Birdsnapper,
I think I see where you are comming from with regard to novice photogs. I do not particularly go with the first/second division bit though. I have been here since comp No 1 and the spread of votes cast each time is very wide. I bet Galen Rowell or Charlie Waite could enter here and not necessarily win. Judging is done by members at all levels, and if the image/subject matter does not hit the button with them then it will not attract the votes. Entering the comps is a bit of fun and not to be taken too seriously.
I think comments re November comp relate to votes cast rather than the number of entries, which given the subject ( required a bit of thought ) attracted a lot of entries.
Now to your idea. Have a look at this thread
http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...read.php?t=553
It was just a bit of fun but got quite a few of us going as it was
NOT a competition.
Am I first / second rate, I dont care as long as I enjoy myself.
Don