Brother (and Sister), Can You Spare A Seed?

Friendstacy, thanks for being a friend.  The last thing I would want is for you to do anything that would compromise your integrity.  You are great the way you are.  My perspective, and I admit to not having a lot of experience with such systems, is that we were already being “judged” and “rated” before the seed system, and there were elements of “popularity contest” in place.  With the seed system, I think we have an opportunity to actually have more mindful input, to the extent that people are comfortable with it, and use the seeds with compassion and wisdom - and the Zaadz team maintains vigilance to respond to any problems quickly. 

As a social experiment, I would encourage people to give it a try, to see where it goes.  But I absolutely respect any individual's right to ignore the seeds entirely.  Your voice won't disappear, Friendstacy, because you have important things to say, and you say them well, and your reputation is tops in my book.

And, mimi thanks for your kindness.

buddingspritelet, thanks for persimmon

Peace,

Earon

Dear Mascha.  Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.  I'm sure that the seed system could help document “hits” that could boost advertising rates, and I agree with you that, in and of itself, isn't a priority for me, nor a problem.  However, another impact of sharing seeds could be that we get to know each other - that we are encouraged to network with each other - and that Zaadz becomes more open and less clique-ish, with a more full exchange of ideas and perspectives.  More people will visit your blog and that will keep Zaadz from being swallowed by any one given perspective, guru or group.  Hopefully, more hidden treasures will surface in Zaadz and more voices will be heard.

I believe that sending someone an anonymous seed incorporates a profound bit of human wisdom related to change.  It is the basis of team-building practices on many levels.  The wisdom is that it is easier for people to act their way to a new way of thinking - than it is to think our way to a new way of acting.  Basically, when we are presented with an opportunity to manifest friendship and compassion, we are more likely to take advantage of it - compared to just thinking and talking about it.   And there's more than enough thinking and talking in this world.  When we are able to do things that manifest good will and friendship, this helps us jumpstart our feelings of connection and friendship.  It doesn't entirely change us, but it helps us to be open to others. 

Getting used to giving little anonymous gifts to other people is a way to help us start to experience the feeling of being connected - and the process can change us - or at least I think it's worth a try.  As I already said, there's plent of talk about “being the change.”  I'd like to help people feel what it is like to be the change - rather than just talking about it.

My Dad, who is 82 years old, is delighted when my brothers and I visit each other or stay in touch with each other.  And he loves to have us all gather with him for a meal.  This may be simply because it makes him feel important and powerful.  But I may also choose to see it as a manifestation of caring and connection.  It all depends upon our perspective, and no one perspective is correct all the time.  If my Dad chooses to have us all meet for breakfast at 6:30 am, or expects me to eat bacon and sausage, that just won't work for me.  But he has learned to be patient and arrange things that work fairly well for everyone.

I'm hoping that is what will happen with Zaadz.  We have enough common interests and values to find win-win situations.  I have little interest in the Zaadz advertisers and don't generally look at the ads, so I'm glad that I don't need to buy stuff in order to have a voice here.  True, my one voice isn't very loud, but if seed-sharing helps it become more noticed, then it will probably be because someone expended the effort to reach out beyond their regular network of teachers and friends - and happened to find something positive in it. 

Peace,

Earon

I'm really glad you all stopped by.   Hanuman, I think you are right on target.  I also love “rebellious independence and nonconformism”, as does kaleidoscope eyes.  It is just so American!  And so human.  They are part of each and every one of us.  It is just that I love peace and sustainable community building even more, at this point in my life.

I also believe that Friendstacy, kaleidoscope eyes and Mascha have very positive intentions.  The situation, as I see it, is that:
 
1.  The potential issues really have nothing to do with sharing seeds, but rather reputation scores.
2.  By focusing on criticizing the “seed system,” dissenters have missed the opportunity to have a positive impact and have ended up ranting about a non-problem instead of engaging a productive debate.
3.  Siona and Jake are well versed with these issues and generally agree with you, and
4.  They were not prepared for the reaction that occurred, and needed a few hours to regroup, but were always happy to talk with people who weren't calling them names.

So, there we are.  Kaleidoscope Eyes is quite perceptive in knowing that seeds aren't the problem, but that there is something else going on.  However, it seemed like the only viable options are to give in - or to support those attacking the seed system.  I see a third option - to accept the seed system and start talking with Team members about how “reputation scores” can be created without affecting the integrity of the Zaadz community.

Mimi, Zephyr, buddingspritelet, Koolk and Hanuman, I feel you heart energy, your yearning for healthy community and your faith in fellow zaadsters.  I know that this is all going to work out very well!  I think that Siona and the team are bright, compassionate and committed to a healthy and sustainable Zaadz community.  Change can be confusing at times, but the Zaadz Team is up to the task.

So, I'll find a place for Mascha's third thumb and join you in “seeding the place” with compassion, harmony and hopefulness.

Peace,

Earon