I have recently looked at the rankings for my city 'Charlotte', and saw a couple of members gaining fast points.
I was wondering if this was maybe through 'invites' or some other points.
I took a look at one person who posted 3 blog posts within 1 hour. That's 600 Active Rain Points.
I decided to 'investigate' further, and found that there are other members spamming this website with blog posts just for the points.
Picking a blog topic to appease my ActiveRain members is very hard, and you should see the topics that are being used.
Another thing seen is members that are 'copying and pasting' ideas from other people on other websites.
Are the points really worth it or is it an Ego thing?
Do we get a prize for obtaining these points?
I feel like there's a race going on, and I dont know anything about it!
Just because you don't like what they wrote doesn't mean that the publisher or others that read it have the same opinion. Also I would be surprised if other members don't do the same thing that I do alot of times...I will regularly write my blogs in microsoft word in the venings and then post them at a later date. Many times I might post 3 or 4 blogs within an hours time. Just because I posted them in a short time period does not make them spam. these are just some examples of wat other people may do when they blog.
This is only my opinion, but maybe some people will see your post above as spam. Everyone has different opinions.
Sean Allen
You're just ow discovering this? Unfortunately, it's rampant. It makes me wonder what kind of business these people run, when they take no pride in their blog posts. Do they really think the consumer is going to want to do business with them?
As for the plagiarism, that's a copyright violation. If you see it done, you should report them to the person whose post they have stolen.
Sean -
Well if you saw the individuals that I'm writing about...then you will understand.
You dont have ppl join AR for less than 1month...and have almost 10,000 points.
Thanks for responding. Everyone has their own opinions on what is acceptable and what isn't when blogging. The important thing is that we are all able to state our opinion without being persecuted like in some countries, that is what makes America what it is. Keep on blogging and commenting... and don't mind my comments ....I can get quite opinionated myself at times.
Sean Allen
I guess my question is if anyone has 'profited' from gaining points?
Have they received any customers from AR or maybe that's a new topic
Mike - I dont see anything wrong with double spacing...Helps everyone read your content w/out straining an eye. That's just my opinion...thanks for your comment.
*Side Note - I'm glad that AR stop giving away points for commenting on your own BLOG.
Google loves ActiveRain....blogs get indexed in less than 1hour!
Thanks Missy
With this post, Mr. Enriquez could be referring to me.
I have been an AR member now for a couple weeks. In that short period of time I have posted a number of blog postings, read and responded to other's blogs, invited a few new members and linked to AR from 3 different websites I personally own and operate. Oh, and I completed my profile. I am now up to damn near 10,000 in points and am very proud of that!
If this is considered spam, I am sorry. Personally I feel I am just contributing. With the way the points are awarded, its not hard to find a few minutes a day to contribute to the community and by doing so you will build solid points. That's the way it is set up.
Do I want the points? Hell yeah I do! Not only is it good for SEO and websearches to have my name out there are much as possible, but if Localism is what it appears to be, being one of the higher ranked contributors can't hurt!
Have a great day!
UPDATE: After reviewing my comments with fresh eyes this morning, I owe Mr. Enriquez an apology. Seems my comments were a bit harsh and I have modified them to hopefully take that away. I do apologize and hope you will forgive me.
Respectfully, Ed
Ed - I know who you are.....I'm wasnt referring to you.
I know you dont care about the 'points' as you have multiple websites..and are looking for SEO/search engine rankings.
*Every word? not so. Google loves 'anchor texts', and this is why most of profile has a link attached
**It seems that the 2ppl have 'deleted' their profiles.
I thought readers of your post would be interested in two other similar posts:
POINTS: They're not Air Miles, you can't spend them
and
For no points, would you do it anyway?
Both of which like yours have some great comments, insight from other ActiveRain Members.
Well, points do matter. Sitting in a position on the dashboard can benefit your business but only if there is substance to back it up. Once I figured out how to be a bit more effective in my writing, I was able to bring the points up quickly and plan to continue to do so. So I really think in the end the content matters enough that it overcomes the points.
To make effective use of Google's love of ActiveRain, my humble opinion is that you need both points and good content. But what do I know!
I thought the entire idea behind blogging was sharing ideas. I have posted several blogs with no educational value to other Real Estate professionals, that I admit. However, I do use it as a forum to present my ideas on different subjects. Are the points important? Like the earlier post read, they're not air miles and you can't spend them. I think being competetive (through point motivation) is a great way for people to do something they wouldn't necessarily do without that motivation.
Enjoy the Rain!!
Kevin- i wonder how many points you got for the post ;)
Are you an Admin?
LOL... With all due respect, watch out! Charlotte is my town and I plan to own it! LOL
The good news is that there are plenty of loans to go around and with LO's leaving the business everyday, those pieces of that smaller pie seem to be getting bigger!
Mr. Enriquez, I wish you great success.
As far as points go, yes, I do think they are important. Since I have started blogging here, I have had 3 people contact me that said they found me by doing a websearch. Maybe is a coincidence.. maybe not. Either way, I don't care... I am having fun and it gives me a way to express myself to others that deal with the same issues in our collective business!