Yup, I am really focusing on forming the writing something habit right now, with the hope that the "something" will gradually improve in quality as I do it more often. That said, my problem is that I'm really not disciplined enough to stick to any word counts or deadlines I set from myself, because if I don't keep them, so what? I really need the potential for externally-expressed disappointment or disapproval (which is really all grades are) to motivate me. Luckily, a few friends are doing their best to oblige in this regard, so that's something.

I do like your bonus pool concept though--that might be something for me to try.