My Thoughts on the Points Change

Interesting point.  I enjoy gather and I mostly read rather than post, I'm not a writer.  I guess I won't be getting many points any more.  Oh well, maybe someone will write something interesting or something new and maybe I'll learn something new. 

Glad to know I'm not the only one in the boat, Lee :) thanks for your thoughts!

I'm in the same boat.

can relate 100%

I very much agree with you Shannon. While I enjoy writing and posting pics or videos, I enjoy some days or weeks where I do nothing more than view and comment.

Thank you, Bryan. I still plan do do what I do, but I'll miss the points!

I think they'll have to end up tweaking the part about the viewing, cause that's true; if people hardly get any points for viewing- they'll view less. I do think more points for posting original content is a good idea though.

I hope they do, Ellen. And I agree that it is a good idea to reward original content. Thanks for reading my article 8)

you're very welcome :-)

I view ALOT more than i comment or post. Some days i may post a few posts, some days i may not post at all. just depends on what my goofy kids did for that day...

I am not a writer. I wont change the way i gather cuz of the points change.

Dnbuster! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts. I don't think I'll be changing either, I just don't have that much to say!

me either:)

I also do a lot of viewing and some commenting.  I don't get much time on here during the week. The weekends I get spend a little more time on here. I won't be changing my gather habits. 

The point you make is one I agree with totally.  I have been writing that on many posts tonight.  I feel insulted by the change in points for viewing.  It is not because I view for points  but because I feel like my contribution of reading was deemed as not good enough  for Gather.  I also feel this is going to encourage others to stalk people and immediately report them if they do any copy or pasting.  I have seen several people admitting in comments tonight that they will be reporting anyone who is guilty of this practice.

Hey, sorry Linda! I replied to this comment over an hour ago, but I don't know where it went! I think I essentially said that I appreciate your thoughts and obviously, I feel much the same way. I do know that the 'copy and pasters' wouldn't have any trouble at all if they'd write a little something to express their thoughts on an article, I know that I prefer to comment more on someone's opinion than just a news article. 8)

Linda I completely agree!

"I make comments that sometimes are very thoughtful and contribute to a great conversation, and sometimes I make comments that simply show my appreciation for the author's hard work."

Shannon, I would like to point out that you ALWAYS give thoughtful and appreciative comments.  I am one of those writers who's encouraged by your readership.  I am also VERY glad to be able to repay your thoughtfulness and your readership by commenting on this post.:)

Many, many, MANY thanks.....

Mandy

Awww, I am very flattered, Mandy. Thanks for saying such nice things, I always enjoy reading what you have to say!

I totally agree with you. I feel this was partially a bad move on Gathers part. I predict that many people will be posting lots of stuff but there won't be many around to read it. And without people to read it, the ones who are posting good quality original stuff, won't be making many points either. I am still going to do what I always do, and thats looking at all my friend's stuff and commenting when I can.

Thank you Brenda! You make a valid point about less points for fewer readers to an article.

Well it seems we are mostly all in agreement with you.  I seldom post. I do try to contribute by commenting, but mostly, I view.

Haha, yeah, I guess I'm preachin' to the choir 8) thanks for your opinion!

I have to agree with you. I do way more reading than I do posting. I enjoy reading the content here and feel like it would be a shame if people were worried about posting way more than reading what others write. Peace.

Thank you Kimber. You've expressed these thoughts much more succinctly!

I heard the point system will change that it won't be given to any posts anymore, which makes me think people would just read and there would be no new posting anymore. This change is needed to enable Gather to pay international readers. But maybe I heard it wrong.  

The impression I got from Tom's article was that it would be sort of the opposite. People will continue to get points for all of their activity, but at a lower level. The main point generator will be thoughtful and original content that maintains a following.

By the way, I've not seen you around before, 1 Stratcat, so I'd like to thank you, especially, for coming by to leave your thoughts!

I have had little time to write for several months and original content is not something you can just whip up out of the blue all the time.   I know my points earning has gone way down and I am considering deleteting all my content, and groups and just writing for other sites that give better incentive.  Xomba,  Mylot,  Ehow,  Associated content and Triond to name a few.   Like most all great ideas and internet sites they do well, then they get big headed and kill the goose that lays the golden egg.    I know many are fed up and have left or are leaving.

I've had little time to write for months, either, and yet today I'm getting MORE points for activity on my past articles than I usually get viewing all over the site.  Something to think about.  If you write for any those other sites successfully you already know how to get readership for the articles you do write.  Why not apply it here and see if the new points program rewards you better than what you're used to?

Jen, I hope you don't get fed up and leave! I agree that it takes a lot of work to write an appealing article. I only have the internet at work. Many times I don't have anything really to do for six out of the eight or nine hours I work so I suppose on those nights I could throw something together, but mostly I can't devote that much time to creating. I really enjoy reading and looking at what others creat, and I would have thought that they enjoyed my attention to their work.

Lune, I'm glad to hear that your points earning has gone up!

Thanks, Shannon.  I think if we slow down, don't panic, and see how this plays out, it could be a good thing for the community.  It's not like there's a jury that decides we have to have every article a masterpiece.  Yours, here, for example, adds value in being a forum for another point a view and giving people a place to discuss their feelings.

Well, I, for one am VERY upset, as I got flagged for a simple recipe....a recipe, mind you....never in my life has that EVER happened......I am so mad, so upset, I'm about ready to leave Gather right now.........I have wonderful, delicious, super easy recipes (I'm writing my own cookbook right now).......but it seems that recipes are no longer allowed on here........all of a sudden, Gather is no longer fun or interesting.......I immediately deleted my recipe and.....I just may go into the groups and pull/delete every recipe I've put in since I started here.

You don't know how much I am "seething" right about now. 

You shouldn't have reacted and should have written a short email to Gather and explained that your original recipe was flagged incorrectly and Gather would have removed the flag. I've done that successfully albeit not on recipes.

Nora keep posting those recipes. Even if others don't deem them meaningful content I do. I make a lot of the recipes I read here on Gather and I would hate if people stopped posting them.

I could not agree with you more! This is exactly what is happening right now.

I posted a short story hours earlier and received four views and five comments. Three of which are my own, thanking others for reading.

This point system is the most unfair I've ever seen.

I am sorry to hear that, Angela! Though I rarely comment, I want to tell you that I have enjoyed many of your stories, but I will say that without gather broadcasting I wouldn't have ever read one of them! Keep 'em comin girl!

 It just doesn't matter........

 It just doesn't matter........

It just doesn't matter........

 It just doesn't matter........

Meatballs---the Movie

Thanks, Randee! And I'd like to publicly thank your for your birthday wish yesterday here on gather, it was very nice to have someone notice!! 8)

how was "your" day ? ? ? ?

Let's see.  If I view...nothing for mem but does the poster gets points for my viewing?

If I post original pieces, do I get points whether or not someone else views, or comments, or not?

If I view and comment, do I get any points, but the poster gets more points?

Hmm.  I'll have to see how this plays itself out

Great questions, Dorothy. I wish I knew the answer. All I know is that since I logged in last night at about 12:30 (gather time) I have read  more than 50 articles and viewed many photos, and I posted this here article. I have NOT GAINED ONE POINT. Usually by now I'd have at least 20 points (without posting).  8(

"If I view and comment, do I get any points, but the poster gets more points?"

Exactly right, just the points we get are a fraction of what they were.

Tom promoted this group: Earn More Points as a place we can learn to make more points under this new system.

This is interesting reading, thanks.  Not a writer either.<

Thank you for the compliment and the comment, L. H.!

The change was MAINLY to discourage copy/paste from published sources - ie, the many people who take articles published elsewhere and PASTE directly into Gather.

But if the changes were for that reason, why hit the page views/readers? Why not the posters?

I can still make points for posting a copy/paste article, but not for reading one of your stories, Kathryn....who does that help/hurt?

"why hit the page views/readers?"

There were entire groups of commenters who were mostly about viewing a lot of content posted by members of the group, and leaving them cut and paste comments.  It was obvious in most cases the content was not even read.  Blatant gaming of the system.

The posters were hit too - in Gather's announcement that people who chronically post content not their own may suddenly find their ability to earn any points at all has been turned off.

Ok, you already know I value you, Shannon. greatly! Also lune ((wavingmadly)), and she has the right of it. Let us sit this out and wait a bit. It was my understanding that one would recieve points for "give and take", sooner or later.What good will it do to post an article that no one wishes to read? I think it may be a challenge for some of us ((me)) to get off our arses and DO something. Altho I do much as you by reading and commenting when not having any post ideas, I will not change my habits because of the new point changes. let us be brave, let us be strong, let us Ride the Wave and see what new wonders it may bring!! :)

Golly, thanks Penni! That's pretty sweet of you to say. I'm not planning on going anywhere, but I can see that a lot of people are anxious about this change. Yes, dear Penni, we shall Ride the Wave!!  8)

i agree that if you copy and paste an article that you should get less points but i also agree with the fact that this use to be a points system that rewarded everyone and i think that it is how it should still be everyone is important here on gather and that is how it should stay so i hope you still get to earn your points i do post pictures and videos but my writing is not that great but i still write silly little articles

good luck to all

Thank you Misty. I'm not the best writer either, but I'm only about a thousand points from a $50 gift card, so I guess I'm going to have to write some silly little articles too.  8)

Shannon, you would be amazed at what little original effort it takes to make a post. lol

Ferosh, obviously you have no idea just how lazy I really am. ;)

I am also like you and tend to view more than I post.  While I have posted some article most of my content are photographs.  While the point system change has been in effect for only one day I have noticed that views have dropped off for the photos.  I think they will be adjusting the point system to make it fair since people who view content are important to not just the content provider but to Gather itself.  People who view and comment create pageviews and pageviews are what determines the costs that advertisers pay to have their ads next to all the content that is provided.  If people start to view and comment less not only will the content provider miss out but the advertising rates would go down as well. 

That is just my view of the "pointenomics"!

Thanks for sharing your view of 'pointenomics,' David! What you say makes sense and I hope you're right.

It does look like they are making some adjustments.  On the first day I think I got 3 points, on the second only one point, and today I have already had 5 points for just a couple of hours.

That's great to hear, David! Thanks for stopping back with an update. 8)

I think I've noticed an increase as well, but I do have lots of views and comments on this article. ;)

I agree, I comment more than post.  It did upset me to read the article about points,  I never could figure out the points system anyway, but now I think that you will have to spend alot of time here just for a little bit of an incentive.   Seems to much like a job, now.

Thank you, Tammy. Don't work too hard!!

i comment WAY more than i post.  I like to read others work. sometimes i leave a generic comment like 'thanks for the post' or 'nice' but i Always and i mean Always read that post.

 this is the worst point system that i have seen since i have been on gather.  if you are only going to be rewarded for posting who is going to have time to read those posts? 

i won't change my gather ways but maybe they should change thiers.

You said it, Regina! Thanks for stopping by. 8)

I agree with you 110%

Thanks Renee.

I agree. I'm one of the writers, but points are not the only reason we post. We need readers too, and I appreciate the ones who help me improve my work.

You're a fantastic writer, Sharon!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your opinion.

I agree with Sharon, in that being a writer, we don't expect all our points to come from simply submitting..... It's all about the give and take.

Thanks Ferosh. That's kind of you Shannon. Without readers, why write?

i have been commenting on a lot of photos this morning and only got one point so far i guess i will just have to put on photos and hope that works

You have some great fishing photos, Joseph! I look forward to seeing more from you. 8)

I have belonged to a few sites that when they start changing the points system, the site goes down shortly thereafter.

I am sure Gather wouldn't be so stupid as to not reward the reader.  It is the reader as well who notices the banner ads (which is income for the site owners.).

It would make sense that the reward is less for the reader versus comments or full postings, however.

I was thinking much along those lines, Carrie,

This particular change reminds me of what the sites do shortly before going under.  With this economy, I would not be surprised.

Perish the thought!! I certainly hope that doesn't happen here! I love gather.

It has been my understanding that they've never rewarded for comments themselves, but who knows??

I agree.

Thank you, Terry!

I agree with you too. I do think articles should get rewarded for the effort applied to them by some means, but think they went too far in penalizing those of us that mainly read and comment. I know I'll be doing less searching/surfing now myself...

I'm sorry to hear that you'll be doing less searching, John. I know that, for me, anyway, that is half the fun!

Thanks for stopping by my article!

Same here John. I am not a writer at all and I like to read and comment more than write. I feel like my contribution to the site is being minimized. Gather is going to regret this in the long run. People will get fed up and leave.

I don't post a lot myself but I do a lot of viewing. I have to admit that I haven't done a lot of commenting in the last month as I've been busy in the "real world."   I'm worried that I won't earn too many points under this new system.

I hope that you won't stop reading articles, Wilma. 

It is always a pleasure to hear from you.

Thanks, Peter.  I wish I had more time to read and comment.

Wilma, I have seen your comments all around and think that you always add value to the conversation!! I certainly hope you get another gift card before 2010! (doesn't that seem like it's waaaay in the future? haha)

Gather destroyed itself as a writing site early last year when the focus shifted to rewarding members for helping transform Gather into a "social" networking site. Many of our best writers and photographers left at that time, never to return. When we were a writing site, I often enjoyed over 100 comments to each article I published. After each "upgrade" I watched my readership drop and I saw over 200 of my friends disappear completely from the site. Now, when I post a new article, I am lucky to get 10 or 12 readers. And I am most appreciative of anyone who does take the time to read my articles and write a response. I have left some of my work on my  profile simply to show as "writing samples" as part of my on-line portfolio, but I rarely contribute articles to Gather anymore. When the system changed from "publishing" articles to "posting" anything and everything, including one or two word links to outside resources, I saw no point in writing for Gather any longer.  How can anyone expect to be paid points for a link to someone else's published copyrighted work? Abuse of the system. But understandable since irresponsible "posting" was being encouraged and rewarded by Gather management to reach the goal of becoming a competative social networking site. Well, a good thing was ruined. And for what? Gather has not become a competative social networking site. It will never rival MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter. To top it off, the site no longer has the excitement and joy of publishing it once had for writers and photographers. Remember when everyone shouted from the rooftops, "I'm addicted to Gather!" No one says that anymore. It still has a bit of the friendly neighborhood gathering place feeling. And for that, I am quite grateful. I have friends here---friends I didn't want to lose. But quite honestly, if it weren't for my freinds and my group, I wouldn't be on Gather at all. I only stay for my long-time Gather friends and because of the extraordianry contributions people make to Home Comfort

Natalie, thank you for sharing your view. I really hope that this change makes you feel at home here again. I joined in March of last year, and I remember that I was thrilled the first time I posted, I was all "I've published an article!!"

I'm already on Facebook and MySpace. I'd hate to see Gather go that direction. I'm here because I love to write, and what people have told me has improved my writing.

Without the readers, we'd have no reason to write, and I'd just stop bothering with Gather.

Re: "I really hope that this change makes you feel at home here again."

No. I don't think so. I have made myself a home on Gather because I choose to be here, not because Gather has ever done anything to make me feel at home. My group  Home Comfort is my home. I love the interesting and rich content the members of our group provide, and wouldn't leave Gather because of them. I wish we had the original "front page" back which was Gather's original home page, where good writers and strong articles and fine photographs were featured. That was the first thing I read every morning. Then the upgrades came along. That page was eliminated and replaced with a feed that featured the top 100 articles. Now that's gone, too. Replaced by 20 "most popular" pieces of absolute junk! I have never understood how "dumbing down" Gather has helped anyone. I love refreshing, uplifting, progressive change. Yes. That kind of change keeps life exciting. But there is a difference between that which invigorates and renews creativity, and that which destroys it.

Tom Gerace and your mindless minions ---Are you listening? Do you EVER listen?

I'm kind of new around here, so you will have to forgive me if I have missed something....points matter? If this is a site about writing and sharing insights, why do points matter? Do they make you better writers? Are the comments better because of the points? Why would people leave because of the point system? If this is a place you get to share your thoughts - isn't that the important part?

If points don't matter to you, then I'm glad you don't have anything to worry about, Donna! Having been here a little over a year, I've gotten used to getting points for my activity. I know there are people who get tons of gift cards, but I was thrilled when I cashed out for the first time this March for a $50.00 gift card, and had hoped to get another. I have about a thousand points to go for that, and I don't know how long it will take now.

The gift cards have paid for my books and coffee for some time. Saves me money. Thats why I like getting points Donna.

That makes sense, as I said, I was new. I followed a friend here and was having a little trouble figuring out how to make sense of the place. :)

I am VERY upset, as I posted a "favorite" recipe of mine today....it got FLAGGED!  It was my OWN recipe, but yet it was flagged......I got so mad, I just deleted it and said, "hell with it."  I guess recipes are no longer allowed so I will just keep my wonderful, delicious, super easy recipes to myself (and put in the cookbook I'm writing)........

It's so ironic, a simple recipe can be "flagged," but what, exactly is done about all the HATRED, viciousness, nastiness, drama here on Gather?  Nothing.....absolutely nothing.........oh well, I'm sure there are far better web sites online where a person could do much better....I also have great points/rewards programs where I get tons of free stuff and my refunding hobby.........

I was wondering when this would happen.  gather wants to discourage cut and pasting but it will be the readership that is encouraged to report it.  I can see a lot of vigilante flaggers out there that will flag items they do not deem worthy of earning points.  I hope this gets better and I am sorry you were flagged!

i think many members feel as we do;)

If the hatred is generated at you and gets really insulting, nasty or appearing to be stalking you, write Marrianne. I was being stalked by a very hateful person, who was apparently an athiest. I wrote Marriane and that poster stopped bothering me, instantly.

Nora, I'm sorry to hear that your own recipe got flagged. I'm sure if you had left it Gather would have lifted the flag. I fear that David is right about vigilante flaggers. Thank you for sharing your experience.

(The Other) Dale C., I'm sorry you were stalked by a hateful person, but I don't know what them apparently being an atheist has to do with it.

I feel that a lot of the flagging is just a new kind of flaming.

Good article, Shannon!

Thank you for saying so, Elizabeth!

I agree. It is good. And has it encouraged discussion!

I think I've missed the news...From what I am understanding, Gather will not be awarding points for views and comments?

I do think that this is a poor choice, however I can also understand how Gather would want to 'save' when people post games and try to get as many comments as possible.

I don't write a lot on Gather, because I've found that I am not a writer. I enjoy sharing somethings and find that I do more blog style posts when I do write. Many times I am not able to spend a lot of time here on Gather due to home responsibilities - being a stay at home mom can be hectic at times.

I do agree that if Gather stops rewarding people for reading articles, it probably will drive down how many views people's work gets and will most likely drive up the number of random articles.

Cyndi, as I understand it, we will still get points for regular activity, but to a (much) lesser extent.

I'm hoping for the best! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

From all I've read they want to bring in views from off gather.  They even are starting a group to teach us how to earn more points by doing it so it is found in search engines or linked in the outside so gather gets more hits from outsiders.

Oh, by the way--good thoughts.

Thanks, C.L.. I guess if they're trying to bring in readers from outside of gather, it makes sense. Although, I google TONS of stuff, especially if I'm reading an article on gather and want to find out more about it, and I have NEVER come across a gather article from a search.

They have started a new group that is to help everyone learn how to get more points by linking our stuff to the outside--at least that is my undersanding. Earn More Points -- they haven't posted anything except Tom's announcement post yet.

Keep reading, Shannon. 

Gather changes the point system frequently, so it won't be long until a new "matrix" for awarding points is adopted.

The site won't survive if everyone publishes articles that no one will read!

Haha, I will, Peter, thanks.

That was what I was thinking, but C.L., above you, said that they're counting on non-members reading what the members write. That totally screws me, I can hardly get members to read what I have to say!! 8D

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my article, Peter!!

I'll just say this much - when they took down the lists of most popular profiles and most popular articles, they hurt a lot of us who I think produce fairly popular content here. Those lists brought lots of new readers in, it was a major incentive to produce the articles. I'm sure there were probably complaints from some about the same faces and same writers, but the truth is this - dull doesn't draw no matter how you change the rules, and taking away incentive from those that produce is just not a smart thing to do. Unless Gather just wants to be Facebook II or something, it needs to rethink what they're doing in this regard.

E3

Ed, I think you do a fantastic job of stirring up interest in your articles! We could all take a page from your book.

Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts!

Considering some of what was getting up there on the "most popular" all I can say is "GOOD!" in response to your comment, Ed.

There were some good articles there sometimes, Lune, but I agree with you for the most part. I think that the 'most popular' members were a better way to find interesting content.

I AGREE WITH YOU

 I DONT POST ALOT I READ MY MAIL MOST OF THE TIME AND

COMMENT  SO I GUESS I WONT BE GETTING MUCH AT ALL

Thanks, Shirl. I guess if we want points we'll have to spend less time reading and more time writing.

My points have slowly dropped to so slow, that if I could, I'd drive a post into the screen beside them to see if they move at all.

I post 98% pictures for folks interested in various things like nature, scenery or man made creations.

I keep getting lost on the point system, but I know that my first year here, I earned two gift cards for $50 bucks each. Since that time, my points have come in so slowly that I've given the thought of deleting my account and just posting on webshots, where my "outdoors" images are in the top thousand and nearing the top 500 albums. Here, maybe two or three people look at my photos, even though a slide show is easy, it doesn't gain points. Fact is, I've almost always wondered what gains points. It keeps changing so fast, I'll never figure it out.

One day, the other Dale may be history, because if I can't figure out what gather wants, then who else can? After all the above comments, I'm still confused, but that's only normal for me. Ha.

I think your photos are fabulous, Dale! Tonight, I enjoyed your album with pictures from the Libby Dam.

I'd hate to see you go, and I'm sorry you're confused, but obviously you aren't the only one!

Shannon, I am more a reader than a writer since I read and comment every day (that I'm here) but don't publish every day. I appreciate readers when I do post, and enjoy reading and leaving comments when I don't post. I hope everyone will continue to read and comment, and wait for Gather to figure out where they are going with this. They tend to learn though trial ane error, and I know Tom appreciates the conversation part of Gather as much as the posting. He'll figure this out.

Wow, Sandy Knauer (I don't know how to do the trademark thing) commenting on one of my articles! How about that. I think you're a fantastic writer, and though I haven't read anything from you in quite some time, I'm always pleased to come across one of your articles.

Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts on the subject!

My pleasure, Shannon. I'm trying to make the rounds and let people who actually WRITE know that I will not stop commenting just because rumor has it I will not receive points for doing so. (I make the trademark thing by typing it in MS Word and copying it over.)

Boy, there is no way I could possibly knock out posts in the same quantity as comments/views. 

Neither could I, Elaine. I prefer quality, though that might be out of my reach at times!  8)

There should be zero compensation. That would allow the creative writers to be creative and those who have a desire to comment to produce quality comments as opposed to, "thanks for sharing," which drives me batty. No compensation at all would be the best move Gather could make. I'm not here to be compensated and those whose primary reason for being here is compensation usually contribute little to my experience here.

My reason for being here is to engage in spirited discussion with others. Perhaps that's not your reason and that's fine, but it is mine.

Thank you John, for sharing your perspective. I enjoy the points very much, especially the fifty dollar gift card I received, though I misplaced it shortly after I got it, and haven't found it yet!

I'm wondering though, do you ask someone whether or not they care about earning points before you decide if they contribute to your experience?

Nope, I hate everyone equally.

Actually, several years ago when earning Gift Cards was as easy as peeling a banana I was getting a $5o Gift Card every month and at one point had 6 or 8 of them on my desk. That wasn't as John Rebel which is a newer persona, having had my account deleted for disparaging a Gather member with thin skin. However, I've never considered Gift Cards anything but nominal compensation not necessary to my Gather Experience.

As far as asking if one cares about points before deciding if they contribute to my experience, it simply isn't necessary. The editorial posted by those who seek only Gift Card compensation is apparent and generally filled with comments that are little more than, "Thanks For Sharing," or "Great Post" which are made because people feel obligated to say something but really have nothing to say.

I on the other hand have a great deal to say on the editorial I choose to comment on, which is obvious right at the moment. This particular post, though not political, economic or even about critical social examinations still piqued my curiosity and necessitated a comment.

Someone once said that I must be bored after I had asked if they were bored based on the editorial they had posted. I answered in the affirmative. I think boredom comes easy in the 21st Century and to be perfectly honest, after having read my regular internet posts through my RSS feed; things like Globalresearch.ca, ThereAreNoSunglasses, Jeremy Scahill, Chris Hedges, Len Hart and several others, I come here not only out of boredom but because this site allows for a continued back-and-forth exchange of ideas between people.

Some people are satisfied with America Idol and others prefer 20/20. Que sara.

John, you have a beautiful singing voice!

John, it's good to know that you hate everyone equally, it's not nice to play favorites.  ;)

I completely understand what you mean about some comments. It can be frustrating to put a lot of effort in a piece and get little feedback.

I come to gather when I'm bored at work, I work overnight at a hotel and sometimes I don't have a lot to do, so I just love to come to gather and read all sorts of interesting things.

Oh, and Miss Manners, I appreciate you stopping by to compliment John! 8)

John's the bomb!

I dont know yet I think original article will bring its own readers in out of intrest

Perhaps you're right, Golds. We will see.

Those are great thoughts, Darlene! Thank you for sharing them on my article 8)

... its great to be positive ...

but truthfully speaking ... Gather has changed physically, emotionally, & spiritually ...

Gather will prove itself out - after this shakedown with the points changing system ...

then again, the members will prove themselves out too!

Change is a part of life, isn't it, C.L., I think that keeping a positive attitude always helps see us through. I always try to acknowledge possiblity for the worst and hope for the best! I suppose the same goes for gather 8)

Well, I managed to miss this change completely, though that's no surprise since I've been unable to participate much since my illness began. Do you by any chance still have the link to the article explaining the changes?