An upcoming experiment in sharing community

"We can get in touch with the refreshing, healing elements within and around us thanks to the loving support of people. If we have built a good community, we are very fortunate. To create a good community, we first have to transform ourselves into being a good element of community. After that, we can go to another person and help him or her become an element of the community. We build our network of friends that way. We have to think of friends and community as investments - as our most important asset. They can comfort us and help us in difficult times, and they can share our joy and happiness."

-- Thich Nhat Hanh

One of the really interesting topics that showed up in the feedback to my message on the value of this service had to do with the possibility of opening this email community up to broader, shared access among and between more of its members. This would allow those of you who might be interested the possibility of accessing the hearts and minds of over 300 people around the world that have come together around what Revolution Consulting stands for - people with whom I've built community - to share experiences, ideas, opportunities, etc., and to develop your own conversations and relationships independent of me and mine. I know most of you pretty well, and that's been a pleasure and an honor for me, but there seems to be a latent desire and interest among some of you to get to know each other better - to discuss among a broader group of you "who we are" as a community. I have enjoyed this experience on my own for quite some time now, and it feels like it might be time to start sharing it, and I'm totally open to that possibility. There is obviously much to think about here before jumping ahead to develop and make such an expanded service available. Should this be deemed a desireable and useful service extension by a significant number of you, we would want to make sure that it's adequately secure, not too confusing, and that it doesn't diminish the value of this forum in any way. Fortunately for me, I have access to numerous resources among you to help me explore the dizzying array of technical possibilities out there on the internet. Over the next week or so, I would like to try an experiment to assess your interest in such a thing. I would like to offer this email "audience" to a few other members of the community, for their own personal use - to share an experience, a feeling, an idea, or an opinion that they are especially interested in or struggling with. Those people could experience what it is to tap into the power of this community, and could gain direct and meaningful feedback for themselves, which could then be shared with everyone via our web site. I am really interested in your views on this. I have a hunch that it could lead to a dramatic and exciting new way for us to serve each other. And it would be a fun way for me to give the gift that you are back to you. Are you up for it?

See your own success and happiness, and the world will see it.

"The way in which we see ourselves has everything to do with how the world sees us. Seeing ourselves as successful is how we become successfully acknowledged by the world."

-- Arlene Raven

"Happiness has no prerequisite other than life itself. It comes from the way you choose to live and respond to the world, not from the way the world responds back."

-- Ralph Marston

These are tricky and paradoxical statements. We all learn while growing up how to respond to external circumstances by watching others respond to theirs and then processing our own emotional experiences through learned models of interpretation. For example, if we get demoted or lose our job we feel disappointed and sad. This is similar to what we learned when we came home with a bad grade. We've learned to see this as failure. We then begin to interact with the world through the eyes of fearing failure or, worse yet, considering ourselves failures. We can then use this perspective to create more stress for ourselves through working desparately hard to avoid these feelings, or we can consider ourselves unfortunate victims of external forces, thereby creating more disappointment and failure. Fortunately, we have a model of a vastly different way of looking at things in nature, and we can learn a lot from it. For example, when it rains we have multiple ways to look at it before we choose to act out of a particular belief about it. If we have something outdoors we wanted to do, we get disappointed and resentful of the rain and we carry that doom and gloom around with us and create more of it. If we were thinking how badly our crops, gardens, and lawns needed rain, or if we were especially tuned in to the serene beauty of a rainy day, we feel deeply moved by the rain, its purpose, the perfection of nature's design. In the peacefulness of this emotional and mental state, experiences and life tend to show up as magical. It all exists, and then gets re-created, in how we see it. "Failure" is nothing more than the doorway, and the training ground, for future successes. It has a profoundly important purpose and is part of a grand design. Removing the fear of it, and/or the stigma attached to it, sheds new light for us on how to experience the powerful essence of the messages above in our daily reality. We really do get to make it up. Remember this story, A.M.?

The pursuit of personal mastery (in honor of you, D.M.)

"Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can become a true master."

-- Albert Einstein

"Human beings have always employed an enormous amount of clever devices for running away from themselves. We can keep ourselves so busy, fill our lives with so many diversions, stuff our heads with so much knowledge, involve ourselves with so many people, and cover so much ground that we never have time to probe the fearful and wonderful world within us . . . By mid-life, most of us are accomplished fugitives from ourselves."

-- John Gardner

It is from a deepened experience of our own unique potential and purpose (after devoting ourselves to the further understanding of ourselves), backed by a total commitment to personal integrity, that our genuine influence grows. When used without coercion, it becomes the indispensible source of energy that shapes our dreams and real-world accomplishments. It is this influence that enables us to make our unique presence felt in today's vast interconnecting networked world of people, problems, and possibilities. Those who ultimately succeed in their lives, in their work, and in the world learn to exert this tremendous influence in creative, distinctive, and respectful ways, without using fear, rank, privilege, or authority. They learn to live rich, fulfilled lives that deeply serve others. My personal dream, and that of so many others of you with whom I share this path, is to continually reach out to touch the entire world in my own creative, distinctive, and respectful way - peeling myself open to communicate and share my deepest humanity, enabling me to grow and learn about myself in the echo of the world's response.

The last installment of feedback (7/16,17)

Monday, July 15, 2002 10:02 PM

Sounds like a GREAT idea to me!

Tuesday, July 16, 2002 9:37 AM

I think this is a great idea. Go for it!

Tuesday, July 16, 2002 12:13 PM

I appreciate you asking the question. I am inclined not to pay, even though I fully appreciate the time you spend in communicating your thoughts. I may be the exception, but I have become so overrun by emails that I am not inclined to pay for any of them. Almost daily, I am asking to be unsubscribed to newsletter listings, etc. I value your comments, but I must confess that I do not read most of them. However, as you can tell by the time I am taking to respond to your question, there are days that I read your entire message. I suppose these are the days the spirit moves me. On the other hand, I just scrolled all the way down your email and saw for the first time, the $3.99 per month price. I might sign up for that price.

Tuesday, July 16, 2002 5:22 PM

If you really want to do this, I'd make it voluntary (with no suggested amount). Basically this: have a link to your blog and a link to paypal. And inform anybody who hits your website that if they want to contribute, they can do so through paypal.

Tuesday, July 16, 2002 11:26 PM

Your scary proposition? I have mixed feelings. On one hand I think great idea go for it! The value proposition is clear! On the other hand I think as a friend, I enjoy receiving your thoughts and think that something will be lost if there was a fee involved as it is a discussion. I think you are at an interesting stage as I do believe you have created something of value and creating a fee based service will clearly segment your audience. Maybe this is to be done. Your email has caused me to think how much I value the daily emails and how much they are worth. I am also challenged here as I find some of your emails thought provoking and others leave me scratching my head wondering! - both responses are good in my eyes :-)

Wednesday, July 17, 2002 4:05 PM

Sorry it took so long to reply but it took a while to order my thoughts, and even now I am not sure that I have succeeded. There is nothing wrong with receiving abundance from doing what we love - if only we could all be that fortunate. Yet, somehow it doesn't feel genuine. I wish I could find a better word to express how I feel but that is as close as I can get. Somehow with your emails arriving each day it feels though I have a connection with how you feel, and the incorporation of events from your daily life help to add to that. I do not know whether I would pay for this type of service or not (and it's not for want of trying to decide) but I know I wouldn't feel inclined to read the emails each day. I know that sounds absurd, but somehow it would feel like the true essence of what you are doing had been taken away (even if nothing else changed). I am a very logical person and this does not make sense to me either so perhaps you could explain it to me sometime. Anyway, after effectively adding my voice to the naysayers, I have a suggestion that would add some value to what you suggest. If you go ahead with this venture why not add a discussion group. Paid subscription would allow members to post comments onto a discussion board (newsgroup) where we could not only discuss the days message but also add our own inspirational tidbits and ways in which we found your message helpful. Kind of a group therapy thing, but it would allow the message to grow and evolve and provide more powerful inspiration in a forum where your role is to sow the initial seed each day. Now that would be worth subscribing to.

Wednesday, July 17, 2002 4:47 PM

so Jim..you know what I think about this. I think you friend's idea has merit. I am in!

Wednesday, July 17, 2002 7:27 PM

I have been thinking about as to how to respond to this email. It is difficult. My view is that the value for me is the relationship with you. How can I put a dollar value of 3.99 per month on that? I do understand that there has to be some way for you to generate financial result for you to live the life you want. I think there are better ways to do that. Having short term consulting arrangement should do that. I understand that the market is tough right now and people are not spending the money. You have to decide as to what you want to do with the learning. You want to share it with the world without any expectation. Did Gandhi charge people for listening to his advice? Did Nelson Mandela do that ? Did Dalai Lama do that ? Summay of Gita is "Action without expectation." You are here for a similar purpose. You want to serve that purpose without any expectation. I do not think we should mix the business or financial needs with the spiritual learning and sharing. You want to create a financial return, that is easy. You do not have to do that under spiritual umbrella. You can easily be a consultant to any sales organization and make a lot of money. Keep the spiritual side alive, Do not mix it with financial return. Speaking engagement at the companies for creating better life is another way.

Subtle, yet powerful, distinctions

"Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate."

-- William Arthur Ward

I think this quote very powerfully distinguishes between the mature vs. self-centered human being, the spiritual vs. the ego-level experience of other human beings, and the abundance vs. scarcity view of the world. In meeting with a handful of clients/friends today, I found myself in awe of the truly wonderful leaders who populate my life these days - people who really live these subtle, yet powerful distinctions, and I am honored to be invited into their lives to support them in their inner work, as well as in their marriages, families, friendships, communities, and businesses.

Second Day's Feedback (7/14,15)

Sunday, July 14, 2002 1:50 PM

I would say that you are entitled to be compensated for your advice if you think you should be. I would not be able to subscribe, having sworn off all discretionary spending. The good Lord would find another way to get me what ever information and guidance that I need. I find that whenever I have a need, he provides. God bless you and your family and your ministry of advice and counsel to others. What ever decision you make regarding charging or not charging is the right one. It wouldn’t bother me either way. If you charge I would take it as a sign that I no longer need the information you provide. The universe unfolds as it should and God doesn’t play dice with us.

Sunday, July 14, 2002 2:13 PM

As a recipient of your e-mails, in response to your looking at charging people, I say do what makes YOU feel comfortable. In the end, it's really what your heart feels comportable with. What is interesting is that it really brings up all our stuff around self-worth and the value we truly provide for people. My initial thought is to look at a balance and see what is beyond the "black and white of it". Does it have to be pay or not pay to receive the e-mails. What would be a happy medium that would honor your spirit, your value and also honor your initial intent of giving? For example, sometimes I find that daily messages are almost too many for my pace. So, I may want a weekly or twice a week message. Maybe I pay a less fee than I would for daily messages. I don't want to suggest many pricing structures as I like it simple, but just throwing out other ways of looking at it. Really, $3.99 a month is not a lot to ask from people. Maybe I get a choice of once a week or daily.

Sunday, July 14, 2002 4:20 PM

I've suddenly realized what I would pay for - access to the community you have created. With the quotes and the conversations around them, you are always the center. Responses go to you alone, unless you share them with the rest of us. We don't know who "we" are - the community of quote receivers. What if Jim created a discussion board, where we could all join in group discussions? Multiple discussions on whatever subjects come up. Perhaps Jim could post a "question or thought of the week"? Perhaps the daily thoughts could become the start of discussions? (I think there would be too many discussions if there was automatically one for each daily thought). I would also pay more if there was an appropriate manner in which I could advertise my services to this group - I am sure it is a very powerful set of humans, and there could be many business possibilities for some of us together that we are currently blind to. How about a whole section of the discussion group that is devoted to potential business partnerships? I'd suggest that you could keep the daily thoughts a free service, with payment for the expanded community service.

Sunday, July 14, 2002 5:38 PM

I think it's a good idea, and, also think you should create a tier of services. One the website you could also advertise tele-class coaching....a hot and growing way of working w/ people whose schedules are tight. There are so many ways for you to make a living/create a business based on who you are and what you bring to the market place.

Sunday, July 14, 2002 6:11 PM

I fully support you receiving abundance in return for the inspirational emails that you share with us. If the Universe has brought forward the idea of receiving income from the gift of the emails that you share with us, then why would you not accept this gift from the Universe to you. Another thought I had was for something in addition to your email quotes we talked about above. It is called Topica (www.topica.com). Topica offers discussion group services to share thoughts and ideas. When I was enrolled in Landmark Education's Wisdom Course for the 12 months of the course we set up a discussion group for the course participants. This was my first experience with Topica and it was really great. It allowed us (125 people) to stay in touch, share ideas and support each other in between the weekends we met for the course. I found it very powerful. Topica is a free service. So there is no cost to set it up or use the service. Again I am suggesting this as an additional possibility and not as a replacement of the email quotes.

Monday, July 15, 2002 12:17 AM

I think its a good idea - to me what you are asking us to pay is a token fee, and I also believe that there's no free lunch!

Monday, July 15, 2002 3:37 AM

You pose a real heart wrenching question. I believe that you probably should make a charge for your time, effort energy and commitment in putting out your "stuff". I have no problem with this - you supply an invaluable service.
However, the dichotomy is that I would decline this service. For me, charging would change the whole nature of the experience. At the moment, you put your stuff out there, I read all of it with interest, ignore much of it and grab those occasional nuggets that have direct and immediate relevance for me. I'm struggling to define why I would not want to pay for this service. It's not that I think it doesn't have real value - it does, It's not that I think you shouldn't charge - I think you should, It's not that I can't afford it - I can. I guess the bottom line is that at the moment I see your notes as communications from a friend, rather than from a consultant. It will be interesting to see the feedback you get from the rest of your community.

Monday, July 15, 2002 7:43 AM

I like the idea, I would expand it to include a place to leave things of interest and feedback so all can share, let's make it collaborative and all co-share in the learnings. That would be worth $5.95.

Monday, July 15, 2002 9:20 AM

Consider the way in which you proposed the topic to your community - you referenced this idea through the eyes of your long trusted friend - nothing right or wrong about it just consider the mechanism. I think back on all the times I spoke with others about what I am up to in my life and how I met a coach who helped me reflect upon that. I am most powerful when I focus upon the revelations themselves and leave the means to my revelations as areas for another to probe if curious. What is most important is "Knowing thyself and revealing thyself". My point being, how do you get comfortable fully owning (and loving) this concept? It is your intentionality in the model that will create its success I believe. So, what is my most humble opinion? Only you will know if a contribution model is comfortable for you. I can offer you Nike's maxim "Just Do It" or Yoda's "Try not. Do. or Do Not. There is not try" and that would help your process to discovery but you know and have shared these sayings - how do they become you in execution of this model?

Monday, July 15, 2002 10:06 AM

A reaction from a person who has always given you thoughtful but straight responses - I think "going commercial" will diminish the credibility of your communications. To date your thoughts, comments, reflections appear to come from the heart and reflect a real person's spiritual, emotional and intellectual evolution. Once this even appears to have a commercial ring to it, I believe it's credibility is compromised to some degree.

Monday, July 15, 2002 11:32 AM

While I understand that you need to make a living, I would be very saddened to see you start charging for your quotes. I believe that they may be touching more people that you realize (like me) who are slow to jump on the bandwagon - so to speak. These people you are helping, who may be helping others, will most likely not pay since they are already being "dragged along". However, your emails sort of "grow" on a person - so after time, one starts to read them and actually pay attention! Nothing is free in life so when you get free advice and encouragement - it's HUGE. My two cents Jim. Thanks for listening and not judging as always.

Monday, July 15, 2002 12:39 PM

I asked for your address earlier so I know where to start sending my checks. Good luck :)

Monday, July 15, 2002 1:15 PM

My sense is that this is Not a good idea.

Monday, July 15, 2002 3:28 PM

If you have the courage to ask, I’ll have to have the courage to answer. Your product is right under my nose, it’s free and some of it truly illuminating. You lose me a little with all the God talk, but that’s just me. If I had to subscribe, I would decide that issue much like I did with the magazines, newspapers. I enjoy your work. It’s especially meaningful in person when it’s specifically narrowed just for me or those closest to me. The every day stuff is sometimes relevant. Sometimes it’s just stuff. Make sense?

Monday, July 15, 2002 4:43 PM

This sounds like a great idea, Jim. I´d definitely go for it.

Monday, July 15, 2002 8:40 PM

Do it.

The right fit

"Anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you."

-- David Whyte

Did you ever notice how being around some people or places leaves you feeling alive - where your senses and spirit are fully engaged, even if it's to the point of irritation - while others leave you feeling flat and lifeless? This is a reflection of where you are on your path and indicates whether the environment you're in or people you're with "fit you" at this particular moment. Heed these signals carefully and know that you get to choose the people and places that light you up. When you're there, get the most out of it. When you're not, it might be time to move on.

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For those of you who are interested in where things stand in my inquiry on receiving money for this service (I have added the second day's feedback to my web site at http://www.revolutionconsulting.com/blogger.htm.), I want to share my feelings as of this point regarding the whole experience. First, I so appreciate Ken for putting this idea out there for us to explore together. It has been an enlightening and thought-provoking process, and I will continue to pay attention. Second, I so appreciate the thoughtful feedback I've received from so many of you. It is obvious that opinions are split on the subject of compensation for something like this, but it's clear to me that real value is being received, which is what I care about most. I am doing this as a genuine labor of love, and I will never compromise that in any way. I get too much out of it. Third, I have discovered that I feel somewhat liberated just from having found the courage to ask a question that is difficult for me to ask. And thank you for allowing me to with such a generosity of spirit and a commitment to me being me. Finally, I'm clear that there's absolutely nothing I feel I MUST do about this right now. I love this forum and my interactions with all of you. If any of you who really value this service feel stifled for not having a vehicle to show it, a thank you card with a check is always a special treat, :-) but I do not need this to happen to continue to do this, nor do I expect it. I so deeply value and honor ALL of your inputs. As a community you are the right fit for me, because you bring me alive!

The power of love

"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without, and now know we cannot live within."

-- James Baldwin

"You see what power is - holding someone else's fear in your hand and lovingly showing it to them."

-- Amy Tan

Love is the most penetrating light to guide both ourselves and others through the dark hallway of our worst fears to the door leading home, and on the other side of that door is freedom. For many of us, there's a whole lot of fear out there these days - in our work lives, in our communities, and often inside our own homes. The key is to find that secret door to freedom, lighting your own dark hallway with the love you have for God, for yourself, for your family and friends, and then once you find that door, to walk through it confidently, knowing that you're never alone. Yesterday I got to watch this beautiful process play out over 4 intense hours for a married couple I really love and respect. They used the light provided by 3 other couples who love them and relate to them to walk slowly down that hallway together. They found the door, opened it, and poked their heads through, to the delight and applause of all present. Now today they get to choose whether to hang out and live on the other side of it - in their freedom. Good luck, J. & M.. We're all watching, with great admiration and appreciation for your courage.

Initial Feedback (from 7/13)

Saturday, July 13, 2002 7:46 AM

About your friend's suggestion, I think there's merit in it, but I think you should use it as an inspiration (pun intended) to think out of the box.

I think his specific idea will not work because of the freedom you would lose. A labor of love is different from a paid service.

How about a "revolutionconsulting" paid service page where people can drop an email requesting personal attention, a chat room with one-on-one coaching.

I like this the best. Go to the internet and news media and sell yourself as the new Ann Landers. Have a daily column to write and a mailbox to respond. Who says you have to use the internet and not the print media. Hire a promotion company and get to AOL and syndication services.

Write yourself a book. Talk to someone and get plenty of advance money to last a life time :-)

Jim, that's my contribution to you regarding Ken's idea. I love you and your work and will be tickled pink if things work out great for you. You are greatest when you can share yourself. This is the next step most natural for you. It's to expand your circle of influence.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 7:48 AM

I believe your daily quotes and musings allow "YOU" to be experienced by others who previously may not have had any exposure to "Jim Spivey, life coach." They can easily tap into a daily stream of YOU and make up for themselves whether to partake of more of YOU. At some point they may even come to the realization that what they get from you that they wish to compensate you for it.

What I would do (like I believe you do with all your offerings) is allow people to contribute to you online. Place a link on your web site and enclosed in every email you send out that points to a place where contribute ANY amount via credit card. For the purposes of satisfying the credit card processing companies you would have to label what people were actually getting for their money (you could call it "online life coaching" or "Instant Jim Spivey" or "E-Spivey" or something like that (smile)). For a non-profit organization (like Pro-Vision) this concept works great. We have a link on our web site that allows people to contribute whatever amount they wish whenever they feel like it. For example, an auditor for HISD was visiting our school one day and while there happened to view a video presentation that I had put together for our graduation ceremonies. She was so moved by what she saw in the video that she later donated money via our web site.

Yes, I think you should offer people more ways to contribute to you, but please don't place an artificial barrier between yourself and others experience of you.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 7:57 AM

Re: below---On one hand sure---On the other there is something that could feel start to feel like an e-Vangelist---for some that would be cool---but others would quickly lose motivation to read and reflect---me at the top of that list---

Saturday, July 13, 2002 7:59 AM

I agree to the fact that the energies you so direct should be returned to you in some form, and I have been trying to do so through emails. The paying thing also is ok, that’s for you to decide, but if made so, maybe a lot of us wouldn’t be able to afford the service. For example, being a student from a poor country,3.99$ is my expense for a week, and there’s no way I could afford it.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 8:26 AM

I think it sounds great! Your friend is a good marketer :) Starbuck's has convinced the world a cup of fancy java is worth $4 per day, hopefully support and love is worth at least that much a month.

You will lose some people but I definitely think you should add it to your web site or create another site specifically for this. I go to the Daily Motivator most days but haven't enrolled but yours is different. Maybe simply because it is more personal …

Saturday, July 13, 2002 8:33 AM

Great question---nothing to be scared about! As an alternative, how about posting on the Web site and offering folks the opportunity to make a donation? Knowing you, these donations would somehow find their way to some really great causes. May be advantageous to set up a separate non-profit to pass the donations through---

Saturday, July 13, 2002 9:18 AM

Jim, I share this with you because I love you and I want to be there for you as you have been there for me. Your friend KennyJ is right, I think people would pay and you know what, if someone can't pay - you can still send emails to them everyday (because that is the man you are). I think my point is that you have touched so many lives, that I think you would be amazed (as you are daily with me I am sure!) at the out pouring of support. I enjoy working with you and would love to honor you and support you in this effort in anyway that I could.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 9:31 AM

1. What does this mean to you? What are your vision, purpose, and goal of your daily message to friends? What you are doing has grown out of your heart to share you life. Is there anything that will change in your motive or purpose by changing the model.

2. Is this of personal interest for you, is it what you would consider ministry, or is it business? Somehow it would seem to fall in one of the three arenas. I mention this only because it will again affect the decision, the message and possibly the audience.

3. How will this fit into any plans you have for your future.

4. In practical terms: if it is business it will probably come under the umbrella of your present company. If it is ministry you might want to consider a new structure.

I believe that in whatever decision you make that, while you certainly are considering the advice of those who care and are involved, it must ultimately be a decision of the heart--your heart.

I will be praying for you as you make the decision.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 9:41 AM

How do I send the money--and who else can I recommend--

Saturday, July 13, 2002 10:00 AM

I love your friend's idea...my input is to move forward on it confidently.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 10:10 AM

I'd pay that amount each month. Of course, you still have to call me from time to time. Ha! People love inspirational quotes and stories. It helps them through very tough times. Children could benefit, the shut-in elderly at old folks homes, business people, EVERYONE. Hey, it shouldn't cost much to set it up and see if it works. Why not? I like the Coffee with Spivey idea. It would be like Roosevelt's "fireside chats." Love it. Go for it. AND...it's about time!

Saturday, July 13, 2002 10:17 AM

What you do should not be limited only to those who feel the price is no obstacle. I don't know the demographics of your "internet community" but folks like my parents living off social security would probably tell you no thanks just because of their financial situation.

So, in concert with what I believe is the theory of abundance, why don't you set up an internet collection device (make it simple to use) that lets people set their own "price" for your service, and let's them pay for say a year at a time instead of a monthly fee if they so choose. Maybe you could even have a lifetime amount that the more affluent folks could pay once and not worry with it any more. Just some thoughts. You deserve to have abundance in your life Jim. It may be hard for you to say that, but all of us out here can say it for you.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 10:32 AM

Love the Kennyj idea!! You should do it without delay and reservation. The 3 months free service should be for referral and subscription of a new customer (no one pays for referral only - or do one month vs. 3).

You deserve to be paid for your service. That all your friends and associates would love to do it is great (and we would!!!), but it is not wrong or conceited to receive compensation for good work which is also your calling. Doctors do it all the time. Besides, would you rather make money from something you didn't feel passion for? Oprah once said that God first sends a pebble before he sends a brick. Do not make him send you bricks. Accepts the gifts he gave you. If you were a singer, you would charge for a concert; God merely gifted you with a different kind of beautiful voice.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 10:41 AM

I think that it is a great idea. You are providing such a VALUABLE service and why not make some money. You deserve it. You do not know how many times the right quote has come at the right time. I really love getting the quotes. They inspire me. I have a few posted on my computer to remind me of who I am as I work. I pass them on to friends. The quotes are great. I would be willing to pay for them and to refer friends. Go for it.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 10:54 AM

I just read your email and I think it's a great idea. I feel very comfortable knowing
you’ll be taken care of in a way that can bless you and your family in many different ways. I would like to support you by sharing your message of blessed living and what better way to share that then to just tell them to "log on."

Saturday, July 13, 2002 11:45 AM

I think that it sounds like a really great idea. I like the title too "Coffee and Spivee."

Saturday, July 13, 2002 12:11 PM

I think what you are really asking will be answered by a voluntary payment scheme. So as a follow-up suggestion you may want to make the list shareware as a first step. Sort of a transition step to full pay or no play. I still think you should send out messages even if there is no pay...because it continues to market what you do until the person is in the right place to make the shift.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 12:53 PM

I think it is a good idea and one I would pay for. However, here are a few considerations I would have:

I know there are some casual readers who would probably not sign up - their loss and yours too
Much of what you write is personal in nature - would you change that? Do you think you have to change? What would be the impact?
It seems expensive but you know me I am cheap
It will lead you to more work -- better web site, back issues, perhaps a little different format -- all probably good but more effort
Are there others who have done this? If so call them up and ask them about their experiences.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 2:19 PM

I think this is a great idea! I would sign up.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 4:56 PM

I’m in. I think it’s a great idea. You should add some graphics too and I think it would be great to do it in such a way that we could see each others’ responses to your thoughts so that it becomes a community conversation.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 5:21 PM

Now, how about pulling in 10 charities that live the values and maybe all play a common theme. Not the biggies, but maybe nominated by folks in your network. Offer people who visit the site the opportunity to establish additional points of information so they can learn, can give time, moral support and/or $$$---kinda of a big community of sharing and giving bound together by the revolution---will think more---Key is to get all to have some skin in the game (emotions, information, passion, money, one or more of the previous)---what do you think?

Saturday, July 13, 2002 5:30 PM

As a prosperity coach I know that their must be an exchange of energy for both parties to be in prosperity consciousness. While it seems very noble to coach people for free it neither serves you nor them. I applaud you for asking your students to support you in supporting them. Forget the $3.99/month - ask for a clean $50/ year subscription. And in every mesage add a byline that states your ministry is supported by donations and tithes.
People must understand that though you are spiritual you are human and you and your family need to eat. As long as you are comfortable doing it for free the universe and most everyone else will go along with that. As a
spiritual leader it is time to assist others in being accountable and it will start with you. You deserve to be financially supported. I would also suggest that you request a fee for your coaching. YOU DESERVE IT! Standing in fear will change nothing...standing in love for yourself will shift everything....stop being scary and start being LOVEY ~ I am behind you all the way. And thanks for asking.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 6:00 PM

SIGN ME UP!!!!!!

Saturday, July 13, 2002 8:53 PM

I'm so proud of you. Putting it ALL out there ... You know I'm on your vision team.

Saturday, July 13, 2002 9:20 PM

I want to give you my reaction to your proposition. First, my deepest gratitude for all the quotable wisdom and authenticity I have received daily over the past several years. Every day I look forward to another surprise nugget to take in, ponder and apply. Thanks!

Regarding your proposition, your offerings are certainly worth paying for, and I will probably do so if it is implemented. However, I would have preferred your direct owning of what you want, rather than what struck me as a double message. Clearly, you would like to receive payment, so just ask for it. As a person of deep discernment, if you have determined that you deserve payment for your service, and that a payment arrangement won't diminish the effectiveness of your service, who is in a better position than you to make that call? I doubt that you are going to get complete unanimous affirmation -- what is the cut-off point?

Also, and forgive me for this, but over the years I have seen so many spritually gifted, authentic prophets lose the ego-battle. I hope you don't. God bless you, Jim, and I am thankful that Providence had us cross paths.

The paradox of "who you are"

"Who we are has many faces, but these faces are not who we are."

-- Charlotte Joko Beck

Do not confuse your inner emotional state and its outward expression in response to various external stimuli as the complete picture of "who you are." You are so much more than your habitual or knee-jerk responses to the world, your fears or your pain, or your "looking good" disguise. Be gentle with yourself. Take in the big picture. When you see yourself completely, recognizing the beauty and elegance of your life's unfolding design, you feel peaceful and are free to make choices in each moment that can bring about a more centered and grounded experience of "who you are," - that place from which you can feel your spiritual connection to God and all that is.

Just as I finished writing this, I turned the page of our "A Course in Miracles" calendar in our bathroom, and this was their thought for the day:

"This is the spiritual meaning of intimacy: growth inward, past our masks and fears and recklessness, to the sacred place where we are naked before God and each other."

Synchronicity!
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Now, for those of you who are interested, I want to continue the bold adventure of yesterday's inquiry and the flood of thoughtful responses I've received. In that spirit, I offer the following question and answer session I'm having with myself, within the context of the message above:

Q. Why did you send this message out in the first place?

A. To release myself from the fearful clutter in my mind around the subject of money and to get to the heart of what I really want to see happen with this particular forum. In other words, "to get to the sacred place where I am naked before God and you" on the subject of money, abundance, and service.

Q. What did you learn from the experience of sending it and the feedback you are receiving?

A. That I am not defined, limited, or stopped by my fears, or my ego's desire to look good; that walking through them openly and in community has liberated me to see a much bigger picture of service, enriched by others' points of view, and that it's not about me or my ego needs; that I am deeply loved by many who want to continue receiving my daily messages and thoughts and to see me rewarded somehow for this good work; that I trust God and my life completely; that I don't feel a need to rush to an answer; that there's a way that is "wanting to happen" here where all of us can share in both the giving and receiving of the abundance that is available to us as a community; that we will find that way together.

Q. If all of a sudden you received a dramatically increased flow of money, above and beyond what is now available, what would you do with it?

A. I would sleep easier at night, trusting my ability to support my older sons getting completely through college and graduate school, while meeting my other day-to-day financial responsibilities. I would travel more often, with Anne and Jake, to see people and places we love. I would give more, to people and organizations that inspire me.

Q. Who and what are these people and organizations?

A. Here are a few of my initial, obvious choices:

Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America (in honor of my relationship with Brandon)
Curious Corporation (in honor of my dear friend, John Piccone, and his commitment to healthy family life)
Forever Spring Farm (in honor of my spiritual guides, Bill & Claudia Parkhurst)
Katie Laine Consulting (in honor of my friend, Katie Laine, and our shared commitment to Life Planning)
Panopolis Corporation (in honor of the grand global vision of Bruce Mortimer Shotkin)
ProVision (in honor of my friend, Ron Smith, and his relentless commitment to young men)
The group of women I am facilitating in supporting girls and young women grow into healthy womanhood
The group of people I am facilitating in building an enterprise that integrates successful business and family
Westford Consulting (in honor of my friend, Mike Cooper, and his focus on common sense and decency)

Q. What will I do now?

A. I am going to keep listening as additional feedback rolls in, and I will begin sharing some of that feedback anonymously on my web site under Jim's Daily Notes at http://www.revolutionconsulting.com/blogger.htm. You can look over the first day's worth of responses to the initial message there today under the title: Initial Feedback. Also, I am going to start giving more now, especially while I'm a little scared for my own welfare, to get myself out of the way of the flow that is wanting to happen. I believe something extraordinary is about to unfold for all of us.