Sponsors or Adds?

[Designer]

Perhaps if participation warrants it, you could get a company to place an add on the front page or something and donate software or textures, etc.... for contest. That way you would have incentive for members to participate?
I know that banners can make a site look like a billboard, but maybe the benefits outweigh the negatives? Just a thought.

[TheAllusionist]

Yes, this is a good idea. I was thinking once I get maybe 50 members, enough content in the forums and the Gallery up and running, I would try something like this. The forum is only two weeks old and we have more than 30 members so I am excited about the prospects. Hopefully I can keep the momentum going and keep people interested. If I can achieve this I will try to contact someone like 'Marlin Studios' or 'Dosch Design' who provide architectural entourage and see if I can't exchange a banner for some prizes that would be useful to the community. Once that is done we will find out what type of contest would interest everybody. I also realize there are some talented auto designers here and I hope to get some industrial designers also, so I will keep that in mind when I try to negotiate.

If anyone in the community has any ideas for ways to promote the site or worthwile prizes that would inspire people to participate, please let me know.

[TheAllusionist]

I have implemented rotating banners with the new forum. I will put up banners for those who sponsor the site (i.e. sponsor contest) or if anyone choses to advertise.