4pm ATA

[Zphal]

Well, I guess I should give this one last go. Let's see if I can compose myself.  

[Zphal]

Quote:

Approximately a year ago, I came to HQ to interview for your Marketing and Sales Manager position that had opened. Though CJ and itamy expressed delight at my business knowledge, graphical artistry, and overall genuine passion for Gaia (as a loyal '04er and Captain of a guild with 70,000+ members), I was not selected, nor was anyone selected, "due to budgetary concerns." I was dismayed; less because I had always wanted to work for Gaia (it had been a "dream job" of mine back in the 2000's), and more because I knew I wouldn't be able to serve the community of Gaians whose needs I understood.

Loyalty is a business' greatest asset. I've been in awe at the sheer tenacity of some of Gaia's members. They, like I, have considerable nostalgia associated with this site, and we do not want to see it close shop. I've made four lifelong friends (all of whom I sent Christmas cards to last week) through this site. I am thankful for their presence in my life, and I know that there are many others for whom this exact fact is true.

Of course I have suggestions for improving the site. When I came to HQ with a pad of paper in my hand rife with ideas/plans, I was ready to make a difference and turn the site back around to what it used to be-- a place Gaian's were excited to log in to every day. At this point I'm feeling a little recalcitrant, and unsure specifying any of them will have an effect. I was one of the ten individuals selected to come to HQ in SJ when Gaia asked for feedback on Tentacl; one of the ten who stated we thought it was a waste of time and resources because it wouldn't appeal to the prototypical Gaian. The management was bad then, but the lesson was not learned-- diversification and external projects were not then and are not now going to strengthen the GaiaOnline brand.

First and foremost, I want to recommend a book that I encourage the entire management staff to read. I read it for my MBA at SJSU. It is called It Starts with One by J. Stewart Black and discusses methodoligies for changing organizations to keep pace with changing industries. It discusses the "Barriers to See the Need for Change," the "Failure to Move to Enact Change," and the "Failure to Finish and Follow Through on Change Initiatives." I feel that it is very applicable to Gaia, who's greatest innovation threat is (and has been for years) mobile/social media, as I specified during my interview.

I have a copy of the book, and I would like to offer to bring it by HQ if you should like, along with my opinions as to the areas of focus I would encourage Gaia to implement going forward. If you'd be willing to grant me that audience, I would be absolutely thrilled, as my love for this site still remains strong.

In any case, Merry Christmas, and I wish the Gaia Team the best of luck in the coming new year.

 

[Zphal]

Too strong? xd  

[Zphal]

Well, I guess now I reckon I'll wait for 4pm.  

[Zphal]

Came back and reworded some of it after some thought.  

[Zphal]

Almost four pm on this coast, so I guess I'll carol while I wait for the thread to be posted.  

[Zphal]

I've collect 7 out of the 8 caroling items. smile  

[Zphal]

The Ask the Staff thread has appeared but isn't loading to Reply. xp  

[Zphal]

Ah yes, the 504 Gateway Timeout Error. Sexy.  

[Zphal]

Okay, managed to get my message posted.

Now to have it ignored... rofl  

[Zphal]

Well, got a response, but not the exact one I wanted. Ah well. *shrugs*  

[Zphal]

I'm hungry.  

[Zphal]

I did get a lot of tips for my post though. rofl  

[Zphal]

And all of my caroling done as well. razz  

[Prof. Moonie]

Nicely written!