The Keys to Successful Point Earning
by Missa Matz

Here's something completely different for the Mane Topic this month. Typically the Mane Topic is something funny, or completely crazy with no bearing on anything truly Gryffindor related. This month, in an attempt to keep up with the theme in the common room, we've decided to redo the all important topic: Keys to Successful Point Earning.

Does everyone want to know the secret to being able to complete your class work and contests? It's simple. Print them out. Or for the contests, simply remember what they are.

You would be amazed at how little time is actually consumed by doing this. For example, you are bored and watching television, yet someone else is on the computer, so you can't get on. What do you do? Do some class work while watching the television. Often, class work takes no more time than 10 minutes to complete. And doing it in front of the television or something is fine, because you are often using your imagination to do it. Then when you have time, it only takes 10 minutes to type them up on the computer.

The next problem that is typically run into is lack of time or procrastinating.

Procrastinating is a huge aspect of the Gryffindor House, and I know that all of us have done it at one point or another. Well, we can't make you not procrastinate, but here are some helpful hints to move you on your way! Instead of spending 2 hours searching the boards for an interesting topic to write in, do a class work assignment, and then search the boards. There are so many little things a person can do to increase the time they have to complete these very small, very easy assignments. Of course, this also applies to the evil arcade now as well. Craziness be the arcade, and thoroughly addicting.

Even better, Gryffindor now has its Study Forum. In SUN, many people get together and discuss different aspects about the class, as well as share in their experiences. It's a great way to meet other Gryffindor's and possibly get the help that you may need to complete that assignment. It is difficult when waiting for a professor to email you back when you don't understand something, but there's always the possibility that someone in your study group does understand and knows how to explain it to you.

When you complete an assignment and see those points in your student profile, it will fill you with a sense of accomplishment. Those are your points. Look what you've done to benefit Gryffindor House. Take pride in those points. It also makes the professors happy to see you doing their assignments, because they spend many hours writing lessons and grading assignments. It can be very difficult to be a professor. Yet, when you do your assigned work, you're showing the professor that you appreciate all the hard work that they've put into making the lesson.

So, what are you waiting for? Can you be a successful point earner?