Do you find that competitions boost forum activity?

[Jack12]

My forum activity has been pretty low as of late and I'm finding it quite difficult to get off the ground, especially with the number of sites in my niche (computers, overclocking) so I'm looking at ways to help boost activity, even if it is only within the small userbase for now.

I was looking at prizes and overclocking competitions to help out. Perhaps a gaming mouse here and 8GB memory stick there, nothing too extravagant but don't want to waste money if it's been tried and fails.

I was thinking about advertising it on facebook also as an enticement to sign up and participate, but again not sure how it will go.

So I ask, has anyone tried forum competitions and if so, do they work?

Thanks,
Jack