I'm not sure how to respond to this without offending someone or other. This will be long...sorry.

I am not a "big" earner here like some are, but I have been around a while, and I consider myself an active member of this community, even when I am not earning a lot. I have been a SM in the past, but I, like others, have had much more difficulty getting surveys and offers to credit as time has gone on. So much so, that I often don't even attempt, because it becomes a waste of my time. Combine that with going back to work full time a little over a year ago, and my time here has significantly decreased...also decreasing my earnings potential.

Even though I am not a big "SM" earner anymore, and able to take advantage of the "perks" associated, SR is one of my first internet stops every morning. I check for paid clicks, do SO (if available), then check into the forum. Many days I do not attempt a survey or any offers due to lack of time or motivation to do so. (love the second chance thing, at least gives me some motivation to try!) I DO shop through SR as often as I can...but I have significantly limited my spending lately, so that has decreased as well. I do also take part, when I can, in forum contests also.

Does the fact that I don't try or complete as many offers or surveys as I used to, make me one of those who "takes advantage" of the clicks and SO...maybe. Maybe the fact that I participate in forum contests without earning a lot otherwise makes me one who takes advantage too...I don't know. (should contests have an earnings limit to participate too?)

My point...am I a big earner, no, not anymore...but I still enjoy my time here, and doing the SO and clicks, as well as participating in the forums are a part of that for me, even though I don't earn a lot otherwise. It gives me the feeling that I still at least can earn something, even if I can't get things to credit, or have the time to sit for an hour to try to qualify for a survey.

While I don't think this whole thread is directed particularly toward those like me who participate regularly in other ways??...I would NOT like to see SO tied to an earnings level. Personally, I have no problem with it the way it is. When you offer something like that there will always be those who take advantage of that earnings potential, whether or not they participate in other ways.

But, I do understand that SR is a business, and that you have to make decisions that help the business to run better and earn more money..that's the point in a business, after all, right? And making it the most fair for everyone is important, I guess...

Please don't misunderstand, I love SR! I am not tying to "dis" it in any way...but this whole thread does make me a little defensive...as if I'm not important because I "take advantage" without earning enough.

Silly that a measley $.03 potential can cause so much of a reaction.

The bottom line for me:

I would rather just see SO stay the way it is, or go away entirely, so that it doesn't seem so much like playing "favorites."

Just my $.02, for what it's worth.