Without making any formal announcement, Google has rolled out Prizes.org , a social contest website, which lets people hold contests and offer cash prizes in return. The website is operated by the social gaming company Slide , bought by Google last year.

The process is simple: To login to the website, users simply need their Facebook or Twitter accounts. They can hold any kind of contests, from asking for baby names to finding the best deals in town. A certain time limit is set for users to answer and a cash prize is given out to the best answers. Other users can vote on the most applicable answers. Usually two winners are declared, one chosen by the person who holds the contest and the other whose answer gets the maximum votes.

As the website is still in its nascent stage, Google's branding isn't easily visible on the site. Word of mouth will definitely help them promote the site, as when anyone answers a question he/she gets to share the answers on Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

As of now, only individuals are using this website, but this could be a great tool for small time brands that don't have big budgets for promotional activities. It can help them pitch their businesses to potential audiences and also get crowdsourced ideas.

Crowdsourcing websites like Prizes.org aren't new, but expectations are high, given Google's involvement.

What do you think about Google's attempts? Would you like to share your ideas in return of money? Let us know in your comments below.

- Prerna Arora