back to a great contact I have at Microsoft on the Zune team, because he wanted to see it (it seems I'm one of the few people that got a dusty Zune), and he sent me a replacement white Zune. When my Zune arrived at Zune HQ, apparently an engineer cracked it open and cleaned out all the dust - and my contact offered to send it back to me. So now that means I have an "extra" Zune (I still have the black one that's dysfunctional), and you know what that means...giveaway! We want to spread the Zune love here at Zune Thoughts, so whether you already have a Zune and want to give this to someone else, or you're lacking in the Zune-owning department, enter in our little contest.



How do you win? Simple: register in our forums and post a message in this thread telling me one song or band that you're enjoying right now. Seven days from now (on the 24th of May) at noon I'll do a random drawing, and one person will win the Zune. I'll ship it anywhere in the world, and I'll include a Zune Thoughts micro light as well. One entry per person allowed, all decisions final, and the winner has 14 days to claim their prize or I'll pick someone else.

And in case you're wondering, the Zune is in pristine condition - no scratches, nicks, dents, or anything else. The Zune box on the other hand, looks like it's been through a war. But it's not like you're going to carry it around with you, right? Exactly.

UPDATE: Oh, and I should add that if you don't see your post appear right away, it's because it's your first post and I need to approve it. Hang tight and don't re-post right away.