Getting to 3000 tips.. Show me the Money!

  So, the question has been posed.. again.. how do you get to the cash option?  How do you Gather enough in 30 days to reach that magical 3000 points goal?  For some, it seems like an impossible task, and they just can't see how anyone can get 3000-plus points in one month.  I used to be one of them.  This month, I finally made enough points to get the cash option.. and I'm crossing my fingers that I'll get the invite in about 21 days from today. I don't think there's any magic formula to get there, but all I can tell you is what I do and what I've seen countless other people post about what they do to get there..  

For most people, Gathering isn't about getting points or making money.  They come here to make friends and visit with them, they love to write and talk about writing, or talk about what they're reading or watching or doing, and read things that other's post.. see thier pictures, and videos, and read about their lives, or stories or poems or whatever..and some even really enjoy the games.  That's what it should be, because if you start looking at this place as just a place to earn cash and get GC, it's a job, and then it's not fun.  Most people would still come here even if thy didn't get points and cash..maybe not as much, but they'd still be here :O)  

 1.  Post articles... one or two a day, if possible. It doesn't have to be profound things, though there are some who will look down your noses at you if you're not spitting out things they consider worthwhile..but screw em!  Just post interesting things that people will want to read and respond to.   Some people post games, and those tend to get lots of comments and views.. I rarely play games, and those game-haters may low-rate your articles..but you'll get points. 

I have noticed that a lot of my points come from certain articles I've written that get a ton of page views, and very few comments past the first day or two..I have some that have 1000's of views and continue to get more .  I can only assume that the majority of these page views come from outside of Gather, from people who found my article through a Google search.  Those page views count, so write about what interests you, but you may also want to think about sometimes posting relevant articles about things that people might Google search for.   

2.  Comment and read other people's articles.  This is a big one.  Not only will you get points for reading and rating the articles, it will get you "out there", so people might see some comment you posted and think ..hmmm.. he/she seems interesting, let me go check their stuff out. Plus some people return comments, so you'll get page views from them returning them.  But, of course, the main reason to post comments is, because that's why we're here.. to share and connect and interact with each other.  People love to get feedback on their stuff, and they will appreciate your visit.  You'll make someone smile.. as long as you don't post a mean comment, that is.. and making people smile is always good!  

3.  Comment and rate pictures and videos -  a lot of people will tell you this is the best and easiest way to rack up tons of points quickly.  You can go through people's pictures a lot quicker than you can articles, and leave a quick comment and go on to the next.  So, post pics and videos if you have them, because people will come by and look and comment.   

4.   Join lots of groups -  The more groups you belong to, the more groups you post your stuff to, the more people have a chance to see it.  The more who see it, the bigger the chance you will get views and comments. Simple.  There's tons of post anything groups, as well as a group for just about anything you're interested in.   

This group is for people who are trying to get the cash option.  Every day, you post your point totals to the group, and Amy will pick a featured member of the day, so everyone can go comment on their stuff and help them make points.  They helped me get there, and they''ll help you.  http://strivefor3000.gather.com/  

and Faith posts a list of people every month who are trying to get to cash as well, and she will add your name to her list if you go leave a comment and let her know you're trying.  This way, everyone helps everyone else get to their goal. http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977356295  

5.  Make connections -  The friends you are connected to, the more people will see your stuff and the greater the possibility that these people will read and comment on your stuff.  Some people have 1000's of connections.  I know I can't keep up with that many, so I don't think I'll ever get that many. But if you feel like you can handle it, then connect to anyone you think you might be interested in reading their articles, and hopefully they'll read yours too.    

That's about all I know to do.  That's how I made the points I've gotten, and that's what others claim has worked for them.  Hope this helps, and maybe at the end of June, you'll have enough points to get the cash option too.