I really believe the contests here should be broken up into categories of skill level, being a beginner I have not a chance in hell of winning against some of the participants here who advanced or intermediate users.

Challenge yourself. You'll get better with practice and if you keep practising you'll be challenging the best!

i was a total beginer when i started, took me weeks to get my first vote less than a year to get my first win

This topic has been brought up countless times. Basically, it's not going to happen. Having everyone compete in the same contests is what separates PSC from the other photoshop contest sites.

It encourages people to try harder, and to improve their skills.

So like anfa said, challenge yourself. Don't make winning your goal. If your worried about votes try something like this. First try to get 20 votes. Then 25. Then 30... And on and on. Every time you move up a notch in your book, you get closer to winning, while gaining the skills necessary to do so.

But that's the whole idea: blood, sweat & tears... and then... one lucky day, you will be so proud!
Forget the prizes, it's all about the appreciation of your fellow choppers.
That's what my motor keeps running.
Good luck and now: STFUAC!

at home was a very good entry, so keep up this quality,

It kinda sucks not winning but they are all right, you need to set smaller goals. I have yet to win a contest but in general my chops have been getting better and better! If we separated by skill level then how satisfying would it really be to be the top "loser" (if I may). Not being separated means if you win, then you beat everyone... not just the newbie choppers.

Just keep choppin and dont be shy, ask questions, the people here are nice people and they will help you learn.

You'll get more encouragement and advice, and you'll show greater improvement my competing amongst this group than you would competing against beginners. And plenty of people have won here within their first few entries.
one entry, one win
http://photoshopcontest.com/portfolio/36193/index.html
four entries, winner with 4th
http://photoshopcontest.com/portfolio/69407/index.html?l=&p=12&o=recent
winner on second
http://photoshopcontest.com/portfolio/29447/index.html?l=&p=12&o=recent
4th entry win
http://photoshopcontest.com/portfolio/39032/index.html?l=&p=12&o=recent
7th entry win
http://photoshopcontest.com/portfolio/41487/browse.html?l=0&p=96&o=recent
3rd entry win
http://photoshopcontest.com/portfolio/25286/index.html?l=&p=12&o=recent
8th entry win
http://photoshopcontest.com/portfolio/45076/browse.html?l=0&p=96&o=recent
But more importantly, just compete and have fun!

I won on my 40th entry. So be patient and just have fun.

I started 6 month ago and was so discouraged I contacted PSC to delete my profile. I'm happy now they didn't. I've had a great time here and have learned a bunch about chopping.

Keep trying! You'll get it soon.

Cheers!

Entries Posted: 665
Contest wins: 3

Hahaha... it never stops me from choppin'



Maybe they like me to stop...
but I wont

You better not stop choppin'
I think your work is AWESOME and one of the best here!

was that a smart spam-bot???

4 entries and you want to divide into skill levels.... You, Jumping the gun just a little. BUILD IT...THEY WILL COME...

I plan on being the only one in the 300 club with no wins.
I came here the first day i got PS. I got to compete with pro's...and alot of people who do this as a hobby that should be pro's. Some do shit that is beyond words. That was the attraction of the site. I'm sitting in a small hick-town in South Carolina...competeing against Some real talent from all over the world. For a old country boy, who has always wanted to be a artist...That is damn KEWL.

WINNING and SEGREGATION are two things that are way OVER-RATED.

Just like sex

'They say!'