You want to start your own contest? That's a great idea. But the problem is, to get entries, isn't it? Ok, let's first define what a good contest is (in my opinion).

* has an interesting theme, or at least a theme people get inspired by. Nothing too difficult or confusing, but also nothing too easy.
* has a deadline. And I mean a deadline. It's very annoying to see contest which are open for months/years, 'cause they're waiting for the last 2 entries to reach 10 entries.
* has awards, which will be online a few weeks after the contest.
* has a private jury. Of course, you can be the only judge, too, but keep it private. A public voting for 'People's choice' is nice, but not for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. There are so many ways to manipulate the voting.

* is fun. The owner has to have fun, too ;)

Allright, now you know what a good contest is. And your contest has everything I wrote above. But people are still not entering - huh?

The biggest problem nowadays is, that there are plently of contests outside, which sound interesting. People try hard, enter the contest, and the contest never closes. It's open until the end of the site (or the forum). And that's really annoying.

Now it's your duty, to prove that your contests will be closed (or at least cancelled, if too less entries).

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SOME TIPS FOR YOUR CONTESTS (OR VERY FIRST CONTESTS)

1. For your very first contest, choose a not too difficult theme. You should also set a deadline. And you can't expect 10-20 entries - because that's much (5 is more realistic). When your site is new/unknown you first need to prove, that it's worth entering your contests. My first contests also only had a few entries, but I closed the contests, made awards, and most important: I wasn't waiting for months just to get two more entries.

2. As already said a hundret times, ALWAYS close your contests. Not enough entries? Cancel it then. But let people know what happened!

3. Contest forums are easy to do. Sometimes too easy. When people host their contests on their own site, it shows they try hard to hold a good contest.

4. Try to start the voting immediately after the contest closes, so you have the awards soon. Busy? Why not ask friends or other dollers for help - I'm sure there are many people who will help you (not only for the voting, but also if you have no time to make the awards).

5. Advertise! People need to know you're holding a contest. There are many forums out there who have an 'advertising area'. Or you advertise on one of the 'Contest collectives'.

6. If your contests are more popular, you should try out more difficult and different ideas. Mix up contest ideas. Try something new.