I'm NEW....someone please explain the POINTS system...

Karen, I hope I'm not suggesting something you've already tried but you should do a search of the AR blogs on the topic - there will be lots of incredibly good information.

In summary, though, the points reflect your level of participation in the community.  The more you blog, comment, etc. the more points you will be awarded.

The $100,000 question is whether those points do you any good.  I've not spent anytime researching that question.  However, I can tell you that all members are ranked by point from highest to lowest.  If you click on your state or city within AR and you will see a list of AR members ranked by points.  You are likely to be at the bottom of that list.  Again, I have no idea if this is important or not.

One thing I did discover by accident while helping my wife set up her account was that she automatically became the "featured" person in her area because no other AR member had listed our community as their own.  It's a small community.

If you find out how the points help you in any way, let us know

Michael -

Great comment on points. I would like to add one other component to that. Search Engine Value. The more points you have the higher you rank. That can be really important especially on your state and type landing pages. For example, the home page of AR is a 6PR. The featured members on the home page a getting that benefit. Now take it one notch down to the state level. In my home state NJ the landing page is also a 6PR. Members who are listed on the NJ landing page are enjoying a quality link to ther profile which boosts their own profile landing page ranking. The PR value of pages vary but it really drops off quickly as you start to drill down.

Hi Karen!!  Check out this post...it has great info for folks new to AR... ActiveRain Navigation - For New Members

All the best,

Hi Karen and welcome to AR. I think the people above answered your question. My points have gained me the featured agent in my city and my county. I have had a few inquiries from people because of the ranking. No business yet, but people asking questions. I have also noticed my website moving up in the rankings. I keep bouncing between the first page and second. It helps.

Dave

Points are supposed to be good.  I think (only guessing) that when the site opened it gave agents a chance to compete and it still does to a certain degree.  The point system helped the system grow.  If you want to be #1 in some places you would have to wait until one of the early adopters retires. 

Karen, welcome to Active Rain. The points you've liekly earned so far are for getting started, and the more your participate the more your earn. Currency - as in monetary value? No. Only in stature within the community.

Hi Karen,

Welcome to Active Rain!   I hope you enjoy bloging, I know I have and I've only been here for 4 weeks. 

Word of caution: do not post a blog to just one group and especially not here-if your post is deleted-you will lose your 200+ points!

 Just don't want that to happen to you.  Take care, and see you in the Rain!

Hi Karen, See the points summary each and every day. Points will be added for comments, blogs, referals...

Best - Sash

PS: FREE blog traffic strategy video... Hope this will help u... click here

Karen, Looks like you got some great answers to your questions, so I will simply say WELCOME to Active Rain. I  hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Best of luck to you!

karen;

I'm the other newbie who wrote about points. Between responses to both I have a better understanding. I like to write so the blogging is fun to me but I had a number of blogs thrown out since I had posted them to the wrong group.

Still it was fun writing them and I'm learning how to blog through the process.

Best to you and welcome, too.

Hello everyone,

Just wwant to thank everyone specially Karen for posting this question as I'm myself new to the AR community. Also would like to give my full admiration to the creators of the point system it sure helps the community grow and yes it could be addicting.

Again thanks to all of you

Larry Beck

Hi Karen and welcome to active|rain. There are thousands of tips, tools, and tricks of the trade here. Be sure to check them out. Best of luck and see you around.

Good Morning Karen and welcome...looks like you already have lots of great info. Check out some of Brad Anderson's very help blogs and read,read,read and have lots of fun!

Hi Karen - welcome. Don't know if the points could be considered currency as such. I do know that they get you ranked in specific geographies (city, county, state). The more points, the higher your ranking both on Active Rain and on localism (if you post there). I am one of the two featured agents in both my town and county. People who are looking for representation there will easily see my smiling (well, some say it isn't a smile) face and wonderful profile and be flooding my phone and email with requests for me to represent them.

Hi Karen and welcome to active rain! I see you've gotten a full and complete breakdown with regards to points. This is why I love active rain. Most of our members give information freely!

Karen,

I will say that you have had many great responses....so i will just say Welcome.

Besides AR being a community that gives and gives....it provides a source of friendly competition for all.  The best part is that you have an outlet to find the answers to just about every question you have.

Good Luck.

Hi Karen,

Welcome to Rain, you made a wise choice when you decided to join.

As for your questions, I see they have been well answered. You will fine a quick informative response to be the norm here on Rain.

Best of luck to you!

Hi Karen  --  Welcome to ActiveRain (AR).  I look forward to networking with you.  Have A Great Day!!!

Karen - welcome to active|rain ... the points are a very small part of AR ... if you stay the course the eduction of karen is about to take a giant leap into the future ... AR is full of educational information, links and posts enjoy

Karen - I think you've gotten some great answers here...Welcome to Active Rain!  :)