Rellik Kameo
While I can't speak for most people in the same year I joined back in 03. I support this thread. I read most of the comments so far and agree with them.
3nodding
My original account is an '03er too and...well...while I agree with some of them, other comments just seem to be...about change.
I agree, gaia is focusing too much of its energy on money. But let's think of what it takes to run a system like this. There are so many users here. Gaia is going on its...what, 5-6th year? Do you know many websites that lasted that long?
Plus, we have to consider employees/artists need payment too and system maintenance.
Another thing, the cash cards are sometimes very handy. I know back in '03 (When I was...14-ish) I wouldn't be able to send money to them for DI (Donation Items) so I was forced to not do anything. Well, they've made it easier to get gold now-a-days....then again you have inflation. But the point is that there was only one way to get the good items back then too: Donation items.
Another point guys: GAIA IS A COMPANY. Sure they started out very slowly with not so much cash influence but they were struggling for a few years too.
I don't believe in focusing on all the bad things. There have been -really- good things that have come out of gaia.
I think...I actually hate this kind of talk. What are you trying to do? Do you -want- to discourage the artists? Do you want to discourage the creators? There's a delicate balance between production and Consumer-happiness.
Another thing: Gaia
is free. I mean...I have several mules that are prospering WITHOUT money influence. So guys, really, you're still here aren't you? That must mean Gaia did SOMETHING right.