Advice from Featured Members

Each month, we feature members of Gaia, who can help us to see different ways in which to enjoy our experience on Gaia, and to have it be as authentic, all-embracing, individual and yet community-based as possible.

I will link to messages from different members, for newcomers to Gaia to view and use as suits you.

If you would like to communicate with the featured members regarding their advice given here,  please click on “Reply to Post” from the particular member's post; and not “Reply to Thread”.


Thank you.
Meenakshi

Re: Advice from Featured Members~KES/Kathy

~KES- Ambassador, Group cultivator, moderator on Gaia Networking
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May 3rd, 2008
How do you feel the Gaia Networking group can enhance new and older members' community experience  

By staying up to date, reading the new posts so that we can maintain and help clean up our sites and expand.

What would you advise someone who is joining Gaia today?  Take 40 minutes and invite some new friends, join a couple of pods that I just listed or post something in The Lounge so other's can find you and offer help.  Take the time to follow the prompts and teach yourself to upload pix, post a blog, etc.

Re: Advice from Featured Members:Sandy

sandy, Gaia Ambassador, Pod cultivator
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Jun 3,2008
I would advise anyone just joining Gaia, to have a look through the Groups section before starting a new pod.Often there is something very similar, and then you have the benefit of being able to discuss like-minded issues.

Re: Advice from Featured Members:Ben/Marmalade

Marmalade / Ben- Pod moderator. New to Gaia when he was featured.
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Aug. 4th, 2008
Fortunately, there are plenty of friendly and knowledgable people around to help guide and advise the newbies.

If someone new to the site seems confused or asks for advice, I'll do whatever I can to help them.

Aug. 21, 2008
 
I belong to a bunch of pods, but I'm not acitve in most of them.  Of course, I'd be active in more pods if I had more time.  The pod I spend the most time in is the God Pod.  I'm a mod there, a very active poster, a greeter of new members, and an occasional goofball.

Re: Advice from Featured Members: Centria/Kathy

Centria/ Kathy –Blogger extraordinaire
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Sept. 2, 2008

The Gaia Networking group does such a good job welcoming and integrating new members and explaining some of the ins and outs of this Gaia world that it's a pleasure to share with everyone here.

Sept. 5, 2008
I have some definitive ideas about how people can grow here on Gaia.

[click on the links for the entire message].

Re: Advice from Featured Members:Dave

Dave- Gaia Ambassador, Pod moderator
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Oct. 5, 2008

For someone who is joining Gaia, here is what I have offered many times…

“Gaia is an oasis where you can trust your heart, and have the courage to be more than you ever dreamed possible.”

Oct. 22, 2008

I have, and will always have a wonderful impression of the Gaia Networking Community.

In many ways, it reminds me of a country inn where everyone is welcome, there are those who tend to the guests, and there is a delectable dining room, where visitors and owners blend to taste a soulful experience.  There is always the chance to meet someone new, and to create new friends and relationships, and that is why I like to drop in from time to time.

Re: Advice from Featured Members: debyemm/Deb

debyemm/ Deb- Ambassador, Pod cultivator
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Nov. 9, 2008

What would I advise someone joining Gaia today? 

Do the Q&R (Questions and Reflections) because you can learn to do a blog that way, if you don't already know how, and it will link you in with a larger community quickly.  No one told me about that in the beginning.  Once you answer, you can go back and see what other members are answering and then leave comments and connect that way.  Even though I would recommend it to someone who was new, I don't do them very often, only if I happen to catch a friend answering one that I feel I have something to say about and then I will.  Samme taught me about pulling up the friends blogs (before it became as easy as clicking the link in the shaded box on the left) and that has encouraged me to visit blogs more and comment on them more often.

Also to ask questions about stuff, look for the pods that can give support and advise on the technical issues, even though I'm not good about that myself.  I'm one who just likes to use the technology for my convenience but I'm not one to get into the fine points and technical embellishments.  The learning curve takes too much time.  For me, it's always about time spent and how to do things faster.

Re: Advice from Featured Members-C.G.

Advice to every dear friend I have have yet to meet:

1)     Be who you are and say what you feel because

those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”–Dr Seuss

2) ENJOY!!!!!!!!

blessings to you and all you hold dear,

CG

Re: Advice from Featured Members-C.G.

More from C.G. on his thread:
Q:
What would you advise someone who is joining Gaia today?
C.G.:
The secret to prospering in Gaia is the same as to prospering in
relation with yourself: Be true to your nature, open your loving heart,
be kind in your relationship. In treating yourself so, you will come
into the interaction with other Gaians giving much without any
effort.

Re: Advice from Featured Members- Nicole

There is so much wisdom already here from other members that what I believe will overlap. But that's ok. My advice to new members is summed up in be yourself, follow your bliss, and ask for help as needed, but I do have some other tips: 

1) Notifications: as you start getting involved in groups and blog discussions, you may wish to set your notifications so that you don't get swamped with emails of each comment or discussion post to a popular blog or group. Consider daily digests or looking up messages on line if your mailbox is filling up.

2) If you enjoy discussion groups, check out the Active Groups of Gaia
to get an idea of where conversations are happening on an ongoing basis. Don't be shy, groups are glad to have new people add their thoughts so introduce yourself and join in the discussions of interest according to your comfort level and time.

If you go to the bigger groups list and see a group you like that isn't active,and it really looks like a great group for you, there is a chance you can help jumpstart it. Feel free to ask for help, though, because either starting or restarting a group on your own as a new member can be challenging, there are people here in Gaia Networking and on the Mod Pod
who have the experience and resources to support and help you in what you are trying to do.


It's normal for misunderstandings to happen in online discussions - without body language clues a light-hearted comment can feel like a slap in the face. So if you feel disturbed or offended by something you read in a group, please don't just leave the group. Take some time to think about how you prefer to deal with it - whether a reply seeking clarification on the group or a private message to the person posting or a moderator or a Gaia friend you trust, but the vast majority of miscommunications can be happily resolved and often lead to you making a new friend.

How many groups to join? As many as you want, but remember if you choose to be in a lot of active groups about those notifications settings above.

3) If you like blogging and reading others' blogs, this is a great place to do it. There have been great discussions here on blog comments - sometimes people can get really discouraged if they don't get views or comments, but that's normal when you're new and people don't know about you yet. Most people here focus on the blogs of their friends and don't read the blogs of people outside of their networks. Also, often people will read and be impressed  but for a whole plethora of reasons won't leave a comment. Blogging can be very satisfying if you are not depending on an outcome in terms of views or comments.

I think the most important thing I want new members to know is that if you have any questions or comments, feel free to talk to the Gaia Team, Ambassadors, your friends, blog about it, discuss it in the groups - let the community know in the way that works best for you. 

People can get discouraged for many reasons, whether technical (Matthew and the others are wonderful - see Gaia Support) or personal. But this is a very open and supportive place if you're upset or confused about things.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Advice from Featured Members-Sylvia

Sylvia said:
“As far as what I might say to newcomers - participate and explore in
your own way and at your own pace.  I've seen some folks get pretty
heavily involved after a short time - and others like me gradually find
their ways to the places and aspects of Gaia that resonate with them
the most. 

Take care with the personal details you share until you've
established trust - especially have care in relatively public spaces
like profiles, Grapevines, groups, etc.  Like 12 step meetings - taking
what works for you and letting go of what doesn't here can be a helpful
philosophy.

 Like any human community - this one experiences drama,
shifts, and sometimes upheavals.  The question seems to be not whether
they will happen - but what the response is, and how growth and change
might occur in and through them.”

Re: Advice from Featured Members-Sylvia

Beautifully stated, Meenaakshi.

I also truly feel, and God bless the ones that come into Gaia as of their new and true givings and sharings of.  Some of these knew comers may not have been given the whole jist of the others, whilst blossoming here, and we, as old time Gaians, may not have perhaps given enough of, when it comes to peaceful understanding….until now, perhaps……'tis just food for thought, my friends.
I apologise if my ignorance preceds me….but where is this person now to go, if Gaia hasn't helped him?

I feel that letting go of someone is a true response that has been shared by many, here on Gaia, but ya' just never know, how long it may take this individual of now being so humiliated, that is now the possible ticket he/she needed to feel his/her holyness of a needful welcome to……a needed introductory of a healing zone…..a Family!

Some times it takes the ultimate humanization…before a turn around of a mind to be awakened…..in all respects!

My prayers are for Everyone on this venture.

“V” and Love,

Rita

Re: Advice from Featured Members-Sylvia

Just to clarify, Rita, those words are Sylvia's, as it says on the post. I copy-pasted them from another thread.

I think the best advice I'd give newcomers is : you are Gaia as much as anyone else is. You can make your experience here whatever you would like it to be. If you like someone, approach them. If you are uncomfortable somewhere, approach a friend, and move away. If someone moves away from you, let them go.

And as much as we can, let's all learn and share skills to enhance our experience on Gaia.

Re: Advice from Featured Members-~KES

Make journey on Gaia fun.

I was asked twice today about making an icon besides the : ) and adding photos:  
How do I add photos to my Gallery?

Just visit the ‘ Photos’ link in your sidebar. From there, click the ‘Upload Photo’ tab on the right of the screen. Choose a photo from your computer, add a description, and voila! You’re done.

You can also organize your photos by putting them in Albums. To create a new Album, just click “Add Album’ and enter any title you wish.



How does the Video Section work? The video section is made up of clips from around the web, all contributed by fellow Gaia members. If you find a video online that you’d like to share or add to our growing library of sweet and inspiring and uplifting snipped, just head to the Video section by using the link in the sidebar. Then, click the ‘Add a Video’ link (it’s just below the Gaia Community logo.)

Paste in the URL of the video you’ve chosen, and you’re done! You should see the video appear on the video page soon.

Tip: It’s a good idea to add a few tags (keywords) to help you find the video again.
I learned all of this from ~Matthew in  Help  

Re: Advice from Featured Members-yvette

I guess I would say start clicking, reading and writing.  What else can you really tell anyone?
-yvette 's advice to new members.
[mod edited in- link provided]

Re: Advice from Featured Members-yvette

ha ha ha … just do what the prompts say… & practice, practice, practice!  If something doesn't work the first time, do it again!  Cute Meenakshi!

Re: Advice from Featured Members

yes- I forgot to link to the place where yvette had said it; so have done it now!

Re: Advice from Featured Members-J~E~S~S

Here is my advice to those who have just joined the Gaia community and don't know what to do:

First, fill in your profile with your favorite movies, books, music, etc. Say a little something about your life philosophy in the About Me section. Then upload a photo of yourself but if you're really shy, a photo of your pet. Designate it as your icon under profile>update. That way when you go to find your first friend, they know you aren't a spammer.

It's helpful for the people you ask to be friends with if you put up your first blog post and an image or two before you send friend invitations.

Then, search on your favorite book or movie on your own profile page, because they become links that show you who else likes that book or movie. Another way to find friends is to join a group and then start engaging in conversation. You'll know right away who you resonate with.

Once you've clicked that many links in Gaia, you'll find your own path!

Re: Advice from Featured Members

Sounds like great advice, Jessica! Just wanted to drop by with a hug and to say how delightful featuring you here is being.

Love,

Nicole

Re: Advice from Featured Members-Laurie

~KES:  From Laurie this week:
~KES: What would you advise someone who is joining Gaia today? 


Laurie :  Don’t be shy. Look around.  Click on “Explore Gaia Community” 
(upper left-hand side of the screen).  


Once there, click on “Members” (under Community).  


Once there, find someone who has the same interest as you by typing in something that you are interested in doing.  For instance, I had my husband type in “pilot” and he was able to find many people with a similar interest.  From there it’s a matter of using the “Invite as Friend” feature.

Re: Advice from Featured Members-Sandra

Sandra said Today, 8:30 AM:
What would you advise someone who is joining Gaia today? 

I think the first step is to spend time over your profile. It can always be changed, but an empty profile isn't very inviting. I sometimes get requests from members to join DD, and they haven't filled in any of the fields in their profile. It makes it hard for me to connect, to get a sense of the person, to feel 'with' them.

Adding a few pictures, images, and a blog or two, even if they are very short, also helps a lot.

I'd also suggest starting slow – not trying to go everywhere, discover everything.

 Find a few people you feel connected to, read their blogs, comment. Return when there is a new blog.
Maybe join a group, but not 10 groups all at once. My sense is the more scattered you begin, the more scattered you will stay – go for depth first, building width as you go along… most of my closest friends here are from my early days, when Gaia was Zaadz. The place was much much smaller, I didn't dart about that much, I got into some long conversations which built friendships (and showed me who I actually *wanted* to be friends with and who not!).

And, like anywhere, how much you get out of a community depends upon how much you put into it. Whenever I'm feeling Gaia or Diving Deeper is not 'feeding me', it's always at times I've been absent and not sharing or giving much. The more I share and listen, the more 'fed' I feel.

[emphasis added- meenakshi 8/6/09]

Re: Advice from Featured Members-Lee

Thanks again and again for bringing Organic Gardening to Gaia Networking Meenakshi!!!.  To your question:

What do you most like about Gaia? 

I particularly have an affinity for environmentally & spiritually conscious individuals that have a positive attitude toward life. The members have been giving very workable tips on all aspects of living organically.

How are you helping to maintain/enhance Gaia?  


I write blogs & join Gaia Community Groups to help promote healthy foods, gardening & answer questions about gardening in the city for our global communities. I network with those interested in gardening, sustainability, permaculture & answer all of their questions as much as possible.

I took Yancy's advice on his blog for which I am grateful for the streamlined advice: “I was playing on Gaia for awhile before I took the time to change my settings. I should have done it sooner. Click “Me” then click “Settings” which is at the bottom of the menu, next to last item.

If you are new, I would suggest finding a group or two that you like, join them then change your settings to make sure you get an email daily of what is going on.

This makes it SO much easier to know what has been posted.

Follow these steps:

Click “Me” then click “Settings”
Scroll down to “Subscriptions and Notifications”
Click “Group Discussions”

Change the “Send Notifications” to “Daily Digest” to get daily emails of the groups activity.

I have “Post on Thread I've Posted To” set to “Individually” so I get an email if someone posts to a thread I've posted on.

Click the “Save” button to lock in your changes.

This one change is great for new people on Gaia to do so they will stay connected to the conversations going on in the groups without having to navigate to each group.

Stay connected quick and easily, change your “Send Notifications” settings!” on his blog on settings discovering that it helps save time.
Thanks,
Lee
Feature here

Re: Advice from Featured Members-Lee

Q- What would you advise someone who is joining Gaia today?

Lee- Jump in and ask questions or contribute with one-liners in any group at first until you feel comfortable posting.  Take the time to feel out your groups and ask a lot of questions if in doubt.  Gaia always has someone that reaches out to help you.

Re: Advice from Featured Members - Siona