We’d like to show the side of the world you don’t normally see on television.

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At 8:59am on July 5, 2009, Chris Braithwaite said…: Hi Richard
I trust all is well.
Sorry I have not been in contact recently but things have been manic.

It is fascinating to see AoaND develop.The numbers of people joining and types of groups that are being started.

It begins to raise some very interesting questions..

Why are people joining?
Obviously some are doing so to add content - which, of course, was the original objective. Others are using it as a forum for discussion - across a wide range of topics - from business issues to horses in th new dawn. And, a new development, in the UK, is a group which is looking to meet and share ideas/experiences/enthusiams. (Perhaps this has happened elsewhere it is just not as obvious). This adds a whole new dimension - but perhaps not a wholly surprising one.

By definition an architect is a planner/designer but to be successful this is a real world activity - building for people. The desire to connect on a personal level is a powerful driver. So, there is a strong possibility that the AoaND concept will developinto more than just conduit or gateway to connect people with a similar desire for change - that our current institutions cannot provide for. The change being based on a higher need - the need for a more spiritually (not religious) driven purpose - with peace and harmony as the ultimate goal.. The why rather than the what and how. As others have commented we are entering the age of imagaination. And AoaND seems to have sparked peoples' imagination. But what next?

I am amazed and delighted by the reach of the idea. As you will have seen within the last few weeks we have an architect from Burkina Faso - Wow!
So we are certainly achieving reach.

So, my next question is one of engagement. The hard work is done getting people to join. The next step is to keep them engaged. Many groups seem to stall once a few members have joined. The challenge must be getting people to come back again and again. And to make new and exciting content easy to find.

It is interesting that more use hasn't been made of encouraging people to re-visit the site to see content of broad appeal The only one seems to be Dr Hurtak's video (fascinating) and something about McDonalds/Burger King (what was that about??)

I guess the founders have taken a view that too much intervention was not a good thing and that it should grow organically. However, once you have joined I think their is an appetite for news. That is why I was so keen to highlight the 3000 members. I saw Bonnie's photo from the Google presentation and was intrigued and would have liked to know more.

The next question becomes : how do members become active members?
At some point an event for members to gather and inspire and be inspired will be conceived (if not already). It woudl be great to be involved in an event like that.

The idea of an event is compelling as I envisage AoaND as a coming together. But as is the case with Carlos's music you only truely appreciate the power and the joy of it at a concert. In teh same way the real power and joy of AoaND will be felt through live events. That allow people to share experiences. Of course, events can be routed to members via the site for those unable to attend - but are still able to share in the experience and sense of oneness.

Final Question (for now)
How is the word spread?

Currently I guess its word of mouth or people vsiting the Santana website.

I am guessing it will be promoted at Santana shows? On merchandise stands or in programmes.

So, what of the future - we are in the very early stages but to grow strong the idea will need nuturing. And perhaps some pruning.

Keep well.
Chris

PS: As a complete aside how about a 'how to' section. Many people - me included - are not use to uploading, chat rooms and the like, so some tips would be helpful.

At 7:36am on July 4, 2009, Elisabetta Errani Emaldi said…: Hello Rick, how are you7???
I hope well!!!

Aung San Suu Kyi,
nightingale of Love!

Mother of peace who weeps bitter tears
because of the insanity
that inhabits the gilded palaces of power.

White dove in which the warriors of injustice
stole the hope of flying
on the meadows of freedom.
To you I sing a song of love!
To you I play the notes of Liberty!
To you I give the Triumph!

Nightingale of love,
your glow shines
on the universal mind of man.
Your example warms the heart of Humanity.

The ego of powerful people is poisoned by the power of demons
that persecute the innocent and do not know
that the law of cause and effect condemn their souls
to expiate their cruel actions in the storm.

The negative telepathic thought inculcated by the princes of evil
subdues and blinds the polluted and uncontrolled minds
of those involved with power.
Your tears shine like
diamonds of light in front the world,
who admires and supports you with his energy of love.

Aung San Suu Kyi,
your jailers will fall
in shame and defeat, in front of the community.

Inexorable fate created by their negative
energy and uncontrolled mind

Your heart pierced by ignorance
and betrayed by your own government is fed
from Humanity shocked by the madness of dictatorship.

Angel of human rights, you will fly in the
freedom of days flowered with the sun.
To you I sing a song of love!
To you I play the notes of Liberty!
To you I give the Triumph!

At 1:03am on July 4, 2009, Matthew Lynch said…: thanks for the welcome Richard; Kailua is lovely tho now I am living out of my backpack and wandering the planet... in Sydney at the moment headed north!

At 6:55am on July 3, 2009, Rongomatane Turner said…: Hi Rick,
Thanks for the warm welcome, no I don't suppose you've come across my name before it is native to Aotearoa/New Zealand, as I am Maori/native and it means Goddess of peace and agriculture, and I do sew seeds of peace and love and most importantly Oneness wherever I happen to be. In my culture Ao means the world I focus on te ao marama/the world of light.
many blessings and thanks again for the warm welcome
Rongomatane

At 10:41pm on July 2, 2009, Frizzey Greif said…: brother ricky !

good vibes from my
egypt art & peace trip !

At 10:27am on July 2, 2009, Mary Cook said…: Dear Richard,
Thank you for all of the amazing things you've done to share positive,healing energy in the world. Have you cloned yourself to get more done? I just added a 3rd blog post, in case you have time to read it.
Bountiful Blessings to you,
Mary

At 10:56pm on July 1, 2009, Hedda Zahner said…: Thank you so much for that beautiful pic of Aung San Suu Kyi! I have several Burmese friends and have sent this image to them, as a way of urging them to take heart. This dictatorship will pass and the people will be free once again. I wish her health and courage to outlast these lower forms of life who imprison so many.

At 2:53pm on July 1, 2009, chris whitecloud said…: RICK,
Thanks for the turn on! Always great to meet with like-minded people. You never know what might happen !
Cheers,
Chris

At 9:41am on July 1, 2009, Malena said…

At 5:21am on July 1, 2009, Maureen Musonda said…: hi Richard.
thanks will do asap

At 12:50pm on June 29, 2009, Sandy said…: Thanks! I didn't mean to cause any disruption. I probably shouldn't have clicked on the links... but I trusted it coming from here....where I have never experienced an issue like that.

At 8:39pm on June 27, 2009, Bob Ballard said…: Hi Rick! Sorry it took like two weeks for me to get back to you. Talked with Mary Rose today and that conversation kick started me here. Have been busy setting up Hearts Of Fire Project network too.

At 12:15am on June 27, 2009, Teresa Ann Foxworthy said…: Hi Rick, I may be in Marin in July, but whenever I get there I'll let you know & it will be great to catch up in person. Thank you for your kindness. Namaste.

At 6:58am on June 26, 2009, Anand Satori said…: yes it's like that especially now that the rainny season is in flow suddenly all the flora and fauna is moving almost inside the casita's. Anyway it's not that i do absolutely nothing i am maintaining the space in our meditation hall. I see that you organise events and i would like to ask you what are the 3 most crucial things when organising and event?

At 10:06pm on June 25, 2009, Constance Demby said…: Hi Richard, I wondered if you might help me figure out a few technical questions I had about the site. Could you email me from your personal email addy to mine at cdemby@constancedemby.com
thanks so much ! appreciate it...
CD

At 3:10pm on June 24, 2009, Anand Satori said…: i'm super lazy rick, and nobody important
when i'm not in a silence retreat i'm just watching the grass grow taller in the pristine forest of pacha mama.

At 2:22pm on June 24, 2009, Chris Braithwaite said…: Richard
Congratultions to you and the other founders as AoaND tips 3000 members and appears to be gathering pace. Work commitments has meant I have not worked through ideas but when I get a little more time I will put some stuff down. All the best Chris