by Stacey *Mamasaid* D.
Member since:
August 15, 2006

Earning More Gather Points

July 10, 2009 05:43 PM EDT
views: 470 | rating: 9.7/10 (32 votes) | comments: 103

Since the recent updates at Gather, there have been many folks complaining about receiving less points.  To be honest, I was one of them :)  Add the frustrating upgrades (yes, I keep getting email feeds late, lose comments, posts, etc., can't view videos) and my panties were in a bunch!

Life's circumstances prevented me from Gathering for a few days.  When I dove back in this week, I decided I wanted to make the most of my Gather experience.  Fighting the inevitable is like spitting against the wind.  I love my Gather friends and I enjoy earning points, too.  Hubby is a disabled veteran and every extra cent helps.

As an experiment, I changed the way I Gather.  I used to earn about 80-100 points a day (I write so I'm only here on and off).  With the recent changes, I was only getting about 10-30 points daily.  It was rather frustrating to see such a decline in points.

I decided to post more often.  I mixed the posts up, including entries about my personal life and more news-driven pieces.  Anything I wrote reflected on my own personal feelings rather than being a cut-and-paste.  After all, the primary reasons I'm here are for socialization (it's a solo thing being a writer) and honest feedback about my writing.

I also continued to view my connection's posts, only commenting when I really had something to say.  For those I felt I just wanted to thank, I resisted.  (Yes, I had a habit of saying "thanks" or "nice".  My former English professor called these "plastic stickers" so I tried to eliminate them this week, though a couple may have slipped by me).

Finally, I submitted any posts with newsworthy value (only about 2-3) to Ping-o-matic so the search engines could pick them up.  I did not submit stuff about my life, family or faith to the search engines as I consider those part of my Gather friendships.

What were the results of my experiment?  My new way of Gathering works!  I remained connected with my friends but our conversations were more meaningful.  My posts were more significant and were featured at several Gather groups.  I enjoyed writing the posts more because I put more thought into them. 

Alright, what about the big question - THE POINTS?!?!  My points soared immediately.  I was able to cash out for $25 yesterday after more than a month and a half of stagnation (clearly the old way wasn't working for me).  Today I already have over 50 points and I'll be Gathering more later.

One of my best friends told me years ago that the only constant in life is change.  Maybe change is good after all...now if only those glitches would go away ;)

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Comments: 103

Dave L. Jul 10, 2009, 5:45pm EDT

that s cool to know
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:14am EDT

Thanks
Brad Francis Dec 3, 2009, 4:53pm EST
That's hilarious. I want to count all the one word responses, especially the "thanks" or the "nice" ones.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Jul 10, 2009, 5:48pm EDT

I have stayed pretty constant, but I have noticed fewer comments.  I think Gather announcing that they don't give points for comments hurt us, but in the long run, I do what I always did, and it works well for me.  If people don't comment because they don't get points for it, they are not true friends anyway. 
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 10, 2009, 5:56pm EDT

I agree Carol, if people don't comment because of points, they are not true friends.  Also, commenting helps to build relationships, which is the whole point of Gathering.  I used to feel like I "had" to comment once I visited a post so I'd use those dreaded plastic stickers.  Now I try to make sure my comments have some significance :)
Michelle S. Jul 10, 2009, 7:23pm EDT

when i first joined gather, i was posting the generic/plastic comments.  i didn't like doing it but thought that's what everyone did.  i've stopped doing that.  i'm still viewing friends posts & pictures, but my comments are fewer.  i comment when i have something to contribute.  i did spend a lot of time at redgage for a week; i don't think i've logged on there yet this week.

i'm glad you are getting all you want to get out of gather.  you have your friends.  you have interesting conversations & your getting points as a bonus.  keep posting!!!  keep gathering!!   :)
lena k. Jul 10, 2009, 5:50pm EDT

so far today i got 44 points so i guess i am not doing to bad
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:13am EDT

That's great
lena k. Jul 10, 2009, 5:51pm EDT

all i have done today is comment i haven't put any thing on so not to bad
Carol B Jul 10, 2009, 5:55pm EDT

Interesting. I used to earn about $25.00 a month to six weeks. I think it will take about 2 months now to earn that. I don't write much, I am not a writer. I am still trying to comment but not in the comment groups. I have been posting pictures and photo essays. Slow go for me. So now I am toggling back and forth between gather and RedGage. I also tried to link photo essays to yahoo and google but the views did not increase. I guess I am uninteresting to most people. Also comments to my things on gather have dropped tremendously. Most of the people here that used to comment are over at Redgage now. So they are here less often.

I am glad that you are at least doing well.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 10, 2009, 6:00pm EDT

I also noticed everyone was heading over to RedGage but I don't really have time for it (though I started an account).  I don't find your posts uninteresting at all!  I found out about the Elizabeth Morton Wildlife Refuge through your posts and love your photo essays.  When you submit the engines, tags and titles make a difference.  Maybe add "Long Island" or other related tags so the right people find your stuff. 

People are commenting less because of the points change.  I don't think comments should be points driven, they should be because you have something to say.  After all, it's about making connections and you can't really connect without meaningful conversation.
Carol B Jul 10, 2009, 6:45pm EDT

I have been trying to tag things now with the towns, long island and New York. I was hoping that would help. We shall see, I still haven't done the essay from the Japanese Stroll garden yet. I better get busy, lol.
Carol B Jul 10, 2009, 6:46pm EDT

Oh and thank you for saying you love my photo essays. I try not to just post garbage but interesting stuff. Or at least to me it is interesting, lol.
Samantha D. Jul 10, 2009, 5:57pm EDT

I was wondering about the decline in points, but didn't think too much about it.  But thanks for the tips to increase my points. 
Samantha D. Jul 10, 2009, 5:57pm EDT

and congrats on the cash out!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:13am EDT

You're welcome - and thanks :)
Kathy D. Jul 10, 2009, 6:00pm EDT

I'm glad you found a strategy that works for you!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:13am EDT

Hi Kathy!  Me too :)
Marilyn M. Jul 10, 2009, 6:05pm EDT

I've used all the bookmark thingeys and am posting at Redgage, plus I've used my blog to send people back here.  But I cannot get beyond 50-60 points no matter what I do...when it used to be 115 per day.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:12am EDT

I'm still not up to 100 yet...but much closer.  Something to think about as you write meaningful posts...hmm...
anne ( way 2 crazy of a life ) c. Jul 10, 2009, 6:06pm EDT

i have not really noticed a drop in the points, but I am not a serious write, lately I have been finding things on aols main page and saying what i think then a link, and today i think i got over a 100, i mix it up between photos, videos, and other stuff
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 8:58am EDT

That's great Anne :)
j - Frugal Mom - r. Jul 10, 2009, 6:07pm EDT

Great post! I have noticed that you do post more these days, and I'm glad it is working out for you.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 8:59am EDT

Thanks :)
Nora Davenport Jul 10, 2009, 6:23pm EDT

That's great Stacey!  I, for one, am staying put.  I was not a bit impressed with RedGage at all....my computer won't allow me to do it anyway....maybe that's a "sign" that I'm just not supposed to be there....LOL!!!!!  Posting a number of articles each day really does help the points!  I'm also going to GSN, and it's sooo great! 
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:00am EDT

Nora, I agree, for some reason I was unimpressed with RedGage and just feel more comfortable here.  Hmm, haven't done GSN, if you want send me a Gather message about it :) 
Shaunee C. Jul 10, 2009, 6:33pm EDT

Congradulations that is great to know. I am close to cashing out soon myself.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:01am EDT

Way to go!
Cecilia Lyne Jul 10, 2009, 6:35pm EDT

I am glad that you were able to figure out a system that works for you. :)
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:01am EDT

Me too - hope it helps some of my Gather friends :)
Janie E. Jul 10, 2009, 6:36pm EDT

I'm within 3 pts of getting a gift card! Maybe, my post about our trip, will be enough to get me over 3,000.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:02am EDT

Hope you got there :)
Janie E. Jul 11, 2009, 4:48pm EDT

You know, I haven't checked! Going to check now!
Netty B. Jul 10, 2009, 6:43pm EDT

I have just kept doing what I usually do too
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:11am EDT

Keep on keepin on ;)
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Jul 10, 2009, 7:02pm EDT

I am glad you have the points wrking for you.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:10am EDT

Me too :)
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Jul 10, 2009, 7:25pm EDT

keep posting good and keep viewing...Best~
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:10am EDT

Agreed :)
Rob Appell Jul 10, 2009, 8:13pm EDT

My old way of Gathering bottomed out, too...to 10 points or less a day.  I used to be able to share he wealth by viewing other's posts.  Now, Gather wants you to be greedy and try for all the views you can get rather than hand them out.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:04am EDT

You're a talented writer, Rob, and it would be great to see more posts from you :)  I still view my connections as I care what my friends have to say - I just don't comment as often.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:04am EDT

I was also down to 10 points a day for awhile!
Linda T. Jul 10, 2009, 8:20pm EDT

I gave serious thought to quitting the commenting groups but those groups helped me to discover some people I would have overlooked before.  As far as commenting goes I have to skip a lot more stuff since it is not worth my while to view it.  When I do view something I do try to comment because I know it gives the author encouragement.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:05am EDT

I stay with the commenting groups too because I've met some great people through them and discovered some very interesting content I might have missed.
Karen M. Jul 10, 2009, 9:02pm EDT

That's an interesting little experiment..thanks for sharing it!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:10am EDT

You're welcome :)
sonia v. Jul 10, 2009, 9:09pm EDT

I think it is hard at times but I think if you just put in an effort you can do good I am glad you arent leaving
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:06am EDT

I really enjoy Gather, I'm definitely staying :)
Elsie Duggan Jul 10, 2009, 9:12pm EDT

I'm doing just what I always did, hope it works out better for you.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:09am EDT

Thanks Elsie
Janet H. Jul 10, 2009, 9:51pm EDT

Great ideas.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:07am EDT

Thanks :)
Lori Douglas Jul 10, 2009, 10:05pm EDT

This sounds like a great tip.  I agree with you.  I hate just putting "nice pic" or "good photo".   I like to give the person the reason why I liked the pic I saw, like its a great colour or it's framed well and the way it made me feel when I viewed it.   I feel like a dumb ass for regergitating "nice pic".  It's not very thoughtful to the person that went out or there way to do a great job on a pic that is really good and then just get simple replys.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:07am EDT

I finally realized when I used those "plastic stickers" I wasn't giving the person the kudos they deserve for their efforts.  Great point :)
Melanie B. Jul 10, 2009, 11:17pm EDT

Great post~ congrats on your cash out

hh
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:08am EDT

Thanks :)
dawn marie n. Jul 11, 2009, 1:18am EDT

Although I am new in the site and doing some observation of what's happening I realized that as long your having a good conversation,the points are increasing but it really doesn't matter at all,what important to me is to be a part of a full of knowledge community where I can learn and earn some friends.:-)
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jul 11, 2009, 9:09am EDT

Welcome to Gathering, Dawn!  If you want knowledge, good conversation and friends, you're in the right place :)
Connie L. Jul 11, 2009, 3:06pm EDT

I am glad it is working out for you now.  I never heard of the Ping-o-matic, will have to try this.
d d. Jul 11, 2009, 4:02pm EDT

Your piece helped me.. I felt like i was ready to bail... now i'll do more research and try to figure out how to get more points... thanks,  *hh
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Jul 11, 2009, 5:04pm EDT

I feel like now I spend all this time getting the word out on my stuff.  I really enjoy the comments from everyone.  I think it hurt us as far as interaction.  Although, some disagree with me on that statement.  As well some have said they don't like seeing Nice over and over. I would rather get a nice on a picture then nothing at all.  It just makes me feel people looked.  Now I can understand the nice on an article.  You should be able to say a little more then that. Good information though.

I'm glad you're posting more. I like reading your thoughts. I haven't had time to change the way I Gather much-my kids keep me too busy! I joined Redgage but can't find any extra time for it. My points have always been pretty slow, and still are. I just focus on the conversations and friendships and when I finally am able to cash out, that will be nice, too!
Elaine S. Jul 11, 2009, 7:01pm EDT

I'm happy for you .Points are a good thing.
joseph k. Jul 12, 2009, 7:40am EDT

i always leave a comment because i like people to leave me one HH
Marsha S. Jul 15, 2009, 7:57pm EDT

mine are about the same as always but I notice if I post 3 or 4 things a day they are just a bit more for the day--HH
Hollie ~TNR Works~ Jul 15, 2009, 8:00pm EDT

I used to get a ton of points being a maderator for Rating Resurrectionsists.  But now that they've taken away getting points if you copy/paste, I barely get any points now when I clear out posts.
Soraya Quisano Jul 18, 2009, 2:19pm EDT
I hope this will work for me too. thanks for sharing your tips.
Charles Lennox Jul 21, 2009, 12:28am EDT
Thanks.

Oh, wait. Sorry. Good post and thanks for sharing your experience and change in mindset.
Kelly M. Jul 22, 2009, 9:55am EDT
I've never heard of Pingomatic - I will have to check it out!
Winona Morris Jul 22, 2009, 9:59am EDT
I still get about the same amount of points (10 to 15 on a good day) as before, but I miss reading more personal posts. Almost everything I get anymore is fiction or poetry, which is good, but I do miss reading about my friends lives.
Never been one to keep track of my point earnings here on a daily basis, but if I'm pretty sure 100 points a day for me would mean winning every points drawing offered. Really, 100 points a day?

Can't say that I've noticed if I'm doing better or worse. I'm only here for the aggravation anyway.
constantly Constance M. Jul 22, 2009, 10:06am EDT
When I joined gather I wasn't aware of the points system I just enjoyed reading the way everyone got along so well but sometimes in a conversation I loose my temper like yesterday over using LOL and ROFLMAO. I think I've been here a month and have 14 points
constantly Constance M. Jul 22, 2009, 10:12am EDT
p.s. to add if I may I was on gather for almost 8 hours back and forth between catching up with my emails and continued email alerts two days ago and I was having a great time but I believe I received 3 points....
Rose H. Jul 24, 2009, 1:22pm EDT
While the new point system remains a mystery just like the old:), it has been made clear that if you post more original content ) your own posts) you will do better with points.
Cheryl W. Jul 22, 2009, 10:08am EDT
This is good to know...:) My points have been creeping along very slowly.
Nora Davenport Jul 22, 2009, 10:47am EDT
That's great you found something that works for you! I've found that it helps a lot to post maybe 3, 4, or 5 articles a day, but then sometimes it's hard to think of interesting stuff. I just did cash out for $25 in Paypal recently!
norene t. Jul 22, 2009, 5:14pm EDT
Thank you and you are right. I just have to much going on to post that much.
That is great Stacey, I've had to adjust my method of operation as well. I notice that I get a lot more views for my posts, than on my pictures and videos. Which before, I used to get about the same about for views/comments that was really meaningful to me.
Patti M. Jul 22, 2009, 10:13pm EDT
I'm not getting much of anything. The points were nice because Larry lost his job but that's not why I'm here. I don't have time for Redgage. I have enough trouble keeping up with Gather and my regular email.
I think it's cool that you found a way to get your points again.
Matthew M. Jul 23, 2009, 10:28am EDT
That's good. My points have been lower but sometimes I have a good day, I don't know why.
penni d. Jul 23, 2009, 10:31am EDT
I think you must have the formula,yay!
Crystal T. Jul 23, 2009, 8:10pm EDT
I think I'll try your formula. I didn't pay too much attention to the points but now I will and implement your formula if it will work for me. Thanks
c.l.m. 180Ëš Jul 24, 2009, 10:12am EDT
NOW THAT IS A ~ POSITIVE ~ POINT FOR ALL OF US TO CONSIDER ...
Rose H. Jul 24, 2009, 1:27pm EDT
Somehow I missed your post earlier, Stacey. I've not heard of a ping-o-matic, I'll have to check into thatbut otherwise your post confirms what I've already guessed.
Ladybounty ~. Aug 2, 2009, 9:19am EDT
Well I am mystified with Gather's reasoning on this subject. It appears that they have forgotten that commenting formed the valuable networks that created this site and made it as huge as it is today. I, for one, appreciate the feedback and enjoy all the comments but have always hated the generic ones and strive not to do that.
Thanks for putting this together.....
can you tell me what a ping-o-matic is?
I am not sure yet. I just came back to gather and already have noticed a severe decline in my points. I was on for hours, yet my points only rose by 3....
Eucliffe L. Aug 6, 2009, 3:39pm EDT
I am one of those outside the chosen circle so points earned are no more than a meaningless statistical notation outside cumulative reach honoured only in breach.
Brittney Nicole Aug 10, 2009, 6:55pm EDT
Wow thanks for the tips
momtrying2makeit m. Aug 22, 2009, 12:37pm EDT
Cool I am still a newbie and I want to earn a lot but I also want to learn how I can improve my writing because I write online almost everyday. I need to learn as much as I can and I thank you for sharing this info with me and the gather community. Take care and have a great day:)
kathleen w. Aug 26, 2009, 6:15pm EDT
I agree, I seem to do better to keep commenting and posting, I post mainly how you doing /I am doing this...or that and recipes seem to do ok
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Aug 28, 2009, 2:09pm EDT
That's nice that works for you.
Noel Whitecliffe Sep 4, 2009, 6:09am EDT
What a great read, had a quick look through comments as well
Allana G. Sep 6, 2009, 9:06pm EDT
I didn't get too many points on the old system so I guess I'll be getting fewer now.
stacy k. Sep 17, 2009, 3:41pm EDT
good advice, I'll have to try some of this!
Nicola S. Sep 19, 2009, 2:16pm EDT
well written, and I appreciate the advice as a new "Gatherer" =D
Robin O. Sep 22, 2009, 11:17am EDT
I really appreciate the article you wrote as I am just starting to naviagate my way around,
I really only comment on what I know about or something that matters to me.
I have only submited one article, but am enjoying all the different people and things to do.
I joined to learn to write better cause I have a lot of stories to tell or books to write and I need to get practice and learn more, although I have a few little things that have been published with other books.
Marnoet Aunjairam Sep 25, 2009, 7:18am EDT
Great ideas.
Paul F. Sep 25, 2009, 11:55pm EDT
Interesting article, I have never done much to help the search engines find my gather postings so maybe I should do that.

I wonder if size counts, what I mean is if you do posts that are 50-100 words (which I see a fair amount of) do you get less points. I mean people spend less time on your page and probably comment less, so maybe that affects your points?

I have definitely noticed a lot less views, but that may also be because I am not a consistent poster.
Kimberly Jackson Sep 29, 2009, 2:25am EDT
I got about 48 points since I joined on Friday but to be honest I don't know how I did it. I am still learning all of this and in truth I have been writing what holds meaning for me and I hope will maybe touch others. The same when I comment. I enjoy reading others post because the truth is they seem to inspire me and I feel the need to say at least say thank you for them sharing their work with me if that makes sense
Bonnie S. Oct 28, 2009, 9:40pm EDT
The points are a sidebar for me. I like significant dialogue myself. It was disappointing to see one-word zingers after putting so much heart into my writing. That was a couple of years ago I'd feel the 'sting' of quick pat answer.

It's too bad the comments aren't rated by word count. At least those of us who value the people on our friends' list will be able to help each other gather points. No pun intended ... really.
(Jasper,(Disciple for Christ. w. Nov 4, 2009, 9:04pm EST
I post a lot and still don't get too many points
Karen L. Nov 14, 2009, 7:30pm EST
Good for you! Nice job
Tara S. Nov 26, 2009, 11:36pm EST
thanks....it is good to know this

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