So…What About Those Points?!

Kathy I've seen it all since 2006 on AR!  Points really had zero meaning to me and I don't recall even being away of them at first.  I so recall at some point a few folks were 'gaming' the system just to beat me.  And once I figured that out I thought - whatever. Who cares as in my mind as this site was about 'relationships and networking'.

Hi Kathy:

You've shared lots of important points - pun intended - and advice about how to best take advantage of learning, sharing and interacting on AR without a focus on how many points you get for doing so. This is a good post for newbies who may not understand the true value of the being part of the AR community.

Jeff 

Kathy - you have the knowledge and points yourself (over 6 million!) to discuss how points are made. My driving force originally was to garner features in which I succeeded. Now, I don't care - I prefer disseminating real estate information to my readers.

Great pointers, Kathy, and now [after the webinar] I know how you generate those gorgeous images! Regarding generating points, if that is a priority (maybe to get a free account?), I would say doing the monthly challenges is one of the fastest ways. 

Anything I do in this community no longer has to anything to do with points.  The points may still show on my total, but they're not what drive my actions.  If I leave a comment, you'll know I read the post.  If I have enough characters for 25 points, okay.  If not, that's okay too.

Kathy if someone is on this site just to gain points, they should find a better use of their time.

Kathy, after you get this many points, you wish you could give some to Robert in lieu of something else.  They are worthless really.

Hi Kathy Streib you have made GREAT POINTS!

I would also like to POINT out that it is POINTLESS to ponder the accumulation of points.

No one really can point to any real benefit of having points.

Pointing to other things is besides the point, but entertaining the fun of getting points to do what with?

Originally the accumulaton of points meant at a certain point an AR Blogger did not have to pay any more blogging dues or fees. No that actually is a worthwhile point.

Now I may be getting away from the main point, but getting points can be fun or it can just mean you are OLD and have been blogging for decades. That can be good or that can be bad. 

Now I don't want to point you away from blogging but every point that Kathy Steib made is a reason to keep at it. To do otherwise would be also be pointless as we would miss all of our GOOD FRIENDS on the RAIN.

Bye....Jeff 🙂

When I joined Active Rain a hundred years ago, my goal was to get referrals. Interestingly enough, I realized that to achieve this goal, I needed to interact with the community.... which I did and to my surprise not expected but developed friendships. Go figure the points were fun to move up the chain of Active Rain.... now with that said I was always annoyed with the robo commenters that were clearly trying to get points and not build relationships..... equally annoying to me are the ones that we give support to their posts with comments and they can not reciprocate... but that is my 25 point worth of comment to me and hopefully 6 points for you:))))Endre

Activity drives the points being accumulated, so those who are most active will be generating the most points.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kathy! I'd quit worrying about them after the subscription became free! 

Good morning Kathy.  It took me a while to realize how great this platform really is with all of the connections, friendships, and knowledge that is out there.  I have learned so much from each and every person on here not to mention the humor it brings just at the right times.  It is great knowing if someone is looking for a referral, this is the first place I come.  I realized the relationships are the best, even though I have been in and out over the years.  Have a great day!  It’s going to be a cold wet one today!  I’m ready for sunshine and warm weather!

Interaction is key. 

I remember being quite driven for points when I first joined. There were several people far ahead of me and it seemed so hopeless to ever catch up to them. The two that I was most driven to pass are now #13 and #6 in NH. I've been #2 for quite awhile. 

If not for being so points driven, I never would have written as many posts and participated in the challenges. I am grateful for the point system for inspiring me!

I'm not motivated by points at this point (see what I did there).  It could have a little to do with me being the point leader in my state.  I check about twice a year to see if someone is creeping up on me.  And at this point in my career I'm really not using AR to get new business, also my prior work does still make that happen.  It's the people and relationships that keep me here.  I learned SO much here.

* Consistency...

* Relationships...

* Just show up...

* Share knowledge...

* Be helpful... 

The rest is icing on the cake. (I've yet to understand what Points do for us)

Kathy - I joined in November 2024. I started accumulating points, but I still don't know what value they have. Like many of the comments you received, I am TRULY enjoying writing, learning, sharing, commenting, receiving comments (many of them compliments), and most of all building healthy and positive relationships in the AR Community. I feel I have more friends on this platform than I do in my local office. Joe

This is a really nice post Kathy Streib  I think the point system does motivate people to compete. We are salespeople after all... most of us like competition and winning! However, Active Rain is so much more than that. People help each other here. They share priceless information with gusto. I have learned so much here. Plus, real friendships are made here. We get to interact with people we would never have met without the Rain! It is really quite a lovely place to be!

Hey Kathy, its funny...when I first started on AR, I loved the ability to learn from agents, stagers, finance people, industry observers from all over the country. I have also made a nice chunk of change (that is a bonus) from inbound and outbound referrals. I have never been in it for points (I suppose my not jumping into contests give some indication of that).

Great description of the points, Kathy Streib ! My day start usually with a peak at ActiveRain, quick look at what is featured, what questions asked, a few thoughts how I would have participated in the Challenge of the month. Similarly to you, I had only very late learned about the points, however, since I knew about them, they are a fun little distraction, which I enjoy. 

Hi Kathy, it’s been a long time since I have had time to stop by Active Rain.   I have so many fond memories of Active Rain.      

I find this post heat warming because it highlights how people like yourself have always tried to help other in the community.    I learned so much from people like yourself.    

I always viewed earning points  as a fun way to be rewarded for being engaged in the community.   It used to be fun to have birthdays also and see that number getting bigger and bigger…..  Now - not really.  

Happy New Year!