Gathering More Than Points

I looked at an article today on Gather regarding the cash option.  When I first joined Gather I had no idea about the points or getting paid in the form of gift cards or cash.  That was a great incentive and added bonus.  However, not even knowing it in the first place; it was definitely not why I joined.

I had received an email from American Public Radio regarding the site and joined.  It was really one of those continuing synchronistic events in my life.  During the previous few weeks of joining Gather I was contemplating taking another beginning writing course.  I had taken one online approximately a year ago but had discontinued writing basically as soon as the class was over.  My husband had been encouraging me to write.  I had started keeping a journal years ago.  It was hard for me though to even open up in a journal.

My reasons for joining were two fold, the one mentioned above, and I thought this was some indirect way of supporting public radio somehow, since they had sent the email.  I have listened to public radio since my twenties, and my daughter now works for public radio.  She excels when it comes to writing, speaking and all the things I am weak at.  She definitely received all her excellent qualities such as these from her father. 

On the day I joined, my husband came home and started to tell me about something he had heard on NPR coming home.  He thought it might be something I would be interested in, which would encourage me to restart the writing process.  He had forgotten what they called it, though.  I said, “Gather,” to which he replied, “Yes, that’s it.”  I said, “I joined today.”

That was also not too long after my birthday.  He had bought me a turquoise necklace, which supposedly opens up your throat chakra.  I guess most husbands would prefer to keep that chakra closed on their wives.  The first story I published on Gather was one I had started writing in the beginning writing course I had taken during the previous year.  It is one that still needs to be continued and edited and re-edited.  Eventually I will get there.  I had him read it first; and, I really hesitated to push that publish button.  Now, without anyone else proofreading first, perhaps I push it too eagerly.

For a little while I was consumed with the points and the gift cards, choosing Home Depot, since that and Lowe’s are my husband’s second home.  I was accomplishing several tasks in this way, working on expression and writing skills and rewarding my muse with gift cards for a place he can spend hours in. 

My goal is not points though.  When I add up the amount of points to acquire cash or gift cards, I hardly think the time spent is worth it.  My goal is to feel inspired to write, and to write something of substance for the most part, that might inspire or help someone else.  This article is not necessarily that; but more of a journal entry or blog entry in a way I suppose.  Also, a goal is to connect with like minds. 

Two things that helped me feel my writing might be going somewhere was when someone outside of Gather read something and wanted to use it in her promotional materials.  Another time was when someone requested two articles for a newsletter.  These were outside sources validating a little bit of skill or I really should say inspiration flowing in from source onto paper.

I get most of my inspiration while out in nature.  Words, many of which I forget, seem to flow through me at that time.  Another time is when I’m trying to meditate, a time when my goal should be shutting off the words.  These are the times when I have those “ah-ah” moments.  So many of them fail to make it to the computer screen.

I wonder if there might ever be a real “Gather” so to speak, where perhaps a convention of some sorts was held involving real hand shakes or hugs in lieu of saying hi over a computer screen.  I think we would have to wear our icons as a source of recognition.