The problem that first hit me was that even after they’d sent me all this confusing info on online registrations… there was NO link anywhere in the email to click through and complete a registration!!!

Why? I don’t really know… Because I really wanted to get my registration in, I ended having to:

1. Open browser
2. Type in ‘www.google.co.nz’
3. Guess what the best search term would be (maybe “vector wellington round the bays”)
4. Click on first link.
5. Realise wrong page, go back, click on second link.
6. Find right website, try to find online registration link.
7. Etc, etc, etc…

OR, they could’ve included a link in which case it would be:

1. Click on link in email, start completing online registration form.

First of all they say “The online registration dates have been extended to ensure you can secure a place.”

But they also say “Registration Number Cap of 12,000 Entries”.

They confuse it even more by saying “Register online this week as entries may close at 12,000 next week”.

They then also go on to say “Family Online Entries have been extended to Monday 12th February 1pm. Individual Online Entries have been extended to Friday 16th February Midnight.”

So 4 different messages they’re giving users here:

[1] You’ll be guaranteed a place if you register online (not true if they reach 12,000, unless they immediately cut off the registration form once it reaches 12,000).
[2] Registrations are capped at 12,000 – we’ll close them off as soon as they reach 12,000 (probably true).
[3] You’ll be guaranteed a place if you register this week (not true if they reach 12,000 this week).
[4] Entries are open until 12th/16th Feb (not true if they reach 12,000 before then).

So, some people might assume they’ll be guaranteed a place if they register online, or anytime up until the ‘extended deadline’ dates!

What they should have said…

“Registrations are capped at 12,000 – with less than 2000 spots left we recommend you register online this week to help your chances of securing a place. Subject to availability family passes will be available until 12th Feb and individual passes until 16th Feb…”

Am I right or am I over-analysing?

sweet irony