Points
How do I earn reward points?
Are there limits on points?
Do my reward points expire?
Can I transfer points between accounts?
Is it possible to earn points on multiple accounts?
Can I ever lose points?
Can I redeem points for cash?
Rewards
How can I download and activate my reward?
Can I retrieve my reward code if I lose the email?
Can I obtain multiples of the same reward?
Can I return and/or receive a refund my reward?
How can I suggest a reward for the rewards program?
Can I sell my reward to someone else?
How can my company participate in rewards?
Troubleshooting
Why isn’t my account earning points?
Why won’t my reward activate?
What happens if my reward isn’t working?
Why has a reward disappeared from the list of rewards?
Points
How do I earn reward points?
Reward points are earned for various actions such as commenting, sharing articles and answering questions at MakeUseOf Answers. Currently we provide 5 points for a comment, 10 points for an Answer and 5 points for sharing an article. You also receive a couple points for every click-back to MakeUseOf from one of your shares.
Are there limits on points?
All actions are limited per day. We don’t disclose the limits but can say they’re conservative, so don’t try posting 40 comments at once – most won’t receive points.
Can I transfer points between accounts?
No.
Is it possible to earn points on multiple accounts?
There’s no technical way for us to limit this but it is against our policy. Using multiple accounts to by-pass our daily limits on points is considered and exploit and can result in account deletion.
Can I ever lose points, or do they expire?
You will only lose points if they are deducted to redeem a reward or if your account is deleted because of a violation of our conditions. They will otherwise remain as long as the rewards program continues.
Can I redeem points for cash?
Reward points have no cash value.
Rewards
How can I download or activate my reward?
There will be instructions on how to obtain your reward in the email that’s sent along with the reward code. Each reward is different. If you have trouble, please email mattsmith@makeuseof.com.
Can I retrieve my code if I lose the email?
Users can return to the rewards page and click on the button beneath a reward you’ve already redeemed to see the reward code again. This only works for rewards with an activation code, however.
Can I obtain multiples of the same reward?
Rewards are limited to one per person.
Can I return and/or receive a refund my reward?
Reward points redeemed are final – the reward can’t be returned and reward points can’t be refunded.
How can I suggest a reward for the rewards program?
Please email mattsmith@makeuseof.com if you know of software that would make an excellent reward.
Can I sell my reward to someone else?
Most of our rewards use unique codes. They can’t be resold once used. We don’t support rewards that have been sold or transfered to another person.
How can my company participate in rewards?
Any company interested in offering free software through rewards can contact us via our application form. Our partners receive promotion via MakeUseOf and our social channels in exchange for free software.
Troubleshooting
Why isn’t my account earning points?
Users must log in using the login options in the upper right hand corner of the site. Points are per-account, so make sure that you’re logging in with the same account each time you visit MakeUseOf. Also remember that there are limits on the points that can be earned each day.
Why won’t my reward activate?
If you have problems activating a reward please contact mattsmith@makeuseof.com.
What happens if my reward isn’t working?
If you have technical issues with a reward please contact the reward’s vendor or manufacturer. They can provide you with support.
Why has a reward disappeared from the list of rewards?
We can’t guarantee that we’ll receive new codes for a product after they run out. It’s wise to jump on a reward you want if you have the points!