Originally Posted by
lwildernorva
I think there'll be one next year because there's still room to tinker with the various elements to allow US and its partners to make this worthwhile.
I'm not so sure about a GS in 2013. The bloggers came late to the party this year. They won't be so slow in 2012. Each will probably have some sort of preview article about the promotion next year. And once the bloggers are all over it, I'm sure you'll start seeing articles in the general media about GS. Remember that a number of bloggers also have MSM contacts or occasionally get quoted in articles done by newspaper and magazine writers.
Although the increased numbers brought in through these channels may be good for US's partners in the short term, I think we've seen what happens when the spotlight of publicity hits matters that we normally take for granted (Sharebuilder, mint, certain award redemptions on various airlines).
If this is the way things unfold, I'm somewhat pessimistic that this promo will last beyond another year or two.
I'm guessing all the information is out there already and that the partners know exactly what is going on, not to mention US Airways. There's a trade-off to be made on their part, of course, which is a potential new customer versus the marketing cost of participating, since I don't know if US Airways is passing along part of the bill to them during the promo. Bloggers were likely more influential on the "accidental hits," i.e., I don't think AR trivia was meant to be a hit, but that's part of the price they pay.
I don't see an end to the program per se, since it's likely profitable for everyone involved in the end. But I do think that US continues to tighten up the rules.
Mike
ETA: For those of you who really want to thank Beltway, use him as a referral for the SPG Amex if you are at all thinking about getting it. I have it and it's my go-to card, particularly since 20K points equals 25K airline miles.