How do you "Pay It Forward"? - I want to hold YOU accountable........2500 Bonus Points Per Month

I joined and I wrote a post but I can't post it to the group,

Ralph, I like your new photo. Your ticky-tacky list sounds like the AR accountability police. What happens if we do not post our pay-it forward? Do we lose 2500 points? This is a great idea. I’m in! Thank you.

Ralph, In reading some of the comments … it appears a few clarifying rules and parameters may be in order. The official start date of the group is 10-11-2010. My sense it that this weeks post is an announcement only post allowing members to become aware of the group and join. Each Monday you will post a blog (similar to 2 truths and a lie) and this is where we post how we paid it forward – is that right? We need to know what the deadline for posting will be. It does not appear the pay-it-forward group will be writing posts and adding the post to the group … we will merely comment on your post. Is that right? Do we post a pay-it-forward comment this week as well … or will the accountability begin next week? Thanks!

I'll be looking forward to instructions.

Meanwhile - what a great idea. We can all use a shot of good news, so reading about other people's small acts of kindness will be a boost - as will thinking about what we've done or what has been done for us.

Sometimes things can be so small. Yesterday my elderly neighbor stopped by for coffee and I had a plate of fresh brownies on the table, so shared. When he left I handed him a baggie and told him to take some home to his wife. I know she loves chocolate, so it was a pretty natural thing to do.

I didn't think anything about it until he came over in the evening. He said when he took the brownies home his wife looked at him and said "Why is Marte so good to me?"

Small things do count in life.

I like this idea, and I clicked to join the group, but can't post. What are the particulars? I've got my first one, if I can figure out where to put it.

Ahh, so now I'll be able to remind myself what I did; there should be a karmi, if not emotional lift, over and above the action.  Very nice.

When I first read this, on Monday I think it was, I thought it was a great idea and decided to join the group.  But then I reconsidered and decided not to in case I would not be accountable.  Then yesterday and today, I found myself thinking about it and decided to join afterall.  I found that, even before pressing the JOIN button, I was thinking of what I could be doing for others.  SO I am back to thinking it is a great idea and I think it will keep doing something good for someone else top of mind and I really like that idea!

There are also several things I have been wanting to do, but just haven't -- this will help me get off the fence post and do them!  Thanks for a great idea! 

I love this idea!  I try to do one kind deed EVERY day, writing about it won't be difficult - remembering to do it once a week, well that may be a challenge!

Sounds good...we're in!

I am in - with my first post today for this week!

And getting ready to 'pay it forward' for next week!

I thought you were kidding about the 2500 points when I signed up...cool, now I see this is for real...

Ralph ~ I'm in and working on my first post.  What a great way to help us discipline our thoughts to do and be good!  We have to be watchful and aware of our surroundings to automatically step up and pay it forward.  Thanks for showing us the way and letting your light shine.  I have been gone for a couple weeks so just read all the posts and am on board! 

I like your idea...it encourages generosity and compassion.    Like Judy, though, I'm not sure I want to say what I do...that seems to take away from the gesture.    Will think about joining.

Okay, I'm going to give this a go.  I was having difficulty with the concept of saying, "look at me.  What a great thing I did," but I'll see if I can put a spin on it that I can live with.  I'm also one of those people who believes the points for this stuff comes later, but, like J. Philip, I guess I'm a points ______.  I wonder if that negates the good stuff.

Oh, and can we do these as members only or does it have to be public?

Very interesting post. Lots to give thought to. I have to say that I agree with commenter #77. And if the idea of paying it forward is truly for giving and not expecting return, then why would there be a need to reward with the points? Kind of cheapens it, doesn't it? Just thinking "outloud", so to speak.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you how I found this post...but here I am in November and just posted my first Paying it Forward post.  I too will echo the I'm uncomfortable with this, but I do buy into the maybe it will help someone.  I like Geri, like the points too.  There have been a zillion posts on points...but in a nutshell; I'm not sure Active Rain would be here without them and they designed it that way for a reason....  I'm not negating all the other benefits of AR...I enjoy those a great deal too.

Cindy In Indy

I have been in ActiveRain for about eight weeks now and every day is a wonderful growing day!  I am excited to find this group and have spent this early AM reading the great posts.  Thanks for holding me accountable...I am excited to join this awesome group.

Did not think of joining this group until I read Geri's comment above. I was having difficulty with the concept of saying, "look at me.  I like doing these things anonymously. I will continue reading and sign up.

Margaret