In my opinion there is a happy balance for both in the 'Rain.

The point system give thoughs with few an incentive to not only get to 500,000 for the free account; but also to get into the top tier of their area.

As to the groups it is up to each individual to accept themselves into it or if it is not fruitful they also may delete themselves.

As I have little money invested and am allowed to participate on my terms it is a great site to belong to.

Unless I win a lot of money and invest it here I will leave it to the money man as to how they wishes it to proceed.

Also taking away both would probably mean a much smaller site and few members.

I like groups because it makes it easier finding like minded people for discussions and information.   I like points for motivation and verification of accomplishment.   I don't want either to go away.

I agree with the groups.  I post to a few of them, but not that often (just takes extra time) and I don't read the groups (I spend too much time on here as it is).

The points, I don't think will go away.  Change, yes.  Vanish, no.  It would be hard to judge a free level at that point.

Robert 'VEGAS BOB' Swetz - this has been discussed so many times - and both of them are still there!

I am not much for groups - too many 'orphaned' groups and does require better management - so may be, they will go.

Points? It's the heart and soul of ActiveRain! Those people who have, will want to keep it - even when they say they will donate - and those who don't, want to earn points, now that earning points is relatively easy! Once can earn be a millionaire in less than 20 months!

Groups will die, not because the are not needed but because they have not worked properly for many years, for example the search function that does not work, and no ability to categorize them..

Points however are an Essential and they keep AR Alive and growing while teaching us to be social and blog.  It would be foolish to get rid of them.

Robert,

If the points fade away, so will Active Rain.  Since 2008, I have personally seen 8 RE blog sites fade away, 2 of which were NAR generated, and one is still hanging there, because they have a zillion ads, and the usual suspects of buy for no $$ down and became rich over night are the main speakers.  A

Groups either need to be totally revived, revamped or eliminated.   I think points still matter.  Many people have achieved the FREE account status. Others are working toward that.   What incentive would we have to keep blogging here for a monthly fee instead of on our own independent blog for free?  I do believe the incentive to blog here (and invite new members) would diminish.

Yes to groups and no to points.

Groups, maybe.

Not points.
Members like them too much.

Groups will go away, I agree. 

Points, I hope not very soon. Points make us more competitive and involved with each other posts. 

I like the groups, easy to find blogs that interest me.  I recently joined and began paying in December. I like the points because of incentives for lower monthly membership and gaining points, climbing up the chain - this is motivation.

Points are the great motivator on AR . I know for fact I would not have the same drive or make the same effort to comment on blog posts without the points !

Groups yes...points I don't think so as AR needs the activity and many would stop without the points

I like groups but don't always post to them.  I think the points motivate us as we are a competitive group.

I think we will be seeing the groups going away, but I don't know about the points. Many have admitted the points encourage them to be more active, and AR wants the posts and activity. So I don't think it will cut the points. 

I think you may be right VB. I see the site changing later this year and the intent will be different. It has changed drastically since I first signed up and now looks more like a listing network like Homes.com. It will be interesting to see what changes come to pass but the point system will surely change as it has over the last several years.

I do feel Raymond E. Camp comment is the best!

I have not used groups in years.

I think that if AR gets rid of points, it will cause some members to alter the way they use AR.

I enjoy "earning" points - it's fun to watch the numbers go up! I would miss them.

As for the groups, I'm thinking they will stay but perhaps in a much reduced form. 

Robert 'VEGAS BOB' Swetz I can agree with you about groups fading away, but I don't on points. Points are what gives newbies the motivation to blog and compete with other members. I think they will be here for a while.

I hope points don't go away.  It is still motivation for me to keep posting and commenting, even though I compete against myself in my city and county.  I can see where when you hit a major milestone, the points become less motivating.

Interesting Question Robert 'VEGAS BOB' Swetz.  So, if the Points leave and the Groups leave, how soon would 'the best' (to me), meaning the most knowledgeable, interesting, and fun people leave?  Would that be an incentive for people to go elsewhere?  Would we no longer have people doing great Blogs?  Interesting . . .     

I can see the groups disappearing and I don't have any particular feelings about that. Not sure about points going. Maybe they will revamp the system a bit?

Based upon the post of yours I just read you may be right about the groups ... not sure about the points. Only time will tell.

Groups probably. Points not so much.... if they fade away so will many active Rainers begin to fade away (IMHO).

Yes to groups and some sort of variation to the point system.

I think you are right Robert 'VEGAS BOB' Swetz 

Stuff happens.

So does change.

I prefer a customer and realtor mingled site like Trulia.