Several folks have posted about the pending "value" of Gather points (see Monica's article).
This article started as a response to Monica's timely question: "Where are the point earnings?"
If you read the article / FAQ's about Gather Points (here), you'll see that the "value" of the points is tied to the advertising revenue they earn. If they earn more than what it costs to run the site, I presume that the remainder is split up among Gather members as "value" for the points.
Clearly, they'll be some type of formula for doing it.
But, let's all be honest with one another. No one gets something for nothing.
But, let's all be honest with one another. No one gets something for nothing.
We all know (or know now) that this is tied to advertising.
Are you supporting the Gather advertisers? If you click through to the sponsors' sites, it makes Gather look good.
As a group, I think we are very valuable for advertisers, and that makes Gather an attractive communications and marketing medium. But if they (Gather management) can't prove that the advertiser is getting their money's worth, the advertisers stop coming.
Want your points to be worth something? Click those little links on the right side of the page once in a while. Open a new window to do so if you want (so you don't lose your Gather train of thought). On many of these Gather advertisers' sites, you'll notice that Gather is in the address bar as the referring website. That's how the advertiser knows Gather is giving them their money's worth.
As a group, I think we are very valuable for advertisers, and that makes Gather an attractive communications and marketing medium. But if they (Gather management) can't prove that the advertiser is getting their money's worth, the advertisers stop coming.
Want your points to be worth something? Click those little links on the right side of the page once in a while. Open a new window to do so if you want (so you don't lose your Gather train of thought). On many of these Gather advertisers' sites, you'll notice that Gather is in the address bar as the referring website. That's how the advertiser knows Gather is giving them their money's worth.
Click through the advertiser's site for a minute. The "science" of finding good places to advertise is pretty robust -- chances are, if you like Gather, you'll probably enjoy many of their advertisers too.
Click through. It's good for you. It's good for Gather.
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Comments: 18
Hi All, Were working on the new Gather Points store now. This is currently our number one priority. Sorry, we are slightly behind schedule on this but we do expect this to be available soon. Probably another few weeks. We're always working hard to provide new features and updates for the Gather site but once in a while our work takes a bit longer than we planned. Stay tuned and keep up your activity to earn points. You'll be able to use them soon.
I'm also happy to see that you understand the value of supporting our advertising sponsors. These companies are looking for you to be their customers. Gather has a great community so if you see something you like from our advertisers please shop with them. When they see the value of finding new customers from Gather they will be sure to show their appreciation and you will earn more.
Jim Bostick - Gather User Experience Architect
I'm not talking pop ups, I'm talking more like a feature ad/article that actually talks about an advertiser in a way that perks interest in them. These feature ads could also allow advertisers to voice their support for Gather.
Most ads do nothing to draw attention from someone not already looking for a product. If the advertisers on Gather were perceived to be part of the community as well as the source of the site's income I guarntee overall interest in the avertisers here on Gather would go up. A different advertiser could be featured every week or so. Heck, members of Gather could even offer endorsements for products they have used.
Sounds like you've been there. Why not write up a proposal and post it on Building A Better Gather ? I'd certainly be willing to add my 2 to 4 cents worth.