I think David (DavidEccleston) has some valid points.

We do not get enough submissions to break them down into categories, and if you do not have enough categories, someone is going to feel there best shot for the week does not fit in one of the categories. I would suggest the weekly assignments just be "Photo of the Week" assignment. This opens it up to everyone without judgement of its appropriateness for a particular grouping of shots. That should open up the weekly assignments more. I do like the monthly , quarterly, and yearly accumulation of the weekly winners.

People also feel they should not comment or editorialize on how the shot was taken. This makes the weekly assignments very stale and mater of fact... not personable and inviting. The weekly assignments should be more interactive, fun, and perhaps a learning oppertunity.

Maybe that separation between the weekly and the monthly assignments (or bi-monthly) is the seriousness of them, and that is OK. The monthly assignments are far more rigid and focused. I like that also, because it forces me to try different techniques, hardware, or thought processes. The problem for me is: Who has time to put into doing this right twice a month? I get to shoot 4 times a month at best (weekends basically). Trying to to do an assignment right will take me a month if I can get around to it. The bi-monthly is tough to do. I do like these focused assignments, and would like to see them continue; but the participation is low. I am not sure participation will increase if it is lengthened out... mostly because it will not be on the front page of the forum among other reasons. Perhaps the two assignments should be separated out on the front forum page to keep the reminder in front of people.

Pat