gaia
October 2008 
Behind the scenes and what's ahead...
Posted on Feb 12th, 2008
by 
Gaia Team
Gaia Team
Some of you remember back when we first starting taking advertisements and sponsorships on the site (a quick search of the forums will dig up all sorts of lengthy discussion on everything from what conscious capitalism means to business-owners curious about their getting a spot in one of those little boxes).
Then, a number of community members said that they completely understood the business needs of the site, but wished that they'd be able to decide themselves whether they wanted to use an ad-supported service.
So we started sketching out a subscription-driven option, so that people who wanted could pay a token fee for an ad-free community experience. We wanted to make sure that anyone who did so still stayed a definite and obvious member of the community (there's no need to start separating anyone into those who pay and those who don't), but also wanted to respect the desires of those who did want the community alone, without the interruptions of ads.
We'll be introducing Gaia Plus (don't place too much weight on the name; we're more than open to other suggestions!) later this week. I'll confess that I've been using the ad-free version for the past few weeks and the difference is wonderful, if hard to put into words. There's a sort of spaciousness and calm that goes beyond just the disappearance of the banners and squares. It also made me aware of how much of the (online) world is inundated with ads, and what a gift it is to have a home that's free from this.
And, given that it's February, and Valentine's Day is on the horizon, we're adding a little bonus for subscribers—included with the cost (it'll be $3 a month, or about 75¢ a week) is a taste of our resonance match feature. This 'resonance engine' is our way to offer connections between people who might have been called to this community for the same reason.
I think everyone here (present company included) came to the community because they felt something that goes far deeper than what the site looks like; there's a reason we were drawn together and a certain understanding of what it means to join together to create or vision a positive future. As the site grows, this 'resonance engine' is one way to make those connections just a little more personal. (Of course, they need not be soul mates... there's just as many of us looking for mentors and friends and kindred spirits. :)
So we'll have a bit more on this soon (tomorrow!), but I just wanted to let you know now, as there might be a bit of site rockiness as Plus steps into the world—we'll do our best to be quick but this site does have a life of its own. :)
Finally, here's another reminder for those interested to go check out the conversation on our Terms of Service. Our new ones will be introduced this week, and while we've made sure to take care of the big concerns you brought up—it's included in the text that you retain all ownership rights to your content and we don't have the right to use your words for commercial or product purposes—so that I'd personally be comfy with the agreement, I do hope this whole conversation will continue.
Big warm hugs, and if you missed the Valentine email that went out yesterday, please go have a look here. I did mean every word of that.
Posted by: Siona
Access: Public
WHAAAAT? No other comments yet??????
The advertisers here are very precious folks, to me. First because they choose to be something outside the mainstream, something less likely to be lucrative for them but more beneficial to the planet and us. And because they offer things more likely to be of value to me. Second, because they choose to affirm the value of this Community and its Members and goals, also at the risk of spending money on an audience that might not be rewarding. So while I haven't spent money myself (see??) every time an ad comes to my attention, I send THEM loving, supportive, and grateful energy.
THEREFORE even if I subscribe to the Plus, I would like a page I can visit where all the ads are displayed. Is that planned??
Also, if I thought for a teeny tiny moment that the Plus version was in any way a potential financial LOSS situation for the Community, I would avoid it. But I shall just have to trust you on that matter!!!!
I am also, sorry, skeptical smelling exaggeration in advertising claim that the resonance engine can “ensure” I will meet EVERYONE I would find significant for myself on the site. Amazing, yes, cool, yes, but I cannot imagine any guarantee of “ensuring.” If I change my mind, I will let you know!!! haha.
Thanks for the amazing developments!!!!
Blessings, OM Bastet
How about a nod from the peanut gallery? I am waiting for someone here @ gaia/zaadz and why I am not being notified about the idea sharing from my brain to your site…Not a happy Native American with Gaianerds…Where is the love or is it just biusinees as usual…?I need some love here from gaia..I need to know I can share with family and not be forgotten…This does not go with your ideas for one world one tribe or one way..Maybe that is how the web works..No onoe is responsiable for the ideas and money goes to those who are destroying our earth….At least you can do is run your site on a earth friendly server as I have been doing and you have not yet caught on to this one idea..I am a fighter for our earth mother and will not stop till I see light in the minds of those who claim her hiers to her hrown..please step down or do the right thing )'( Gaia Man speaks )'(