An interesting idea, and a potential alternative/augmentation to the current Classifieds section. On the one hand it's not too different from the "WTT" (want to trade) ads in the classifieds, but on the other hand this could potentially provide those who have not yet reached the requirements to gain access to the classifieds with a means of acquiring pieces and materials they might not be able to make/find on their own.
If we post this in the classifieds, and had a separate General Discussion thread, where people posted the raffles, we could make where only Infantrymen could win.
The main thing I'm curious about is who takes responsibility for the shipping costs of these "free" items? Unfortunately the postal service (especially on a potentially international scale) isn't likely to share the sense of generosity that participants in such a community program would possess, so someone would have to pay the cost to ship these items to whomever wins the drawings.
It would have to be worked out between the two parties, but as a general rule, if it's in your region, say US, the person who raffles the item pays, but international winner pays.
I'm also curious about the "rules" in regards to multiple entries. Is it simply a matter of being able to put your name out there for a chance at as many items as you likewise have to give away? For example, if I had ten items to give away, would I be able to put my name in and potentially win ten items, even ten in a row (astronomical odds, I know, but still technically possible)? Or would it be more along the lines of if you win you give something away and then sit on the sidelines for a certain period of time or number of giveaways to give other people a chance?
If you have items the community wants, that you no longer need, AND you get items you wish for, I see no problem if you win 1 or 100 times, as long as you are giving back to the community.
Certainly seems like an interesting system, definitely a fun way to build connections within the community as well as give members a little extra boost with their projects when they've run into something they just can't seem to get right on their own. I know there are a few things I wouldn't mind getting as basic, rough cast, or unfinished pieces to use as a foundation, and I certainly wouldn't say no to the opportunity to score leftover raw materials (paint, foam, Plastidip, etc.) that other people no longer need. And if one of those electronically tricked-out COrtana chips ended up on the block...ok that might cause some rioting, but still it would be awesome to have a chance at one of those.