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March 2007 
The Zaadz code of Mutual Respect
Posted on Feb 2nd, 2006
by 
Robin
Robin
Recently on Zaadz we've been having some discussions regarding our vision and how it relates to Radical Free Expression the way many of the Burning Man community define it..
The discussions with certain members center around whether or not we support freedom of expression and to what limit is this freedom allowed to be exercised through member profiles and comment posting. The tricky part seems to be discovering the balance between celebrating the diversity of humanity and staying true to the values and intentions we are trying to build as a community and a company.
What seems to be the case here as in life is that there is such a thing as degrees of diversity that work well together and others that do not. If we want to empower people to their highest potential through encouraging positive open expression it's difficult to do this with "radical free expressionists" posting images of decomposing carasses or mocking what some might consider a "fluffy/flakey" but sincerely heart felt expression of another.
At a place like Burning Man there is room on the Esplanade for the Lumerian Temple of Enlightening and the Death Guild Thunderdome. This model only works as long as each respects what the other is doing. It doesn't work though if the death guild decided to rip shit up in the temple or if the Lumerians decide that the fighting at the Thunderdome must end.
To me it's about allowing people to express themselves freely to the point where it does not take away from what others are trying to create.
There is room in the world for all of us to find our home and respect what each are doing in it. To this end Zaadz does have an intention and an objective and only asks that those who choose to engage the site respect that.
If there is somebody who, knowing what Zaadz is all about, doesn't resonate with what we are trying to do and chooses to refrain from contributing to it that is certainly their perogative.
Just some thoughts on this.
The discussions with certain members center around whether or not we support freedom of expression and to what limit is this freedom allowed to be exercised through member profiles and comment posting. The tricky part seems to be discovering the balance between celebrating the diversity of humanity and staying true to the values and intentions we are trying to build as a community and a company.
What seems to be the case here as in life is that there is such a thing as degrees of diversity that work well together and others that do not. If we want to empower people to their highest potential through encouraging positive open expression it's difficult to do this with "radical free expressionists" posting images of decomposing carasses or mocking what some might consider a "fluffy/flakey" but sincerely heart felt expression of another.
At a place like Burning Man there is room on the Esplanade for the Lumerian Temple of Enlightening and the Death Guild Thunderdome. This model only works as long as each respects what the other is doing. It doesn't work though if the death guild decided to rip shit up in the temple or if the Lumerians decide that the fighting at the Thunderdome must end.
To me it's about allowing people to express themselves freely to the point where it does not take away from what others are trying to create.
There is room in the world for all of us to find our home and respect what each are doing in it. To this end Zaadz does have an intention and an objective and only asks that those who choose to engage the site respect that.
If there is somebody who, knowing what Zaadz is all about, doesn't resonate with what we are trying to do and chooses to refrain from contributing to it that is certainly their perogative.
Just some thoughts on this.
Access: Public
I appreciate your thoughts on that, Robin. I agree there is a sensitive balance between free expression and respecting others. I think keeping the zaadz mission present somehow in the midst of our expression efforts is totally worthwhile and necessary….peace, kari
I think you’re pulling a leg or two that this is your first blog day. You seem quite the natural to me. Ive been following this topic a bit and certainly enjoy your perspective. You have an amazing voice. I am glad you were “forced” to use it.
Somehow I trust that the vibration from which Zaadz was invisioned and which so many of the group aspire to, will act as sort of a filter. That which is supposed to will remain, and all else will be sifted through.
Keep the blogs comin’! They are thoroughly enjoyed. Shelly
I like the light on this perspective… it makes it quite easy for a clear level of understanding! You’ve not merely prosed a few thoughts… but eloquently spoke your truths! Well done!
very well expressed…