$20 Referral Contest - good or bad

[KahneFan]

I just started a forum for forum owners to help forum owners. I've got about 30 members in 3 weeks, so I've decided to run a referral contest. Each member has a referral link in their profile, which they can provide to others or, upon registration, new members can list who referred them. So, I've posted a contest for $20 to whomever can get the most registerd (and posting) members wins. I thought it as a good way to possible get the initial membership to grow, but some (on other sites) have said it seems desperate. I could see it appearing desperate if my site was old and dying, but since it's new, I'm unsure of how to get it going. Does this seem desperate or OK?

[madam mo]

is that twenty a referral, i have over 3000 contacts i can refer so i would like to know

[Ezzaral]

$20 flat to whoever referred the most and it's probably over by now since the post is several months old.

[KahneFan]

It was flat. And that contest has ended. However, I may be having more soon.

[Ezzaral]

So did it result in some worthwhile referrals for you then?

[KahneFan]

My minimum was 5, which no one hit. But, my membership was still low and I'm not sure if I gave enough time. However, it did produce a few members.

[bluesea50]

Nice Idea
try it again

[alexlao]

Referral Contests are always a good way to attract new members to the forums.

[dailyearner]

not bad
but if you can pay per post
u can promote your forum very well