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Gaia Life

A catalog of my experiences as an employee and citizen of Gaia.

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Week Twenty-Six: Special Christmas Gift I said I would write a journal this week... so I will! Even though I'm tired and cranky and full of Christmas beer cheer. You're STILL the Featured Journal? LAME I agree. That's why I'm in the process of writing a feature that will allow users to suggest journals, profiles, and guilds for spotlighting on the landing pages. Up until now, one of the big reasons why those things on the landing pages never changed is that it's a tremendous pain in the a to find new journals, profiles, etc. One of the only reasons I ended up there was that an Admin came up to me one day and said: Admin: "Hey, people like your journal right? I don't really have time to look for another one. Would it be okay if we featured yours?" Fleep: "Durrrrrrr, okay!" So no, I didn't bribe anyone with rare valuables -- it's just that there's never been a good system for that. 2006 in Review I've talked a lot about stuff that's been done in 2006, how it's the dawn of a new era for Gaia, blah blah. Let me just give some of my final thoughts about it... I started working at Gaia on July 5th, and when I got here it was a really cool place, but you could tell that things were disorganized, LOTS of stuff was broken, and people were still running around doing whatever they thought needed to be done. Since then, Gaia's greatly increased its development team and customer-service team, defined processes so that everybody did things the right way, and actually set defined goals for the site. New Features We saw a lot of new releases: Invite System, Daily Chance, Word Bump, Jigsaw, Quest System, Tagging, PM reporting, Topic Voting, Gold Notification, Weekly Comic, Announcement Notification, Standardized Buttons, Newsletters, Going Postal re-release, lots of great new merchandise, Fixes and Upgrades There were also a ton of improvements and fixes throughout the site, some of the more notable including: changing the "Tropicana Kids", updated the ToS and Privacy Policy, lots of server improvements so the site doesn't go down as much, much more stable events (with 90% less mean-ness!), major friends list updates, major Towns updates, simplified password-retrieval interface, fixes to slots and cards, a ton of new items, the most popular Donation Items Monthly Collectibles we've EVER had, and hundreds of other bug fixes around the site! Hidden Awesome We've also made a ton of improvements that aren't visible on the frontend that improve stability of the site, improve the scalability of the site so it can grow without crashing, improve moderator response time, anti-botting, etc. And that's just the stuff that's been released. We're sitting on top of a ton of other releases that are in development and are either ready to be released, or will be released in the near future: Tattoos, Battle System, new moderator system, rewrites of some major site features, a redesign of the entire site, etc. And this was all within the last 6 months. Going Forward So Gaia has been growing even until this last month. Now we are a much better team than we were when I first came on board in every way imaginable. We have a stronger development team with better processes and tools. We have a strong customer/member support team with better processes and tools. We have teams that decide what the best MCs and item releases are going to be. We have a strong art team, people who manage site events, people who will organize cons, people who write content for the site, people who work on the user-interface (FINALLY!). So these first 6 months have just been the tip of the iceberg in terms of us making Gaia fun and stable. You're likely to see an explosion of major improvements forthcoming in 2007 -- some so exciting that it's violently depressing that I can't tell you what they're all going to be... yet. 2006 Sign-Off I wanted to write more, but I've got work to do rofl** I had a lot of fun in 2006, and I hope I see you all again in 2007 and onward. Happy New Year!

Posted by: Fleep Fri Dec 29, 2006 @ 10:26pm

Gaia Isn't Being Money Hungry

User Comments: [108] Viewing page 0 of 3 · Goto Page: 1 2 3 » [add]

LokiLB
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Commented on: Fri Dec 29, 2006 @ 10:48pm


	wow. xd i forgot all that stuff happened. i think anything more than a few weeks ago gets blurred together for me and seems like it's always been there. you guys have done a great job this year (or half a year for you and the other relatively new people). i can't wait to see what the new things you speak of will be. ninja

Commented on: Fri Dec 29, 2006 @ 10:49pm


	Well there's probably a little better reasoning behind why you still have the featured journal. :p Everyone likes you and your writings, so it's a no-brainer to me. Anyway, thanks for keeping us all updated for 2006 and we'll be stalking monitoring you and your journal for all the cool new stuff we're gonna see in 2007. biggrin

Mazele
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Miches
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Commented on: Fri Dec 29, 2006 @ 10:54pm


	Seeing all of those new features listed right in front of my eyes, actually reminds me of all the changes Gaia has gone through. What progress. I'm looking forward to 2007 more than ever. heart

Commented on: Fri Dec 29, 2006 @ 11:00pm


	Seeing that I joined in 06, [ just a few months ago ], I find gaia great! Well that sounded corny.. The past 2 months was the best month to me while being on gaia so far 3nodding I kind of feel as if I've been with gaia since the beginning of '06 xD I'm looking forward to another awesome year on gaia - Austierra P.S. Have a happy New Year, Fleep! (( don't get too drunk though ))

Austierra
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LabTech David
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Commented on: Fri Dec 29, 2006 @ 11:07pm


	I hope you had a good holiday Fleep. I hope you guys almost finish with the battle system. ninja

Commented on: Fri Dec 29, 2006 @ 11:42pm


	Fleep is there still going to be a profile spotlight? or has that been taken out?

[!Cactuar!]
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Lunaki3
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 12:48am


	Gaia has improved sooo much. No wonder there has been an implode of new users. Well that and crazy people trying to sabotage the invite system. I am quite excited for the battle system. Hopefully it will be done before summer. I also admit I have been tekteking too much because of all the new stuff that I like. Happy New Year Fleep!! (dont get too drunk XD)

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 01:02am


	I hope you have a happy new year Fleep- don't "work" too hard okay? wink Tell the rest of the Gaia team I think you're all doing a great job! ...And hurry up on that feature- some other guild needs the spotlight so they can deal with the thousands of clamoring gaians who want to join it. xd

Katriana
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Sorennial
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 02:47am


	All of that in six months eek !? Gaia's really progressing blaugh .

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 03:34am


	Woah... Now that you think about it... O_o Lots of stuff has actually been happening! Congrats Gaia!! XP I had fun in 2006 as well! <33 Well, I welcome the new year with open arms!! ^__^

icy_crystal_phoenix
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Just Neo
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 04:10am


	A lot of stuff has indeed happened on Gaia in the past year. I am happy I have been able to participate in it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 04:30am


	Quote: We have teams that decide what the best MCs and item releases are going to be. What else have you heard. Like so far, what MC was the best?

Yir
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Ginger Flare
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 05:06am


	I love reading your journal. It makes me laugh, and is very enlightening. You rock!!!

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 05:24am


	.:[I Came, I Polled, I Posted]:. And I thought Gaia had finally slowed down on the Development of things, when its actually just picking up speed. Knowing that now makes me want to log in more everyday.

Osisi
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Sevi Rais
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 05:40am


	UPDATE JOURNALS UPDATE JOURNALS UPDATE JOURNALS gonk The events ran more smoothly. This is true. surprised O HAY, why are the games connecting with the www and not the games server?

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 06:31am


	Have a good new year, Fleep.

Kathleen Starr
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Druki
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 06:45am


	Good on you Fleep, as well as the other administrators, developers...and L0cke...for improving this site drastically in the past year. Hopefully it'll be just as good in the upcoming one. And speaking of cons, Anime Expo has began to take pre-registrations. ninja

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 06:57am


	Oh man! I wanna know what 07' has in store! Happy New years!

Cid High-Wind
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Tohf
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 07:47am


	I havn't been playing long enough to know all that happened. gonk xp

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 09:36am


	I am the embodiement of fear and evil Fleep, as a kind of suggestion I would suggest maybe Gaia getting a 1800 number that people with Store problems can call. I ordered something in november, had a problem, was charged for the package, and still haven't heard anything back about it. I sent an email to the email that was provided in my reciept, and sent in a feedback form but there is no confirmation screen so I still don't know if either of the two I sent were recieved. I know there are tons of reports that go through, but I would think that the Gaia Store should be seen as a kind of priority much like the donation letters are since we're paying actual real life money for them. Just a thought, oh and I keep getting a glitch where I can't collect my DC on the Games tab sometimes. And it's not just this account either. Great Job Fleep. ^_^ of the House of Demonic Dreams

Shrimp_Man
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-=`chanteuse`=-
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 01:29pm


	wow.......... six months must seem like years to the admins xd Have fun, Happy New Year!

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 03:12pm


	Soon ve vill be abvel to TAKE OVER ZE WORLD! Ahem... Happy new year! These six months have been uuber awesome @_@

Cleocatra
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Spazn
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 03:19pm


	That's alot of stuff... Could you tell woever's job it is to give warnings when they're taking stuff out of the Gstore? [I was about to get Mini Wing Wristbands...] -_- Happy New Year!

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 03:33pm


	Happy New Years! =D Oy. So much has happened in '06 that it makes my head spin. But, that's a good thing. =O Lots of good stuff. -nod- ... OMG!!! D: Its almost 2007. D:

Sgt.PepperHat
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g2gpotty
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 03:41pm


	You only had 2 funny link things this week. I'm depressed. ToT

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 05:32pm


	I think its great that youre still Fetured Jouranl couse becoue of that a lot of more loling was created more PTAG edverising and other faboulas stuff.Well im a fan of oyu from the second day your journal got featured!

NukeGoesBoom
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Killer Dwarf
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 05:35pm


	Fleep, where are my link references? sad I'm glad you came aboard, your journal is absolutely hilarious. But if you still don't have that code sometime soon... you could feature my journal. ninja

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 06:58pm


	Woah! That much happened in just six months?!? I had no idea. (because I'm too new xp ) I hope you have a good new year!

Darksp
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AriRashkae
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Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 07:46pm


	Fleep: Midas. Touch. Beer. emotion_drool And I don't mind having you as the featured journal. Your journals always rock!

Commented on: Sat Dec 30, 2006 @ 11:45pm


	tatoos are going to be awsome

TheUnknownNightmare
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hoechata
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Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 12:15am


	Fleep said Quote: Even though I'm tired and full of Christmas beer cheer. eek YOU DRINK?!?!?!?! eek eek eek eek eek eek eek eek eek eek eek

Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 04:50am


	I wonder if they're going to be introducing a new npc to go along with the tattoos? A gaian tattoo parlor? That sounds kindof funny. But it will be interesting.

iBodyBag
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Leena no Majo
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Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 07:33am


	Sorry my comment is coming a bit late this time, my comp decided to die like the horrible piece of crap it is. I'm only hoping that when I get the new one that I can get the old one to start up long enough to transfer all my files over...oh the agony of not knowing and possibly facing the loss of all that douji-coughs I mean school work. When you mentioned the featured journal I was suddenly inspired to try and make my journal so fantabulous that it would get featured....then my laziness kicked in and I decided it wasn't worth the effort...yeah...its scary what college does to you. XD Yeah, it's amazing the changes that have been made just in these past few months. I'd have to say they are probably some of the biggest ones too. Looking back on what the site was when I first joined in 04 I'm simply amazed at how it has changed. I mean I remember sitting down in a thread and taking about the quest system back when it was just an idea...and now its here! XD But what I'm even more amazed at is the fact that it still feels like the same Gaia I first joined. The community has the same feel to it and even though it looks a little different, the site does too. I love the direction Gaia is heading in and I can't wait to see what happens in the future. Yeah 2006 has been an interesting year, lots of stuff has happened on Gaia and in my life and most of it has thankfully been pleasant. The only thing I didn't get around to doing this year was starting my secret Gaia related project, but since this coming quarter I have a class related to my project I can hopefully get started on it in the up coming months. dances with excitement

Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 07:34am


	In reply to your contest journal entry I noticed you said that no one even got 25% of the references in your journal. I have now decided that the next time I have nothing to do, and each time afterwards I'm going to try and hunt own ALL the references in your journals. Why? Because I am THAT freaking bored now that my hand has been splinted. Hmmm, I think that’s all for this comment. I dun think there’s anything else to blabber on about...though I'm not really blabbering...just typing...ONE HANDED I might add. I hope you feel the love in this comment, I'm putting so much effort into just writing the thing blaugh I hope you had Happy Holidays! I also hope everyone else at Gaia HQ had them as well. I wish you and everyone there a Happy New Year! =^.^= Didya know this coming year is the year of the Boar? Well if you didn't know you do! Just out of curiosity, what animal are you? Also also, do you have any idea who's going to be showing up to otakon this year? And also also, who plays ping pong a lot there? I mean...ALOT. It's a secret as to why I wanna know, you'll just have to wait and find out razz Hmmm...looks back up at all the text Yeah, this comment is done. See ya next entry…and next year might I add! =^.^= Ps. Has the character limit always been there or is my reply just THAT long?

Leena no Majo
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ArisaKisa
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Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 07:38am


	Violently depressing it's so amazing? How exciting 3nodding ! haha, have a Happy New Year!~

Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 08:14am


	That rocks man. Just think, all this from a five person team, then ten, and now somewhere like 50. Imagine next year! eek

Coyotecom
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danafay
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Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 03:20pm


	I agree Gaia has changes sooo much! i created my first account in 2004 and...wow ok thats almost three years....and yes sorry! The changes that have happened in that time has been more then i can say for things like oh i don't know the computer technoloyg in general lol - i mean come on! where is my holographic computer screen razz Anyway have a happy new year and keep up the good work lol britvixen, hunneeb, freemedamien(666) and now finally Dana-Fay

Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 04:19pm


	Happy New Year! Can't wait for Gaia 2007!

Weis Voltlin
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LORDFERRAfeedmeyourBRAINS
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Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 07:24pm


	Yay. 2007.

Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 08:19pm


	heart I never thought of how many features you guys made this year, but now that I see, wow! You guys did a wonderful job! <33 Gaia has changed alott. I only joined in 05, but I still have seen some major changes that gaia has went through, that were mostly for the better. Happy new year!

KoNterra
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Rowsez
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Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 09:00pm


	That's reli cute, yur journal is going great and yur making such a hit lol. btw i hav yur "rare item" a.k.a. the nintendo WIIIIIIi lol its so WIIIIIIIIIIIIIII and fuN!!! if yu get it someday i suggest yu buy the Ramen Rabbids came!! luv, Dream Green Row! razz

Commented on: Sun Dec 31, 2006 @ 10:17pm


	Because of the Zurg and Gaians clashing there should be some kind of game featuring them both possibly them battling for the New Year. If you do this please will you give me some credit? Well Happy New Year y'all

blazeken2
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kittykat_meow020494
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Commented on: Mon Jan 01, 2007 @ 04:02am


	Ello' Fleep. snickers I like your journal alot Fleep snickers Very interesting, Fleep laughs bursts out laughing uncontrollably FLEEP!!!!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA THAT IS SUCH A FUNNY NAME!! clears throat and stops laughing looks around then whispers...Fleep...oh btw HAPPY ******** NEW YEAR MAN!!!!!! GET KRUNCK!!!!!!!!!

Commented on: Mon Jan 01, 2007 @ 04:30am


	Eventually, I got tired of reading it....but as I went on...I grew into it...I cant get it out of my mind....I can't believe we had that much fun!! biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

sporty_chick_5
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BenjaminBriggs
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Commented on: Mon Jan 01, 2007 @ 05:03am


	The easier reporting for PMs, posts, and towns are really appreciated. Though I don't expect to use them, it makes it SO much easier when some "admin" PMs me to tell me that if I don't give them my password RIGHT NOW, mad dogs will devour Utah or something. I'm seeing everything really stabilize a lot just in six months, so I'd say you guys were doing great!

Commented on: Mon Jan 01, 2007 @ 05:24am


	yo dude!!! AWESOME JOURNAL!!!!!!!! thnx for keeping us gaians updated on stuff that we dont know about yet!! so yea thanx for keeps us updated!!!! keep going on the journals dude!!!