I haven't been here all that long myself, but I kinda get the feeling people are just hanging back 'cause they're not all that sure what to do with an online writers' group. Of course, I could be getting the wrong impression and everybody could be too busy to bother writing (writers' excuse number 1: too busy to write!). I think we need something to goose everyone's Muses and get people writing. Challenges are good, contests are good, daily writing exercizes are good... if people'll take part in them.
Heck, it's even good to tell the mouthy newby to pack it in and go back to her other writing! At least as long as the telling is well-written. :D