I have read the considered comments of both Del and Lynda with interest, and, it is with some trepidation that I should like to add a few thoughts of my own.
As one who is currently experiencing the flat "end of the week" period, which, quite naturally, occurs when your season has virtually run its course and a new theme with infinite possibilities has been introduced, I have to admit that the logic of the "overlap" is difficult to understand. It WAS, presumably, introduced for a reason, though, and as a relative newcomer to the Seasons, I don't feel I am in a position to question it. It is obviously something which every host has to contend with, but whether it is actually enough to stop hosts coming forward in the first place ... well, I don't know.
On the broader question of why numbers have fallen over these last few months, I feel that both Del and Lynda have raised relevant points. I can particularly empathize with Lynda's comments in the last paragraph of her post. I freely admit that, in view of the incident which occurred during my last week earlier in the year, I have wondered whether I have been solely responsible for this reduction in numbers and whether, I should, as a consequence, retire gracefully from the weekly wonder that is the Seasons. On reflection, I have a feeling that the decline had begun before then ... but I HAVE had pause for thought and it has made me feel very uncomfortable. (I should like to think that this is now water under the bridge - we are, after all, mainly a kind, caring and supportive community, whose interaction goes beyond the bounds of our shared love of the ukulele.)
Speaking personally, I have never been lured to participate by the possibility of a prize. In my case, it is much more that the weekly challenge of the Seasons provides a distraction from less welcome challenges in my life ... again, something which Lynda hinted at. Also, and this is probably the main reason for taking part ... it is FUN and a great hobby! The recipe for the Seasons doesn't seem to have changed much since its inception, and, over the years this formula has proved very successful, so - apart from the idle speculation above - it is very difficult to understand why there has been this downturn in numbers. Obviously, many previous participants have left simply because they no longer have time in their lives to contribute and then there is the very real hurdle to would-be participants of actually getting "out there" for the first time ... and THAT certainly shouldn't be underestimated! Perhaps emphasizing the competitive element, complete with regular prizes, is the answer to greater participation; but this would, to some extent negate the friendly, supportive atmosphere which exists - the weekly awarding of prizes or shout-outs tends, at the moment, to be a by-product of the week rather than the be-all-and-end-all ... it's the fun of participating which is really the reward.
I have just realised that I have not added anything constructive in the way of suggestions here ... it is, indeed, very difficult to know what to do. If there are those who have actually ceased to participate because they are disgruntled with the way things stand at the moment, then perhaps they are the ones whose opinions we need to seek out if we are to improve our numbers. Would people be prepared to speak frankly ... and would it just result in promoting bad feeling within the community if perceived grievances were aired?
This community has become very important to me and I should hate to see the Seasonistas become a thing of the past ... let us make sure that that doesn't happen!
Meanwhile, Del, you will no doubt be delighted to hear that I SHALL be doing a Wrap!