Karmawish 2010 – what’s coming up!

Four months down the line and you are now more than a thousand helping each other on Karmawish!

As always, even if it takes time to implement new features, we’re always trying to fine tune the concept according to what you have to say. As a result they are big changes coming. Why and what? Well we’ve noticed that our system was not always ideal for some requests. When someone is asking for tips he/she should be able to give immediate reward for a good answer, no need to go through a long process of accepting and processing help.

Besides, you are a few who like to receive cards and that’s great. Problem is that it becomes difficult when several people want to get involved. Same applies to someone who needs help from many people. This can be the case if you’re moving out for instance. Karmawish will be ready for this in the coming version.

Now onto something that has triggered a lot of thinking. Should we give value to wishes? Does a 3 page translation should require a bigger reward than fixing a window? Well we’ve come to the conclusion that you should decide for this.

Here’s what you can expect in the coming version:

There will be two types of requests:

• Request for help: you’re moving out, you need a translation, someone to help you paint a wall. In this case, you will be able to set the number of karmacredits you will give to each of your granters once help has been provided. Obviously it will all depend on karmacredits you have at your disposal. Remember:  the more you help others the more karmacredits you get the more help you can get.
• Information requests, advice, and cards: This will be out of the karmacredit system. You’ll reward people who give you good tips or send you cards by giving them “stars”. 5 stars equal one karmacredit. This will be a fantastic way for people to help each other in a more immediate manner.

What else will you see?

We’re implementing communities. Now hold on tight because that’s great. You will be able to create or join communities. OK where is the revolution you might be asking? Well this will be a fantastic tool for like minded people to help one another. Let’s say you need photography tips or maybe to borrow a lens, by joining the let’s say “Berlin photography group” you will have your wishes broadcasted to the right people, multiplying your chances to get help.” On the other end you will also be able to bring your expertise and help others where you’re good at.

The twist is that a community can be about a topic but also for a geographic location. Have you heard about SELs, LETS or other Tauschringe? Well that’s pretty much what these communities can become but online thus taking advantage of the Internet ability to reach people.

There’s a lot more that will be included in the new version: ability to message members directly, 3 new languages, sub-categories etc…

We’re aiming at 2 months from this day.