Here's my first attempt at using a Pligg. I'm focusing on the Dog niche. http://www.dogsniff.com Brandon
Ah yes another Pligg site, kudos! Don't forget the favicon, it's still a P! I'd relocate your right sidebar ads and embed instead inside each 'story'. You'll see a better click-through.
Looks very nice. Only one comment -- I would try to leave a little more room on the left margin -- a tiny more white space so it isn't too close to the the green borders. I am working on a Dog related site as well. Very different from what you have, so they will compliment each other... I will make sure to let you know when I get it up and running.
I like it. Looks very professional and fun at the same time. Love the color scheme. Fun logo. Definitely worth signing up for. Good luck!
The header needs some refinement to me. It's kind of overpowering the news content, which is probably what your visitor is there for.
Thanks for all the comments, the site is work in progress. The focus has shifted away from the template (and it's bugs) towards creating an exciting contest. I really need a team of about 50 guys to pull this off properly!! Brandon