There’s been literally a big commotion in the blogosphere regarding this issue, wherein they say that bloggers should have a DTI permit whenever they hold a contest or giveaway of any sort. Honestly, I don’t mind getting a permit as long as it’s free, easy to secure (meaning I can get one easily online), otherwise, it’s definitely a big no-no for me. While I totally understand that they have good intentions on consumer protections and all that, but as a blogger who is planning to host a giveaway in the near future, I think with the current discussions going on, it’s just too much of a hassle just to secure one.

As far as I know, these permits are only applicable if there are purchases involved, like whenever a consumer buys something just to be able to enter a contest or maybe the host purchased items to be given away (that I have to ask). But that’s not even the case for blog contests! Yes, some bloggers might opt to buy items so that they would have prizes, but these are out of pocket expenses! C’mon, out of good will and camaredie, a blogger buys few stuff worth less than Php 1000 to giveaway as a gratitude to his readers and yet he has to secure a permit worth Php 1000, and go all through the hassle of getting a mayor’s permit and all that? *sigh*

And as far as the discussion about this issue is concerned, there was  mentioning of cheating being a problem for such contests and that a DTI representative should be available to overlook the said drawing. Okay, so if a blogger decides to do the manual drawing during late at night, would a DTI representative be willing enough to go to the blogger’s house just to check if he is doing the correct thing? And being in the high-tech world, most bloggers are using random.org or other computer applications to do the drawing. So does a DTI representative have to be around as well just to check if the blogger indeed did the drawing honestly?

I DECIDED to become a blogger because I’d rather stay at home while getting FEW incomes out of my hobby, so the hassle of going out to city hall to get a mayor’s permit and some other papers just to get my online contest going is ridiculous, not to mention the fees and all that. Blogging has been around for so long but how come they recently just realized that hey, bloggers should also get DTI permits for contests? Is there an ulterior motive on this? I really don’t know… But all I can say is, I’m gonna be really sad if this pushes through. Sorry but I might just cancel my plan of hosting a contest if that’s the case.