Method of using a hidden image game piece

The method of creating an electronic hidden image file which can be displayed as an image on a computer monitor, comprising:

• (a) forming a first line of text;
• (b) replicating said first line of text to form an image which is sufficiently large that said image of replicated lines of text can be used to hide form a concealing image;
• (c) forming a first mask from said concealing image, such that said replicated lines of text are transparent while the areas around said replicated lines of text have a first color;
• (d) replicating said first mask in a second color different from said first color to produce a second mask;
• (e) forming a layer having a hidden image in said first color;
• (f) combining said first mask as a first layer, said hidden image as a second layer, and said second mask as a third layer, with said first layer being below said second layer and said third layer being above said second layer.

A method of collecting demographic information comprising:

• (a) creating a game site, said game site containing a first electronically formed image;
• (b) distributing game pieces containing an image printed on a transparent or translucent substrate to recipients;
• (c) directing said recipients of said game pieces to visit said game site;
• (d) collecting demographic information from said recipients when they visit said game site;
• and then
• (e) providing said recipients with access to said electronically formed image upon collecting their demographic information.

A method of providing promotional advertising comprising:

• (a) creating a game site containing advertising, said game site containing a first electronically formed image;
• (b) distributing game pieces containing an image printed on a transparent or translucent substrate to recipients;
• (c) directing said recipients of said game pieces to visit said game site;
• (d) providing said recipients with promotional advertising when said recipients visit said game site;
• and then
• (e) providing said recipients with access to said electronically formed image.

The method of distributing game pieces comprising the steps of:

• (a) producing at least one template for a game piece, said template including areas for filling in text for a hidden image and text to be used for a concealing image;
• (b) providing a web site for users to select a template from a collection including said at least one template;
• (c) providing means for said users to enter text for said hidden image and for said concealing image;
• (d) providing means for said users to provide payment information;
• and
• (e) providing means for said users to provide delivery information,
• whereby an image file produced in accordance with the information received from said user can be used to create an image file and said image file can be delivered to said user either electronically, or physically in the form of printed game pieces.