Gaia: Microdonations - Relocated, Possibly Edited Posts

Re: Nov. 16, 2007, 12:07 AM: Major Changes

http://apollia.gaia.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:25:20 GMT

Hi Aijay. ~Matthew (a Zaadz employee) explained the reason for the change in policy here:

http://pods.zaadz.com/zaadz_support/discussions/view/206382#206543

Quote:
Why cant zaadz donate to whoever that is in need.

Do you mean, Zaadz itself?

A good question, but, even though Zaadz is now owned by a very prosperous company (Gaiam) ever since being purchased in an apparently multi-million dollar deal, I'm not sure Zaadz itself really has the resources to do things like that, even if Zaadz wanted to. (And maybe Zaadz doesn't want to for some reason - though it's hard to say whether or not that is so, without asking whoever is currently in charge of Zaadz).

With the exception of the Zaadz Scholarship, I don't know of any case where Zaadz itself has actually given any money away - though there might be other, similar things they do that I haven't heard of.

Actually, I forgot all about that Zaadz Scholarship until writing this reply. Sorry I didn't remember it until now. I guess since you were hoping to be able to pay tuition, you might be interested in that, though, since only 2 people out of possibly thousands of applicants are going to receive one of two $1,000 scholarships, it's not something anyone should count on receiving. It's probably more likely than winning a lottery, but, still a long shot.

http://scholarship.zaadz.com/

Quote:
I believe this pod has been here for a long time,

Well, only since June 24, 2007.

so why did they allow the existence for the first time.

No doubt only because then, it wasn't against Zaadz's policies.

It was probably a mistake for me to start it here rather than on a completely independent site where I wouldn't have anyone else's policies to worry about, but, I just never expected such a policy change to occur.

Anyhow, though, eventually the pod will hopefully have a new home on my own website, and when that happens, I will announce it.

Best wishes,
Apollia

Re: Nov. 16, 2007, 12:07 AM: Major Changes

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:22:30 GMT

Hi Apolla,

Why cant zaadz donate to whoever that is in need. I believe this pod has been here for a long time, so why did they allow the existence for the first time.

Regards,
Aijay

Re: Nov. 16, 2007, 12:07 AM: Major Changes

http://apollia.gaia.com — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:13:18 GMT

Hi again, everyone.

Here's ~Matthew's very helpful explanation for why asking for money, and sending money, on Zaadz is now against Zaadz's rules:

http://pods.zaadz.com/zaadz_support/discussions/view/206382#206543

My reply to that thread also contains some more details of my future plans for the new forum, etc.

This pod no longer can permit donation requests or advertisements of anything for sale (though according to ~Matthew I needn't worry too much about deleting stuff, so I guess the ads that already are here can stay; and, as I mentioned before, I already edited lots of posts).

But, discussions are still permitted, and I plan on keeping this pod open for discussions indefinitely.

As for the new forum - as I've mentioned before, it may take a long time for me to get that started, especially since I'm rather in the mood to concentrate more on other projects.

There is actually a whole other microdonations board already in existence over at the Quantum Social Networking social network started by Visionary Architect. Here's the address for that social network:

http://quantumwork.ning.com/

The microdonations board over there is called "Microdonations Pathway". Here's a direct link to it, except you have to be logged in in order to see the board:

http://quantumwork.ning.com/group/microdonationspathway

The only problem might be, any posts there would have to follow Ning's terms of service, so, I'm not sure if we could carry on as before over there any better than we can on Zaadz.

Best wishes,
Apollia

Re: Nov. 16, 2007, 12:07 AM: Major Changes

http://apollia.gaia.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:06:48 GMT

Just a small update. I still don't know if the mailings I tried to send to the entire pod actually were sent, and I don't want to send out more than one or two mailings in such a short span of time, so I'm only posting this rather than mailing it, for now.

I went ahead and deleted the majority of threads started by me, as well as the mailed announcement archives (which mostly consisted of donation requests). I will most likely sometime repost at least some what I wrote on my own website.

Some search engines actually penalize sites for having content which is duplicated on other websites, so, this will be better for both me and Zaadz than having duplicate info on both sites.

I also moved almost everything in the pod onto this board, and proceeded to delete the emptied boards. I didn't delete any threads besides my own, though I did have to edit out things like people's PayPal addresses, and statements specifically asking for money, etc.

I skimmed rather than read carefully, so I might have missed some things that need editing. Once again, if anyone would like me to edit or delete any of their posts, just ask.

On the forum on my site, we'll definitely have more freedom of speech. :-) I'm not sure how soon I'll have the new forum running - it might actually take quite a while, since, I'll admit, running a forum, in many ways, isn't exactly my cup of tea, and I also need to ponder issues like the design, and whether I should (or even can!) implement nifty custom features such as maybe some features inspired by the exceedingly clever forum at DonationCoder.com, which is microdonations-enabled. :-)

But, in any case, the new Donations & Microdonations for Individuals & Groups forum will eventually be located at http://prosperity.astroblahhh.com/ , and you're all invited. :-)

Best wishes,
Apollia

Nov. 16, 2007, 12:07 AM: Major Changes

http://apollia.gaia.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:09:55 GMT

Originally attempted to mail this Nov. 16, 2007 at 12:07 AM to 62 members, but I'm not sure this was successfully sent either.

Hi everyone, I'm not sure if my previous message was successfully sent - in case it didn't arrive, I'm including it at the bottom of this message.

I think I'm basically done renovating the pod. I didn't delete any posts besides some of my own ads and requests - the rest, I tried to edit lightly just to remove any PayPal addresses, postal addresses, and so forth.

The posts from the donation request boards, the "Your Items, Products & Services" board, etc. were moved into the Relocated, Possibly Edited Posts board. Upon request I will edit and/or delete whatever you wish.

Regretfully, I must ask you to not post donation requests anymore, since asking for money is against Zaadz's rules.

However, as I mentioned in my previous message, eventually, I will probably begin another, quite similar Donations & Microdonations for Individuals & Groups forum on my own website, where there won't be so many restrictive rules to deal with. It will be totally independent of Zaadz.

The address will be: http://prosperity.astroblahhh.com/

In case my original message wasn't successfully sent, here's the original message I tried to send at 8:08 PM, 11/15/2007.

---------------

Hi everyone. Someone recently drew my attention to the fact that asking for money via Zaadz is not allowed.

I did a little digging and found this post from a Zaadz team member, posted Nov. 9th:

http://pods.zaadz.com/how_tos_and_faqs/discussions/view/203837

Quote:

2) Never send money or perform any commercial transactions on this site. If you encounter any member asking for money, let them know that it's a violation of our Terms of Use, and then please report them to us, immediately, so we can take appropriate action.

I assume this must be a new policy change which wasn't in force before, because I'm sure the Zaadz employees who joined my pod would have let me know long ago if the pod's activities were against the rules.

So, this means I'm going to have to change the pod quite a bit in order to make it compliant with these rules.

Due to the way the message boards are set up on Zaadz, it's not possible for anyone to edit or delete their own posts, so, none of you need to do anything to your posts on the pod.

I just wanted to let you all know what was going on. I'm going to set about editing posts to remove requests for money, PayPal addresses and other means of collecting donations, and, upon request, I will completely delete posts (or edit them as you wish).

Anyhow, the above rules make it impossible to carry on with this pod on Zaadz, so, in the future, I might very well simply start a very similar Donations & Microdonations for Individuals & Groups forum on my own website.

It will probably take a while for me to accomplish this, but naturally, you're all invited once it's up and running. :-) The address will be:

http://prosperity.astroblahhh.com/

Currently that address just redirects to the pod on Zaadz, but, in time, this will change.

The pod will continue to exist on Zaadz, but, unfortunately, no one will be able to post donation requests - which kind of defeats the entire purpose of the pod. But, no matter, because we're definitely not limited to having the group on Zaadz.

This may be just the motivation I need to really learn how to program websites (instead of just talking about it but not getting around to it). :-)

I hope you're all doing well out there, and Happy Thanksgiving. :-)

Best wishes,
Apollia

Nov. 15, 2007, 8:08 PM: Major Changes at the Pod

http://apollia.gaia.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:10:01 GMT

Originally mailed Nov. 15, 2007 at 8:08 PM to 62 members.

Hi everyone. Someone recently drew my attention to the fact that asking for money via Zaadz is not allowed.

I did a little digging and found this post from a Zaadz team member, posted Nov. 9th:

http://pods.zaadz.com/how_tos_and_faqs/discussions/view/203837

Quote:

2) Never send money or perform any commercial transactions on this site. If you encounter any member asking for money, let them know that it's a violation of our Terms of Use, and then please report them to us, immediately, so we can take appropriate action.

I assume this must be a new policy change which wasn't in force before, because I'm sure the Zaadz employees who joined my pod would have let me know long ago if the pod's activities were against the rules.

So, this means I'm going to have to change the pod quite a bit in order to make it compliant with these rules.

Due to the way the message boards are set up on Zaadz, it's not possible for anyone to edit or delete their own posts, so, none of you need to do anything to your posts on the pod.

I just wanted to let you all know what was going on. I'm going to set about editing posts to remove requests for money, PayPal addresses and other means of collecting donations, and, upon request, I will completely delete posts (or edit them as you wish).

Anyhow, the above rules make it impossible to carry on with this pod on Zaadz, so, in the future, I might very well simply start a very similar Donations & Microdonations for Individuals & Groups forum on my own website.

It will probably take a while for me to accomplish this, but naturally, you're all invited once it's up and running. :-) The address will be:

http://prosperity.astroblahhh.com/

Currently that address just redirects to the pod on Zaadz, but, in time, this will change.

The pod will continue to exist on Zaadz, but, unfortunately, no one will be able to post donation requests - which kind of defeats the entire purpose of the pod. But, no matter, because we're definitely not limited to having the group on Zaadz.

This may be just the motivation I need to really learn how to program websites (instead of just talking about it but not getting around to it). :-)

I hope you're all doing well out there, and Happy Thanksgiving. :-)

Best wishes,
Apollia

Re: Help

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:03:48 GMT

Hello, thanks for message.

Can you pls direct me on how to get a grant here, for in my own country there is no government grant to people.

Aijay

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://BlueDagron.gaia.com — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:52:45 GMT

^____^
I'm very happy that this worked out.

Re: Must vacate my flat/apt. by October

http://apollia.gaia.com — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:12:51 GMT

Hi, I'm not sure how frequently lagniappe stops by this pod, so, I'll answer this myself.

Happily, and to my great relief (since I've still been struggling financially myself and wasn't able to do anything material for lagniappe myself), things definitely worked out for him with this situation. I think he's OK overall, I've seen him around Zaadz lately. :-)

Best wishes,
Apollia

Re: Help

http://wingsearching.gaia.com — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:07:12 GMT

I may be naive but you should look into government grants. I am not sure about in your country but here there are tons of grant money available. Is this a possibility

Re: Must vacate my flat/apt. by October

http://wingsearching.gaia.com — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:03:54 GMT

I know I am way to late, but I just saw this and wanted to know if you are ok.

Wings

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://apollia.gaia.com — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 22:10:44 GMT

I'm so happy things worked out! :-D It's so good to hear the good news. :-D

Quote:
You are all such caring people. I have never imagned that complete strangers would be willing to help someone.. I can't even begin to say how touched I am by the kindness of you all. I don't cry much but reading the things from you guys and seeing that people really do care has brought more than a few tears. I cannot thank you all enough. You are all angels from heaven. May God Bless you ALL!!!!!

Thank you, and ditto. I'm so happy that people participated in this and proved this donations concept can really work. I'm so proud of everyone and so happy that disaster was averted. Thank you and bless you all. :-D

Apollia

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://motherneedinghelp.gaia.com — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:56:22 GMT

HI, I just wanted to let everyone know that I got enough to pay today's fine off. I would like to thank everyone that helped. You are all greatly appreciated. Now I just have to work on the other. Thank you all very much.

Re: My Folks are in a Financial Pickle

http://ShellSeeker.gaia.com — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:37:03 GMT

P.S, I just noticed these posts are from July, have the homes already sold?
PK

Re: My Folks are in a Financial Pickle

http://ShellSeeker.gaia.com — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:35:40 GMT

Hello,

Yes, it seems a lot of people are having this problem. I'm sorry to hear your parents are having it too.

I too use Craigslist often and it's a great place. Just keep your ad running and updated, people don't usually scroll too many days past the current date.

Also, I may be stating the obvious here, as you have probably been doing this stuff, but just in case: hold open houses every Sunday, make sure your Realtor posts signs at every corner and at a major intersection that an open house is taking place, post flyers on every bulletin you can find, offer creative financing and seller concessions.

Where does your Realtor advertise and how often, make sure she/he gives you a copy of every ad. When I was selling my Mom's house, my Realtor told me she was advertising all the time. As she was a "friend" I trusted her. Found out later she had not run even one ad. Nor was she doing the open houses she said were taking place. I ended up doing those myself. Actually worked out better as I knew the house so well, as I grew up there. (I would leave them alone and then take them through again and answer their questions and point out things they may not have noticed.

Are the one of the homes still occupied and is the other still furnished? If so, there a few tips I could give you on things to do inside the house.

My sister is selling her condo. She landed an excellent Realtor and between the two of us, after having been on the market for a year now, she now has two potential buyers!!

I hope this helps. Good luck.

PK

I was a Mortgage Broker for ten years so, I've seen all kinds of situations.

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://motherneedinghelp.gaia.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:15:01 GMT

You are all such caring people. I have never imagned that complete strangers would be willing to help someone.. I can't even begin to say how touched I am by the kindness of you all. I don't cry much but reading the things from you guys and seeing that people really do care has brought more than a few tears. I cannot thank you all enough. You are all angels from heaven. May God Bless you ALL!!!!!

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://apollia.gaia.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:07:01 GMT

Thanks, may God bless you too!

Apollia

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://motherneedinghelp.gaia.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:38:50 GMT

Thank you very much. May God Bless you...

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://apollia.gaia.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:36:50 GMT

You're welcome! I just hope everything works out all right. I fixed the email address in your original post, and will be mailing this message to the entire group momentarily. You and your kids are in my prayers. Apollia

Re: MOTHER NEEDING HELP

http://motherneedinghelp.gaia.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:12:37 GMT

I am sorry my addy is [Apollia's edit, 11/15/2007: My apologies, but I had to delete 21 characters from this message to comply with Zaadz rules. Explanation here.] . My keys are sticky. Well they told me they would be able to have a case opened for me within 45 days, so it would help on the biggest one due in december. And thank you so much for the links. I will let you all know how things turn out.