A few questions to Gather

I'll try to answer, though I can't really speak for the whole community...

1. Yes. At least it seems that way to me. I'm not really trying for points (just looking for good diversion reading) but it does seem there are a big number here that are looking for the rewards. At least some of them are also hoping to get their writing read, but you can tell many are just posting anything to get attention.

2. I think many do the games thing just to build points. I did one (actually it is the only thing I've posted, I'm not much of a writer) just to kill some time and the title interested me.

3. Yes there are definitely a few porn-bots. This is the internet and where-ever there are two or more gathered in once place, a spammer is in the midst of them.

Don't let this dissuade you from this place. There are some good writers here, and you can find people who'll give good feedback. As with anything, you take the good with the bad.

Thanks for the comment Brian. You have a good point, with anything there IS good and bad. Perhaps now that I have vented I will be better prepared to take them both as they come. Happy hunting for the good! :)

Just don't give up. You are half my friends list. :) I really have enjoyed your writing and wait anxiously for more.

Jane, there are some great writers on this site. A few of them are my connections. Then there are people who are only here for the points. After reading this, I'm honored that you asked to connect with me. If you scan my articles, you will find both kinds of writing. I guess part of it is the universal need for approval. When you're doing nothing but serious writing, and you have connections who are getting the cash option when you are getting less than 300 points a month (you need 3000 for cash), you start wondering if you are truly marketable at anything. After all, of the two of you, THEY are the ones getting PAID.

Fred Hose is serious, Rose (GA Peach) is serious. Jean F. is a wonderful writer. Marge H. writes some delightful stuff. William Dotani is a serious poet, so is Ed Nudelman. If you would like, I'll scan through my contacts and give you a list of the ones who write to write (some do both, so you'd have to let me know which you'd prefer).

Welcome to Gather.

Lisa - Thank you for the suggestions. Ed Nudelman is already on my 'must read' list, so I am guessing I will enjoy the others as well. I really don't have a problem with people who want the points. I just prefer to connect with people who also write.

When I first joined Gather it was to copyright my poems and get some feedback. I didn't even know what the point thing was until a month ago. When I realized what the point deal was about, I figured if I'm going to post my poetry and writing, I may as well get the benefit of a gift card every now and then. There's nothing wrong with that. I am not here strictly for points though and I would not post surveys and other trite, for the lack of a better word, poop to get points. I am on Gather to read and see art by people who take their art seriously and I hope I can offer the same in return. That's my take on it all.
Cheers!

Hi Jane,

Personally, I'm here primarily for the community of writers, although the points are a nice bonus and will hopefully help me buy books every now and again. When I comment on people's work, I try to offer detailed constructive criticism, since I know that's what I'd like to hear. I will occasionally do a points game late at night, kind of like a brainstorm list. I wasn't aware of the porn bots, but I have seen spam floating around posing as comments. I delete them when I am allowed to. You were right to ask about Gather, and I'm glad you've found some places and people to enjoy here. Thanks for joining us!

Writer's Nook Weekly Writing Challenge

I joined Gather to be with abnormal people. (Just kidding). Gather is a community of all types of people. You have professional writers like John Beck, John Walters, Fred Hose, Ed Nuddleman, serious writers who could be professional and eclectic writers like me trying to improve their writing craft. Some people are good, but not great writers, but of this group there are those who occasionally write a poem or short story that is a masterpiece of good literature. Then, you have the photo essayist, the recipe people, the jokes people, political junkies, religious people, the games people and quite a few who are just after points. I enjoy most of these people. Sometimes it's nice to read a joke, see a recipe or just chat. I like the points people because they are the most consistent in leaving comments, tend to be a good audience and are some of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. You do have the mean spirited people and I have not been shy or backed down an inch from taking on these junior high mentality bullies. There are a few on the fringe who are counter culture or even depraved. Unless you join their groups, you should be able to avoid them. I believe in freedom of speech for all as long as they do no harm to others. You pick and choose the groups you wish to be in. You get to know if a person shares your values, likes or dislikes through comments. There are a lot of people I admire and am happy to call friend on Gather.
I really suggest you make friends with Elsie Duggan. She is about as sweet as a person can get and writes clever verse. Of course you will have to be careful not to let Elsie convince you that dandelions are a flower. Marge and Sheila Deeth write some delightful stories. Donald and Norma, Lisa B, Peter Joseph Swanson, Doyle, Bhawana and many others are just delightful writers and friends. I would highly suggest you join Reena's 100 word stories group.
I am really off the wall at times with my humor, but I keep it clean. I want to be a serious poet, but it is so difficult to write good verse.

I haven't been here in quite a while, but if I remember correctly, we can get all riled up about the aspects of Gather that we hate (the games, the inane questions, the pleading for points) or we can ignore them (literally and figuratively) and make our little corner of this place what we want it to be. (Kind of like Christmas).

What is with the MySpace type games and surveys? Can anyone really pretend this is writing?

By rights, they cannot, but that doesn't stop them.

I signed onto Gather after a looong exile, and I had 212 messages. Ninety-five percent were from that guy who has pooping problems. (You know the one). Apparently he is widely read and is one of the most popular posters on Gather.

After spending this morning looking for new people to read, I have come to the conclusion that 95% of humans are non-thinking idiots. Unfortunately they have access to a computer. (I realize this is a shocking revelation!)

I wish Gather had some kind of filter or search engine, something that could detect interesting writing and filter out the inane games and calls for points.