[webwright]

I think you might be missing the core of my point. They ARE big gains for some people... Just not professional designers in Western countries. Globalization at work.

Check out the top designers in the system ( http://blog.99designs.com/tag/top-designers/ ). Note the nationalities and the cost-of-living in those countries. These guys aren't entering hundreds of these contests out of desperation-- they are making a great living. It looks like the good ones are winning 12-20% of the contests they enter.

[lwhi]

I might be wrong, but I don't think many professional designers in western countries take part in 99designs.

Perhaps the prize is worth comparatively more in 'developing' countries, but the base argument still stands.

People are competing for the chance to be paid. The vast majority of people will gain nothing.