OMAAT Launches Paid Points, Community Tools
OMAAT has introduced a paid membership points system and new community features, including updated profiles and improved search.
OMAAT has launched a paid membership points option and new community tools. The updates allow users to purchase status points and include improvements to member profiles, notifications, and site search.
According to the site's announcement, the paid points are for readers who want membership benefits without active community participation. The founders wanted a free community-based program first. Now that it is running, a paid layer is added for a streamlined experience.
Updated Member Profiles
User profiles have a new membership page. It shows an activity log for points earned this year and a user's most-liked comment. Notification settings are updated to track followed posts and manage email alerts.
The site offers bonus points for actions. Users earn 1,000 points by setting OMAAT as a preferred source in Google. Staying subscribed to the OMAAT mailing list earns 1,500 points.
Improved Community Features
New tools let users follow comment threads from blog posts and get email alerts for new replies. The site improved its search functionality after it was a pain point. The goal is more relevant results.
Buying Membership Points
Users can buy blocks of points to top up accounts. The model has no recurring fees. Users make a one-time purchase, with prices prorated quarterly. Points confer status benefits for the remaining months.
An example: A Gold member with 3,000 points could buy a Gold package of 2,500 points in September for $50. This promotes them to Platinum through February 2027. Lurkers can purchase directly into Diamond tier.
For optimization, joining the daily newsletter and adding OMAAT as a preferred source yields 2,500 points. This can unlock Gold status before buying more points.
| Membership Action | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| Set OMAAT as preferred source in Google | 1,000 |
| Stay subscribed to OMAAT mailing list | 1,500 |
Future Updates and Community Input
The next updates focus on behind-the-scenes tech improvements for site speed. The team highlighted responsiveness to ideas, citing reader Samar who requested a forum for a two-week Asia trip. A new forum section was created where Platinum and Diamond members can share travel stories.
OMAAT stresses that purchasing is optional. The main paid benefit is ad removal, but this can be earned for free through actions like joining the newsletter. For users not interested in points, nothing changes. The program is another way to engage.
More about buying points
After feedback, a paid option is for readers who want status benefits without community features. The founders thought it important to have a free program first. Now that it's in full swing, a paid layer is added for a streamlined experience and mystery perks.
You can buy points in blocks to top up community points. The subscription model lets you choose a plan. There are no recurring charges. You can top up anytime to enjoy benefits for remaining months at your current status. Prices are prorated quarterly. If you've hit Diamond, you can contribute in profile settings for more points, but the button placement was deprioritized.
