May 11th, 2012 
I enjoy reading threads about the sites I am a member of, it is great to get a ‘heads up’ on promo codes, upcoming promos, know when people are winning swagbucks since it seems to award in blocks etc. One thing I do not like in them, however, is people whining about how they have no referrals. Often they are newer members with very few posts and just expect people to sign up using their link.
First follow the rules of the sites you are posting on. If you don’t, you will be treated as a spammer and people are even less likely to use your link because it is perceived as a dangerous link.
Post content people are interested in and in areas where people will see your posts. For example, on SmartCanucks, posting a flyer will get lots of views and so you are more likely to get a new referral there than if you are posting in the thread about that site.
Remember that many people will already be a member of a site, and those who are not have already seen hundreds of those links. Some people will never be interested in earning sites.
Be patient, build a rapport on the site, people are more likely to look at the signature/posts of people they know and like.
Don’t expect referrals from the thread about that site, 99% of people reading it are already members of the site you are trying to refer people to, you need to target people not looking at that thread.
I didn’t do any major stocking up in January, so this is mostly groceries. I am getting back into the habit of tracking everything rather than just coupon shopping. I notice a lot of people use the same tracker and have a coupon on every item but unless that is all junk they are eating, I don’t think it really shows savings.
I am a huge fan of rebates for stuff I have to spend on anyway.
From GSN I redeemed my oodles for a thermo-kitty bed for the cats. When we first got Quincy he destroyed many of their beds and we didn’t replace them because he was still a tornado of destruction but he seems to have calmed down so they get the bed shown, worth $45-60 depending on where you buy it (plus shipping). According to the description: Super soft orthopedic foam base complete with a 4 watt heater enclosed so they should love it