no contests allowed?

As a long time poster here I'm curious why we are no longer allowed to have contests?
I have some prizes that I had recieved for a contest that I had attempted to hold. Apparently thousands of dollars worth of prizes wasn't enough to entice anyone to enter.
I have decided to run simple contests to give away the acumulated prizes. I posted the first of a series here but apparently the post has been removed?
So are we not allowed to post contests when in the past we were allowed to? I am confused.
Practically free tying materials or tools are not benefical to the viewers and posters of this great site? :( :shock: :?:

Jim,
Unfortunately for good causes & good intentions such as yours, I'm sure there would be so much abuse from a multitude of other sources that it just can't be allowed. That's just the way I see it.
Mike

Jim? Your kind offer was also a commercial for your shop. Not allowed - unless you are a Sponsor and wish to do so via the Monthly Drawing.