Good morning dear Friends
From my experience of participating to photographic contests on forums such as Playclicks.com or Tricornejock.com, I would say that keeping the monthly theme free is the best way to encourage a maximum of people to participate
I will be very honest with you and I hope that you will take this as a constructive comment, but I found the photographic contest on PF somewhat complicated in its very precise / technical monthly themes which resulted in me never being able to participate unfortunately and I bitterly regret it now
Please do give it a chance with a simple photographic contest announced on the 1st of each month with a free theme for the major part of the year and only special themes for holidays such as Christmas, Halloween and maybe the Summer Holidays
The concept has worked for years on other forums so please do not give up at such a special time
The story telling section is filled with fabulously creative and beautiful pictures and PF has so many talented members that the photographic contest must be given a second chance please.
Just like most of us, I have a very hectic professional schedule, but I would be happy to help should you wish me to
Your Friend Karim