Rewards for New members does sound like a good idea, especially to promote new members to remain active. A way to start judging 'new' members for these contests could be a member who joined last month. If they joined within the last few days or so (5-15) they would have to wait until the next month. If it is not over the top, or if it can be done with no real trouble, we could include the possibility of rewards in the welcome letter. Or send a letter the day they become eligible for the awards. That way a new member suddenly get stuff and has no idea why.