I've maintained forums for many years, and here is my experience with contests: They look good when they are taking place, but don't count on the winner(s) sticking around. Bribing people to hang around on a permanent basis just doesn't work. They are either interested in the content or they aren't. The time spent on the contests is much better spent on other things...like making your forum very SEO friendly. I include more tips in a new eBook I've written in my sig.
Thanks for the comments guys ! And yes, these 100 members are genuine, I only have 1 extra test account with 7 posts or something. It is true that contests are not always good. And the forum had more traffic when the contest was taking place. But if the members like the place, they will keep coming back. And a lot of the members did. I decided to not ad google ads or what so ever yet, but maybe I will do the adsense mod share with 100 % revenue share for the members, not sure yet, anyone any ideas?? I will do another update after 2 months though. If anyone has any questions, I am open for it
Congrats, i've started a fourm and other than paying for posts and posting myself it's looking pretty dull , but it's only been a week and rome wasn't built in a day