by Rocket

Created on: April 15, 2008

I have rated over 3000 articles in the last 90-day period. I was in the 73 percentile. I think once you reach a certain percentile, you should be allowed to stay there, and not fall below. I don't think it should matter whether the articles you rate are in the top 25 percentile or not, because often, popular opinion has nothing to do with quality.

But keep in mind, although money isn't everything, we are giving our time. Time is money. Most of us have full-time jobs, many of us have husbands and children, and we have work at home too, cooking, cleaning, etc. The money earned by rating stars on Helium really is a pittance compared to all the time we give, so therefore, while it may be fair to lose writing stars, I feel it is really unfair to lose rating stars.

Those of us who rate a lot will pore over numbers, and numbers, of often poorly written articles on sometimes very boring subjects. Because of this, I say that it is harder to rate than to write. When you write, you write on subjects that interest you and which spark some inspiration to write something, and you have a plan and are focused. When you rate, you just rate as the articles come, whatever subject comes forth.

However, as the payment period ends, and suddenly my own home life demands more of my time, so that I have less time to give to Helium, I realize that I haven't earned a thing. What's more, my own written articles, that were in the top 25 percentile that have fallen below near the 3 month period has made me believe that maybe I can't write and I should give it up.

But at least 10 people have written to my email, either about articles I have written or about comments I have made on their articles. Some of the articles written here were so moving, not only was I glad I read them, but I was glad I could give some feedback to the author. So even though the rating system has been a disappointment for me on Helium, I will say that talking to people about writing has been fulfilling.

And so, I am not giving up on Helium. It could be I should try to be more active, invite more writers, be a little more adventurous. But as I get older, my patience isn't what it used to be, and my ability to wade through so much material is being taxed. However, maybe in the next 3-month period, I will learn to pace myself and rate the way others recommend, maybe even invite a few writers. I will also maybe look on this as a way to learn more about a number of subjects rather than as a way to earn money, and then maybe, things will begin to flow for me.

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