I found it more than a little intimidating knowing what and who I would be up against!!
I am sure a more informal approach would succeed,many people are reluctant to post in the
Gallery,let alone enter a competition even though their standard is high, take Turtletaggers pics. for instance.Entry for a monthly Theme may be the way to go initially make it a gradual build up to increase peoples confidence their work is very good it is just the confidence they lack