I first tested PineCone Research in 2018 and have been paid by it many times. Since its big update, it has become harder to earn. Below is what changed, how you get paid now, and the problems you should know about before you join.
Tested by Mikael (EarnWithMike)Founder and lead testerMikael founded PaidFromSurveys in 2016 and has personally tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites since then. He shows his tests and payment proof to 555K+ subscribers on his YouTube channel, EarnWithMike. He has been paid by PineCone Research many times and retested it after its big update.Learn more about Mikael
Last retested · First published
Legit, but much harder to earn since the update
Backed by NielsenIQ. Gift cards or prepaid Visa from $10, no PayPal. Expect many disqualifications.
On this page
The short answer
PineCone Research is legit. It is part of NielsenIQ, one of the biggest market research companies, and I have personally been paid by it many times.
But it has undergone a major update, and it is not as great as it used to be. Qualifying for surveys is quite hard now, there is no longer a guaranteed $3 per survey, and the payout options have been reduced to gift cards and prepaid Visa cards. It can still be worth joining as an extra site, but it should not be the only platform you join.
- Backed by NielsenIQ, a big market research company
- Relatively low payout threshold: 1,000 points ($10)
- A user-friendly app for iOS and Android
- Easy to sign up now; you no longer need an invite
- Limited earning opportunities: you often get disqualified
- No more guaranteed $3 per survey
- No cash rewards anymore: gift cards and prepaid Visa only
- The payout system is a bit clunky
- Support is often slow, with generic replies
My experience with PineCone Research
I first reviewed PineCone Research in 2018 and retested it after its big update. This is what I did myself, and what I did not test.
- First tested
- May 2018Review first published May 20, 2018
- Latest retest
- Checked: surveys, games, payout options, support
- Paid by PineCone
- Many timesBefore the update changed the payout options
- Pay per survey
- No longer a guaranteed $3Often a lot less, depending on the survey and your country
- The paid surveys, before and after the update
- The redeem screen: the Amazon gift card and Visa options
- Email support, several times
- The games. They failed to load and only showed an error when I tried.
- A cashout since the update. When I clicked the Amazon gift card and Visa options, they only took me to the Amazon and Visa websites.
- The sweepstakes. I have not won one.
Inside PineCone Research: my video
I have personally been paid by PineCone Research many times. In the video below, I give you an inside look and show exactly how you can earn from PineCone Research.
Screenshots from my account
PineCone Research has paid me many times. It is free to join and can be a decent extra survey site.
Join PineCone ResearchPineCone Research at a glance
| What it is | Survey panel, part of the market research company NielsenIQ |
|---|---|
| Cost to join | Free |
| How to join | Fill out the sign-up form and answer the profile questions. You no longer need an invite. |
| Ways to earn | Paid surveys, games, sweepstakes |
| Pay per survey | No longer a guaranteed $3. It can often be quite a lot less, depending on the survey and your country. |
| Point value | 1 point = 1 cent |
| Minimum cashout | 1,000 points ($10) |
| Payout methods | Gift cards and prepaid Visa cards. No more PayPal or direct bank transfer. |
| App | iOS and Android |
| Where you can join | US, UK, Canada, France, Germany and Italy. Each country has its own website. |
| Support | Email. PineCone says it answers within 24 to 72 hours. |
Is PineCone Research legit and safe?
Yes, PineCone Research is legit. It is backed by NielsenIQ, and I have been paid by it many times. But since the update, there is a lot you should know before you start.
- You often get disqualified
Most users have complained that earning from the surveys is not as easy anymore since the update, because they often get disqualified. To maximize your earnings, you must answer every survey offered, which takes patience and a lot of effort.
- Members report lost points and withdrawal problems
Many members complain that they lost the points they earned when they did not use them after a certain period. I cannot confirm this, because I have not experienced it myself. Whether you can actually withdraw your earnings is the most common complaint of most members.
- The payout system is clunky
PayPal, direct bank transfer and products are gone. Now you can only redeem gift cards or prepaid Visa cards. When I tested it, the Amazon gift card option only took me to Amazon, and the Visa option took me to the Visa website, which is very weird.
- Some features do not work
When I tried to test the games, it only showed an error and failed to load them. Many members also say the site has gone downhill since the update because they run into a lot of errors.
- Scammers misuse the PineCone name
Some scammers use the PineCone Research logo and name, for example in fake “mystery shopping” jobs with a check you have to cash, or fake “business evaluation surveys” and job offers. PineCone has nothing to do with these. Joining is always free, and PineCone never asks you to cash a check and pass on part of the money.
My takePineCone Research used to be a great survey site to join if you got the chance. Since the update, it is not that great anymore. It is harder to earn from the surveys, some earning opportunities do not work, the payout options have been reduced, and the support can be slow. It can still be worth joining as an extra site, but there are many better survey sites, so it should not be the only platform you join.
How you earn on PineCone Research
There are 3 ways to earn. Surveys are the main one. Tap one to read more.
Paid surveysMain way to earn
PineCone Research is, first of all, a survey site. It is fairly simple and easy to use. It does not necessarily have daily opportunities, but it has regular surveys.
When I first tested it, it was one of the absolute best-paying sites, with a minimum of $3 per survey. That is no longer guaranteed. It can often be quite a lot less, depending on the exact survey and the country you live in.
You choose which surveys you want to take. But qualifying is quite hard since the update, so to maximize your earnings, answer every survey you are offered.
Playing gamesDid not load for me
PineCone Research now also lets you earn rewards by playing games. When I tried it, it only showed an error and failed to load the games I could play, so I cannot tell you more about this option.
SweepstakesLuck only
PineCone Research sometimes runs daily, weekly and monthly sweepstakes for members. The daily winner gets $100, the weekly winner $250, and the monthly prize is $1,000.
The rules and conditions can change from sweepstake to sweepstake. You find them on PineCone’s website when one is running.
How much can you make?
PineCone Research was one of the highest-paying survey sites, and you used to earn a good amount per survey. Since the update, it is harder to earn, because the qualifying rate is very low.
With the issues in its payout system on top of that, I would say its current earning potential is very low. You need to be very patient if you want to earn a decent amount from it.
How you get paid
| Reward | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gift cards, for example Amazon | 1,000 points ($10) | When I clicked the Amazon option, it only took me to Amazon |
| Prepaid Visa card | 1,000 points ($10) | When I clicked the Visa option, it took me to the Visa website |
You earn points, and 1 point is worth 1 cent. PineCone used to offer PayPal, direct bank transfer and products as payout options. Now you can only redeem gift cards or prepaid Visa cards.
I prefer panels that pay through PayPal, because it is such an easy way to get your money. If you do too, see the best survey panels that pay through PayPal.
Who can join, and on which devices?
PineCone Research is available in the US, the UK, Canada, France, Germany and Italy. If you live somewhere else, it is not for you.
Joining used to be quite hard, because you needed an invite. Since the update, you just fill out the sign-up form and answer the profile questions. Then you can log in and start answering surveys.
Each country has its own website, sometimes with a name in the local language. In Italy it is called Foresta D’Opinioni, and in France O’Pignon Marketing.
The PineCone Research app is available for iOS and Android. It notifies you as soon as a new survey is available. Surveys can fill up quickly, so the app helps you take part as much as possible.
Is PineCone Research worth it in your country?
PineCone Research only works in six countries. Pick your country to see where PineCone stands on my list of the best sites there.
What 74 readers told me
This review has 74 comments since 2018: 37 from readers and 37 replies from me. These are the things readers wrote about most.
Most are from 2018 to 2021, when you needed an invite and PineCone only took certain household types. Since the update, anyone in the six countries can sign up.
Readers report getting screened out, surveys closing, and $1 instead of $3 per survey. The latest reports are from 2025, after the update.
A reader was removed from the panel before cashing out and lost the points. Cash out as soon as you reach the minimum.
“They did an update in July or beginning of August. You now get disqualified or the survey is closed. … I joined before the update. I was satisfied with the short experience prior to Pinecone’s update. Since then, nothing but a negative experience.”
Mikael: Thanks for letting me know. I will look into this and update the review accordingly.
“If anyone is looking in 2025, I’m seeing they pay $1 NOT $3 directly on their website.”
Mikael: I will make sure to update the review and make this clear. Thanks for sharing.
“I was on pincone member panel for long time and had earned lots a points. I was removed from the panel.”
Mikael: There is, unfortunately, nothing I can do to help you get the points back. Their support is not always the fastest in my experience but that is your only chance to get them to give your points back.
PineCone Research alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Opinion | High pay per survey and fast payouts, in more than 70 countries | $5 or $10 for PayPal, by country | 4.6 / 5 |
| Survey Junkie | Surveys in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK | 500 points ($5) | 4.4 / 5 |
| Branded Surveys | Well-paid surveys and a bonus program, in the US, UK and Canada | $5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| YouGov | Regular surveys on interesting topics; you rarely get screened out | Varies by country | 4.3 / 5 |
| Swagbucks | Many daily ways to earn, one of the biggest GPT sites | PayPal around $5, £5 or €5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Most of these pay in cash. For more, see the top survey and GPT sites in your country.
How I scored PineCone Research
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. See how I test and rate.
PineCone Research scores 64 out of 100. It is legit and free to join, so it can be a decent extra survey site.
Join PineCone ResearchPineCone Research FAQ
Is PineCone Research a scam?
No. PineCone Research is part of NielsenIQ, and I have been paid by it many times. But since the update, it is harder to earn, and members report lost points and trouble withdrawing.
How much does PineCone Research pay per survey?
It no longer pays a guaranteed $3 per survey. It can often be quite a lot less, depending on the survey and your country.
Does PineCone Research pay through PayPal?
No, not anymore. You can only redeem gift cards or prepaid Visa cards. You need 1,000 points ($10) to redeem a reward.
Do PineCone points expire?
Many members complain that they lost their points when they did not use them after a certain period. I have not experienced it myself, but cash out as soon as you can.
Do I still need an invite to join?
No. Since the update, you just fill out the sign-up form and answer the profile questions.
Which countries can join PineCone Research?
The US, the UK, Canada, France, Germany and Italy. Each country has its own website.
Is there a PineCone Research app?
Yes, for iOS and Android. It notifies you when a new survey is available.
Will PineCone ask me to cash a check?
No. That is a scam that misuses the PineCone name. Joining PineCone Research is always free, and it will never ask you to cash a check and use the money to “test” a service.
How to join PineCone Research
- Click the button below and choose your country.
- You are taken to the sign-up page. Fill out the sign-up form.
- Answer the profile questions, then log in and start answering surveys.
- Download the app, so you get notified as soon as a new survey is available.
If you have any comments, questions, or experiences with PineCone Research, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.
Who tested PineCone Research for this review
Founder of PaidFromSurveys.com since 2016. Mikael has tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites and shares his tests with 555K+ subscribers on YouTube (October 2026).
You should do another evaluation of Pinecone Research and the legitimacy of this site. They did an update in July or beginning of August. You now get disqualified or the survey is closed. All responses from ” Karen Scott ” are generic and from what I have seen nothing is ever resolved. Take a look at reviews of Pinecone Research since August 2025. So many 1 star ratings with a mix of previously happy users that are now very unhappy with Pinecone Research. You will not match survey, survey is closed, or you be disqualified after answering questions. I have trouble believing this is a legitimate/honest business. I joined before the update. I was satisfied with the short experience prior to Pinecone’s update. Since then, nothing but a negative experience. Not worth wasting your time. Find something, anything else, and stay away from Pinecone Research.
Thanks for letting me know. I will look into this and update the review accordingly.
If anyone is looking in 2025, I’m seeing they pay $1 NOT $3 directly on their website. I was a member years ago, but stopped doing surveys because of life…and I got kicked out.
The rate can very depending on your country and on the exact survey. I will make sure to update the review and make this clear. Thanks for sharing.
Avoid Pinecone Research. They did an update in 2025. It appears to be a very big downgrade!
I was able to join. I almost immediately received an invitation to a survey. However, just one or two questions into the survey, I was informed that I didn’t qualify for that particular one. I waited for a month for another survey or product to review, but got absolutely nothing. Not worth sharing my personal information with them.
Sorry to hear but thanks for sharing your experiences.
Tocheck for invites it says click on your country so when i click on the usa it goes directly to a google search page ??
The link redirects if it for some reason detects something suspicious about the click. In your case, I have no idea why it would redirect like this. Unfortunately, I cannot do anything about it as I am not in charge of the company and how their links work.
Hi Mikael, I tried register couple days ago and they says me
“Thank you for your interest in PineCone Research. Unfortunately, there are no available openings for members with a household make-up that aligns with yours at this time. However we will keep your registration for a few weeks in case a spot opens up”
Do you know if they are accepting new users at this time? thanks.
No, they do not accept new members right now. You can check out this list with alternatives to PineCone instead.
Hope that helps.
I have given up on Pinecone….maybe they will Email me when they can accept me…that is what the message said…good luck all.
HI, I have clicked the link but not received an email from them, I am in the UK, is it too late in the month or do you know if they don’t have any spots left for this month? Should I try again at the beginning of September?
Hi Rebecca,
The email will be here from PaidFromSurveys.com as I have the invitation you need to be able to join.
Just checked and it seems like you should have received it – if you have not, please make sure to also check your spam folder. There should still be spots available this month.
Let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Mikael
Hi. Many thanks I received the email but I wasn’t accepted 🙁 when should I try again?
Did they say why you were not accepted? Because sometimes they are also only looking for certain demographic groups and if that is the case, it might not help to try again later.
Also, in the UK there are many other great sites. Did you check out the list of the best survey sites in the UK?
That list has a lot of great alternatives in case PineCone does not accept you.
Thank you for the reply, I am with a ton of other sites but have been trying with pine cone for a couple of months. I was wondering if it was worth trying again at the start of September though as they demographics may change, does it work like that? Sorry for bugging you.
you are not bugging me:-) I am happy to help if I can.
But yes, it might be worth checking again at the beginning of September. They always have the most invites available at the beginning of the month. But not sure if that will change the demographic they are looking for though. That is more unpredictable when that might change.
Let me know how it goes.
Hi Mikael,
I was on pincone member panel for long time and had earned lots a points. I was removed from the panel. make story short I didn’t cash out caz I was never Inform by panel and didn’t realize . can you help me get my points back ?
Sorry to hear that. There is, unfortunately, nothing I can do to help you get the points back.
Their support is not always the fastest in my experience but that is your only chance to get them to give your points back. Let me know how it goes.
Mikael
HI Mikael: I just tried to join PineCone and they said they are not accepting new members at this time. I was a panelist with them a few years ago, but had to stop when I started a new job.
P.S. Thank you for all the helpful insight on your website.
Hi Robert,
Glad to hear you like the info on my site.
Can I ask which country you are from? And you clicked the invite link here from my website for the correct country?
Mikael
I am from the USA. I used your link.
Thanks again.
Very strange – Usually I am notified when they run out of invites for a month but have not heard anything this month. So not sure why that is. Did you get to fill out your profile before you got that messages or was it right after clicking the invitation you were told?
Thanks
I believe I did fill out my profile. Maybe they weren’t looking for my age group. I am 63.
Yes, I think that might be the reason if you filled out your profile before they showed the message.
But luckily there are many other good sites you can join instead then – especially in the US. Did you see my list of the best sites in the US? That might give you some good ideas for alternatives.
HI Mikael,
I just tried to join on PineCone France and they are not recruting at the moment. They will keep my details for a little time.
Thanks for all your researches about survey websites !
Hi Nathalie,
Did you try to join through my invitation link here on this site? Because that should still have invitations left for this month for France. If that is not the case, I need to check with them.
And glad to hear you like the research I am doing about survey sites.
Thanks,
Mikael
Hello again Mikael,
Yes it was through the link on your website. But I’m quite happy to wait a bit longer.
Ok. Thanks for letting me know.
Hope you will get invited to participate soon.
Thanks,
Mikael
There appears to be a problem with the PineCone Research link. I get to the page where I indicate age, and it appears to be progressing, but I only get a blank page. I’m in Canada, so should be fine.
Thanks for letting me know Jean. But it must be some kind of temporary technical glitch on PineCone’s site since you can get to the site and put in your age etc. Maybe try again and see if it works now.
If not, I would suggest you to reach out to PineCone’s support and ask what is going on.
And feel free to keep me updated about how it goes.
Thanks,
Mikael
Hi Mikael,
Thanks for the review, I had joined and received a cheque right away but then got leery as I was worried it was a scam. After reading your review I feel more confident about the company and will deposit my cheque now!
You are welcome Lisa. Glad my review helped you.
Mikael
Hello Mikael . Thank you for bringing PineCone Research to my attention … in spite of the site not being available for Brazil . I hope any upcoming update of this review could bring some info about the site planning to expand to more countries .
Hi Wil,
If PineCone becomes available in more countries and I am able to get invitations for them, I will update the review right away.
And don’t worry – I am testing some sites at the moment that are available worldwide and should also give good opportunities in Brazil. I will soon post the reviews of them and also send out emails to my subscribers about the best of them.
Mikael
i forgot mikael to tell you, im from the US
The US has a lot of great opportunities for paid surveys. I have made a list specifically with the best survey sites for the US. You can check it out and see if you can get some inspiration for new sites to join.
Mikael
just received email about pinecone research accepting surveyors but once again i used your link and they are not accepting applicatants at this time
Sorry to hear that Darlene. The spots often fill up quickly but it is the beginning of the month and I have been told that there should be spots available so it sounds very strange.
Are you aware that for the US there are different invitation links depending on your demographic group? You have to make sure to use the right one to be able to join.
Mikael
yes i see that, i signed for the 3rd one, the other too where, younger than my age group, and other was hispanic, so i chose 3rd one. same results as last time.
Very strange Darlene. I really have no good explanation for that. My only other suggestion is to try it on a different device or different browser.
Mikael
Hi again Darlene,
I have just heard back from a contact I have that are in charge of the PineCone invitations I have for the US. There still should be plenty available. He asked if I could get a screenshot of the message you get when trying to sign up so he can investigate further.
If that is possible, just send it to my email.
Thanks,
Mikael
i emailed it too you the screenshot
Thanks for the screenshot Darlene. I will forward it to my contact and hear if he can give any more info.
Mikael
When I try to sign up, even when I choose Canada as my country, I am asked for my zip code. I have tried to enter my postal code but it has too many characters and gets cut off, and then is invalid.
Thanks for letting me know Tyra. I will try to contact PineCone and see if they can explain the reason. I will get back to you as soon as I hear anything.
Mikael
Hi again Tyra,
I have now heard back from a contact I have that is now looking into it and checking, if there is an error on the sign up page. Will get back, when I have an update.
Mikael
Hi Tyra,
My contact has looked further into it and several people have tried to see, if they can find out what the issue is. She has asked, if I could get a screenshot of the error you get when you enter your postal code. It can help them locate the error.
So if you have the opportunity to take a screenshot of the error message you get and send it to me on mike @ paidfromsurveys.com then I will forward it, and they will look further into it.
Thanks,
Mikael
tried diff browser and android
strange it does not work Darlene. I will try to see if I can get a hold of PineCone and let them know. But I can see it works for others so it is a bit strange. If I hear anything I will let you know.
Mikael
JUST TRIED THE ANDROID, AND SAME REPLY,
so whats the current replys about pinecone and getting in there
Hi Darlene,
I forwarded the screenshot you send me and it has taken a while to get an answer. Just got it now.
Not really helpful though. Only answer is that there is not really a good explanation other than PineCone is strict and sometimes block people that try to sign up several times.
But I do not know if that is what happened to you. There is unfortunately not more I can do. Seems like it is better for you to just go for some of the other sites instead- Sorry.
Mikael
yes i did try several times but why does that matter it says to sign up and i did it in case they were accepting, i didnt know there was a issue on how many times you tried …geez. thanks. im not gonna worry about it then, its their loss.
No, it does not make much sense. But luckily there are also many other great sites so think you are right that it is better to just not worry and focus other sites for you.
how come i cannot join pinecone research. says that Thank you for your interest in PineCone Research. Unfortunately, there are no available openings for members with a household make-up that aligns with yours at this time. However we will keep your registration for a few weeks in case a spot opens up.
However, we do have openings in our sister panel – Nielsen Computer & Mobile is looking for computer users, and could use your help!
So my question is what can you tell me about Nielsen? Do you have a review on them?
Hi Darlene,
Did you register for PineCone through the link on this review? Because PineCone is one of the only survey panels where you can only join through an invitation link. And the groups of people they are looking for differs from time to time. By clicking the join link above, you will see what countries/groups I have invitation links for at the moment.
I do have a review of Nielsen Computer and Mobile panel. It is a bit different from PineCone but still an interesting panel to join, as you do not really have to do anything there to earn. Just click the link above to read more.
Hope this helps and let me know, if you have more questions.
Mikael
yes i registered thru your link, but was not an option for my age group, and yes i seen the nielsen, i overlooked it before.ty
Sorry to hear that PineCone is not currently recruiting for your specific age group. They are often very specific about the groups they recruit for, and sometimes it changes with short notice.
But hope you will like Nielsen instead, if you decide to join. Also, if you tell me which country you are from, I will be happy to suggest other great survey sites you can consider, as it depends a lot on the country you live in which sites are the best to join.
Mikael
i applied 2 times, keeps telling me not accepting my status at thistime.
Sorry to hear this Darlene.
I tried to look into it before when you asked. It seems there are just not recruiting your specific demographic group at the moment. PineCone have very specific groups they are inviting and it is often in limited numbers.
Did you end up trying some of the other survey sites instead?
Mikael
yes i signed for a few of them, i believe it was you that suggested top 8 or top 10, im not sure,its been awhile.i have a question tho, have you checked out survey bods or instagc?
I have checked out InstaGC – you can read my full InstaGC review here for more info. It is a legit site with pretty good opportunities. SurveyBods is only for the UK, so I believe it might not be for you.
Thank you so much for your post ”Is PineCone Research a Scam or Legit?” This is a breath of fresh air. I had lost all hope of finding genuine surveys I can join to earn a decent income working from home.
The money people get paid sounds reasonable. Unlike other surveys where you are paid with shopping vouchers after parting with too much confidential information.
I tried to sign up unfortunately, only 4 countries show up. Is this an exhaustive list of countries that can participate?
Hi Zegu,
Yes, PineCone Research pay very well per survey compared to many other survey sites. But it is actually a misconception that most survey sites only pay in vouchers. There are many sites that pay in cash through PayPal or through prepaid visa card, but PineCone is still one of the absolute highest paying survey sites.
The list is not an exhaustive list of the countries where PineCone Research is available. But they only once in a while have campaigns where they recruit new members, and then they make invitations available on certain websites (PaidFromSurveys being one of them) and at the moment these are the countries I have been given an invitation link to. I might get others at a later time depending on the countries they want to recruit more members in in the future, but at the moment these are the only ones.
All the best,
Mikael
This post is very informative and it really includes everything you need to know, in order to start with paid surveys!
You don’t miss any detail, so anyone interested in these surveys and how to make money from them, will find this very useful and can start right away, for sure!
Great work! Keep it up! 🙂
Hi Anna,
Thanks for the comment and your feedback. Glad to hear you like the info.
All the best,
Mikael
This is an excellent and concise review of Pine Cone Research. In fact, as a result of reading it I actually registered with them just now and am waiting to be notified of my first possibility for a survey.
I had never heard of this company before and am glad that you brought it to my attention.
Thank you,
Howard
Hi Howard,
Thanks for the feedback. Great to hear you decided to join and hope you will enjoy it. Feel free to keep me updated about how you like it. Would be great to hear about your experiences as well.
All the best,
Mikael
Hey there,
Someone told me that Pinecone Research was a really great program for surveys but if they don’t have a constant supply of surveys for their members, it means you cannot rely on them to make money daily.
I see in your list of top 10 survey sites you recommend PrizeRebel. I think I will get into this instead. Thanks.
Hi Dave,
It is true that PineCone Research does not give you surveys every day. But if you can, it is still a great site to join, because it gives really good rewards for your time. And then join other survey sites as well that gives you daily opportunities. That way you will overall be able to earn the most.
But PrizeRebel is definitely worth joining as well, and it is one of the sites that gives daily opportunities, so good decision to join that.
All the best,
Mikael
I’ve done my fair share of researching survey sites, but have never come across PineCone Research. You’re right in that $3 is fair for 15 minutes of time, especially if the payout threshold is only a dollar! And with the mobile app, its hard not to suspect PineCone to be the best legit survey company out there (even backed by Nielsen Co.!).
Thanks for sharing I’ll have to join when I get some extra time on my hands.
Thanks for the feedback Chase.
If you live in one of the countries, where you can join, it is definitely worth joining PineCone.
All the best,
Mikael