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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: jalaj on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:03:32

Title: prize drawings, why still physical slips and ! random number generator?
Post by: jalaj on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:03:32
In this day and age, many prize drawings still use the old method of pull the slip out of the bag/box/cage/container/whathaveyou to select the winners. As much as you shake up the drawing box (if even shaken), it's nigh impossible for the contents to be thoroughly mixed up into a random order, especially when pieces of paper are involved. So this methodology of selecting prize winners is not a true fair system. Alternatively, a computerized random number generator offers an equal chance for all entrants. So with all the tech so accessible to our fingertips in this age why are manual prize drawings still so prevalent? Seeing this occur at tech shows/conventions is even more baffling.
Title: Re: prize drawings, why still physical slips and ! random number generator?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:06:03
Many members here use random number generators in their giveaways!

But others still prefer paper slips in a hat!
Title: Re: prize drawings, why still physical slips and ! random number generator?
Post by: vun on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:10:35
It appears fair to the general public so nobody bothers changing it.