DIYfreebies.com

This blog will be a continuation of the Spooktacular October of freebies entry. I haven’t done a double blog since August, so this is rather exciting! Let’s further explore the goodies freebie networks are giving us in October. Go ahead and break out the candy and pumpkin seeds, it’s time to have some fun…

I need to address an error I made in February, I wrote, “Other sites to stay away from:“, linking everyone to three giftcard-bonanza.net sites. Who are they? Stay with me. Around this time RewardStream were under scrutiny, and I did not want history to repeat itself by more networks being sought without prior knowledge. I wanted to give a detailed write up on them. However, other matters in the freebie world were dire, so I indulged them first, leaving my giftcard-bonanza.net domains bookmarked. It wasn’t until reading at FiPG that I noticed the “reward-city” thread, and that giftcard-bonanza.net was part of it. I thought, “Wow! There’s my link.” I found out they paid someone, so they ARE credible. Tonight, while investigating, I stumbled on February’s entry containing the links… I forgot I warned against them, but they were fresh to many of us, and we didn’t know them.

February’s blog: http://www.diyfreebies.com/?p=32

I never labeled them a scam though it may seem like I did. I should have given further explanation or stated there wasn’t enough information to declare them a fly-by-night operation, but to be cautious. Now, they could have scammed someone none of us know about, but paying a member is a positive about the company. Almost everyone has read February’s blog, so editing my words is pointless. I would only do so at the behest of Big Brand Giveaway. Had I worded it differently, I would have let this go. Now that’s behind us, let’s find out who they are…

Some of their domains:

http://bigbrand-giveaway.com

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/

http://www.central-gifts.com/

http://www.national-survey-board.info/

http://www.customer-survey-site.info/

http://www.exclusive-rewards.info/

http://www.national-consumer-survey.info/

http://www.only-giftcards.com/

Big Brand Giveaway’s info. Click to enlarge.

T&C:

Policy:

I-Deal’s info. Click to enlarge.

T&C:

Policy:

I never thought they were YFD, however, the likeness is eerie. Firstly, I magnify the policy and T&C to make comparisons. I-Deal locations differ per DBA; eSolutionsMedia is in Greenville, DE, while more than one Pennsylvania address exists. What’s that you say?! Coincidence or not that I-Deal, and this unidentified network are neighbours? Right now, it’s likely that I-Deal is running it. Either that or this network’s laziness outweighed their common sense, and they stole I-Deal’s T&C/privacy policy content along with YFD’s layout. I’m not sure which, but as this all unfolds more will be revealed… Until then, they need a temporary name. How about “Big Brand Giveaway”? It’s popular, because I run into Big Brand Giveaway domains all the time. Has anyone been spammed with Big Brand Giveaway links? Come to think of it, I have! It’s all coming back to me. If we had new DIY blood I would pass out, because I know the trouble we’ve had with DIY networks, and us wanting more options. This may be our answer. btw, I realized I used “blood” and “pass out” in the same sentence, lol. But it’s true.

I think we have enough on them to begin exploring. Updates will not be given until November. In the meantime, draw your own conclusions. Look at the evidence. Who do you think they are? Freebie investigations are an unforgettable journey! So if you guys want to be detectives, now’s your chance and I can help. These “journeys” also make for good practice. You learn the art of honing in on the most overlooked details that may or may not lead to something big. And so what if they don’t? Some of these cases flop, like with RewardStream and PopularMedia. I went so far as to say they were one in the same. No connection was made, but it doesn’t hurt to compare what we’re looking at. If you missed the RewardStream/PopularMedia blogs, scroll down to Part 1 and Part 2.

All my life I have enjoyed a good mystery, and that is what freebie networks are to me. In a blanket of obscurity lies the most intimate details networks keep hidden. But what? Judicial proceedings prompting them to appear in court? Possibly. When we hear a company is in litigation our first thought is “Why?”, so we look for the facts. Any unsavory findings would averse people to pursuing the network, and they would lose business. What else? Of course deceptive practices would be contested, too. I’m talking scams though, not crooked financial schemes, blackmail, settlements, bankruptcies, etc. If a network’s inability to pay is smudged on consumer complaints sites it will divert people. If more individuals understood freebies there would be less of those complaints. Many internet users doing freebies don’t have enough information at their fingertips. So they make mistakes, thus being disqualified for their gift.

What pleases me more than anything is the growth of this blog; word-of-mouth is spreading fast! The more people know, the more I can help. My goal still stands. I’m here to offer guidance to newcomers as well as safeguard those from networks’ dishonorable activities. I’m going to try my best to bring this much content to the table in November. It just keeps getting better! I’m feeling good about freebies again, and less out of the loop.

I want to talk about I-Deal now. I got paid last week!! I did a $500.00 Visa + MJ t-shirt. I love the sites that throw in gifts on top of gift cards.

The site I did: http://www.e-researchcenter.us.com/?config=6313&src=WC-247493aaaDDD533Z12731Z1245555286DDD:216779:

Click to enlarge.

They have since bumped the offer. It once rested at 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 gc + t-shirt. Also, the t-shirt designs vary. You get what they send, but it’s still cool they’re throwing them in. Speaking of I-Deal, crediting and DQ issues have risen. All my offers on the MJ site went through without need of replacements, but the current site I finished I had to do one. The DQing appears to be for breaking the e-mail and 6-month rule. I don’t know. Not just eSoultions Media, but other DBAs are DQing people left and right. Too bad the $1,000.00 Visa deal had to be on eSolutionsMedia. It is now bumped, btw. It would be funny if this was part of their Halloween scare tactic, and weeks later they send members a letter saying, “Boo! Did we frighten you? We wanted to scare the pants– and masks (!)– off our members this Halloween! Have some candy on us…” And inside the pouch is the gift card with bat and witch confetti, lol. Sorry, the notion of that is highly entertaining. In all seriousness, I hope members get it sorted out and are paid. Spending money on offers to not get anything without a good reason, is not fun.

Check out these frightening deals!

*links ‘n such*

I-Deal–

http://www.thanksgivingonus.us.com/?config=6588&src=WC-87054aaa:230336: – 8 offers, no refs/ – $500.00 Visa or supermarket gc of your choice

http://www.thanksgivingonus.us.com/?config=6599&src=WC-87054aaa:230336: – $500.00 restaurant gc of your choice

http://www.giftcardbonus.us.com/?config=6165 – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 JcPenney gc

http://www.consumerresearchbureau.us.com/?config=5227&src=WC-87054aaa:226435: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Home Depot or Lowe’s gc

Nuitech–

http://yourgiftzone.com/LP/prom-182366/0e087ec55d.php?a=CD44&clickid=0000Rz000kGB1M.eNu6h7kBmGe000000&ce_cid=0000Rz000kGB1M.eNu6h7kBmGe000000 – 6 offers, no refs/$250.00 gc of your choice (including Visa and AmEx!)

http://myrewardsvault.com/LP/IKEA_250/?a=CD44&clickid=0000Bj000kGB1M.eNu6h7kBmVQ000000&ce_cid=0000Bj000kGB1M.eNu6h7kBmVQ000000 – 6 offers, no refs/$250.00 IKEA gc

http://yourgiftzone.com/LP/prom-182364/fec8d47d41.php?a=CD44&clickid=0000CB000kGB1M.eNu6h7kBmXN000000&ce_cid=0000CB000kGB1M.eNu6h7kBmXN000000 – 6 offers, no refs/$250.00 gas gc of your choice or Visa

producttestpanel–

http://laptopreportcard.com/new09/index.php?lid=::add-9922_LRCnew09_fw1&add_offerid=379436&addomain=grz67.com&addomain_id=2 – laptop of your choice

Acquisis–

http://www.specialoffercentral.com/offer?CID=3002&PID=170113&SID=613&TID=671733724&c1=613&c2=&c3= – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 gc of your choice

http://www.eshoppingpanel.com/offer?CID=2671&PID=170113&SID=613&TID=671732859&c1=613&c2=&c3= – 10 offers, no refs/$1,000.00 Visa

http://www.eshoppingpanel.com/offer?CID=2651&PID=170113&SID=613.&TID=671733775&c1=613.&c2=&c3= – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 JcPenney gc

Big Brand Giveaway–

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=13011458&gotoid=1571&parid=82&camid=1784&creid=6295&subid=&email= – ?/$500.00 Wal-Mart gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=12006601&gotoid=272&parid=82&camid=384&creid=1053&subid=&email= – ?/$500.00 Old Navy or Gap gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=12005994&gotoid=501&parid=82&camid=617&creid=1953&subid=&email= – ?/$500.00 Target gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=12006599&gotoid=259&parid=82&camid=368&creid=992&subid=&email= – ?/$1,000.00 IKEA gc

http://www.only-giftcards.com/?proid=12006657&gotoid=959&parid=82&camid=933&creid=3172&subid=&email= – ?/$500.00 Macy’s gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=12006658&gotoid=520&parid=82&camid=613&creid=1937&subid=&email= – ?/$500.00 Wal-Mart gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?gotoid=77&proid=12006224&parid=82&camid=244&creid=510&subid=&email= – ?/$500.00 JcPenney gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=13011444&gotoid=1547&parid=82&camid=1742&creid=6155&subid=&email= – ?/$1,000.00 Target gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=12006621&gotoid=395&parid=82&camid=487&creid=1464&subid=&email= – ?/$100.00 Target or Wal-Mart gc

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=12006592&gotoid=173&parid=82&camid=320&creid=806&subid= – ?/$1,000.00 gas gc of your choice

http://www.giftcard-bonanza.net/?proid=13011380&gotoid=1214&parid=82&camid=1210&creid=4298&subid=&email= – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 supermarket gc of your choice

I added some Big Brand Giveaway links if anyone wants to be a guinea pig. I have no idea how many offers are on each site, you must sign up to find out.

We have yet to form a partnership between these two seemingly jointed companies, but that’s okay. We will figure it out. If someone hasn’t before November, I’ll make it my mission to find out. I am just as curious as you all! In regards to my absence, my time is limited. For nearly 2 months I have juggled ten thousand things, which unfortunately distanced me from certain people and activities… It also distanced me from DIY. I still pursued sites, but I fell behind and my head wasn’t in the game. I read every night, catching myself up. When you’re in the know, you don’t realize how much is happening. But when you step out of the circle, and later return, it hits you hardcore, lol. Imagine during the Mpell certificate saga how much there would be if you missed a month of it! Freebie blogging is an interminable job. Always something, it never gets dull.

That being said, I WILL be back tonight to work on the new link list for October. I want to find more 8 offer/$1,000.00 deals for us, but with a decent DBA, eh. eSolutionsMedia makes me nervous. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I love hearing from you!

Bye for now,

wozniack

Get your costumes on and grab your flashlights, because I’m bringing you the tricks and treats of freebies! Tonight the real CEO of RewardStream is announced; the 18th annual AceTech conference; I-Deal scaring us with spine-tingling offers, and more!

*hot new networks*

FancyFreeGifts– $1,000.00 referral race! Be one of the top goblins: http://www.anything4free.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=152016

Aeternus Rewards– Extending their promo through the month of October. Increased payouts, and free greens can be found here: http://www.anything4free.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=160218

PrizeFast– Check out their “October-Show-Over Promos” for 10-20% bonuses, and their always-popular randon DVD giveaway!! http://www.anything4free.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=160709

I should have mentioned this already, but two men oversaw the operations of RewardStream, Inc. So were they both CEOs, or did one leave office? Can there be two? Sure. I have seen as many as 3 co-CEOs! What I’d like to know is, do they have unvarying functions? Two men sharing a title should have the same job, no? Or does it differ since it’s a major corporation as opposed to being a manager of a store? One contact is best because you know who to call. Rich left office in 2004, making Peter Oxley top dog.
I always have a farrago of company information, so I examine everything closely. I knew of them both, but it was unclear which was in operation, and all I had were dates. There wasn’t anything indicating Simons’ tenure at RewardStream was still ongoing, yet, nothing confirmed he wasn’t still there. He didn’t have any interviews as CEO of Rewardstream since early 2003-2004, and thenceforth has worked for numerous companies. I will rectify the blog introducing Rich Simons by regarding him as “former” CEO of RewardStream, Inc.

Who is Peter Oxley? Read on…

Holding more than a decennary of skill in customer retention initiatives and loyalty programs for worldwide major-league companies, Peter Oxley brings ingenuity to RewardStream’s work force. He worked with Bain & Company on management consulting assignments in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong. Also, he served as a marketing specialist for BC Telecom, and was the proprietor of Icon Marketing. He attended St. Patrick’s High School in Sarnia, ON. Peter holds a business degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business, and an economics degree from the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

For 18 years, AceTech, Academy of Technology CEOs has coalesced technology barons to connect and exchange ideas and dialogue their company’s growth. AceTech is a non-profit organization for CEOs by CEOs. They understand their needs by augmenting to supply learning and development opportunities per annum. At these conferences, you will hear the trendy “CEO War Stories” topic, which is examining the pros and cons of going public for technology companies. Albeit AceTech does not sell “membership”, there are eligibility requirements for all participants, and fees may be applicable as well.

Join me on a tour of AceTech! *excited*

Peter Oxley attended the annual AceTech symposium March 4-6, 2009, and he speaks in this video! He reappears at the end! Perfect. Check it out, lol.

Advisory Boards – CEO Perspectives:

So many conferences, so little time! Where do people find it? I gather many have various concurrent affairs. Still, AceTech seems like an enlightening adventure for CEOs everywhere. If I were one I would go! At least I am allowed through the gates of AdTech, and I can talk about blogging, lmao.

links of interest: http://www.acetech.org/ – http://www.acetech.org/membership-1/ – www.rewardstream.com

Bidding for Active Response Group’s assets ended on July 23, 2009. So who bought them? As of July 31, 2009, Active Response Group, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Caivis, Inc. Caivis Acquisition Corporation is an investment firm based out of Washington, DC. Caivis purchases small companies in the internet space and combine them in order to maximize their opportunities. President and CEO of Caivis, David Steinberg, is no stranger to the business world. In 1993 David Steinberg founded Sterling Cellular, Inc. in the basement of his Maryland home using maxed out credit cards and a parental loan. After founding Caivis in 2007, Steinberg built InPhonic, Inc., a leading online communication product and services provider, which was number one on the Inc 500 list in 2004. Steinberg was dubbed the Greater Washington Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for communications in 2002. He now is on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington and Jefferson College, Greater Washington Sports Alliance, the Northern Virginia Technology Council, Sibley Hospital’s Development Advisory Council, and Faster Cures. He also is chairman of XL Education Corp, Ward Media, Inc., and Spire Vision. Steinberg earned a B.S. from Washington & Jefferson College.

Anyway, I have chattered about Active Response Group, Brandarama, and Brad Powers so much there isn’t anything else to say. But I wrote that in case some of you were wondering who acquired their assets. I’m really glad I left freebies for 3 weeks over the summer, because my frustration was seeping into my entries. There is so much that goes into a blog; timing and placement, current events, subject matter, attitude, mental and physical energy, etc. Timing and placement. Let’s say I wrote two blogs in September. The first one was written September 6, while the other on September 27. Was it wise to create a new blog at the end of the month? What if material for October is scarce, and that content could’ve made up 60% of the Halloween blog? Current events. Say I only wrote one blog dated September 6. Was it a good choice considering how early in the month it is? What if new details on topics emerge days later, and that information cannot be reported as there isn’t enough content to produce a second blog?

Subject matter. I’m cautious to not slander companies. I do rant, and will “expose” networks that are PROVEN to have scammed to safeguard my readers from deception. But I speak an equal amount of good about networks that pay, and have no problem doing so. I mean, who has spoken positively about Brandarama this year? I can’t be in the minority, if there is one. Attitude. If your disposition forecast is stormy, not sunny, you may need an umbrella. As you all know, I took a “freebie vacation”; Brandarama not only rubbed me wrong, but my blog felt my mood change as well as my audience. Mental and physical energy. Blogs can drain a person physically, as unbelievable as that sounds. My energy has been so zapped, I haven’t felt up to blogging. It used to not be this way, hence an erstwhile average of two monthly blogs. With all that’s going on and extracurricular activities, I can’t balance things like before. It can disturb my mental capacity as well. If I’m drained my body only focuses on sleep. Nothing else. Not conventions, offers, I-Deal, terms, legal bindings… None of that stuff, lol. What keeps me energized is my passion for DIY, and the support from all of you. A4F alone brought me over 11,000 hits. Wow. Want to know how many unapproved comments I have on WordPress? 1,574. Mind you, half are spam, but not all.

So it’s October, and what do we love most this time of year?! Links! I noticed a pattern with I-Deal. Every Sepetember they put out awesome deals, and you end up receiving your prize during the holidays. Remember all those 10 offer, no ref laptop deals? They would advertise them in September. What about last year’s ChristmasOnUs? 8 offers, no refs/$750.00 profit. Now there is an 8 offer, no ref/laptop, and 8 offer, no ref/$1,000.00 Visa deal. I got in on the laptop deal, and am almost done! Exciting stuff. These deals won’t last long, so if you can’t do the site(s) now, register before they bump the offers!

*links ‘n such*

I-Deal–

http://consumersavingcenter.com/?config=1163 – 8 offers, no refs/laptop of your choice

http://e-researchcouncil.com/?config=1174 – 8 offers, no refs/$1,000.00 Visa

http://e-researchcouncil.com/?config=5417 – 12 offers, 2 refs/Sony Vaio or Mackbook

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?config=6524&src=WC-253351aaa:229129: – 12 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 merchant gc of your choice

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?config=5786&src=WC-253351aaa:229129: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 gc of your choice

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?config=5967&src=WC-253351aaa:229129: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Visa + jersey of your choice

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?config=6006&src=WC-253351aaa:229129: – 10 offers, 1 ref/$500.00 Visa + “free gift”

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?config=6109&src=WC-253351aaa:229129: – 8 offers, no refs/iKaraoke + iPod touch

http://www.consumergiftcenter.us.com/?config=6137&src=WC-253351aaa:229129: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Baby Gap gc

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6530&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Best Buy gc

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6300&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 8 offers, no refs/gaming console of your choice

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6304&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 10 offers, 1 ref/cell phone of your choice

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6305&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/laptop of your choice

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6373&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/physical item of your choice

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6434&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/laptop of your choice

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6442&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/laptop of your choice

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6443&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/two laptops of your choice. Best laptop deal!! His and Hers combo. You get two laptops instead of one, if I read that correctly…

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6460&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 8 offers, no refs/Slim PS3

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6508&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/Two Blackberry Tour phones

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6509&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 8 offers, no refs/MotoCliq phone

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6522&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/Gateway P-7807u FX laptop

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6527&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 10 offers, 1 ref/Samsung WB5000 24x camera

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6529&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 12 offers, 2 refs/Canon camcorder

http://www.gadgetcenter.us.com/?config=6556&src=WC-87054aaa:228430: – 8 offers, no refs/PSP Go

http://www.giftcardbonus.us.com/?config=6377&src=WC-253351aaa:205342: – 8 offers, no refs/$500.00 Visa

http://www.giftcardbonus.us.com/?config=6411&src=WC-253351aaa:205342: – 12 offers, 2 refs/$1,000.00 Visa

http://www.giftcardbonus.us.com/?config=6456&src=WC-253351aaa:205342: – 12 offers, 2 refs/$2,000.00 Visa

Australia–

http://www.mygiftrewards.biz/?config=5256&src=WC-147994aaaUS87054:228659: – 6 offers, no refs/$500.00 K-Mart gc

http://www.mygiftrewards.biz/?config=5308&src=WC-147994aaaUS87054:228659: – 6 offers, no refs/$500.00 Barbeques Galore voucher

http://www.mygiftrewards.biz/?config=5315&src=WC-147994aaaUS87054:228659: – 6 offers, no refs/$500.00 Endota Day Spa certificate

http://www.mygiftrewards.biz/?config=5351&src=WC-147994aaaUS87054:228659: – 6 offers, no refs/$500.00 Dymocks Booksellers gc

http://www.mygiftrewards.biz/?config=5315&src=WC-147994aaaUS87054:228659: – 6 offers, no refs/$600.00 Visa or check

UK–

http://www.stylecentre.uk.com/?config=6406&src=WC-147994aaaUS87054:224490: – 6 offers, no refs/Peter Hahn gc

I have tons of links in my pumpkin, and I’ll update my list as I go along. Keep refreshing! Since I will have a little free time on my hands, I may publish a second blog this month. We’ll see what happens. Other than I-Deal, everything is basically the same with DIY. Now that Brandarama is out, that’s a dead topic, lol. I wrote about them a lot. It will infuriate me if Brad starts another gift program under a new LLC. I haven’t checked on him since July, so I don’t know what he’s doing. When the bidding began, I left for my freebie vacation. I stopped caring about it at that point.

Be back later!

wozniack