do not get deleted
do not post these discussions
mylot mistakes
read the guidelines
read the terms of service
success on mylot
About earning on myLot, and enjoying it. Some "Don'ts"
@GardenGerty (160978)
United States
August 13, 2008 5:39pm CST
I have been on for two years, and from time to time an established user starts a discussion for the newbies. It might be my time to do so again. You need to pay attention to a few things to do your best.
Here are some mistakes you may make:
1. Do not start a discussion that has a one word answer, like "Do you like Coke or Pepsi?"" Who is your favorite star?"" What is your favorite color?" Now if you ask this question, give your opinion, ask why they choose what they choose, then it is a discussion, there is some give and take.
2. Do not start discussions celebrating milestones."I posted my some hundredth post.""I am 102 today." Those are not discussions. Instead: "Do you remember how it felt when you posted your some hundredth post?""I just posted mine and I feel terrific."
3. Do not post a discussion to draw attention to another discussion, or to your links that you are promoting. You can mention links, and refer to your profile, if you like. Do not generally post about another user and call them by name.
4.Do not copy and paste entire articles, or e-mail forwards.
5. MyLot is not a humor site, but you can include a joke in a discussion, if you have something there you can discuss."My little kid told me this joke, but I do not think he knew what the words meant, do your kids like to tell jokes?"
6. MyLot is not a cooking site, but you can include a recipe in a discussion, if there is something to discuss as well."I am having a dinner party, and I am serving Leprechaun Potatoes, they are made with spinach, do you like spinach?, Do you have any other suggestions for me?"
This is probably enough of the "Don'ts". I will start a discussion about the "Do's" later.Experienced users, can you add anything? Newbies, did this help,or do you have any other questions?
13 people like this
25 responses
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
14 Aug 08
That's a great help to the newbies, and some good points. I'd like to add something: even though you might not agree with somebody elses answer, or their view on something, it's never OK to start a personal attack. State your views, debate, give your thoughts, but always remember that a person's view is not necessarily wrong because it doesn't match yours. I've been here a long time too, and here and there I see a person getting angry and flaming somebody else because they didn't agree with their view. We're all adults here, and a discussion is just that: a discussion with varying points of view. That's what makes a forum a good one, everybody adds their two cents. If we all thought the same about everything, then it'd be a pretty dull world, and there'd be nothing worth discussing...and we'd never learn to look at something from a different standpoint. Just my humble widdle opinion lol...
4 people like this
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Gerty....how absolutely true! Just because a person doesn't agree doesn't mean a response should get a negative rating. To my way of thinking a negative rating would go to somebody who is being rude, or just types gibberish instead of giving a real answer. (You also see a lot of that here too sometimes.)
Moon...that's a really good point about rudeness hurting somebody that may already be hurting from something. You got it right there... this should be a friendly site and rudeness should be set aside for the sake of a friendly discussion. Good thoughts there :-)
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Disagreeing with you is also not a reason to give a person a negative rating, either.MyLot, like any other site, sees its share of that. Thanks for the reminder.
3 people like this
@moonlitmagikchild (22181)
• United States
14 Aug 08
i try to understand other peoples views and opinions and i will reply back with how i could see their point and give an example or i will question them more since i may not understand fully what they mean but i never personally attack some one and IM SO TIRED of SEEING it!!!!!! i dont understand why people even do it to each other since you never know what mental state the discussion person is in.. they could have had the day from hell and just things hitting them over and over to where just having a rude response just hurts them more than it should.. this should be a friendly site 
3 people like this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
13 Aug 08
Well to answer some of your questions, I like Pepsi better. I don't have a favorite star, I do like McDreamy though on Greys Anatomy, I love bright colors, reds and bright pinks. I have done some of the other things, some I got away with and some I didn't. I have posted a few jokes but only really funny ones. I know there were some people thats all they did was post jokes, it was soon after that then mylot started deleting jokes. You have some good tips here, with your impressive numbers I am sure the newbies will pay attention to you. Here is one you forgot, write long and descriptive responses, several sentences are good.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
You are right Polly, I did not cover that, at least not in the positive manner. Long, detailed responses are helpful to yourself and to the ones reading it as well.
3 people like this
@moonlitmagikchild (22181)
• United States
14 Aug 08
yeah i hate discussions that really only need 1-3 words to respond.. i try to figure out how to make it more than a few words.. some times im not successful and sometimes i dont even bother replying
5 people like this
@peaceful (3294)
• United States
13 Aug 08
Try to make your discussions really as unique, resourceful, thought provoking and truly something that you wouldn't mind re-reading again...
Actually use the SEARCH feature here to avoid repeat discussions, and also ask for help from the many fine veterans here amongst your new Mylot family! :)
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Yes, make discussions that are unique to you, if possible, even if on a general topic. Some people say the "search" does not work well for them. That is another case where tagging helps. (see next discussion)
4 people like this
@moonlitmagikchild (22181)
• United States
14 Aug 08
the first month on here my search didnt work.. now it does so i have no idea what is up with that but i know some people have had the same probs which hopefully will get worked out.. i know when mine didnt work i would go to the topic then look through that and well since there are 20 to a topic that didnt work too well lol.. now search is my friend!! i just gotta hope everyone tags like i do 
4 people like this
@ajesh_pullad (2251)
• India
14 Aug 08
You are really amazing. True pioneer. Thanks for your great discussion. These don't you taught me when you participated in my last discussion. I thought it can be put to discuss. You did it well my friend. Now i eagerly waiting for do's in Mylot.
Thanks
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
1 Sep 08
We all learn from each other, and there really is a lot to learn for us all.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Thank y very much for this discussion.
I may also add that Quality not Quantity do
better as far as earnings and responses go.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Exactly right. I have not ever tested it out, as I cannot really get into making short responses, but in general, the days I have made longer responses I have made more earnings. I try to speak to whatever the issue is that is being discussed, and that may mean I answer fewer posts, but hopefully whatever I have to contribute is worthwhile.
4 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Sometimes I get so many responses in my own discussions I don't have
time to respond to others. I also spend a lot of time adding comments
with quality as well to mine.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
1 Sep 08
I appreciate your good words. I hope you have lots of success here.
1 person likes this
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Hi Garden
[i]Thanks for reminding us about this...I know this will help a lot of newbies who failed to read the rules here, I am active here for 4 months and after violating some guidelines, I decided to read the rules and I am glad also that a lot of my friends are there always to answer my inquiry...But, to be reminded again through this post makes me feel great!
I know this time I am avoiding those topics that you describe above and wish they will be able to read this post for them to be happy since they will not be deducted due to deleted post![/i]
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
1 Sep 08
That is correct, I would certainly not be happy if I had posts getting deleted all the time.
1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
14 Aug 08
That is helpful information, as when I was just starting out here I did not at all understand the bit about the milestones, particularly as it wasn't in the regular quidelines but rather hidden away somewhere else.
One thing I've seen a lot of lately is where a person states, and sometimes at length, some fact about their daily life, along the lines of "my kid broke his arm" or "my cat was run over by a truck" and they give all the details, but at the end I am wondering "What does this person want from me?"--it is like the person at a party who says no more talking about me, what about you, what do YOU think of me? A discussion should have give and take, not just show and tell. eh?
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
1 Sep 08
You are so right. It is important that a discussion have something to discuss, even if it starts out as just a description. I know some other sites where that is the norm. I like myLot better, because generally it is more connected.
2 people like this
@hal8711 (102)
• China
14 Aug 08
thx for your sharings~~
mylot is a special place for me as a foreign language learner,
i do care about the gains of knowledge far more than the earning...
your ideas are really good to a website like mylot,
i don't like those who only wanna make money here either.
this is a place for us who wanna share and communicate with others not a gold mine for the diggers.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
1 Sep 08
Hal, you do okay. I guess I meant that it is important for those who use English as their first language to help the people who are learning by writing well.
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
The extra money comes in handy, but as you have noticed the learning is very valuable as well. That is why it is also very important that we speak well when we write.
3 people like this
@roanne05 (1290)
• Oman
14 Aug 08
i can say i am not an old member neither new..but this still helps me a lot..thanks!
also as 1 guideline...give your opinion and do not criticize others opinion..everyone is entitled with their own opinion and so are you..just respect their opinion...
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
1 Sep 08
Respect is an essential to keep discussions going and to maintain this as a fun and profitable site.
1 person likes this
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
14 Aug 08
Thanks for all those tips. I have been here already for a month and I have been starting discussions too. I really find your tips very useful. Thanks for posting them
@babyfirefighter (568)
• United States
14 Aug 08
These are some really good donts. I wish when I started that someone had started a discussion like this. If they did I avent seen it at all. I hope that newbies will take these into consideration when posting on mylot.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
This type of discussion gets started from time to time. When I was new there were people who posted similar information. MyLot changes some from time to time, and it is good to keep up to date.
2 people like this
@lchiat (1070)
• Malaysia
14 Aug 08
hi... Thanx for sharing with us. No wonder my earning keep on deducting this few days. I had started few discussion start with do. I also answers some Do and Who questions. Now i found out what cause my earning deducting all the time. Thanx for your sharing. Happy Myloting!!!
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Make your discussions unique, and something to think about. I am glad if I have helped you. People who have been around awhile will not respond to those discussions because they know that they will not last.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Skenthal, if you believe that these are just my opinions, that is okay. You go ahead and do every one of them if you choose. Then when your discussions get deleted and you get negative ratings, maybe you will believe the guidelines, the terms of service, and me. Wachit, you are correct, I have just restated the guidelines, with some of my own interpretations of how to work within them.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
1 Sep 08
I know that many people post milestone discussions. Generally I avoid responding to them, because they may get deleted, and that would be a waste of my time. I guess I put it in here as a reminder and explanation for people who wonder why discussions get deleted.
1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
1 Sep 08
I know when I was new here I had no idea what they meant by a "milestone discussion" nor could I find reference to that in the guidelines. Then I learned the hard way there are rules that were written elsewhere than in the guidelines, and therein staff had mentioned that people should not start discussions about "I got a star" or "I reached 100 posts" or "It is my birthday" or any kind of thing that is just to draw attention to oneself, so to speak.
It is too bad staff members do not have time to send the member an explanation of why their discussions are deleted, at least when they are new. But I guess they have an awful lot of other stuff to do!
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Posting relevant pictures with a discussion or response help you add to your earning more quickly.
Wish I had one to add here!
3 people like this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
14 Aug 08
Great post GG:) We know that those things are in general posted in the guidelines, but people often don't read the guidelines at all.
I love the way you include suggestion of things that might make a posting acceptable, you are leaving a good guide and good insight that will hopefully help both new and old members alike.
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Sometimes it is a matter of tweaking what you say, to get the results you want. Actually you may want to know how someone feels about Coke and Pepsi, but you have to play by the guidelines. It is hard to remember everything, even if you have read it at least once.
4 people like this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
14 Aug 08
You gave us a good tutorial on 'how to post discussion'. Being a senior member here your guides come in handy. No matter how careful and strictly following mylot guidelines some discussions are being deleted just because someone is not happy with that discussion and report it to mylot. Where is the fairness? I mean we cannot please everybody with what we write but at least some sort of judgment is made before a discussion is deleted and not because it is being reported by one person. The consequence of having a post deleted is great. It affects not only the author but the innocent responders.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
16 Aug 08
If you have had something deleted, and do not know why, then send a private message to myLot. They pay you, they make the rules, but I have also seen them reconsider and reinstate material.
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
16 Aug 08
This is news to me that deleted post can be reinstated. I would very much like to ask the reasons behind the deletion of my post. If they think that it is violating their guidelines, I did not put a link or anything not even the name of the site but am only sharing with mylot members. There is option to do it here in 'make extra money' Anywhere thank you for your info.
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
14 Aug 08
I think that it's great that you posted some of the things that are encouraged and, of course, those that are discouraged. I remember when I first joined that it was through the generosity of other Mylot members that I was able to be successful here, not only with the money I've earned, but as a social network.
Some other things I would discourage newbies from doing is to refrain from being too judgmental of other users when posting on sensitive topics like politics and religion. I've seen some posters resort to name calling and that's not what Mylot is all about. It's fun to share ideas, learn new things and be enlightened, and to me that's what Mylot is really all about.
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
Name calling and rudeness is not needed here, but it does happen. You have seen that, and so have I. I have been called names, as well, but not too often.
3 people like this
@shifeilong (185)
• China
14 Aug 08
Thanks for remaining!I'm new here and what you say will help me a lot!I have a question to ask if you don't mind,you have posted so much,and how much money have you earned in total?hundreds of dollars?
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160978)
• United States
14 Aug 08
You know, that is one of the things that MyLot frowns upon us discussing. I have not kept track of exactly what I have earned, but I could check the history. What I cannot measure is what I have LEARNED. Not just about making money, but also about making friends. I have learned about some other earning opportunities while here, some that paid off big, some that did not. Those are a result of my learning on MyLot.
3 people like this
