Recs.
Updated
Specs
Pros
Pro A lot of mini jams
The main Ludum Dare event happens once in a year, but throughout the year, a lot of Mini LDs are held. Since I don't expect any great results at the main LD, which has countless participants including pros, I only do mini LDs. That's a lot of fun, because the community is large and people actually play your game in the events.
Pro Theme Voting == FUN
The fact that everybody gets to VOTE for an entire week to generate a shortlist and final theme which is announced in real-time to great fanfare is half the fun. It draws you in, gives you ideas beforehand, and generates a conversation online in the days leading up to each wonderful #LD48.
It is like a drum roll that gets you excited.
Cons
Con The company of giants can be daunting
With regular entries from industry celebrities, a beginner has no reason to expect much attention, much less placement in the competition.