In addition to what Barbara Todaro commented ... contests are a great way to get to know others beyond just real estate.  The platform and the contests provide an opportunity to truly connect and communicate - the way "buttoned-up old timers" do and a way that is seemingly foreign to you.

They are publicized more but not sure there are more than before. I know AR is interested in continuing to build content and encourage people to write. And the points don't hurt

a post written for a contest is as interesting as the creativity of the writer.... the contest is nothing more than a topic.... an idea that may result in the sharing of a story from an agent's past experience.... it might even help another agent produce some new business.... 

well, Virtual Realty Consultants (do you have a name?) no one is forcing you to participate in the contests.... I like them.... actually, most people like them.... 

why are your panties in a twist?  

and this is a fine site to post listings, as well as photos; recipes; jokes and marketing thoughts.... 

Hardly as common as listings posts!  I like the contests but not all of them apply to me. It is nice to have a variety.  I enjoy reading the entries on ONE theme.

By-the-way:  I see you haven't posted a blog on AR since June 11, 2015.  Do you have another blog?

I second Barbara Todaro 's comment, and the reminder that one should participate and then see how it all turns out.  A

There have always been contests and typically 1 to 3 per month...nothing has changed.  They are a way to help those that may be stuck in writer's block or spur on points to move up the leaderboard in their area.  And, they can be fun

Number of contests offered are the same as always and good way to learn more about members. You don't have to participate except if you want to and the topics are always good. You can learn some valuable information by reading members posting from across the country on the same topic, it's good to get different perspectives! It broadens your horizons.

Contests and challenges have always been a fun way to earn a few extra points on ActiveRain. 

There have always been contests for as long as I've been on AR.  Doesn't seem like more than before to me most months.

I've noticed many contests & just commit to ones that I feel I want to. Many people like them or they wouldn't be around.

Sorry that you disapprove Martin.

They are a fun way to motivate and learn.

I don't know if there has been a change in the number of contests.  My participation with contests/challenges is based on what I might be able to contribute as well as time.  

I write a lot of market reports and do so because they make the phone ring(figuratively/literally).  I typically post once per day.   Although I try to make them different, they may not be the most interesting to everyone.   The same is true for listing posts/open house event announcements.   

You join in if it stimulates you.

I have not noticed a difference in the number of contests held each month compared to the past.

I've been on AR for a while.

Have participated in Zero contests.

Their presence or promotion effects me in absolutely no way. Why you let it effect you is beyond explanation.

"Is content down?" you ask.

That requires a subjective evaluation. I do think a dearth of deep water content exists.

A great proliferation of lazy stuff dominates. I've been checking the affiliation of these posters and commenters and they overwhelmingly share a common culture.

That is just the way it is.

When I come to the Active Rain well and draw up more dry bones than refreshing spring water, that is when I know it time to go..

The thing about contests is you can choose or not choose to do participate or read them. Many members like writing on a particular topic and many others enjoy reading what is written. I am one that likes both.

 That's an interesting insight and I never thought of it before ....

The best thing about being on active rain is that no one forces us to blog. We do not have to participate in contests if we do not want to. We do not have to follow people we do not want to follow and we need not read nor comment on posts that we do not like .

Not sure what you're getting at but the contest posts can be quite informative and good content as well

I love the contests and challenges and having 2-3  a month is great to participate in and build new relationships with other Rainers

Your point being? One reason many of us blog is to market our listings and neighborhoods.

It encourages people to blog and practice their writing. If you want to get a free account it is a sure way to accumulate to 500K points. 

Personally I may not engage in all the contest.  I do enjoy reading the entries.  Often I get ideas from blogs and like the variety.  The contest also challenge me to write about topics I may have never imagined.  Plus extra points.  I look forward to the contest!

I find the contests and challenges fun. I have chosen not to participate in some. You don't have to, but why not join in some of the fun. 

As others have mentioned, it's a way to get to know our peers and I don't know about everyone else but, the contests often spawn more topics to discuss here in the Rain...as do the questions here in the Q&A.

Thanks for sharing your observations. Those who participate in contests should consider the most productive use of their time.

I think we used to have this many contests years ago and then it slowed.  Now, it's getting back to normal.

I wonder how many member we really have in the rain.

I think contests can create content or bring out something in a participant that might attract a prospect to them, in a "soft" way. I like contests. Some of them have challenged me in different ways.

The number of contests seems the same as always.  Usually 3-4/mo.  Blog content is definitely not down, if anything it's up with the robo posters.  Contests offer a different view of the agent's area/life/etc. or they focus on a particular aspect of the business (usually sponsored by a vendor specializing in that area).

Contest as common as listing posts?  On what planet?  There are usually 40+ listing posts per day during the week.

Virtual Realty Consultants - I think contest are for different reasons.

At least I believe it helps sharpen the skills.

Contests are one way to engage etc. However, single focused content lasts longer and perhpas have a broader people too

parked and reading...

We rarely partake in the contests since we are too busy trying to make money.

Perhaps contests are always fun to write

I don't ahve time for them so I don't do any, but there are a lot of them