Independent Minds Participation GuidelinesSponsor / Host:
Independent Minds (“Sponsor”)Website:
https://independentminds.coProgram Type:
Paid participation platform with editorial evaluation. Void where prohibited.1. Nature of the Program (No Lottery / No Gambling)Independent Minds is not a lottery, raffle, or game of chance.Participation events hosted by Independent Minds are skill-based and editorial in nature. Any recognition, including financial recognition, is determined solely at the discretion of the Sponsor based on subjective evaluation criteria. Chance plays no role in evaluation or recognition.Participation does not guarantee selection, recognition, or financial support.2. EligibilityParticipation is open only to individuals who:Are at least 18 years of age at the time of participation;Are legal residents of the United States;Are not employees, contractors, or immediate household members of Sponsor or anyone directly involved in administration or evaluation.Sponsor reserves the right to request proof of eligibility at any time.3. Participation PeriodEach participation event operates within a defined participation window.
The start and end dates are listed on the applicable event page.Submissions received outside the stated participation window will not be reviewed.4. Participation Access & Submission Process
Participation AccessParticipation requires the purchase of access to submit during the active participation period. The access amount is listed on the website at the time of purchase.Participation access fees are non-refundable, except where required by law.Submission ProcessTo participate:Visit the official Independent Minds website during the participation window.Review the current prompt, eligibility requirements, and these Official Rules.Complete purchase of participation access via the approved payment processor.Upon successful payment, you will be redirected to the official submission form.Complete and submit your submission before the stated deadline.Only submissions received through the official submission form during the participation window will be reviewed.5. Participation LimitsUnless otherwise stated:Limit one (1) submission per person per participation event.Duplicate submissions, multiple payments, or attempts to circumvent limits may result in exclusion without refund.Sponsor reserves sole discretion in enforcing participation limits.6. Submission RequirementsAll submissions must:Be original work created solely by the participant;Respond directly to the published prompt;Comply with stated format, length, and content guidelines;Be submitted in the English language;Not contain plagiarized, unlawful, infringing, defamatory, or harmful material;Not be generated by artificial intelligence or automated tools.Submissions that fail to meet these requirements may be excluded from review.7. Evaluation ProcessSubmissions are evaluated using published criteria, which may include (but are not limited to):OriginalityClarityDepth of ThoughtAll evaluations are subjective and editorial. Scores, rankings, and internal deliberations are final and not subject to appeal.In cases of close evaluation, Sponsor may conduct additional panel review.8. Recognition & Financial SupportAt its sole discretion, Sponsor may recognize one or more participants whose submissions demonstrate exceptional merit.Recognition may include financial support, which may be awarded in varying amounts, including up to the maximum amount stated on the applicable participation page.Financial recognition:Is not guaranteedIs not tied directly to participation accessIs not a prize poolMay be awarded to one or multiple participants, or noneSponsor retains full discretion regarding selection and amount.9. NotificationIf selected for recognition, participants will be contacted using the email address provided during submission.Participants may be required to complete verification steps, including identity or tax documentation, before any financial support is issued.Failure to respond or complete verification may result in forfeiture of recognition.10. TaxesParticipants are solely responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes associated with financial recognition received.Sponsor may require completion of applicable tax forms (e.g., IRS Form W-9) prior to issuing funds.11. PublicityBy participating, you grant Sponsor permission to reference your name, submission title, or excerpts of your submission for editorial, informational, or promotional purposes, unless prohibited by law.12. DisqualificationSponsor may exclude any participant or submission that:Violates these Official Rules;Contains false or misleading information;Cannot be verified;Attempts to manipulate or undermine the participation process;Violates applicable laws or regulations.Sponsor’s determinations are final.13. Limitation of LiabilitySponsor is not responsible for:Technical errors or interruptions;Payment processor issues;Lost, late, or incomplete submissions;Website or hosting issues beyond Sponsor’s control.Sponsor reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue participation events if necessary.14. No Investment / No EquityParticipation access and submissions:Are not investmentsDo not confer equity, ownership, or financial returnDo not create any partnership or fiduciary relationshipParticipation is solely for editorial review and potential discretionary recognition.15. Governing LawThese Official Rules are governed by the laws of the United States and the State determined by Sponsor, without regard to conflict of law principles.16. Sponsor ContactFor questions regarding participation:Email: [email protected]