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I Have a Dream - aka Design Changes

Date: Tue, 05/08/2007 - 03:24

Submitted by snickell
on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 03:24

Posts: 13 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 13


Hi guys! I'm Vikas's neighbor...

He showed me this community a couple weeks ago. Being something of a meddler, I started bubbling out ideas on how to make the website clearer, more approachable to new users, more convenient for long-time users, etc. Anyway, we got to talking, talking led to dreaming, and before you know it (you know how this goes) we'd mapped out a plan for world peace and another moon landing.

But first, a bit about me. I'm a product designer... you know, the type of guy who usually designs ipods, computer software, walmart silverware and other stuff you don't need but want to buy ;-). Consumption, consumption, consumption. I figure, lets put those powers to use for good.... so here I am!!!

Anyway, we were talking about how debt is something most people in the US are facing... but nobody is talking about. In a society where SO many things are open to discussion (religion, sex, the president's haircut, you name it!) this is like a silent demon.

Right now this community is about 75,000 people, and it looks like its impacting people's lives. But what if this was just the beginning? What if these ideas, this perspective on debt, this openness to work together to tackle this... what if that was available to a million people? To a hundred million people? To every single person who has cried themselves to sleep because they didn't know where the money was going to come from.

Sure, its a dream. But every big thing starts as something small, and every big thing worth anything starts as a small community. Er, I guess this community is hardly small anymore, but you get the point *grin*.

But lets start with something we can chew on. Maybe this time next year 200,000 extra people have been helped by this site. Wouldn't that be amazing? I mean, these are numbers we can't really think about directly. But try to imagine a vast sea of people who have found help.... and we made that happen together.

Is this possible? Yeah. Did you know for every person who jumps into these forums there's another NINE who visit the page, lurk a second and pass on. Nine. Ten times as many people as you see here come looking for help on debt and don't engage. They hang their heads in fear, panic or shame and move on. The silent demon strikes again. :-( If we can get one of those silent nine to stay, that's twice as many people helped.

What you guys are building here together SHOULD be available to everyone who's opressed by debt. I want to help you share that.... but without destroying what makes this community close and open today. There's a lot of challenges. I'll be honest, for every change there will be one or two of you who hate it. I mean, probably at least once I'll do something you REALLY hate.

And not everything we plan out will be a good idea, or will work out. I know that. I'm as fallible as the next guy (maybe more fallible, but I promise I'm twice as much fun :-). So that's the balance, I need you to help me figure out what we need to do to make this work for more people.

So in the coming weeks and months, I'm going to be tapping you guys to figure things out. It'd be great if more experienced community members also had the time to talk with me so I can learn from you about what works, what you need, what helps people, etc etc etc I'm new around here, show me around, right?

And that's why I'm here, posting today (Hello by the Way! :-)

-Seth


Good morning Seth! Nice to meet you! I am not a "more experienced" community member as I have only been here a few months. but I am all about helping people that need it, after all this site helped me take back my life. I am looking forward to seeing what you are interested in doing with this forum. It is a wonderful place to be and you are right that there are so many people that just lurk and have been helped and we don't even know it.


lrhall41

Submitted by Sassnlucy on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 03:33

( Posts: 2698 | Credits: )


STILL awake??? I have to be to work soon!!! My question is what am I doing up already? I couldn't sleep worrying about bills and homework and I was going to do my homework but here I am instead. For some reason this was more interesting than reading about Nazi Germany this early in the morning.


lrhall41

Submitted by Sassnlucy on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 03:54

( Posts: 2698 | Credits: )


Hi Seth, nice to have you in the group. This place is wonderful and with so many people here, it????????s nice to talk, know about others and have fun. Whenever you are feeling a little tired after work, come here and browse through the different pages. Please visit the different home pages for the beautiful collection of songs members have uploaded. You will feel relaxed. There are many things to do here and relax. For example, start sharing your photographs in the community album and your choice of songs in the music gallery. I promise you will feel addicted. :)

There are different forums about debt, creditors and collection agencies. It will be an important avenue for you to research on the debt related issues people are experiencing. And look into our community members who extend their hands to help people in need.

Whenever you want to chill out, Pub is the perfect place to stay. Start with any topic, even if you don't have anything to say, give a smile and we will join you. :) don????????t hesitate to ask for anything, we will walk you through.


lrhall41

Submitted by Flying Cats on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 10:39

( Posts: 479 | Credits: )


Hello Seth and a very big welcome. I think all of the current changes are terrific. I am not an experienced Financial Advisor. However, I am experienced as a person struggling with a mental disability:Chronic anxiety,Panic Disorder/Agorophobia, and PTSD. And there is where my debt issues are. Struggling with student loans when I am 100% disabled and cannot work. There is no forum here directed specifically for trying to figure out how to get relief when disabled...at least not in the student loan area.
Before being struck down with these issues I was a Graphic Design student with a minor in Programming. At 1 time I had the #1 MSN group in the U.S. Woman to Woman where we offered support to victims of abuse. My disorders limit me very much at sometimes and at others....I can whiz right through....I never know. Mike can verify that.
But, I am very determined, and, simply stick to it until I get it done....it just takse me a little longer sometimes. The 1 thing I really regret loosing is my knowledge of my coding. Java was a whiz....now, it is gone.....so I have to find the code I need. But, during this process I have gained an immense amount of compassion. So even though frustrating at times for myself....I see it as a gift as it helps me better relate to people who truly are desperate and hurting!

I too myself saw the great possibility of immense growth within this site as soon as I joined and I am so glad you guys are going for it!

I too realize that debt is the main focus. But, if you're talking about really going for it....why not....forums and support groups for all types of problems.

I think a forum related to helping people better understand Socail Security/disability rights would be a terrific addition also.

And, as I would love to host my blog here....possibly a wee change in TOS concerning blogs. As mine is not specific to debt issues only. My blog is formed around current issues,peace,Iraq,Political awareness; in a nutshell humanity.

I am very excited about this news and very dedicated to this forum....in just a few short weeks it has become a lifeline for me. Everyone here is just terrific!

Oh yes and I talk too much....so by for now...I am really looking forward to getting to know you better!


lrhall41

Submitted by Moondanzer on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 12:10

( Posts: 361 | Credits: )


Moon, you are really sweet. :) You know I am always behind you to help. Were you into this belief that here you need to have a blog only on debt related theme. No!! Create a blog and put content of your choice and other favorite subjects. I will be online when you need any help. Or I am just a PM away. :)

Seth, did you see the spirits of the members here? I don't have much to add at this moment because others have said it all. They know this place very nicely and others will be joining you soon.

I will be around whenever you wish to know something. Stay in touch. :)

Regards
Mike


lrhall41

Submitted by Mike on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 12:28

( Posts: 1317 | Credits: )


Hi guys, thanks for the warm welcome :-) I can tell this is going to be a great place to hang out. I'm just starting with the not-logged-in homepage right now, since that's where a lot of people are going for the first time, and not ever finding the forums. Here's an early concept for what it could look like... more focused, less confusing, and guides people straight to the forums instead of leaving them wondering what's going on...

Take a look and tell me what you think. Course, its totally rushed and unfinished, but I wanted to get ideas out early and often!!!


lrhall41

Submitted by snickell on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 21:17

( Posts: 13 | Credits: )


Yo Moon, I think one of Vikas's dreams is to take the tools that are available on debtconsolidationcare.com.... and let ANYONE start a support group about a topic. He has http://www.ourcommunitypower.org for this purpose, and maybe when we find some time we'll start to put stuff together there. A depression support group would be an amazing start for a "second community", don't you think?


lrhall41

Submitted by snickell on Tue, 05/08/2007 - 21:20

( Posts: 13 | Credits: )


Welcome to the Community Seth :D I think you are what we need to bring this back to where it belongs- helping people with debt. I came here as as guest for a while and then became a member. This community, and family, helped saved my sanity. I was full of fear and hopeless about my debts. Now I have almost become debt free. After I deal with LVNV, I am out of debt, thanks to this community and the help from the people and forums. I look forward to your input and ideas..Karen


lrhall41

Submitted by Bossy4455 on Wed, 05/09/2007 - 12:04

( Posts: 5854 | Credits: )


Besides the great stuff already here, I think there is alot of potential too. I cannot tell you how much I have learned here, and been able to help my Mom and Mominlaw with their issues just by what I learned from other posts. I for one would love to see an area for small business owners managing their debt. The SBA sites and stuff only focus on how to start a business. Not much out there on how to manage debt issues for the little guy owner.


lrhall41

Submitted by dalfire497 on Wed, 05/09/2007 - 14:50

( Posts: 140 | Credits: )