Okay, so I’m hooked. Blingo is the search engine (powered by Google) where you automagically win stuff like iTunes gift certificates and iPods (!!!) if you search at the right time. I wanna win! I wanna win good stuff! Other people searching in your network increases your and their chances of winning stuff. So sign up through me (click link below) and then we can both win stuff. Free stuff! Dude! Stuff!
(Okay, I know I’m supposed to add a rabbinic commentary about materialism and our culture here. And it’s true, as is the probability that half the stuff I’d win I’d wind up giving away anyway. But who doesn’t want to have that magic feeling of winning a prize in the middle of their workday? It’s nothing but a chance to have a little fun, no?)
Sounds good. But…
The Blingo site says, “In order to win, you must be at least 18 years old, you must live in the United States, and you must have Internet access.” The part about the United States is bolded on the site.
Do we count for that middle category? On the one hand, we are not living in the USA. On the other hand, could one argue that the technical definition is “legal residents of the United States” (that’s the way it’s formulated at http://www.blingo.com/rules). Does that mean those of us who are still paying USA taxes might qualify? I’m not convinced. What do you think?
It’s fascinating that my brain, though presumably having seen those words, just absolutely didn’t register them. I guess the ethics of playing from not-in-the US depend on how you wrap up being here. I am only here for 6ish months, and I’ve retained my place in the States (subletting). Can I play? Does it count? If I win, would I have to give my gifts away (that doesn’t bother me)?
It’s an interesting question. I think someone who considers themselves as really not living in the US (ie has moved permanently) is less able to get away with the loophole.
Hmm. *ponders*
i think if you have a u.s. mailing address, you’re legibile to play