something seriously wrong with Gaia

(this is a repost of a Gaia-problem.)

Okay, first of all sorry if I offend people in any way with the following. It wasn't my intention. And especially to Siona, who has been doing an amazing job with Gaia and Zaadz over the past few years. I cheer what active content there is!

Our mission:
- To discover and realize that which we're truly meant to become, and, in doing so, to encourage and inspire others to do the same.

- Our vision is of a world where each of us is supported in realizing our highest selves, discovering our own individual gifts and strengths, and each contributing, in our own way, to a harmonious, diverse, creative, and collaborative future.

- And so, we started this community with the intent of creating a space where people could come not just to remind each other to continue to follow our hearts, but to practice it. Our dream is for Gaia Community to be a sanctuary for individuals around the world who've committed to follow their deepest calling, and who will support each other in that commitment—offering encouragement and enthusiasm for each unique path.

I personally love these ideals, I really do.

So why do I quote them?

I'd guess, judging from recent logins and sign-ups. That somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of Gaians have absolutely nothing to do with this ideal!

When I look at most sign-ups they remain picture less, profile-less and friendless. People do not contribute at all, and I wonder, I seriously wonder How many of these people apply to the scholarship? I have the idea most people come here for money, and not for any of the ideals that this community was meant to be for.

So I would like to know this:
How many people have over 10 friends, and how many people apply for the Gaia scholarship?

If the difference in number is anywhere near more then 10 times applications then 10-friend limit. I assume you all see the problem here.

so this I suggest:
Naturally the policies of gaia, and how it is to be run, are none of my business. However as a contributer of the community, I would like to see that better. All these people come and go, and leave groups, people and discussion unattended. For someone who does want to strive these ideals. Useing this community becomes a very difficult and unmotivated job. The large mess this group of 'users' leave is a
serious threat to the ideals of this forum.

So, whatever you do. Seperate community and scholarship applications.
And do not give an obligation to attending the community, because it messes up all that is good! Instead change the scholarship to an award. Reached out to for instance the most helping and inspiring person in the community. Other people will nominate those people. This will greatly fraternize the community and (in my opinion) greatly improve the goals once set.

I would like to hear the input of all you guys, and the Gaia team!

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Domus, I really respect your commitment to zaadz and now Gaia, and the quality of all your feedback. Thank you.

I look forward to seeing how the Team responds to your idea. I'm not sure what effect the whole scholarship thing has had on the community, but they would know. I agree with you about Siona, she is absolutely amazing! 

Peace,

Nicole

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

A thoughtful post Domus, though there may be reasons why some don't make friends, shyness being one. If I notice a member with few friends that has been here a while then I offer friendship, that can be enough to kickstart things and nothing gives me more pleasure than to notice them making friends with other friendsof mine.

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I agree, that just few friends is a bad criteria, but it makes a point. Because often it is accompanied with no to few replies on communities and an overall absence.
Your friend-tactics seem very open and kind of you. Good work!

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Gael, that is beautiful, and inspiring! It's true, it's important not to make assumptions.

Love,

Nicole

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Thank you, Domus, always. (And Nicole, for your kind words and curiousity!)

I think what I'd recommend is that you come join the Scholarship group. You can see that since we launched it in January we've had a little over 800 members join through that method, or join because they wanted to apply. It's not a negligible number, certainly, but it's small compared to the over 10,000 non-applicants who joined in the same time period. It's true that a significant majority of these members are not engaging, but I think, based on the numbers above, it's not the fault of the scholarship.

I think Gael makes a good point, too. :)

And it's funny that you bring this up now, because I got a note from a (brave) new member yesterday who wrote to me with some feedback. She said that she thought the community needed more balance; that is, that there was an emphasis on academic or intellectual dialogue and an absence of compassionate, grounded, action or support. She said she came to visit, but had a hard time 'getting involved,' and she wrote that:

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Siona, this is very helpful feedback, perhaps we could discuss this in the Mod Pod? If  people are feeling that as moderators, we are sometimes too heavy handed and alienating some people, it would be good to think together about how we can draw in those new people better.

Love,

Nicole

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Nicole: Great minds! I was just writing the member to ask whether she was okay with me posting the entirety of her letter in the Mod Pod, but then I noticed this thread (obviously I am not immune from distraction… ;)

In any case, yes, I think it's great feedback that we might not otherwise hear and it would definitely be worth gabbing about.

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Thank you!

Hugs,

Nicole

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I am very glad this conversation was started. First of all, I apply to a lot of scholarships, it is something I am pretty good at (won Gaia this year)-at the time I thought it was a nice scholarship, but I just loved the idea of the community; it was so different from other social networks-there was substance to the members. I have been a member since August, I have 80 friends. I invite, I am invited; I love it! Sometimes my focus is taken off school, work, housework, but it is too wonderful to miss.

In reference to people having no friends-Gaia just started a college pod; there has been an influx of people with no pictures and no history; I am also aware that some people are shy, that is why sometimes I will reach out to them-guess what? it works.
I have one more comment that may be touchy; I have been invited by a number of people who have, for the most part, immediately say they would like to communicate outside Gaia.  (Not people who have been friends for a while) I tried this once, and found that certain individuals are looking for “help” or benefactors-when I politely express that I hope they are sucessful, I never hear from them again; I have decided that when I see a similar request, I just do not accept it. These people have nothing or very little on their profile. I would appreciate feedback on this.

Love you, Siona.

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I have been invited by a number of people who have, for the most part,
immediately say they would like to communicate outside Gaia.

This is a warning sign for scammers, Cindy! Please don't be shy about reporting requests like this to the Team. You can use the 'Spam' button in your inbox and fill out the form, or just forward the message to ~Matthew.

And thank you, too, for your wonderful feedback. This was our intention with the scholarship; that it would bring in those who were passionate about positive change in the world and committed to their own growth and development. I'm so glad it worked in your case. :)

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I just happened to come online today and saw this thread.

I found this site a few months ago while searching for scholarships for my son. We both registered. he applied for the scholarship. I'm sure he hasn't been back because he is so busy right now getting ready to graduate high school.

My son is going to school to be a veterinarian so that he can promote integrated healing and treating the whole animal, not just the symptoms.

But, we were both excited to find the Gaia community. We are both Reiki Masters and use Reiki in our daily lives. We also use other healing modalities and have a great love and respect for the earth.

This is the first that I've joined a group - just so I can respond. I have no friends at Gaia yet and I have not posted a photo. But, I've been reading the posts a few times a month. I have referred a few of my “real world” friends to Gaia because I knew they would enjoy it as well.

I tell you all this because I do respect and live the general principles found in the Gaia community yet I do not fit the mold described as an active member. We did find Gaia because of the scholarship. But, we value the message.

I'm sure there are many that come to Gaia just for the scholarship and don't understand the priniciples. But, wouldn't that be apparent in their essay?

In our case, the scholarship brought us to the Gaia community.

I hope my input helps with this topic.

Chris

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Now, that's an inspiring story, Chris!

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

there has been an influx of people with no pictures…


I have brought it up before and was told that varied icons would be soon available
to choose from when people joined on.
We're still seeing generic smileys, which IMO are really out of place for this community.

We've had a few design changes and greeting cards, yet we still offer no photo icons for people to choose. I think that is something that should be done ASAP, so new members would feel something of a personal connection to our mission.

Hugs and Thanks always to the team…

Ladybear

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Yes, you're right, LB. The reason it's taken so long is because of the way user icons are created–that is, within the Photo Gallery–so changing where you add / upload an icon takes a bit of behind-the-scenes reworking. That said, I think it will help a) to ask for an icon when members first join, rather than making them go to their Photo Gallery to add one, and b) to, as you wrote, offer a few options to pick from. I've just lumped that request up the developer list. Thank you!

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I do understand Domus' concerns as occasionally I have had a request to be a friend from someone who was just advertising something. It even looked like an automated request not something from a person. That really irritated me.

In reply to Chris, I joined Zaadz in early 2006 and didnt become active until Dec 2008. There are many reasons why people arent active and its not because they are not true Zaadtzers or Gaiaens. My sister also joined in 2006 and she watches what goes on but doesnt get involved for many reasons, definitely not because she is antagonistic towards it. She is a true Zaadster at heart and demonstrates it in her work on a daily basis. 

I know there are many people out there just watching and enjoying what they see and being inspired. Sometimes when I post my photos on the Moon group I think of them and post so they have something lovely to see. I like to think the 'now I can see the moon' group would appeal to those who do not want to talk about heavy stuff, just to appreciate the beauty in this world.

As I have said in other places, Siona was the one who coaxed me back in with encouraging emails and I'm glad she did. Although all this time I spend on Gaia probably could be spent doing other things vital to my life. ;oD

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

It's really great to get this kind of input, Jenny.

Thanks,

Nicole

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Thanks for the response, Siona.
I'll look forward to seeing some pretty new icons.

Have a wonderful weekend, You are so appreciated!

Hugs, Lb

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Then it seems that we have most trouble with commercialism. And scammers etc.
(I personally do not see the reason for it, but hey I am probably just too idealistic)

And perhaps, in general, the commin summer would be a good idea to get a good clean-up of Gaia? Get the ambassadors, and all of the pod-mods. To take a good look at inactive pods, merge them with others that have general equal goals. And tidy-up what mountain of different directions were created over the years. (Generally I unsubscribe from pods I am no longer interested in so…)
I am not saying that all those directions are bad, but might need a clean up or at least a sort of subdivision. Like large but inactive groups, or small and active groups. with some sort of general mindset to the groups posters etc.

By the way, I was caught by the general feel of gaia too. But I must say, I find it harder these days to find that feel.

I love all the responses!

p.s. I like the Icon Idea, how about automated icons (letters) with the first letter of the e-mail adress as automated starting icon?

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Domus, I agree that it would be great to look at merging pods and deleting the long dead ones that never got off the ground - big job but it's a good time to start, I think.

I think if people see pods getting merged it might motivate them to thinking about merging their own pods, especially if we discuss it on the Mod Pod and amongst the Ambassadors.

Have you decided to merge your own pods, Domus?

Peace,

Nicole

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I am currently In the process off. I mod about 6 pods. And of which I think can at least be reduced to four. But you will need conversations with the starter of the pods. In some of my cases, they are either not reachable, or only via via. Anyhow, I am in the process yes.

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

This is however not easy. I can only merge my own created pods, and will need some sort of permission of the group cultivators (which I am contacting) to clean them up.
However, my general question is:
How do you merge a pod, if you are not the owner, and just moderator?
Isn't there like a special cultivator-transfer function? Enabling you to give full control of your pod to someone else?

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

.

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

There is, Domus. The team can help with it. That, too, has been discussed in the Mod Pod with Siona - in that same thread I referenced regarding group activity in our discussion on Deceit of the Selfish Mind, Siona said on Mar 8: 

“I’m so glad you brought this up! It’s something I’ve dealt with a bit before–I’ve happily facilitated transfers of Groups from one cultivator to another (either because the first no longer had time to nurture the Group or because they’d left Gaia); after all, it makes so much more sense to rekindle and revive an existing collection of members than it does to try to build up a new Group.” 

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I did a survey for this on Gaia Networking and got 27 answers that will also contribute to the motion of having other member's responses.
http://groups.gaia.com/z_network/conversations/view/431257#431257

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Hello Domus Ulixes.
I wanted to mention i dont acrue friends of profile page by choice a i feel some people might attatch a “value” to fostering a wealth of friends and dont personally want to appear so myself. That has appeared applicable at other sites more than here, but, all the same, an obserevation.
I like to think all people out there are either friends or potentially so.
Also, I havent applied for a scholarship and dont intend to, but, at the same time can see where you are comming from, wanting better quality interfacing between Gaians.
Also, while i am here, i feel it would be to advantage to “mothball” or delete superfluous and redundant group pods thereby facilitating greater ease of use with those of substance remaining.

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Leo, that's an interesting point about friends. I've noticed that there are many approaches to friending, I like yours.

Peace,

Nicole

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Domus, going back to your first post:
“I'd guess, judging from recent logins and sign-ups. That somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of Gaians have absolutely nothing to do with this ideal!
When I look at most sign-ups they remain picture less, profile-less and friendless”

I wonder if those who have signed do have the ideal; but it's something they're mulling over. I have three inactive friends whom I know f2f also; they like the idea but don't find time or aren't internet savvy enough to actively participate. In a way, for me to know that they still want to remain members shows that they share something with me that other f2f friends whom I invited and who didn't join, don't.

This translates for me, into knowing that Gaia has many seeds [sorry, can't resist] in waiting for those of us who're active, to create something that they can then sprout into participate in. It's still powered by zaadz, isn't that interesting!

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

I have been a member for a while, but haven't been active until now since I just recently got wireless internet connected at my house (yay!).  And I was interested in this thread because it seemed to me…well a little malicious…  To say something is “seriously wrong with Gaia” isn't right.  There is nothing wrong with Gaia…I love Gaia and am truly interested in learning more about it. And although it's been a great thread and great conversation, I think instead, it'd be productive to just be what you want everyone else to be–befriend new members who don't have pictures or profiles. Send them an email or message and request a conversation, get to know them…  You mean so much to the community, you have the power to be the change you want to see! Not just by saying this is what's wrong, but also by action..

I haven't experienced too many things on here quite yet- I am one of the ones you were speaking of without a picture and no friends..And although I haven't attempted to befriend anyone, non of the older Gaians have either..
  I myself have just not had the chance to get my profile up quite yet-I'm working on it though!And since I haven't gotten my profile up yet, I haven't asked anyone to be my friend..This may sound surprising, but I don't surround my life around Gaia-should I to be a part of it?…  I like what it has to say and I like being able to express myself and learn from others who think similarly, but I just don't have the time to spend being on here for long most of the time (which I feel is what I need to get a good profile up, and get going with it all).  

I must say it is (the groups and links all over) a little overwhelming..Its taken me a bit to navigate through and figure out where everything is.  It is hard to navigate through and highly recommend Gaia to please do something to make it a little more simple? I haven't seen this college group someone spoke of but will search for it..

I'll admit I am a bit shy about just stepping in on threads since everyone seems to know each other so well..  I have taken the feedback on this thread to heart and will make more of an effort to communicate with others and befriend them as well as actually get my profile up!  I have so much to give and I have been so selfish by holding it inside me..I'd love to be a part of the community more, and intend to do so.    but…at this moment I have  a very ansy dog waiting for me and 3 more hours of work to be done.  Gaia will have to wait just a little while longer-but as soon as I can :)

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

zipityduda24 , there are many things I enjoyed in yr post -not least your name that has the song going in my mind [my oh my what a wonderful day!]
So I hope you won't mind if it keeps intruding in my response to some of the points you made!

First, like you - I don't think anything seriously wrong with Gaia. In fact, I think it's living up to being  a community that's different from other social networks. [plenty of sunshine heading my way….] [there's that song again!]

I have an observation about:
” it'd be productive to just be what you want everyone else to be–befriend new members who don't have pictures or profiles.”
The difficulty with asking someone who doesn't have a profile, to be a friend, is that you don't know if your interests match; or even if the other person would like to be friends. So I think most people would wait till they're sure. I'm glad that you'vegot a faster internet connection now and are planning to work on your profile.
[It's the truth
It's actual
Everything is satisfactual]
And you know what - Im so glad you  overcame your shyness to step into this thread. That's how I got to know people here; and most of the time people were very welcoming; and if not - I went around till I found a friendl spot. If you go by my profile, yu'll see I've found many friendly spots on Gaia!

We have a new member who joined a little over a month back, whom we're featuring at GAia Networking - do come by, you might enjoy the conversation.He finds Gaia easy to get around and enjoys it too.Featuring Nion - “mirror of the souls within”

I hope you enjoy many moments on Gaia. I have enjoyed singing talking with you.

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
Zip-A-Dee-A
Wonderful feeling
Wonderful day

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Ditto everything Meenakshi said, including the song you started going in my head!!!

I saw your blogs, and liked what you said, and I am sending you a Friend invite! So there, your process is launched. 

Looking forward to your contributions to the community, and to getting to know you better!

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: something seriously wrong with Gaia

Well, I went first [so there, OM!]  ((((((((((((()))))))))))
–butbutbut,,,z hasn't [yet?] accepted my friend's invite. No pressure! ;p