Are contests better or links in other sites better?

[linkingpro]

Hi all.I have acquired some money right now.I am planning to use it up for making my forum LinkingPro - Directory Of Quality Sites - Powered by vBulletin popular.

Please temme a method to utilize my money correctly.Opening up contests like Referral contests,posting contests etc like iguides is better or buying banner adspaces in other popular sites is better?

I want to spend my money correctly.I dont want to be lavish.Please suggest the method best suitable for my forum.

[tanujdude91]

I think contests as if you open a contest many people would like to win it and you'll get many members joining your site and hence more active members.
I'l tell you something.
I was referred by someone to iGuides and i never even thought that i'l be an active member here.So Referrals work .
I have no idea about Adwords as i never used it.

[linkingpro]

Originally Posted by tanujdude91

I think contests as if you open a contest many people would like to win it and you'll get many members joining your site and hence more active members.
I'l tell you something.
I was referred by someone to iGuides and i never even thought that i'l be an active member here.So Referrals work .
I have no idea about Adwords as i never used it.

I thought this way.If I open up contests,I need members joining up right?Currently my forum is getting no member signups.How can I expect members to join by just announcing a contest?

Do you think that even if only a few know about it they will spread it to others like fire?