Quote - For me, it's strictly weather or not the subject is interesting,:

Same here.  The theme has to inspire me. If it doesn't, it doesn't matter what the prize is I won't enter.

I have entered contests in the past. Some have been with prizes attached, others have just been for the fun.

If you are looking to attach a monetary value to a prize, I think something along the lines of $25.00 gift certificate to a store is more than acceptable.

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi