As we approach the end of this year, I’ve been reflecting on an idea that surfaced earlier - and it only makes sense to consider it something to actualize as we prepare for 2025. It’s something I believe will encourage and strengthen the longevity of our community and overall platform. This was also sparked by my personal reflection on my experience and success here— mixed with the reassessment of all the hard work and intricate details that can be so easily taken for granted.
I call it the… “Team Recharge Fund”
Now, this idea isn’t something revolutionary, but I believe it goes against the grain when it comes to really believing in something, especially when it’s changed your life for the better and the people around you. Similar to the South American tradition of ‘minga,’ (The minga, a pre-Columbian form of sharing economy (of our days) - Fab City Montréal) (where community members come together to achieve a common goal, like building a communal oven or planting a farm) - adopting this mindset can further define and anchor us, as well as continue to solidify our position as a cut above the rest. But the main aim here is to add some JUICE on the administration side of things.
Here’s a reference posted earlier this year -
“Even though our workload has doubled over the past year, our income remains the same.” - SWAPD
SWAPD isn’t cheap to use, but at the same time we:
- Respond during day
- Respond during night
- Respond during holidays
- Respond even on Christmas
- Respond on weekends
- Our response times and payout times are unmatched when compared to some of our competitors (not talking about freelance MM who sit on telegram)
- We were never hacked, we try our best to keep your data secure
- We try our best to keep scams off-site, and I personally consider SWAPD to be pretty good at it, considering the volume that happens on this site
- We do giveaways and contests, basically giving away money whenever we can
- We send out DC/MC awards worldwide to users who go above and beyond
- We fend off corporations who try to take us down
- We’ve even fought hard for user data protection (even those who didn’t deserve it) by refusing to work with law enforcement (don’t ask, we’re unable to disclose such situations).
- We’re spending XX XXX USD to move our company to Canada (we didn’t have to), so there are fewer problems for our EU members.
- We don’t pass on VAT charges to buyers on ads (we cover it from our fee)
- Even though we seem strict, we’re very forgiving and try to work with every user and give them second/third/etc chances
- Seven years in operation, 50 000 000 USD touched by us, never lost your funds or exit scammed
- Fought countless institutions that froze our (your money), like PayPal, Santander, Wise, Paxful, etc.
Basically, as a community, we have the ability (similar to the victim fund) to contribute any amount, whether it’s $20 or $500, or whatever, to this fund. It’s completely voluntary, but by pitching in here and there, by say 6 months or 12 months, there should be a decent amount gathered for our staff to use towards rejuvenation and recharging. The plan is for them to use it for recalibrating or similar activities funded by us, the community. The amount doesn’t matter; the goal is a collective contribution that our staff can use at year-end (or what makes sense) solely for these purposes, to lighten their load and show our appreciation for all they do.
Of course how this works can be tweaked and improved (maybe showing a live balance and how staff used it)
(Brant got a haircut and went to the spa e.g. David got a wax etc.)
The key here is for them to recognize that the experience (no matter how small) is funded by the community. I believe this makes a significant difference compared to if it were coming directly out of their own pockets, it also serves to boost/empower staff’s workflow. Simultaneously, we as the community can more tangibly see the impact of our contributions.
I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! I will also make my first $500 contribution to this fund to kick things off.
