A NOTE TO ALL GREENWALA MEMBERS (With Love From Your Favorite Green Social Network)

Dear Greenwala Newbie (or Old-bie, depending on your membership status),

Thanks for surfing through social-network-saturated waters in order to seek out the greenest fish in the sea – your support and participation really mean a lot to me! YOU are the reason that I remain afloat, and for that, I am sincerely grateful. For those of you who have told two friends about Greenwala, who in turn have told two other friends and so on and so forth, just know that I’m giving you a high-five at this very moment. I may be a relatively new fish in the sea but I’m definitely a true-blue fish with a heart of green. I’m so excited that you continue hanging out with me and making me an integral part of your life – and I look forward to a long, positively sustainable relationship for many years to come. My amphibian compadre, Kermit, once famously said that “it’s not easy being green” and I’ve gotta give him credit – for a skinny little frog with a pig fetish, his simple observation is dead-on, especially in the year 2009.

Personally, I’m just trying to make the world a better place by offering eco-minded greenies a forum in which to exchange and explore ideas, tips, and mind-expanding resources. Actually, just so you’re clear, I embrace green-minded individuals of all “strengths” – so whether you’re dipping your big toe in the water or have been around the block a few times, it’s all about sharing and connecting. Ideally, I hope that all of you are inspired enough through your adventures in the Greenwala community to make long-term lifestyle changes that will positively impact our planet.

What makes my role in the cyber-sphere a bit challenging is that, at every turn, I end up rubbing elbows with eco-lite neighbors who dabble in pseudo-greenification. Their splashy websites – heavy on the glitz and light on the info --capitalize on the hip, trendy aspect of the green movement and appear to be propelled by the vision of dollar bills dancing in their heads. You won’t find that here. I’m not chasing a pop culture craze, I have no interest in using this endeavor as a stepping stone into a top-secret career as a rapper, and I’m definitely not looking to bling-out my servers with decoupaged $1000 bills and green Swarovski crystals.

I prefer to keep it real…nice and simple. Consider me your social network with heart, soul, and purpose, but don’t lose sight of the fact that you can also consider me a lot of fun, too! This is why I’m asking YOU -- my peeps, my users, my seekers of the Green Grail – to please take your coat off and stay for awhile. Now that you’ve joined, look around and take it all in. There’s so much more to do than just sign up and post a link to your business. Don’t disappear for months on end. Check out what other Greenwalians are writing about on a regular basis and let them know what you think – feedback is heartily encouraged here. It’s way more fulfilling and relaxing than plunking down in front of the boob tube after work.

In fact, don’t stop there. Write your OWN blog posts – allow your voice to be heard! No…not just once…summon the courage to interact with your fellow greenies a few times a week, in spite of your undoubtedly busy schedule. Stop making excuses -- you ARE good enough to put your thoughts down in a blog. You don’t have to be endowed with the innate skills of a poet or classic novelist – the only requirement necessary is having enough passion or interest in an eco-topic to share it with fellow community members. Make connections, establish friendships, respond to calls for assistance, and most importantly, revel in the opportunity to engage in social activities that could potentially make a real difference in the community and world at large!

Take a gander at the “groups” tab at the top of the home page and start joining causes that resonate with you. Don’t stop there – establish your OWN group, and if you are so inclined, offer your own thoughts on discussions that are taking place between others. What about checking out the classified section or posting your own free ad? Ever thought that it would be interesting to read a few of the featured articles in the “channels” section at the top left portion of the home page? Are there social network features that you think are absent in this community? Well then by all means, speak up!

I’m here for YOU, which means that I am always open to making your experience more enjoyable – so let me know what you think (good or bad) by clicking on the “groups” tab and entering your thoughts in the “Greenwala Website Feedback” group. Overall, please consider me an entertaining social and intellectual resource that you can rely on time and time again. Stick with me – the best is yet to come. With your regular interaction and willingness to spread the word to others, I’ll be able to expand the value and range of tools that I can offer to you. Who knows…you just may find yourself donating your television to Freecycle once and for all! Do me proud. Get out there and let your keyboard do the talking – inquiring minds definitely want to know what you’re thinking!

Friends4Eva,

Your Green Social Network :)

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***For additional messages to Greenwala members, please click here & here. ***