A Little Appreciation + Recognition = Healthier MyLot = Benefits for All

@thesids (22180)
Bhubaneswar, India
May 5, 2011 4:20am CST
Hi Dear Lotters Have you noticed this - Many Newbies Dont tend to stay a lot at MyLot? And in case you have Do you have any reason why? Nah, I am not ranting about the fact that they should do this or that... we have so many discussions on those already. I have a suggestion here - Why not MyLot Starts something like "Best Lotter of the Week?" Or even the "Best Lotter of the Month?" For the NEWBIES. Here is why I think So = There should be some recognition of their work. Yah, I know we have a LeaderBoard, We have a Daily Digest, and also the Best Rated Discussion of the day. But have you noticed that for a Newbie it means literally nothing? How many newbies get into these - Digest or the Best Rated Discussions? On the contrary they have so many limitations - No Emoticons, No Copy Paste, No URLs and I recently found No HTML on Profiles too. That is good for the rules isnt it and also the good of MyLot. But what about the NewBie? S/he gets frustrated soon and leaves mylot telling -MyLot is not worth of a Site. Heck. S/He never reached the point where things start to become Enjoyable. As all, they too need a pat on their shoulders and some recognition of their work. And who else but MyLot? Your Views Please. Have a Great Day theSids.
6 people like this
27 responses
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
5 May 11
Hello Sidhu, I agree with your points, in the beginning it may be little difficult to find the enjoyment in mylot especially when you are new in the midst of a crowd. I think I was exactly fit for that as I left the site after 20 postings in mylot, the earning was too slow and there was nobody to guide me as I haven’t joined under anybody. My re-entry in mylot after one year and the motivation was the mylot digest which I received in my mail box. The second term was successful as I got my first BR very quickly this time, it inspired me a lot. Then there is no reason for look back and definitely I improved on many things. The main point is they (new members) are not reading the rules and guidelines and asking so many questions here which irritate the seniors. Then mylot delete those topics which discourage the newbies upto some extent. There is nothing to motivate the newbies except the BR thing. In this situation I think your suggestion is good and if it becomes practicable then definitely the new members get some encouragement. As an old member in mylot I never forget to welcome them when I cross any new member here.
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
5 May 11
Shhhhhhhh it is a secret, I read the rules and guidelines after one year, that also when I face a deletion of post, I wanted to know that what went wrong. Nothing was wrong there but I criticize mylot.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
6 May 11
Vidhya, so nice to see you in my column. I know you have lots of patience, which I lack most of the time.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi Sree Didi That is one point that concerns me - many newbies and me too never read the Guidelines on day one. So I would propose that this is made a criteria when MyLot selects the Best Lotter (from the Newbies). Also put up a set of 10 objective questions related to these quidelines which they must answer before starting posting or participating.
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98531)
• India
5 May 11
thesids, I was lucky I had a good friend thea. :) We hit it off well together. So I am here. Subsequently of course blonds got me addicted (thea incidentally is also a blond but I wouldn't have guts to call her blondie, she is a firebrand. lol).
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98531)
• India
5 May 11
And I think myLot is about friendship, and not competitions. :) Its a mad tea party, sorta..
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Dear Vandanaji That is quite true. I was brought here by a friend of mine. She is inactive now. You got something to get addicted to and that sufficed your reasons to stay back. Yes, Mylot is about friendship and not competetions. But friendships start only when we stay here longer. Otherwise... friendship is just a word on the discussions and Requests of MyLot for friendships.
1 person likes this
@hexeduser22 (7253)
• Philippines
5 May 11
Well that all are and very thoughtful suggestions but I don't think things will change here in mylot. It has been like this ever since. Mylot is a WYSIWYG website and its open to everyone. Anyone can come and go as they like. Everyone looking for money online will somehow stumble upon mylot but not everyone are willing to earn slowly in mylot. The ones who are actually staying here in mylot despite the low rates are the ones who are actually mindful of the rules and has respect for the community. They don't even need any recognition at all. I have joined several paid forums and communities and in every forum a mylot thread is always open. Majority of the post in this threads are negative feedbacks about the low rates and strict enforcement of the guidelines. I understand where this people are coming from but their sole purpose is to earn and not really build a healthy community and usually they are the new ones here that opt not to stay. My point is no matter how much recognition this newbies get they wont stay unless this recognitions given to them as newbies are profitable. If a newbie comes here searching for social life online and is simple enough to appreciate the rawness of the site he/she will stay no matter what because the earnings will only be a bonus to him/her. Mylot is mylot and actually the people here who see mylot not as a cash cow but a social community that provides some incentives unlike any other social community they can find that would be the ones staying for a very long time. Comments and violent reactions are welcome
1 person likes this
• Philippines
5 May 11
Hello there thesids Actually whenever I find those threads I tell them not to look at our family as a way of getting fast cash. I always tell them that not everything revolves around money and not everyone is aiming for the cash and in mylot we get to talk about anything under the sun. It does work sometimes and somehow previous mylot members are trying out mylot again. I'm not promoting the site at all but somehow it is as if I do because I tell them stories true to my experiences and what I learned in here. Despite my efforts though there are still people that talks trash about mylot and I let them be, I just pity them because they don't get to experience the wonderful things we experience in here.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi hexeduser Well that is what I found too - People saying a lot of ugly things about my family (oh, sorry you are new to me and so I should use the right words - MyLot Family). When people join this site, I believe they already have read those things on those forums and have joined just to either help their friends or to test out what is actually the fact. We (mylot) cannot control what gets written on the other sites. But what it can do is to change itself or atleast make it self such that when a person joins this wonderful site, s/he realizes that all the bad things s/he has known are wrong (which in fact they are) and if et all, he/she needs to go out, s/he doesnt spread bad about the website. And yes, I dont know for others, I can assure you of one thing - I am here to socialze and not Anti-socialize. So chances of finiding a violent reaction from me is quite a remote thing to happen. Have a great day dear
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130088)
• India
5 May 11
We all began as newbies and no best newbie awards were installed even at that time but whatever myLot gives is far better than any other site that I have known. My own experience has been that I have been subjected to some injustice not by myLot but by some users. But it takes all sorts to make this world and being where I am I feel I am doing fine here. I was not active for some time but am back here and hope to spend more time. Every user here must have had their share of frustration but the fact that they are still here goes to show that they too have accepted whatever minus points that they may have encountered. I would like you to do the same.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130088)
• India
5 May 11
At the time when I was a newbie there were many youngsters who have made strides here and have in fact reached levels in terms of friends, responses to their topics etc much higher than what I have achieved. A newbie should know the art of going about here and this has been shown by many youngsters who are here for a long time. There are a few points that we all need to address veterans or otherwise. Admin is doing its best in this direction and are amenable to suggestions. I sincerely feel you could contact GAA and put across your points.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130088)
• India
5 May 11
I want to say something about newbies. Newbies are not uninformed. Some of them could be highly intelligent, experienced, mature and knowledgeable. We need to look at a newbie with that in mind unless they prove otherwise.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi allknowing Your profile says you joined 2 years back and that is a long time. Things, attitudes and even needs of people have changed during these days. Dont you think that newer generation is quite more impatient? You do not mention your age on the profile, but I am 37 and I am impatient still about so many things. I am not placing things on personal basis and not on the thing that I did not get such appreciation or recognition. If you have looked around at the discussions from newbies, you would surely have found the pain and confusions in their apprehension of the MyLot - So many discussions related to clarity of rules, so many discussions that go un responded after being started... I do not think these healthy for my family here. Still, I respect your opinion. But please consider this - If you did not get something does that mean you will deny those things to your younger generation?
1 person likes this
@anil02 (24688)
• India
5 May 11
hello, If Mylot adm add some features than it will be more interested site. From fresher declaring best of the week or month is good idea to inspire them. I think fiscal motivation can also play vital role in it.
1 person likes this
@anil02 (24688)
• India
6 May 11
Thanks Sidarrtha, you agree with me that fiscal motivation play vital role to do the best. It may be a cause of jealous among the newbies but other side to which we cannot ignore, it inspire and motivate to newbies do to the best. At last these all thing depend on to attitude of Mylot admin.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 May 11
Hi anil Well, fiscal motivation is the judgement of the backend and also in my personal views, it will add to jealousy and create disharmony amongst the newbies. So I refrained from that aspect. But yes, if MyLot admin thinks good about it let them have it... good for them but later when they are not newbies anymore they will feel cheated as the normal rates would apply.
1 person likes this
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
5 May 11
Hello Thesids, I also like the idea of "Best myLotter of the week" for newbies. But this should bring to the winner more than just fame, because that's what most of the newbies are after: money. Many of us forgot about the money once we started to like being here but you must admit that 99% of lotters joined myLot for that particular reason. You're not right about the best rated discussion. In my first month here I had a best rated discussion and I remember I was so proud of myself! So it is possible for a newbie, they just need to discover how things work here and the whole myLot is theirs.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi inu Well, you are quite right, I never joined here for money and so never looked at that aspect. But my personal opinion is that involving the Money with the best lotter will send out negative vibes as then the game of negging one another would start and that would ruin the healthy competetion that it can be. Yes, some lotters are lucky to get the BRs starting from their first week (like you) but what about the majority of the others?
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 May 11
Yes dear, the DRS system was initially devised for good but as people start using the good for bad in the real world, so here too a few go beyond and do that abuse of the Good System. Eventually this I believe will have to be done away with and yes, I still believe that those who are with negative vibes dont and will not be allowed to exist here for many days. The current system is all okay though there are varying opinions on the rates paid per post or whatever. But right now,... there is no way or no respite. So we should continue with what is available and move on.
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
6 May 11
I'm afraid those negative vibes are present even now, without any competition. There are people who may be jealous at somebody's high reputation. There are many complains about the bad use of the DRS. I find it hard to believe that there are many users like you, who haven't joined myLot for money. I admit, this was the reason that brought me here and I don't know if I'd be too active if our actions were not rewarded.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
5 May 11
thesids ! My feeling is that it may not work. Few of us have been here for a long time and if you analyse ,we have been here, peeping in now and then or regularly without any incentive or extra award ..Basically, people may start here with the intention of earning some small pocket money but they make friends and they like the interactions and continue here.These people may have initially come here with the intention of earning some money but they have not had great expectations.Even in the course of our stay here for the past few years many have left.They were not real newbies but they have had different priorities.Only people who are happy with the slow increase in earnings would continue to stay here.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
5 May 11
I have heard of these 'trolls' but never thought too much about it thesids.FOr a long time my star was red and once when someone had written some rubbish beneath my response or something[I cannot even remember what it is] another person butted in and said "GO away you troll". EVen today I find nothing wrong with the site and as pointed out if a newbie wants to stay he would .If a person registers with the intention of earning sizeable sums he would leave irrespective of rewards , awards or whatever you give.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
5 May 11
hi thesids I had not thought of it that way but also you did not mention that a lot of newbies are told by mylot admins to be sure TO READ THE TOS THE GUIDELINES AND RULES OF DISCUSSION. instead they think if they make one hundred discussions and we all respond ten times to each one they will make tons of money when if they had bothered to read the information no they do not make tons of money on postings we did to their discussions if they comment back yes if its quality comments they will make money.Because they did not and will not read the i nformation that will just help them here they make very little and thus say mylot a scam.Sure why not newbie of the week and the month as that might help some but Sids really they need to read that information for themselves. And on this same note how about us oldsters do we not deserve some recognition too? too many times newbies just snarl when we suggest they must read the information. I read it when I first joined and can not see anything that hard to read.As for all the ru les and regulations we old ones had to learn them too so why cannot new ones do the same. I can offer assurance but still they need to read and use that information before ever starting out.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Dear Ms. Hatley Do you know that this discussion is inspired by many of your recent discussions? Well, I can clarify - You mentioned the Rules were not read by newbies, then there was another where you mentioned Why post discussions about payments etc. Well, the reason is this - MyLot doesnt force anyone to read them though it says to read them, it doesnt make it mandatory. Even if it did why would anyone read it? So I think that if this competetion thing gets implemented, MyLot can say that only those who are well versed are eligible. Not that they will still read it but it would come easy for them to read - Get through a test of 10 objective questions to based on guidelines to become eligible. Olders too need recognition no doubt but they have already been here and know the site better than the newbies. And yes, I have one sweet recognition for you - that birthday cake and all those discussions from you where I participated - I felt home.
@topffer (42156)
• France
5 May 11
Hello thesids, Privileges are frustrating for a new member. Last summer, I did myLot with a phone, and without copy/paste it would have not been possible. It is probably a reason why some new members are not staying. Everything done to value them would be good. The idea of a "best lotter of the week" is good, but who will choose it ? If it is a vote, it will be cheated, and we will have the "fake lotter of the week".
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi topffer So very true. Almost all of us faced the pains as there was no copy paste and at times, the connection would mess up - nothing posted which meant retypr the whole thing again. The Idea of the Best MyLotter should be decided by MyLot only not the votes. They can take into account the activity, the quality of posts, their participation back on their started threads and on others threads too... A lot of possibilities that can go and made use of. Just about realization why and where this great site is lacking in witholding back/retaining the lotters.
2 people like this
@yspmyl (3435)
• Malaysia
5 May 11
Hi thesids, I believe mylot set the limitation to all the newbies must have their reason behind it. Most of the newbies will take the easy way to post some article by copy and paste and I believe everyone here do not want that to happen and nobody will like to read an copy and paste article too. I deeply believe if they can go through all the hassle without those function, once they have reached the 500 posts, they will be matured enough to continue in mylot without any problem, so, that can actually train their passion in mylot and also in posting and answering to discussion. I believe although the old mylotter have old the function available, but how many people are actually bother to use them regularly? The more important is the content of the topic that we have posted and how it will pull other attention and responded to the discussion. And more important is to get the answer that we want. I have not objection to give recognition to newbies for the hard work, maybe they can be a badges or something similar to that will boost their interest in mylot? And if they can really post a good comment on our discussion, a BR will do a job as a recognition to them, right? Have a nice day!
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi yspmyl Yes dear. The limitations are good and are still for better of the site. But I contacted a newbie who left the site just because he could not get to know why he should do all this - tragic. I tried to explain but he said you are senior and have a better repute so you can continue but what do I do? I neither get better responses nor do I get the BRs and many a times lotters dont even know who I am. Sad. I thought then that a bit of recognition from MyLot itself can help improve the situation. The BRs are mostly given out of favors (I have seen this being done many a times and we cannot question on this as BR is the personal preference of the starter). Also How many Newbies get BRs?
1 person likes this
• United States
5 May 11
Hi thesids I do think that I immediately enter a new members discussion as a way to give them a warm welcome. I tend to help a lot of new members on the site and find it such a joy to see them progress. There are some who are resistant to help and do get offended. However, for each one that gets this way, there are 3 others that appreciate my efforts so I don't let that get me down at all. As for recognition, I think that is a good idea, however what if members specifically cancel to try and gain the best award. Since myLot allows us to cancel and come back that could be bit tricky. While I can't imagine canceling and coming back myself there are some that perhaps might. I think that as regular long time users we should continue to encourage and help and hope they continue to enjoy the site.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi GF Of course you are one of those people without whom MyLot would be barren and lost. Our encouragement is one way to show the appreciation and also recognition to the newbies and that I am trying to get into. But still a long way to go.
@akp100 (13640)
• India
5 May 11
Hi sid. I agree ... Mylot should add something like that. This will surely cheer up all members here and we can have more good discussions and active members.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi Akp I feel MyLot will not implement any of these things. Maybe any reasons but yes, as a lotter, I think it is our duty to keep sharing some better ideas among us so that the GAA can get to know of the needs. Also a newbie reading these can understand some more of the site. After all, it is a family and the goodness has to be discussed - implemented or not is to the Elders and Custodians.
@SIMPLYD (90727)
• Philippines
5 May 11
Those suggestions of yours are very good. Though, they could always lessen the numbers when it comes to getting Emoticons and Copy Paste privilege. Yes, we also have to recognize the efforts of our newbies. That way, others will be enthused to join Mylot too.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Dear SimplyD That is exactly my thought - the little appreciation and the quest to get the Recognition for the Best Lotter (Newbie) would develop a healthy competetion among them. Healthy Competetions are always creative and build the willingness to keep trying - this in turn will help them to give the best on each discussion they create or participate... This will be healthy for MyLot
1 person likes this
@ajk111 (2495)
5 May 11
sounds good! it can be soul destroying for that little green avatar with a (1) beside it on the new discussions list with no responses and above and below it are 2 to 3 responses on someone with a high contribution number. it is difficult for a newbie to understand why that happens so , as you say, they leave. a little bit of recognition for all involved would be nice, not just newbies. how about a monthly award in each discussion catogory? just a thought.
1 person likes this
@trixyteddy (1070)
• India
6 May 11
Good idea. I'm definite everyone likes myLot. Its a great site for interaction. In my case, I get so caught up in my work, or my son bags the computer, that I don't get a chance to sit at it. So we really don't know what's stopping the newbies. Good opening discussion from you and beneficial to myLot.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 May 11
Hi trixyteddy Quite right and apt. The site is no doubt one of the best for discussions. Despite us being involved in other real world tasks, we do get on here and it really saddens me to see the reguilar posts that come up from most of the newbies... mostly about ignorance, confusions and I sense a kind of fear in those.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
5 May 11
AH...always the kind, and thoughtful, the sids! I truly feel all your suggestions are GOOD..BUT, I think where it may be missing the mark, is in the categories you have suggested, such as "Best Rated Discussion of the Day"...maybe should be; "Best Rated Discussion of the Day by a "MyLotter" UNDER 500 posts!" "Best Lotter of the Week UNDER 500 Posts!" Best Lotter of the Month UNDER 500 Posts!" I think it has to be categorically. I still consider myself a NEWBIE (yes, I have read FAQ's/Guidelines, recently)...LOL, BUT I think that the encouragement for the "newbies" will only come if the rewards seem attainable. To me, they would NEVER seem attainable in any of those categories...when I KNOW I am going up against so many of the "seniors" here, with their kazillion posts...so ACTIVE, seen in almost every post! What are my chances as a "newbie"...NOT GOOD...so why bother (just how some may think! You know the old expression...I CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE! In real life, to get ahead...we need to do quality things..be recognized for them...and truly...I don't think I NEED Copy/Paste, URL, HTML, or Emoticons to create a quality discussion! NO crutches...just pure and simple thoughts with NO embellishment, no referals, to me are good discussions. BUT...I truly DO think...we could be kinder to "newbies" in welcoming them, if just to stop by their discussion and do so...AND; I THINK...senior members here could STOP using abbreviations; that can be very NON-plussing to newcomers(that are already struggling with the English language) in or to participate here. How would you like to be a newbie...like a discussion, would like to respond...but don't understand what "FR"--or "GAA" or even "FAQ" means? I even have to stop and think, what they mean! I have NOT been around much, this is the time of the year, my working day is usually around 12 hours/7days a week, so at the end of the day..the spirit may be willing...but the body is too weak to sit at the computer...LOL! Take care, my dear friend....and truly hope all is well...
• Canada
5 May 11
My dear friend, always the diplomat, for which I shall nominate you! I like your kind thoughts of "rewarding" the newbies and making this site more enticing for them, but in some cases, I think the rewards one receives a 500 posts, could be reduced numerically as you suggested, may 250! The ONE point, that I did NOT seem to get across very well....IS; I am nearly up to you in posts...and I have NEVER used; copy/paste, URL...and just recently started using emoticons.....are they really necessary for a GOOD discussion? NOT to me, dear friend...I very seldom respond to a discussion with a link...unless the link is successfully discussed in the body of the post....and AFTER losing my computer to a virus...from a "secondhand link" (one included in the body of a discussion)....my techie explained that opening them is to invite every virus, no matter your protection. Back to the newbies....I do NOT concur with the next post...other sites are more exciting...NOPE! Anyone can be a Facebooker or Twitterer...but it takes quality people with quality thoughts to be a GOOD myLotter! I really must get off to work....but so LOVE your discussions...Have a truly great day.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Hi pergammano Yes, you are quite right. I should have defined who can be considered as the newbie here. I mentioned it on pg one that anyone with
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 11
Oh dear. It is not the diplomat me ever. I am always friends and a believer of speaking what my heart feels. No other intentions. The emoticons are good but yes, many a times they are mere glamor to the discussion... but with lotters, they are a way of communication. When we write from our heart - we are all unique and no copy paste can suffice that for sure. Loved your statement - Anyone can be a Facebooker or Twitterer...but it takes quality people with quality thoughts to be a GOOD myLotter! - I wished many around understood that
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
6 May 11
Hi there Sids I very much agree with you on this. Maybe a recognition of the Newbie of the Week....there is always a new one that joins and just seems to fit right in right off the bat. A little recognition would be wonderful and great incentive for others who join. And the maybe "Most improved Newbie". We have all seen those that come here with all good intent but maybe don't read the guidelines and struggle a lot at the beginning but they really want to do things right. Within no time they are like family here. I do think incentive, recognition and some encouragement would go a long way. Have you contacted Mylot with this idea? I think you should and also give them a link to this discussion.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 May 11
Hi Sid GAA doesnt seem to accept my FRs - I think s/he is upset with me giving so many insane ideas and s/he is occupied with other important tasks. There are many pending things that I need GAA to look into - I have put almost all on my disussions but ... Anyways, I have hopes and someday things will be better and pleasant for all of us around
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
8 May 11
Maybe Newbie of the Week or something. Up-n-commer of the Month. I like it. Yes, I found the less than 100 and less than whatever limitations a problem. I couldn't wait until I have the ability to do everything my friends could do. I agree. Just a little recognition could go a long way.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
13 Jul 11
Thank you for best rresponse. Take care.
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
6 May 11
Hi Chhotu, Nice to see you coming up with some new ideas. First thing, the newbies who are missing after a few post are usually those who are in the hunt for money making sites. Since here it is difficult to earn money easily they silently slip off. And those who are posting discussions are not commenting back. Surely a piece of appreciation or recognition would inspire people to be more organized and put quality stuff in their input but who will do it? Is it we the users or the admin? If it is the admin they have no time to sort out the better discussion, comment or response. Hope this post of yours is read by GoAskAlice.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 May 11
Hi Rajib Da Quite true that making money is something quite difficult here especially when you are new. And this is the tender phase where they seem to get misguided. Just like a parent who forces the kid to continue with starting and learning to walk, MyLot too should stand by this phase with them and once they reach the point, they are free birds and can go anywhere they want.
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
6 May 11
Quite right. The more they grow they would learn the essence of mylot.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
5 May 11
dear sids What an idea. In case mylot needs a voting system for this request/proposal of yours.. i surely cast my 1M votes if permitted...
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
7 May 11
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 May 11
Hi didi 1M votes... We would not vote beyond the + and - and MyLot admin will decide using something it wants
1 person likes this