The other night Tom Gerace hosted a lively conversation about Gather and the points system. You can check it out HERE
I missed it, so I think I will respond here and allow others to comment as they feel the need....Maybe Tom will see it or maybe not, but I am willing to bet some of the Gather staff will see it and they are always interested too...So here are the questions and answers that I will share:
1) Why did you come to Gather? Why have you stayed here? What are your favorite experiences on the site?
I first came to Gather because I found it on another writing site. I enjoy reading articles and meeting new people. I find that one of my favorite things to do is to learn about something new or a new place.
2) What do other people do on Gather that creates real value? What would you like to see people do more often?
Some things that create real value on Gather are posts, pictures, and videos with something actually to them. I would rather watch a 30 second video that means something than a 30 second blur of nothing that was posted just to have something to post. Things don't need to be LONG to be interesting or of value to others. Sometimes the reminders for freebies or a quick programming reminder are valuable.
3) What behaviors on the site detract from the experience? What would you like to see less often?
I hate the drama there is enough of it in real life. Mind your own business and if you can't disagree while being respectful, go away. I would like to see less of the meaness and less of Gather turning a blind eye to some people or even rewarding them while others get nailed for minor infractions. Sometimes it feels like I am in high school rather than on a site with intelligent adults.
4) Are points important to you? Do they change what you do on the site? If so, how? Do they change how often you come to the site? If so how much? Do they detract from the experience? If so, how?
Honestly, points are important to me. I can write on any number of forums and have people respond or critique. It is nice to have an added benefit. When the points slow down I find myself here less. The contests are nice and I enter, but never win, I would much rather see overall POINT PROMOTIONS for the entire site than the contests for points. Even if the promotions had to be shortened or there were stipulations, it would be better to give everyone that chance.
5) If you were CEO, what specific activities would you reward on Gather? How would those rewards change your behavior?
If I were the CEO on Gather, I would reward points for the things you already reward points for, but I would also reward those that are here daily with some log in points or maybe extra points for contributing a photo, video, and article each week. Little extras for those that are loyal and come her regularly. It would show these people that they are an integral part of Gather's success which they are...It wouldn't change my behavior because I already come when I am able, but it might make me refer more people to Gather.
6) Would a transparent points system work better or worse, where everyone knows exactly how points are rewarded?
I think it would work against the site. As much as I would like to know, it would definitely weed out certain areas of the site. For instance, I would not spend time writing articles if I could get double the points for doing short videos...I might write an article occasionally, but I enjoy both, so why wouldn't I do the one that is worth more points?
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Comments: 13
I think a suggestion was also made about being able to donate good quality books to Gather, with possibly a "reward" of something like 300 points.........that would be a great way of making "additional" points while getting rid of some books, as well. It sounds like, since that conversation, Gather has already made changes!!!!
I left my response and all he had to say was "thanks". It's because I am here first and foremost for the money. At least I am honest about it.
Thanks for posting! I like the idea about regular visitors. I have been regular, but I only have 30 points. I have done quite a bit on gather, but I just don't have the time to get a lot of points. Thank you for pointing out my value. =)
Karen,
I doubt that you will see any changes in the point system which are directly related to Tom's chat. Each of the questions asked had very predictable responses, and there was nothing offered that had not been mentioned many times previously.
Gather could implement positive changes in the site which would address most of the major concerns, but thus far they have chosen to ignore this 'elephant in the room'.
Kevin:
Forgive me, as you've likely already discussed this elsewhere, but would you mind elaborating about what you see as the 'elephant in the room'?
Jane,
When I mention the 'elephant in the room', I am referring to the rating system. If the rating system was replaced with a viable method for recognizing outstanding content in the community, then many problems would be mitigated.
Elephant? lol does the elephant like peanuts?
Honest - good answers, Karen.
Kevin, the elephant in the room could be addressed by splitting it into an interesting site with good quality content and points for those of us who are interested in them and a social site that simply copies whatever works for my space.
They're going to do what they want to do anyway. All we can do is express our opinions...which, I did...my usual two cents worth stretched out to a buck and some change. If you can't beat 'em; join 'em. Maybe we should all start acting like the ones who just 'use' Gather for their own agendas; whatever they may be. So, what are y'all having for dinner?
But who is going to decided what is silly and what is grand ???
Although all of us would be interested to see how the point system works, I think it is pretty unanimous that no one really wants to see the man behind the curtain.
I can't get into that convert since my puter can't take all the comments (it should have been stretched into a couple pages)
Personally I don't want to know how the points work. That happened on another site I was on, it started out as 5 cent a page view (plus 3 cents for anyone who signed up under you for their page read), we all knew it and some people really took advantage of it to the point that page views went null (cost for view) to whatever now. I still get paid from them, but not the 1000.00 a month I use to make.
(did that make sense, I am in a 1/2 valium fog)
good answers...points are important...and honestly without them I wouldn't be here....
yeah, better keep the points a secret, I'm happy to just be getting them
I put all kinds of stuff on gather LOL