So I've got this PR5 webmaster forum, and need some tips/advice on how to increase activity on it.

It's at the point the search engine crawlers are on the forum more than members.

Used to be a highly active forum back a few years ago, but has recently slowed down.

We've attempted to try a posting content offering free paid hosting as the prize for the winner, but noone participated in the contest.

1) You are in an incredibly competitive niche. Look here as to how many webmaster/SEO forums you are competing against:
http://www.theforumfinder.org/comput...et/web-design/

2) I am a fan of the 90 9 1 theory of forum and social community participation. 90% lurk; 9% post occasionally and 1% post often - the challenge is to move people from the 90 to the 9 and then from the 9 to the 1. See these series of articles on this and some practical strategies:
http://www.forumdr.com/tag/90-9-1/

make interesting topics. build community and acquire more members

which contest?

hey...i make post about this forum: richarie.net/2010/03/webmaster-talk-forum-blogger-must-join.html
which it conected with my facebook, twitter etc

i hope its help new member will join cheers

You are obviously doing something wrong management wise, everyday the amount of people using the internet grows, so this should take into account that every day more websites are being set up, if your forum is declining look unto yourself and see where you are going wrong.
Mathew 3.16

Originally Posted by ThailandForum

You are obviously doing something wrong management wise, everyday the amount of people using the internet grows, so this should take into account that every day more websites are being set up, if your forum is declining look unto yourself and see where you are going wrong.
Mathew 3.16

totally agree with this

must be something "wrong" thats what makes less activities.
to solve it..of course you need to "find" what is "wrong"
how about start from everyone..self correction.
everything conected each other.
forum is place to discuss..most people use forum to invited, to ask, to give info etc.
if you dont "care" of course it will make people think 1000x to make activities.
because what for???