Gaia Ambassador?

Some folks have referred to this ambassadorship concept with regard to Gaia and this has intrigued me somewhat.
Do folks realize Gaia is a subsidiary of “Gaiam” which is a corporate entity and that it is traded on the NASDAQ? (correct me if I'm wrong, please).

Have folks who choose to be “ambasadors” examined the Gaiam business model or mission statement prior to becoming ambassadors? Or is that uneccessary with regard to the Gaia community forum's mission statement?

Here is an extract from Gaiam first quarter losses:

Revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008 decreased 14.3% to $60.3 million from $70.3 million recorded in the same quarter last year. Excluding international revenues, which were affected by the transition from product sales to licensing arrangements, the revenue growth for the quarter was approximately 2%. The quarter over quarter comparison was also impacted by early holiday orders shipped in 2007 during third quarter. 

Gross profit decreased to $33.8 million or 56.1% of revenue for the third quarter of 2008, from $46.1 million, or 65.6% of revenue, in the comparable quarter last year. The change in gross margin reflects the company's investment in the lower margin solar business and additional store within store presentations.  The margin was also impacted by the decision to expand Gaiam's distribution footprint by maintaining retail prices while absorbing cost increases from higher freight charges and the dollar decline. The company strategy to aggressively pursue store-within-store and media category management expansion will continue to impact the margin through fourth quarter. Gaiam expects to return to mid 60's margin, excluding the solar business, by first quarter 2009 and achieve its goals of 75,000 retail doors and 10,000 store-within-store presentations.

Looks like there was a 3rd quarter decrease in revenue even with the “company strategy to aggressively pursue store-within-store…expansion.” I suppose my question is, could the Gaia community forum be simply an arm of the Gaia advertising department? If so, what would that make the gaia ambassadors with respect to the Gaiam corporation.

This post tends to piggy-back off my earlier post with regard to games and the rules inherent to games (often unspoken).

I hope my intent is not misconstrued as I have enjoyed communicating with others on this site. I suppose this will test the openness of Gaia in its capacity for full disclosure in determining: Can love, light and peace be extended through corporate goals? I suppose that is the ultimate question. Is peace compatible with an “aggressive” corporate expansion and the drive for profit?

Just wondering…

Thanks : )
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

G'day MIke,

I did look into who owned what when I joined Gaia.com in the first place because my son made reference to gaiaonline, which is a completely different entity.

I don't have a problem with them having to employ people to run the site, I'm wondering what you are getting at and what is the significance of the ambassadors?

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Actually, Andrew, it was your statement that piqued my interest:

”But it was the interfering with and altering those scriptures that I know people find insulting and disrespectful. And I'm speaking as an Ambassador of Gaia, my personal opinion is irrelevant.'

I had never heard of the term “Ambassador of Gaia” before. I had to think, 'what is this, some type of Gaia Gestapo.” So I poked around and found that, yes, this was a formalized position bestowed upon a select few, although, no, it does not appear oppressive by design. (yet, designs change…)

I reviewed the rules and found them to be rather broad and abstract such as promoting respect and tolerance, which as I have seen in my time here, can be interpreted in all sorts of fanciful ways. Do the ambassadorship rules require that your personal opinion be subsumed for the Gaia creed? (whatever that may be). Or is that just an interpretation that you have attained? (not saying right or wrong).

However, the question does remain, if the primary purpose of gaia is to market Gaiam products, do ambassadors aid in magnifying that corporate marketing process? And if so, does it matter to those who have been chosen as ambassadors? If not, what means of rationalization is required?

There is a deeper question, however, and I feel this topic is relevant based on the current economic crisis we are only beginning to realize. Monetary value, as the penultimate means of personal value, may be entering an age of extinction (or at least a lower rankingin value heirarchy). Thus, what new value paradigm will we adopt to replace monetary value and can Gaiam and Gaia adapt? (note the third quarter profit loss)

Thanks : )
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

These are excellent questions, and I think worth exploring, Mike, many thanks.

I just wanted to clarify one point - while there is a selection process for Ambassadors, we volunteer for it, and really, we just explain why we want to become Ambassadors and how we see the community. Nothing too complicated or esoteric.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Somthing I'm sure you realise Mike is that an ambassador represents 'something'.  If the US ambassador to the UN is told by the US govt. to put forward a particular argument, then irrespective of his personal views that is what he will do.

When I said what I said it was from the point of view of maintaining a high level of respect to all faiths.  I did invite Alan to do to the Koran what he was doing to the Bible, but neither he or you seemed to warm to the idea of a price on your heads.

Personally I don't mess around with scripture, and my nature is to mind my own business.  I applied for ambassador status in order to be identifiable to newcomers, to help them feel welcome, loved and help them if they needed it.

But with the status comes responsibility.  I did what I thought was right.

It will be up to Siona as to whether it was correct of if I overstepped the boundary.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Somthing I'm sure you realise Mike is that an ambassador represents 'something'.  If the US ambassador to the UN is told by the US govt. to put forward a particular argument, then irrespective of his personal views that is what he will do.

Obviously. However, based on myself and the little I know of you at present, I would imagine neither you nor I would apply for that job.(or do I presume too much)
However, you have agreed to uphold the values advocated by this coporate entity. Were you even aware of the fact that it was a corporate entity generating millions in profit? And if you were, have you thus agreed to participate in that income attainment?
As a society we do seem to be required to make compromises so that we can thrive within the monetary paradigm or mental framework. Yet, still, it would behoove us not to deny that compromises have been made.

I applied for ambassador status in order to be identifiable to newcomers, to help them feel welcome, loved and help them if they needed it.

And, from the looks of things, you are doing a wondeful job. truly!

But with the status comes responsibility.  I did what I thought was right. It will be up to Siona as to whether it was correct of if I overstepped the boundary.

Actually, the issue is not in the detail of whether you did right or wrong, as I stated in my post. (you may want to be whipped, but, sorry, not by me). I would like to keep this thread within the bigger picture (as my comment on social relevance and self -esteem being based on monetary value indicated).

Siona? Now what do we wanna go and bring in the government for!?

Peace Angel,
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

I've asked Siona if I have done the right thing.  I don't like getting involved in debates unless I know how firm the ground is I'm standing on.  If I overstepped the mark I'll apologise to you and Alan.  If I'm wrong I have no problem admitting it, and putting it behind me.

This is all new territory for me.

As to the parent company making lots of money, frankly I couldn't care less.

Gaia.com is providing me with the opportunity to help people, something that due to the Parkinsons disease is getting more and more physically difficult to do.

Oh you didn't presume too much I wouldn't have that job for all the tea in China.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

My friend, you are missing the point entirely. I speak for myself when I say that I never once stated that you did right or wrong. Not once, in any of my comments.

However, i suppose the guilty conscience seeks repreive.

The drive-to-question does not seek to place blame but engage in finding possible answers, even when some may vehemently demand that the questions NOT be asked.

Peace Bro,
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

I am well aware that you did not express judgement Mike, but I did, and I was wrong in doing so so I apologise for dealing with you and Alan in an inappropriate manner.

I abused an authority I didn't realise I didn't have.

A village idiot (or eccentric Aussie)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Hi Mike,

We have a number of Ambassadors here on the God Pod, including Eli, Andrew and myself.

I've been an Ambassador since shortly after I joined Zaadz, which was over two years ago. I did it because I really believed in the special community that it was and wanted to help nurture it. Since it was acquired by Gaiam, a number of people have asked questions about it in threads like this

Personally, this is how I look at it - this community may “belong” to Gaiam, but ultimately it is up to each of us what the real character of the community is. By being an Ambassador, and doing whatever it is that seems best each day in different areas of the site, I try to affirm the best in the community, without worrying about things over which I have no control.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Nicole,

Wow! Thanks for that link. Interesting discussion. This shot out at me:

Based on this, I'm not terribly concerned about the 'failure' aspect; there will always be those who don't resonate with our values, and will always be pessimists who give up or project or focus on the negatives inherent in every situation.

(It was a core tenant of Zaadz that we didn't want to spend time trying to persuade these people, rather, we wanted to focus on and reward and shower-with-love-and-attention those who already “got it” and who were willing to hang in there and committed to seeing the good, and emphasizing what worked, rather than criticizing in a non-constructive fashion. I'm committed to seeing this value continue in the Gaia Community as well.)  - Siona

Hmmm…this has me intrigued. Is there, within the folds of Gaia, a concise (non-platitudinal) statement of values? One that merges capitalistic goals with the Gaia forum goals? And how would Gaia differentiate between those who “got it” and those who do not?
I'm always interested in what category (pessimist?) I might be bracketed in based on the prevailing ideology or dominant “values.” LOL!

Thanks,
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Oh, I'd hate to bracket you or anyone into a category, Mike! Such claustrophobic-induced things… :)

Hugs,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

As usual, Eli, you say so much by keeping your words few.

That is perfect.

Love to you!

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Don't worry Nicole… I compensated for Eli's lack of wordage.

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Mike - I'm glad you brought up this topic.  I think I get what you're talking about here and I think its important.

I'm an Ambassador.  Why?  At the time I chose this position, I was perceiving the possibilities of Gaia and wished to immerse myself in the community.  I'd heard about the Ambassadors before and previously didn't think I wanted to be one.  However, someone asked me if I wanted to be an Ambassador.  It was explained that I didn't need to do anything differently, and I didn't see any obvious reason not to be.

I knew about Gaiam before becoming an Ambassador.  But, as a general principle, I couldn't care less about Gaiam.  In an indirect sense, I suppose I'm a representative of Gaiam and that is probably too bad for them because I doubt I make that great of a representative.  If their profits were dependet on me, they'd be doomed.

Personally, I don't change my behavior simply because I'm an Ambassador.  I would consider that to be a silly thing to do.  My Ambassadorship means only two things to me: (1) that I won't be antagonistic and disrespectful to others in the community, and (2) I'll be helpful in basic ways if someone seeks out my help.  I don't go out of my way to do anything special as an Ambassador.  I just do my thing.  If that isn't good enough, then too bad.

I believe in the community in the sense that I believe in its potential, but its reality is far from being satisfying for me overall.  There are plenty of problems and limitations with Gaia, and I don't think being an Ambassador means I shouldn't point them out pretending everything is perfectly fine.  Even if I am a representative of Gaiam, I'm not a representative of deluded fantasies of peace, love, and butterflies.

What you say here gets to the meat of the matter:

And how would Gaia differentiate between those who “got it” and those who do not?
I'm always interested in what category (pessimist?) I might be bracketed in based on the prevailing ideology or dominant “values.” LOL!

I like that question.  I can't say that I “get it” even if I understand the general sentiment.  Not to insult the wisdom of Siona, but I must say that my first response to her words was a sense of revulsion.  I realize that closing the ranks is a natural desire for any community, but its hardly a noble tendency.  If this attitude was what this community was truly about, I'd be gone in an instant.  I'm a pessimist and proud of it.

All in all, its an interesting point you're focusing on.  I do think there is value in considering the role of Gaiam as a capitalistic owner of Gaia.  There is a commonality between the two entities.  They both want to put a positive spin on their own self-image.  A community such as Gaia has to sell itself just like a company does.  There is nothing inherently wrong with a self-image, but it can become problematic when you identify with it too much especially when you're an individual identifying with the self-image of a corporation.  And if you ignore those that don't “get it”, then you've lost all outside perspective.

What is Gaia?  A corporation or a community?  What does Gaia want to be? 

Its interesting that Zaadz primary purpose changed (from a small group of people interested in social change to more of a social networking site) when it was bought by Gaiam.  Why did Gaiam think that Zaadz wasn't perfectly compatible with their business goals and corporate self-image?  Is the purpose of social change a little too dangerously political for a large corporation?  What does it mean for Gaia that it has been moulded into a corporate appendage?  Gaia is essentially pretty frosting for Gaiam… nice but not necessary.  Gaiam would end this community in a heartbeat the moment we stopped being in alignment with their income.  I'm not making a judgment, but simply stating a fact.

Similarly, Youtube is having its version of this dilemma.  Youtube was recently bought by Google and now its expected to make profit instead of offering mere free enjoyment for the masses.  When these community-based venues get bought by mega-corporations, what does this signify?  Is the old internet environment of small communities of people doing their own thing coming to an end?  Or will new communities form that replace the communities that get bought?  For instance, is there a community out there that took up the mantle of Zaadz when Zaadz became Gaia?

None of this necessarily undermines my purpose for being here.  I wasn't a member when it was Zaadz and so I have no loyalty to it.  I see Gaia as just another social networking site like so many others.  It has its slightly unique twist on social networking, but there is nothing particularly revolutionary about what Gaia does.  Its just a decent place to meet people who are friendly and interesting.  The fact that it is controlled by corporate interests is of no concern to me as this is true of practically every other social networking site.

The problem I see with Gaia is that there is a split of loyalty.  There are those of the old guard who are still loyal to Zaadz.  I sense that the Gaia community as a whole has a wary truce with Gaiam.  I see no reason to have loyalty to Gaiam as Gaiam has no loyalty to Gaia.  This community has no value in and of itself to the corporation.  Gaia doesn't make any money, but it does serve two purposes for Gaiam.  The most important purpose is probably the self-image that I mentioned earlier.  This community gives Gaiam a community face to show its customer base.  Secondly, Gaia does make money for Gaiam indirectly.  Gaia is essentially one big advertisement for the whole Gaiam corporation.

Right now, Gaia has an uncertain future with Gaiam.  This community can't just be itself but must prove itself worthy of continued existence.  This is only fair from the perspective of Gaiam.  Its Gaiam's duty to increase their profits and cut their losses when that is required.  If your an Ambassador, it probably means you care about the community which also means you wish its continued existence.

The relationship of Gaia members to Gaiam is strange.  Gaiam has little to prove to us because we are just a drop in the bucket.  Gaia is mostly an experiment for Gaiam.  They're just trying out ways to connect to potential internet customers, but if it fails its no great loss to Gaiam.  The power relationship is unequal.  Its the Ambassadors that are trying to negotiate this relationship, but the Ambassadors really have no power to influence anything that Gaiam chooses to do.  As members of Gaia, we aren't in the position to ask anything of Gaia.  Even Ambassadors aren't that far from the bottom of the totem pole.

As an Ambassador, you can choose to not care about all of this.  You can just enjoy the community for what it is and not worry about its future.  That is mostly my attitude.  I treat this place like any other business relationship.  Gaiam offers me certain services and I offer my services.  Its we the members through our writing who attract people to this site and thus to Gaiam (and their products).  I'm fine serving this purpose fo Gaiam as long as the Gaia community serves my purposes.

Marmalade

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Hey Mike - I just had another thought.  I was thinking about unequal power relationships are of course common, and this made me think of the another ongoing thread:

God is a Serious Game for Serious Players Only!

If God is a serious game, then the Ambassadors are the referees that make sure everyone plays by the proper rules. 

Even though I do see Gaia as just another social networking site, it is different.  This is a smaller community because its focused on a particular type of person.  Most social networking sites are more open-ended in that their only purpose is to social network. 

So, this made me think that there is in some sense more rules with a place like Gaia.  Gaia seems to want everyone playing on the same board if not exactly the same game.  Other social networking sites are so large that the field of play is extremely diverse.  You're more likely to meet people different from you on a normal networking site than you are on a site like Gaia.  Gaia seeks a certain kind of consistency and communal identity that most networking sites don't require. 

I was wondering if Gaia's format encourages more finite games.   What do you think?

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Marmalade,

Your first post was very concise and rather enlightening so I would want to read through it later and comment as I have more time.

But yes, I have noted finite rules within gaia however, this is often more in tune with the pod originators. The finite and infinite games model, (based on Carse) i wrote about in my blog, recognizes that rules must exist. However we should not feel bound by the rules by forgetting that we choose to play the games. Infinite players tend to play with rules, while finite players play by the rules. Playing with rules means there is a lack of serious intent and an openess to change, in fact, a desire for it. Playing strictly by the rules can be a very serious endeavor and others will resist the rules being changed or played with in anyway.
I think we will find in Gaia, with regard to spirituality and other related topics, both finite and infinte players. Some demand a serious adherence to spiritual teachers and paths (rules), while others just don't take it all so serious. I think you will agree that the higher consciousness movement can often seem very finite and fixed depending on which model or map is advocated. I feel this is often very unfortunate leading to a sense of stagnation.

Thanks,
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Gaia Ambassador:

“Our Ambassadors are community leaders who help Gaia Community, and its members, to grow and flourish, connect and dream. They help others feel at home here, and encourage them to be the change they wish to see. They invite friends (and strangers) who they think might appreciate, and contribute to, the energy. They're committed to being a beacon of love, service and enthusiasm, both online and out in their own communities. In short, they're quintessential Gaia members who've offered to be of service on the site.”

So far, nothing in the job description requiring marketing skills for a parent company's bottom line.

Gaia purpose statement, located in the Terms of Use….

“As you know, we're committed to creating a unique place on the web. A place that's committed to inspiring and empowering people to live at their highest potential. As such, we have a unique Terms of Use.

Imagine walking into a yoga studio or a meditation room or a temple. Whatever stress you bring to the door dissolves as you breathe in the uplifting energy of that space.

We intend to provide our members with this same inspiring and empowering energy.

By accepting this agreement, you acknowledge that you are entering this community with reverence, compassion, respect for yourself, your fellow members, and the law, and a desire to grow and to give to the world.

So while you're here, instead of criticizing, create something new! Instead of trying to get someone to adopt your beliefs, try exploring a different perspective that incorporates both your views. Instead of resisting a challenging opinion, try to learn something either from the person or about yourself. Pay attention to what's best in others, and encourage it… and assume that others will do the same for you.”

Still nothing about purchasing or peddling Gaiam's goods or services.

Relationship between Gaia and Gaiam?

“We welcome you to the Gaia Community websites, including Gaia.com and the other websites within the Gaia Community that display these Terms and Conditions of Use (collectively, the ”Websites” or the ”Community”). The Websites are designed to provide information about health, wellness and sustainability and to create a community of like-minded people interested in the topics we discuss (the ”Service”). The Websites within the Gaia Community are owned by Gaiam, Inc. (”Gaiam”). ”

So far, Gaia has not contributed to the “bottom line” of Gaiam.   So, where's the conflict?

Perhaps we should reserve judgement of “could the Gaia community forum be simply an arm of the Gaia advertising department?” until we see such evidence - or evidence that this community is inextricably connected to contributing to the “millions” of which you reference, I would think the point is moot.

Does the possibility exist  that the “Gaia community [could]  be simply an arm of the Gaia advertising department.”  Yet, I (obvious personal opinion) do not think this probable in the least, based upon the history of ZNG connection to Gaiam. 

“If so, what would that make the gaia ambassadors with respect to the Gaiam corporation.”

“If this was so,” I seriously doubt any of the current ambassadors would remain ambassadors, so it seems the hypothetical answer to the hypothetical scenario would be moot.  If it was about $$, as opposed to the role outlined in the first quote that I provided, one merely needs to review the Ambassador discussions and interactions to get an inclination as to their behaviors in the scenario you paint.

Finally, since you brought it up, I would not intercede in a pod where there's clearly engaged moderators who carefully nurture the environment.  This would especially be true of a pod with quite a number of mods who are also ambassadors.  However, without placing blame, since no one has been deliberately evil-minded, every individual is unique (thankfully!) and sees things a little bit differently (even more thankfully, since where everyone thinks alike, no one thinks very much).

~

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Christopher,

So far, Gaia has not contributed to the “bottom line” of Gaiam.   So, where's the conflict?

This is a quote from Sonia, who I believe is employed by Gaiam/Gaia:

At the same time, I do want to keep things honest; to my mind, an intentional community would likely have a slightly more structured or formal process of decision-making, be it voting or consensus or a lottery system (hey… it's possible) or elected council, and the Gaia Community, when push comes to shove, is still a business with the usual rules and regulations and fiscal concerns.

You state,

Perhaps we should reserve judgement of “could the Gaia community forum be simply an arm of the Gaia advertising department?” until we see such evidence - or evidence that this community is inextricably connected to contributing to the “millions” of which you reference, I would think the point is moot.

I seem to have touched a nerve since you misinterpret a question for a “judgment” (notice the question mark?). However, I have become accustomed to your knee-jerk reponses so its easy to see how you may have missed the question mark. I am NOT against Gaia.

I believe we need to look beyond mission and purpose statements. I''m sure that makes sense even with respect to our own government's stated intent as opposed to underlying motives as evidenced through actions. In fact, I believe you wrote a wonderful piece on this type of democratic “responsibility.”

As Sonia has aptly and honesty stated, “fiscal concerns” are a significant part, sometimes the most significant part, of any business. If Gaia did not contribute fiscally it would be sold or cease to exist. The object of any business is to increase profitability. So to somehow deny this aspect of the game is a bit absurd, even though my insulting your sensibilities with regard to your loyalty to Gaia is understandable.

In fact, although my post has little to do with this, it will be interesting to see what changes will manifest as Gaiam stock loses value. Note that the stock is selling for less than $3.79 per share. This is a signficant drop from the $22 dollars this time last year. As Gaiam loses value, you may see changes to Gaia. To deny this possibility seems bordering on wishful thinking. In addition, to assume that anyone who is working to increase Gaia's presence is not indirectly increasing profitability is engaged in wishful thinking or full blown denial.

The conflict between higher consciousness movements and capitalism will continue. In my experience, when it comes down to the “bottom-line” higher consciousness is often subordinate to profit. Hopefully, this predominant value will change. Maybe Gaia/Gaiam will balze that path, who knows.

Peace Angel,
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

MikeS- I seem to have touched a nerve since you misinterpret a question for a “judgment” (notice the question mark?). However, I have become accustomed to your knee-jerk reponses so its easy to see how you may have missed the question mark.

I am quite disappointed that my remarks came across as a personal endeavor directed at you, especially with my choice of the word “judgement.”

Review of my statement, with some explanation for those perusing this pod who may have been lead to an alternate interpretation having read Mike's reply -

Perhaps we should reserve judgement of “could the Gaia community forum be simply an arm of the Gaia advertising department?” until we see such evidence - or evidence that this community is inextricably connected to contributing to the “millions” of which you reference, I would think the point is moot.

Those who know me well, and certainly a true friend, would readily recall that at this time last year, I was quite vocal about being skeptical in regards to zaadz being subsumed by Gaiam.  I thought a manifestation of what I thought to be a questionable arrangement was manifested in the Terms of Use.  In the present, I am much of the opinion that Ben (marmalade) has outlined:  I am one of those at a wary truce.

Hence, truly, when I state “perhaps we should reserve judgement” of Gaia being purely a marketing scheme of Gaiam, it is exclusive (external) in the sense of “we” as opposed to “me” or specifically personal in reference to “you” (Mike).

There was nothing “knee-jerk” about my response.  In fact, it was quite deliberate and posted with quite a bit of thought - reflection and introspection.

While my intention was not a personal attack on you as a vessel of communitcating concepts, I find it quite disturbing that you crossed that line with the “I am accustomed to your knee-jerk responses,” and frankly appreciate it in the least.

That being said, if that is the prevailing, un-checked sense of this community (discussion), I humbly bow out, since obviously my presence is not in line with the spirit of this board.

~ 

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Dear Christopher,

I was sad to learn how upsetting this was to you, and sad that you no longer feel it is appropriate to be a mod here. I have always deeply appreciated your contribution here, as I have shared both publicly and privately, and your going away from here will be a big loss to the pod.

I do indeed remember your skepticism of the change to Gaia, and am aware that you are at a wary truce.  .

Lately, I have been unsure how to respond as a mod to statemements such as the one Mike made. I feared that I was tending to moderate too much between people (I remember on another occasion, it seemed that both you and Mike thought I was being over-anxious about moderating your interaction).

So, I chose to stay silent and see if it would work out.

I guess I made the wrong choice.

Mea maxima culpa

With grief,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Christopher,

It seems I made an error based on your comment. This happens from time to time in this online typed format (and, of course, nobody's perfect).

However, I see no reason to indict the entire pod, “if that is the prevailing, un-checked sense of this community (discussion), I humbly bow out.” since I feel that is an unfair indictment on the group and thus, the cultivator who started the group and continues to do a commendable job of maintaining the group as well.

If you wish to exit, then do so as a result of my comment and leave it at that. If you wish to call me on a error, then fine, I can take it and i will admit to mistakes when I make when them (and I have in the past).

We're all adults here, no need for drama, bro…

Peace Angel,
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Mike S, in one of your posts you say “nobody's perfect” , this is debatable……
the other Mike

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Um, hi Mikey! :) Glad to have you drop by!

Hugs,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

And so….. you are perfect?

mikeS

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

That is very gracious of you to recognise there is one besides yourself.

G'day Mikey, you have to be gentle when addressing Mike, he's very sensitive.  Bruises easily…

-An eccentric village idiot.

Clarification-

It seems that there has been confusion as to intent.

You see, my disgruntlement has nothing to do with how the pod relates to me, rather, as to how I seem to relate to this pod.

I stepped down as a mod, and remained silent on this pod not out of “punishment.”  Do you not see it is not about “punishment?”  I am not so fickle as to embark upon scorched-earth revenge.  It is not about individuals, but how I view myself in relation to this pod.

It is about that confrontation.  That's the problem.  I do not endeavor to be confrontational.  I do not try to “debate.”

Yet, I come across as “knee-jerk” and “shot-from-the-hip,” neither of which I believe is helpful to the health of this pod.  Indeed, I am direct, but as far as forums go, I do not intend to “shoot from the hip” without premeditation.  I certainly do not intend to be confrontational.  I give my perspective, sure, and sometimes do not qualify that perspective, but lay out it there nonetheless.  Yet, if someone disagrees with that perspective, I could really care a less.  I may push the point if I believe something is being “missed” by either party, but I really do not care to “win” over anyone to my version of perspective.

My current perspective is that I am disruptive, since I am perceived in part or in whole as “confrontational,” “knee-jerk,” and “shoot from the hip.”  Again, I do not think these attributes are nested with the pod's intent and purpose. 

Again, nothing about “punishment,” just a perspective regarding my role as a mod, and a member of the pod.

Certainly no drama is intended.  I am far removed from that mentality.


~

Re: Clarification-

Thank you for writing this, Christopher. I would very much appreciate your continued involvement as a member, especially while I am away.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Mike, I've been an Ambassador for GAIA and found that the entity I was representing didn't stand for my values too much. I protested a few times, I didn't get satisfaction and I opted out.

I do see the site as a branch of the marketing; I recognise this is a for profit organisation etc. I'm pretty certain based on actions. that the Ambassadors are a fair deal more hooked on the love and light than the GAIAM organisation. I still feel more resonance to the vision for conscious action towards changing the world with Brian Johnson, than with… er, who IS the visionary for GAIAM now?

Nonetheless, I do have my own organisation and so choose to be an Ambassador there. Then I couldn't complain even once about circumstances, could I?

I love what I'm getting as a mere community member now and I can't see myself going back to be ambassador yet. Maybe in future? Who knows. Anything is possible…

I don't think enough effort is made in genuine social capital building for GAIAM; there's still an emphasis on billboard ads flashing in the face, which is so unfortunate since the potential for an augmented business model could include beneficial relationships for all members. But that hasn't come on the table, so we will see what happens in future for the revenue streams I guess.

Each ambassador would have to know for themselves if the ROI of self to the community is worth the inputs. I'm cool without it and I get to stick to my particular standards without guilt.

That's my take on it. Peace and love to you all. Sherri

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

G'day Mike,

I'm just wondering what your agenda is with this thread?

What are you hoping to achieve?

An eccentric Aussie (and village idiot)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Marmalade, I'm delighted to see you here again, with your very thorough response. :) And it's great to hear from Christopher and Sherri too. The more people who weigh in here, the more grateful I am to you, Mike, for starting this discussion.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Hello NIcole!  Its nice to stop by for a visit.

I've been following the threads here, but just haven't felt the inspiration to actually respond.  I've been questioning my role on Gaia and my purposes in general towards joining social networking sites.  I thought my perspective might add something useful to the mix of this growing thread.

This thread does touch upon a core issue, a nerve for some people even.  Gaia really is an interesting experiment.  I'm very curious where it will lead, but I suspect it won't be an easy transition as the memory of Zaadz is still very clear to many people here.  The idealism of Zaadz lives on even as the community changes.

I don't know that I'll stay active on Gaia, but I wish this community well.  I hope Gaia finds its role that combines both the interests of its members and the interests of Gaiam.  Gaiam took a big risk by buying an already established community and I hope they continue to choose to take the risk of allowing Gaia to have some of its original independent nature.

I sometimes don't feel like I perfectly fit in with the whole Gaia ethos, but there is one thing that has kept me here this long.  Some of the Ambassadors here are truly kind and caring people, and I do realize how rare a thing that is for an online community.

Marmalade

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Well, we will enjoy your presence for as long as you are here on Gaia, then, dear Marmalade!

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

No real agenda, Andrew, nothing linear about my thinking.

I tend to be all over the place and often to my own detriment.

Nevertheless, ideas are popping up from others as well.

That's the dialectic, thesis-antithesis-synthesis (maybe).

As opposed to what some may think, I do wish for a “better' world, too. Unfortunately I do not go about it by “hoping to achieve” anything (and I realize that can be frustrating to some). I often wonder about many of those high achievers out there as they sometimes do more harm than good.

Go With The Flow, Baby!

Your Friend,
mike S

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

No worries, thanks Mike, I just didn't know if I was missing something.

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

I'm not an ambassador to anything but I don't mind if GAIA has some. I don't even mind that GAIA is part of a corporation or that I see ads on its pages. There is a saying in America “There's no such thing as a free lunch.” I know that it costs money to run GAIA. I understand that the people who run it have to find a way to pay for it. I realize that that often includes putting up with advertisements or paying out of my pocket.

I know that I enjoy logging onto GAIA and especially The God Pod and communicating with others about The Lord and spirituality. I especially enjoy that I can do this, as much as I want free of charge. Life is filled with tradeoffs. I guess for me, as well as I suspect for others it's a personal decision about whether the cost of doing anything is worth the money or the hassles involved. But when i weigh the hours of enjoyment I get monthly against putting up with some ads and some rhetoric, it's worth it to me. I'm certain that people who don't think its worth it will leave GAIA.

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Mike in your travels or maybe someone else can answer this,

Where are all the people?  The 130,000+ members of Gaia.com..

Just recently I've been spending a lot of time, on Gaia, and in the couple of months I've been here I wouldn't have encountered more than a couple of hundred people, if that.

The Teams profile page lists over 150,000 friends.

Am I missing something here???

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Andrew - I have no insider information, but your observation is probably true for most social networking sites.  Most “members” aren't active.  From my research of sites like this, my sense is that most people never become active after joining or are only active for a short period of time. 

Few people stay for long periods of time.  The average length of active membership of a place like this is probably around a month or less (which I'm basing on statistics I've seen about similar sites).  There are many people on the internet, but few people actually want to commit themselves to a single site.

The established long-timers on this site probably number pretty low.  I wouldn't be surprised if there is only a handful of regularly active people who've belonged since the Zaadz days.  I think its quite likely that maybe a hundred or less members stay continuously active longer than a year.

If you're interested in active social networking sites, then you'd have to join one that is designed for a younger crowd.  Most people above highschool age are too busy to spend much time in a community such as Gaia.

Were you hoping for more activity?  Or were you just wondering about the seeming disparity?

Marmalade

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

G'day Marmalade (excellent name for a ginger cat)

I'm very happy with a small crowd, with the inherent thought of getting to know individuals better.  I haven't had a lot of online experience but your observation seems to ring true.

It has been a mystery to me almost from the time of joining, and I have noticed there seems to be quite a turnover.

Thanks for solving the mystery for me.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Hi Andrew,

If you go to “Members” you see the total - 241,118

So, you and Marmalade are right, there are many people who are not active. For example, right now less than 80 people are online here on the website.

Also, though, many people who enjoy Gaia do not actively participate in the pods or blogs discussions. So it would be difficult to say how many people are active.

But like you, I enjoy the “family feeling” of seeing the active members in different discussions, and reading their blogs.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Nicole - Do you know if they keep any statistics about the site?  It would be interesting to know how many people visit the site that aren't members versus those that are.  I'm also wondering how many members on average log in on a daily basis, on a weekly basis, and on a monthy basis.  I'd like to know how it compares with communities of a similar focus and of a similar size.

I'd suspect that community shrunk after Gaiam bought it because it didn't seem everyone was on board with the change.  If so, I wonder if the community has grown back to its original size or maybe even larger.

Gaia does have a challenge ahead.  Social networking sites are popping up like mushrooms.  Also, there are tons of other communities dedicated to spirituality and social change.  OTOH being a part of a large corporation does potentially give Gaia some advantage. 

The main issue that Gaia is confronted with is competing.  Even though it has a different function than most social networking sites, it still competes with them.  This thread is about Ambassadors which are the core loyal membership.  The future of this community is partly in the hands of Ambassadors because the main thing Gaia has to offer is its somewhat unique environment. 

However, the Ambassadors are helpless if Gaiam doesn't continually invest into the community.  For right now, Gaiam has downsized the Gaia staff and so are unlikely to invest further in Gaia in the immediate future.  Gaia lacks most of the nicer amenities of a larger site, but it has its close knit community which those here probably find more important.

Marmalade

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

I'm guessing they do keep stats on these kinds of things, we could always ask Matthew and the dev team!

I think you are right, there will be some real challenges, and we will have to see how they are met….

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Here's what statbrain has to say about gaia.
Hugs to you Nicole and Missy.
Andrew we all love you. :-)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Yay for lars! Thanks so much,\

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

That's an amazing source of info Larry.

Thank you, I'll have a good look, I'm interested to see how they get their stats.

One thing I'd add though, Gaiam have either got a REAL good friend at Google or they spend a lot of money there.  Gaia is always near the top of searches these days relating to anything Gaia is about.

An eccentric Aussie (or village idiot)

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

It says that there are 128,420 visits per day.  That seems pretty high, but I bet that includes those people who visit multiple times.  Unfortunately, that number isn't broken down into who those visitors are.  Probably most of them aren't members, but if so I'd like to know what draws so many non-members to visit.

I followed some of the links at that site and found something interesting.  The Wikipedia article about the Integral movement includes a link to this community.  According to that, this community is listed as one of the top sites representing Integralism.  That is good advertising.  OTOH the entry for Gaiam mentions Zaadz but not Gaia and doesn't offer a link to this site.  Someone on the team or in the Ambassadorship might want to remedy that situation.

Marmalade

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Nicole, I recall reading something saying that this was one of the most active pods on GAIA. Is that true? and if it is, 80 people are not an awful lot. However, I do know that I get a lot of hits on my website so perhaps there are many who log onto GAIA, brouse the pod, perhaps make a comment or just look up people who they think are interesting without actually joining.

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Yes, that's right, depending on the day, it's somewhere in the top three most active pods. For example, today, if you look at http://pods.gaia.com/
you will see the top open groups - if you look here (and ignore the Think Tank which is always on top to draw people's attention) you see that in fact the most active group at the moment is the semi-private writing discussion group Diving Deeper.

Activity is in posts per day, though, not how many people are logged in.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

I thought that this seemed appropriate here:


  A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
'That laundry is not very clean', she said.  'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
 Everytime her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others, depends on the purity of the window through which we look.

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

That is an excellent parable Missy… one to get the mind active…

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Good one, Missy!

Hugs,

Nicole

Re: Gaia Ambassador?

Missy,
That's one of the better things I've seen on GAIA in a while. Thank you.