What is the reason you think our participation in the contests is so low? This is not a poll

[Curmudgeoness]

34. LOL, yes, your time is better spent here.

I agree about Facebook and hadn't thought about that, maybe because I do check DU most days just to see what is new in my subscribed groups and I do always see the submission threads.

As far as your reluctance to vote in a poll where people can see how you voted, I hope that no one is holding anything against me for my vote. I will say that I rarely remember who submitted any of the photos, so it isn't about the person who submitted the photo. About the only time that I might remember the photographer is if that photo really blew my socks off in the submission thread. There are many reasons why I will vote the way that I do---sometimes, it is the photo that I think is the best. But that photo could have so many votes that I will go with my second favorite to give it a lift. Other times, I might just see a good photo that has few votes and I give them my vote. No one ever knows what my reason is for any particular vote...and sometimes I can't even say why. I don't think that should hold you back.

There have been a few themes that were a problem for me. The night photography was something that I just couldn't do. I had never tried photos at night, and all my attempts did not come out well at all. I also remember the graffiti one, and we just don't have much graffiti in my area, so there was nothing to work with. But I agree, for the most part, it is not a problem with the theme.