GI2MR Sherpa's Program

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Permalink Reply by Ephie on December 7, 2008 at 10:42am

Thanks Dhrumil. You're awesome. Sherpa sounds like a great program

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on December 7, 2008 at 10:43am

Thanks Dhru,
I've been coming by much less frequently because I felt it was harder to connect with raw foodies than with other people. Unless I followed the exact program another person is following (and I'm not much of a follower these days) I would sense an intention to convert me rather than connect with me. It reminded me of my experiences in certain religious communities where deep hostility exists because of differences on fine points of teaching. Not to mention the personalities that just seemed to enjoy spreading anger all over the raw food world.

So, thanks. I hope in the coming months to find a place where I can meet a friend or two.

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Permalink Reply by Denise Wagner on December 7, 2008 at 10:45am

Hey Dhru! Thanks for the video and the love and support you give this community! I have been a member for some time and came for the support as a new raw foodist! I haven't been active the past few months for the very reasons you addressed. I am excited about the changes coming! I live in a community with very little if any raw food support. Soooo....I come here and Raw Fu for support! It really helps to have others to communicate with and get the support I need! Thanks for all you do!! Excited about what is to come! Love ya!

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Permalink Reply by Cort Kinker (CK) on December 7, 2008 at 11:16am

dhrumil -

i see mostly supportive behavior (plus a lot of members having fun) and must either just not pay attention to any negativity or otherwise behavior, but can imagine that it would be brought to your attention at a much higher rate. i'm in full support of your plans, and look forward to the sherpa's program.

community/support system certainly plays a huge role, so i would agree with your assessment. karen knowler has spoken on other things as well that can make staying true to our commitment of maximizing our health through making the best choices ever for our food intake such as just doing things to making it easier/more convenient (which often trips me up)

i have been feeling very frustrated with trying to determine which of my needs i am meeting by not staying raw, as their are obviously so many being met when i am raw, and am looking for ways to best support myself and am considering how to instill some external accountability. GI2MR was the first place i thought of where i could make that work.

i applaud you for your clarity and dedication to this site and the raw food community!

cort

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Permalink Reply by Dhrumil on December 7, 2008 at 2:43pm

Thank you for being here Cort

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Permalink Reply by Steve Pavlina on December 7, 2008 at 11:22am

I had to learn similar lessons when I launched my discussion forums in Nov 2006. I thought I was being welcoming of everyone, but I was just being naive. Within a few months, the community was having problems with trolls who were creating a negative environment. This is not good for a community where people discuss important issues like depression, divorce, and suicide. Even one or two active trolls in a community of thousands can totally change the environment. We also had a problem with Internet marketers coming to spam their stuff in increasingly subtle ways.

It took a while, but eventually we realized we had to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards trolling in any form -- meaning that if you troll, you're instantly and permanently banned. Temporary bans never worked.

We learned to trust our intuition and ban trolls early... before they got beyond a few posts. We learned to ask, "Is there any evidence this person is here to learn, share, and/or contribute?" and "Is this person's presence degrading the quality of the community for others?" We wanted a community of people who were genuinely supportive of each other, and if someone shows up and displays the opposite personality, we send them packing right away.

This made a huge positive difference. Once we got the community to be largely troll-free, the quality of the discussions improved dramatically. Lots of people have made enormous lifestyle changes as a result of their participation.

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Permalink Reply by Dhrumil on December 7, 2008 at 2:45pm

Steve, this is great advice. Something that I've felt for a while, but will start to implement now.

Thanks again for being an inspiration to so many.

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on December 7, 2008 at 11:29am

D: You are so right.. I am aware of another forum where the broken windows have driven founding members away!
I will sherpa for you anyday!
love deb

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Permalink Reply by Dhrumil on December 7, 2008 at 2:45pm

; )

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Permalink Reply by Andy Agate on December 7, 2008 at 11:30am

Dhrumil,

Well said. I agree with you on the need for more positive and less negative energy on the site. I appreciate your willingness to potentially lose a few people in order to accomplish this goal. I am sure it was not an easy decision and I look forward to what the site will become due to this new program. Good luck and keep up the great work.

Andy

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Permalink Reply by MeadowLark on December 7, 2008 at 11:33am

Thankyou Dhru:)
I've kept my membership; but I slid into a dark corner. Alot of just "stuff" happening and definitely no local
community support. I sure could use a little help or maybe alot. I'm type 2 diabetic,my family enjoys some raw as in salads and occasional smoothies. Otherwise, no support here at home. I so wish that I could meet people locally and not be "judged" for my dysfunctional family or personal beliefs. I just wish I could have the "ability" to stay raw and be healthy. I'm glad I opened my email instead of just depressingly deleting it this time.
Hugs
MeadowLark mom to 7 with only 6 at home now.

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Permalink Reply by Emily on December 7, 2008 at 11:48am

Awesome post, Dhru! I love the point of adding something positive to fill the void left by removing the negative. Really excited about the new program- please consider me as a Sherpa:)

Love and light always...
Emily

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