Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

As I ask our featured members for feedback and get great ideas, I wanted to ask the same question to all pod members, potential featured members [though, with over 200 members, I can't wait to hear your feedback right now!]:

1. What are your tips and suggestions –how can this pod help enhance the Gaia community experience for Gaians?
   
2. How do you read the pod's posts: through email notifications or by visiting the group's discussion page,or by visiting the group's Recent Posts page?
3. How often do you read messages on this Gaia Networking pod?
4. If you have not visited in the past 30 days: what  can we do to make the group more valuable to you? Would you like to do something to add to the pod's value?

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hi Meenakshi

Good questions.

I belong to a bunch of pods and read and comment on my friends’ blogs a lot, and get a lot of other emails anyway, so I decided long ago that the only practical way for me was to check recent posts.

I monitor my list of pods a number of times a day and if I notice there has been a new post in one, I look at it and then check recent posts to see if there were others too that I haven’t read.

So in this way I have an idea of the activity in almost all the pods to which I belong except a couple fairly active pods where I am not a mod and don’t have time to follow closely, but just dip into irregularly.

Since I recently rejoined this pod I have kept up with the messages in this way.

I am fascinated by the evolution of this pod, and the commitment of its mods to furthering Gaia. I’m glad to do what I can to support your vision and share my thoughts.

Love

Nicole

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hi Meenakshi,
I receive notices  and read the emails from here every day. I think the work you are doing is wonderful ,you are wonderful .personally I can't see where you need to improve on anything . I think you are doing a perfect job  ,all of you. Love and blessings Littledove   

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

LittleDove, thank you as ever for your encouragement. I have to admit that if I sometimes look at the memebrs who do not visit, I wonder why they don't. It's something I've to get over, I guess. I want to ensure that everyone who's a member realizes how much they can contribute.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Nicole, one thing I've learned from you, is to respond to messages; I used to be not very good at this, sometimes letting the other have the last word, but am learning to be more responsive if I am the moderator/cultivator.

Thank you for your presence here!

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hi Meenakshi,

Tips

 Too early for me to offer any tips, however, if my statistics are any indications, the fundamental principle of mutual appreciation and encouragement being the backbone of any social network is perhaps understood/appreciated by less than 4 % of the community. 

Take for example my case.

As of now My profile says :

Member Since: Tuesday, August 12 2008

Last Visit: Today.

Profile Viewed: 368 times (last viewed about 1 hour ago)

August 12 …hmm less than 30 days, and already 368 people have viewed my profile, that is over 10 views per day !!!!

Who are they ?

I feel haunted by over 300 ghosts :)

Again, during this small perion of 27 days , I have posted 19 blogs ( and quite a few messages and threads on the “groups” I belong to).

Interesting statistics here again.

19 blogs, and the total persons who have viewed these blogs add up to 885.  And guess how many feedback out of 885 viewings??

29 including my own replies.. that works out to 3.27 %.

Less than 4 % viewers ever felt like leaving a footprint behind.

No wonder, some people get frustrated (as is evident from some posts in some pods).


I rest my case :)

How do you read the pod's posts

I read messages usually in all the different ways  email notification/ new message notice on my profile page and sometimes by personal communication/reference by another gaia friend. Mostly though I visit groups I belong to. 

How often? Well, for now, almost daily…but I don't promise this regularity :)

Thank you for taking the effort of this survey

Eli

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod-Eli

Eli, it's interesting to go through the statistics, and we all do that, as they are available, at some point in our life as community.

I think at one point we all realize that it is not going to be what we expect, numbers-wise. As you say, some get disheartened by this; and what I've also seen is that others deal with it in different ways.

I have had pod posts that generated hundreds of responses, and some that did nothing; and blogs that got no views at all for months and then got picked up for viewing and/or commenting.

We have discussed this here, on other threads, and I'd like to see where you move with your feelings as you read them:
Is anyone reading my blog? Can I improve readership?
When someone comments on your blog, do you respond to each post?
Warriors, guerilla soldiers, tennis players, monks and who else?


None of these will directly answer the disappointment you are feeling; but I'd like to leave you with one fact, and some thoughts:

The “Views” that you see on your blog posts, can also be because of seeds posted to your blog. Some people like to read, have no words that they feel they need to share, and so just seed your blog. Each time they click on “I like it!”–it puts the view counter up by one.

Sometimes we have to be satisfied by silent appreciation! I find this the same in off-line communities; but am always surprised when it happens online as well.

Sometimes it's a question of getting close to people who then want to leave a comment–even if it's just to say-Hi!

Another tip– you can also check with your friends, as Ben did on this pod awhile back, what would interest them enough to comment on one of your blogs.

We'll all learn more about online community as we go through this journey together!

Hang in there, Eli; and let's hope others chime in with some thoughts as well.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod-Eli

Meenakshi,

I am sorry if my words sounded like I was getting disappointed or frustrated, they were not meant to be such at all.

Personally, to me, “Purpose” is what matters, not popularity, or “positive strokes”. I am NOT looking to quote “generate(d) hundreds of responses” unquote.

You may have noticed that I quoted the statistics under the Title “Tips”. Your mail asked for “tips” and I only tangentially “hinted” at tips, because, as I said,  “the fundamental principle of mutual appreciation and encouragement is the backbone of any social network “.

I had only hoped that my statistics would channelize the thoughts of such wonderful minds like you, Kathy, Nicole, and many others towards thinking ….thinking…thinking…

I am glad to know that you (in plural) have ALREADY thought about it, and I am now feeling little silly trying to tell a fish how to swim :). Please pardom my audacity.
 
No Meenakshi, I am NOT feeling any disappointment as you pointed out by saying “None of these will directly answer the disappointment you are feeling”.

I was only trying to help.

I am not disappointed because I now KNOW and experience the following (mentioned in my profile)
 
1. We should learn to forgive ourself

2. Change comes when it comes .. we must be patient

3. If we think good, see only good and pray sincerely the world looks a brighter and better place. The negatives are not “out there” they are “inside us” and we only hurt ourself by seeing and feeling negatively. While the world moves on, we keep bleeding inside feeling hurt and lonely.

4. God is kind and blessings are always there, we only need to be aware of the blessings.

5.Truth is simple, not a complex concept but unfortunately it is not simple to think simple.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod-Eli

Ah –I apologize for not understanding, Eli, that you gave your example as a tip and not a disappointment!

And I'm glad you brought this up; because I'm sure many people [including I] think along these lines, and re-think, as you want us to, each time we read this.

I think that for one, it helps me to be better at commenting and responding than I used to be [when I think of the do unto others bit!]; and perhaps it helps others too….

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Meenakshi,

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

I love surveys. :)

1. What are your tips and suggestions –how can this pod help enhance the Gaia community experience for Gaians?

I think it's doing a wonderful job, but then, I'm not one who necessarily needs a great deal of help in the community. ;) I think that reaching out to new members is always, always wonderful–it helps these newcomers feel welcome and (for me at least!) helps the 'inviter' feel as though their presence here has helped someone. It's a little like the equivalent of smiling at strangers or starting conversations with new students–someone that, in the end, serves us all.

Also, I'd love to see an “Appreciative Inquiry” approach to these questions, too–the sort of, “What do you get out of this Group? What have you found the most useful? What benefits have you gained from joining?” It helps find out what's being done right, so that we / you can do more of it. :)

2. How do you read the pod's posts: through email notifications or by visiting the group's discussion page, or by visiting the group's Recent Posts page?

I go to the 'Recent Posts' page, or just pop in when I see a post show up on the 'new / explore' page on Gaia.



3. How often do you read messages on this Gaia Networking pod?

It varies; usually a few times a week.

4. If you have not visited in the past 30 days: what  can we do to make the group more valuable to you? Would you like to do something to add to the pod's value?

N/A.

Wonderful questions, Meenakshi, for an even more wonderful Group. Thank you thank you thank you, as always….

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Siona, thanks for that tip about Appreciative Inquiry–will keep it in mind for my next bout of questioning!

Thanks for giving such thoughtful feedback. I'm really touched–always am, by your showing once again that ” I'm not one who necessarily needs a great deal of help in the community.”  Too true!!!!

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hi Meenakshi

Most of the time that I arrive at this pod, is when I see a message show up with the latest discussion posts or by looking at my friendsactivity list.

When I read a discussion I do not always know which pod it is, it is all a bit overwhelming still, the whole Gaia site. But then again, I think that is the beauty of it.

So I do not have any suggestions for improvement, but just enjoy my reading here. It is still reading, as writing is one step to far most of the time.

But appearently it helps if you send an email with questions, now I do react as you see.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

I appreciate the time it takes of those that know how and take the time to create the networking adventures and opportunities. 

I check through email alot as it is a reminder to me to log on.
At times I wander through odds and ends, responding to the various notices and grapevines, then  time permitting  into groups

Classmates.com has an interesting way of showing someone stopped by and then it provides either keep it, reply or delete as choices. 

I am learning to communicate more through gaia and how to network, blog and create within my own.  It is like a living journal and kitchen table friendly! 

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Howdy,

I look at my inbox almost everyday. The reason for this is because I started the Raine or Shine Exercise Group. Since I am new to the Gaia tribe,however, and still learning how to manuever, the pod is small. I did decide to ask some questions and later in the post - gave some insight (hopefully) as to how the Gaia functions.

Questions:
How can we know if we are planting enough seeds? I have been a member for a few months and have over 170,000 seeds but do not know if this is weak or strong or somewhere in the middle.

Who really owns Gaia and are they on the stock exchange? This probably sounds like a weird inquiry. I am very conscious of what entities I support, both individually, and on a global level.

Is Internet Explorer completely compatible with Gaia yet? I had to download Mozilla in order to work with Gaia.

Feedback:
I think the mission statement and overall flavor or Gaia is healing. Although people come and go (visit briefly) this is probably from a number of viewpoints.

1. People don't use their real names most of the time. This practice is a protection that most of us prefer, however, it does separate us.

2 Many people do not share their photos of themselves as to remain completely anonymous.

3. People are busy and content to remain faithful to yahoo, aol, facebook, gmail, etc. and haven't made a complete switch to Gaia for all their needs.

4. Gaia is a growing site. The people (users) on Gaia are for the most part trying to make their lives and the lives of others better in some way. With the responsibilities of life leaning on all of us there is only so much time to dedicate. We have to re-learn what is meaningful. :=]

thanks for the survey.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hi kalyse,

Your concluding words ”With the responsibilities of life leaning on all of us there is only so much time to dedicate. We have to re-learn what is meaningful” reminds me of the following profound words by Shunryu Suzuki

“The most important thing is to find out what is the most important thing. ”

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Kalyse, interesting post, giving your feedback on Gaia. You've also raised issues that we are discussing on Gaia Networking pod : -)

I started the Raine or Shine Exercise Group. Since I am new to the Gaia tribe,however, and still learning how to manuever, the pod is small.As your Raine and Shine group is a new one, perhaps it will help to have a link to it in your profile. That way, anyone who visits your page [as I did] will be able to view it. You could also check out the pod for group cultivators/moderators called Gaia Groups Community - “The Mod Pod”

“People don't use their real names most of the time. ”
We had a discussion on What can we really know about each other?
I'd love your input there, on this and photos keeping people anonymous…this perception needs to be discussed. If you like, please start a new discussion.

People are busy and content to remain faithful to yahoo, aol, facebook, gmail, etc. and haven't made a complete switch to Gaia for all their needs.
I'm a member/”owner” of many yahoo groups whose members I'm gently trying to wean over to Gaia. Not everyone will come. I've personally found Gaia to be a place where people are self-empowered; where one develops what one seeks in a community setting. Yet, there are also ways to stay away from too much “socializing”!  [ TIP- You don't HAVE to commune]


With the responsibilities of life leaning on all of us there is only so much time to dedicate. We have to re-learn what is meaningful. :=]
Very true! I've learned to expand time so I can have a busy mom time, me time, office time, housework time, friends time, exercise time and online time! And in this pod, Gaia Networking, we're getting members to share tips on how to enhance all aspects of our life, as we interact as an international online community.

Answers to your questions:

How can we know if we are planting enough seeds? The 170,000 + seeds that are shown next to:”Seeds Sown” right on top  of our pages, are not the personal # of seeds each member has sown ; but the  total # sown on Gaia since the seeds program began.   I don't think we can know how many seeds each of us has sown.

Who really owns Gaia and are they on the stock exchange? Questions about the Gaia Community are answered in Siona's words [the Director of Gaia Community ] on her pod  Gaia Community Vision.

Is Internet Explorer completely compatible with Gaia yet? From what I've heard the support team tell us, they are not actively seeking to make Gaia.com compatible with IE, but more with Firefox. But I know others –our own OM for one– do use IE and can be of help at the Support Pod if there are any queries.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Is Internet Explorer completely compatible with Gaia yet?

Yes it is. I use both FF and IE 7, mostly  IE 7 only, and it works extremely well.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hi Kalyse,

In addition to the very helpful response from Meenakshi:

While you can't know how many seeds you have sown, you can know how many seeds you have available to sow. That number is at the top left of your profile, under the words Give Thanks!

I found the following links about the company that owns Gaia, for a quick overview of goals, history, current stock trends and so on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaiam

http://finance.google.ca/finance?client=ob&q=NASDAQ:GAIA

the second link includes links to just about every bit of financial news on Gaiam including one of the most recent

Gaiam quarterly revenue rises 9 percent

Peace,

Nicole

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

I'll do my best to answer this. I have limited time everyday on the internet, so I do not visit this pod very often. When i was invited, I was interestedin doing more networking, but my Gaia experience has been moving in a different direction, with friends to chat with and a few other pods that discuss somethings on my mind. But, I like to visit the discussion page from time to time to see what's up, although I don't always reply.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod-hollyr

Holly, then I'm doubly honored by the footprint you left behind [right, ~KES]?

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

[quote] Is it rewarding to be part of the Gaia community; or would you rather be left alone? [quote/]

I love to be talked to/interact with/communicate.

My job means I have no time for a social life. I don't think I really can be bothered with one now, I haven't been out for over 6yrs, execpt to have a w/end away now and then.

So having a post answered or my blog commented on makes my day lol

My computer is the doorway to my friends.

So, please don't leave me alone lol

Love mia xx

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod-mia

mia–can't imagine I'll leave you alone; but if you do, remember you can reach out and grape someone's vine, or send out an alert on the Status Bar, or respond to a pod post; or–hey– add to our tips about Networking on little-known areas of Gaia !!!

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hey Meenakshi,

The best way for me to stay on top of the Pods/Blogs, other than what has all ready been touched on, is through my friends who will either ping me, send me a email, post to my GV or just highlight the situation on their Status. I find networking to be just that. I have to reach out and touch the souls I depend on for accurate and up to date information.

I use the email notification widget and attempt to hit all the red arrows every morning when I sign in.

I think your use of that pointed little email notice, works just fine..If it can bring me out of the shadows to participate..Well the sky is the limit..

I do have one question that's be rolling around in my head..the little lights below everyones name that are lit up bright or not and the position in the My friends list..what does that signify? The rank position a so forth..It's been driving me bats!!…not a hard thing to do..

txs for pushing.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Hey there, I can answer that one and give your brain a rest !! When people are logged in to the community, their icon/name rectangle has a light purple background, but that's not really very visible, so recently the Team has started putting those names in red letters. Is that what you mean by “the little light by their name?”

And the latest one to log in is top left in your Friends list, and on the Members page, and as others log in, they become top left and the others get bumped down in the line. Til at last, if they have enough folks who have logged in since they did, their little picture disappears into the sunset, I mean, you would have to click on Show All Friends to see the whole list to find them. In any normal display of icons/names, the last one on bottom right is the one who logged in longest ago.

I say “normal” because if you search Members by some other criterion you can get the list to display, say alphabetically. You uncheck “Last login” as the list-arranging criterion.

OK OK TMI.
 
I found the answer to the question in the FAQ section of the How Tos and FAQs Group. You might find it fascinating all the incredible stuff useful information that is there.

Yep, we're gonna lure you out of the shadows with tidbits of sweetness, like coaxing a shy animal with food, huh??

Namaste, OM Bastet

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Thanks OM for that timely info, my train was about to run off the track again. As for coaxing, sometimes a sharp stick works best, other times a quick stab between the ribs seems to awake this shy Dart and move him out of his comfort zone.. although food is one stimulus that seems to always turn on the light.

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

Can someone explain to us where the e mail notification widget is?

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

~KES
Here's the deal, go up to your Name on the gaia top bar over to the right and hold your mouse pointer over it. When the menu pops up click on the settings.

That will take you the account page. Go down on the left had side and click on Group Discussion under the Subscriptions and Notifications.

…There you will find the magic..go down to the “Gaia Networking - Enhance Your Community Experience and make your choice. Right now I have mine set to send Individually. As a result of that I received (5) email notifications as to your activity on the Pod..wow…busy this morning…

I hope this will clear that up..You can email me if you need additional information or have any questions…

~lars

Re: Feedback on this Gaia Networking pod

I love Surveys too even if I miss them the first time around!

“how can this pod help enhance the Gaia community experience for Gaians?”

As we only have a keyboard with a limited number of options as our 'voice' this pod gives us many different viewpoints on the challenges that come up from using a simple keyboard to communicate Big Ideas!

I have found that I get a bigger picture of how other's may be interpreting my actions or inactions on Gaia by reading thru a thread on the Community: Pain or Pleasure? board. Chose a topic you've experienced and chances are many others have had that experience too but have handled it very differently from the way you did. I was able to see all the gray area surrounding topics such as rudeness to giving a reason or not giving a reason for not adding a friend.

How do you read the pod's posts:

Thru email notifications even if I am late to respond when I miss a couple of weeks online and get buried in them!

How often do you read messages

Every time I get a chance! Which is normally everyday but sometimes a day or two can go by before I get to turn on my laptop!


Smiles!