Help Wanted (Blog)

[Savage]

Originally Posted by Bradshaw

Don't let it get you down. You're strong. That's a sign you're doing a great job. Many people who tried to raise people's consciousness were crucified or killed when they tried to do the same.

You could still be awakening people to a much greater degree.

Right now Wikileaks whistleblower Bradley Manning is being tortured in a US military prison. Manning is in total isolation save the short periods each day he is stripped naked & abused by jeering inmates.

And all he did was reveal the truth. He wasn't even intentionally trying to piss people off.

Keep up great work!

Good point. I need to feel more gratitude for having had it so easy this far in that respect.

[justhopingandsearching]

Are people seriously reading the same article I just read?? Why are people getting all riled up and defensive? What is it him using the word "slave?"

I don't see anything bad in that article, in fact I'm quite intrigued! It sounds like something fun and exciting. Now, if I could just pay off my student loans, I would totally hop on a plane and join Mr. Master Savage (is that too much?) at his "compound."

[Savage]

Originally Posted by justhopingandsearching

Are people seriously reading the same article I just read?? Why are people getting all riled up and defensive? What is it him using the word "slave?"

Slaves in denial normally don't like being called slaves.

They typically prefer to be called something like associates.

If you refer to them as slaves, they may try to bite you.

I say call them slaves anyway. It's more honest. The bite marks will heal. Most slaves don't have rabies.

[strawzombie]

Slave say what?!

[saltyk9]

What if one of these potential slaves has a significant other?

[Christina1965]

If you really wanted to diagnose my personality shifts, you'd have to be someone who sees me in person or at least talks to me on the phone regularly. If you're trying to get a sense of what I'm like in person by reading articles that are written for the public as growth lessons, that would be too much of a stretch.

I'm sorry if it seemed like I thought I knew anything about you. I was reffering to how I experienced your blog posts. And I have always thought that your intentions were god, I'm only trying to discuss the methods.

Some day ago I wrote a rather long answer here but accidently deleted it before posting, but anyway there I ended with thanking you because you pushed me out of my comfort zone (standing up for my feelings at least here).

But again, I'm really sorry if I hurt you or anybody. And please note that English is not my language.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by saltyk9

What if one of these potential slaves has a significant other?

Two slaves for the price of one!

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by Savage

For anyone who hates the idea, it's just an April Fool's joke. For anyone who loves the idea, it might just be savagely real.

Christina didn't seem to like the idea, so I had to remind her that it's a joke.

I posted this on April 1st so people could decide for themselves what they wish to believe. But that's only part of it.

The behind-the-scenes truth is that I haven't yet resolved whether it's an April Fool's joke or not. That's why I decided to post it. On the one hand, it seems absurd, and on the other hand, there's an undeniable win-win logic to it.

And subjectively speaking, of course my figments would be split on their opinions of this. I'm still split about it.

If I actually get some applications, then I'm forced to decide. And I honestly don't know what I'll decide in advance.

Basically it's the blogging version of Schrodinger's cat experiment. The cat is both dead and alive at the same time... till you check the box.

Perhaps the true answer is that it depends on who applies. If I go forward with it but pick the wrong people, it could be a disaster. But if the right people are chosen and they mesh well, it could be an amazing yet highly unusual experience that's a big win for everyone. So maybe this is something I really can't commit to in advance. I have to see who, if anyone, would be interested in it first. And if the cards seem to line up beautifully, then I probably am brave enough (or crazy enough) to do it.

Can you document all of this if you do go forward with it? I think it would make an interesting movie
Actually can I document it?

[Phil Watson]

I just mailed in my application for enslavement...and realized I only provided a phone number. Email is pwatson396 at yahoo dot com

[inverse Paranoid]

Hey Steve, are you going to be in town the 26th-28th? I'm compiling my application as we speak, and my girlfriend and I will be in Vegas that Tuesday through Thursday. I was wondering if you'd be open to keeping a lunch date free for one of those days.

I see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to let go and let grow. A heroic attempt to capture the creative energy of 15th century Florence and distill it into a single Vegas household.

Unabashed enthusiasm aside, I'm ready to challenge my limiting beliefs, develop new habits, and make contributions that previously seemed too scary to even attempt. And my girlfriend is selflessly willing to risk months, if not years, apart so that I may have the chance to pursue this path to the fullest.

My application ought to have no trouble conveying my commitment to personal growth and penchant for thriving in challenging and unconventional settings. But I feel a face-to-face meeting will tell us in an instant whether or not I might be a good fit for your vision moving forth.

Thanks for sharing this opportunity the way you did. Even if I don't end up playing a direct role in this vision, the value I've gotten from merely imagining myself in this setting has opened me up to challenging the infallibility of my own point of view and finding more value in other people's perspectives.

Much appreciation.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by inverse Paranoid

Hey Steve, are you going to be in town the 26th-28th? I'm compiling my application as we speak, and my girlfriend and I will be in Vegas that Tuesday through Thursday. I was wondering if you'd be open to keeping a lunch date free for one of those days.

I see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to let go and let grow. A heroic attempt to capture the creative energy of 15th century Florence and distill it into a single Vegas household.

Unabashed enthusiasm aside, I'm ready to challenge my limiting beliefs, develop new habits, and make contributions that previously seemed too scary to even attempt. And my girlfriend is selflessly willing to risk months, if not years, apart so that I may have the chance to pursue this path to the fullest.

My application ought to have no trouble conveying my commitment to personal growth and penchant for thriving in challenging and unconventional settings. But I feel a face-to-face meeting will tell us in an instant whether or not I might be a good fit for your vision moving forth.

Thanks for sharing this opportunity the way you did. Even if I don't end up playing a direct role in this vision, the value I've gotten from merely imagining myself in this setting has opened me up to challenging the infallibility of my own point of view and finding more value in other people's perspectives.

Much appreciation.

We'll be out of town part of next week and the week after. Rachelle has planned a special trip for my 40th b'day (it's awesome that she knows me so well), but we should be back in town by the 22nd. Just include a note in your letter if you want to meet up while in town.

You may want to wait till I post the "Help Wanted (the Serious Version)" blog post though. It's written, but I still have to edit it before I can post it. It's the non-joke version, so it removes all the D/s stuff and such. It also has a lot more detail about potential ways of working together. I'm not actually looking to put everyone together in the same household, but the true part is that I am looking to build up a staff so we can get a lot more done as a team.

When I saw that some people were taking the joke part so seriously, it inspired me to run with it for a bit, but it's not something I was seriously planning to do. I thought it was a fun thing to consider and discuss, but I can't see myself really doing that sort of thing.

So far I've already received 3 slave apps, and it appears that all of them saw through the slave part as my being playful and basically let me know of their genuine interest in working together. Even if someone really got taken in by the slave parts, I wouldn't hold it against them. As I mentioned previously, D/s is nothing but acting or role-playing. I can see some creative types having fun with it in a silly sort of way.

I think I'd have more fun on the business side though if people called me Captain, and then every time I gave someone instructions, I could say "Make it so." I think Erin encountered a company where everyone took on Star Trek inspired roles, and they seemed to enjoy it.

[inverse Paranoid]

Originally Posted by Savage

You may want to wait till I post the "Help Wanted (the Serious Version)" blog post though. It's written, but I still have to edit it before I can post it. It's the non-joke version, so it removes all the D/s stuff and such. It also has a lot more detail about potential ways of working together. I'm not actually looking to put everyone together in the same household, but the true part is that I am looking to build up a staff so we can get a lot more done as a team.

What I really like about you leading with the strong D/s overtones was that it challenged my way of thinking. It sounded really exciting to be immersed in an environment so rich with personal growth oriented people, but the being obedient and submissive part didn't really mesh with me. Then I started asking myself, "What would it be like if I was immersed in that environment? If I was able to suspend my way of seeing things and live under the tutelage of someone else's point of view? Someone who I truly respected and thought I could learn a lot from?" And those questions really opened me up to seeing how the fiercely independent mindset that preserved my individuality growing up may now be stunting me from growing further.

While I thought the D/s part was largely written in jest, I must admit the possibility of immersing myself in a "personal growth compound" really excited me. In my head it was Project Mayhem meets the Googleplex meets a confluence of talents and passion unseen since the days of the Renaissance. And I saw myself growing in ways I could scarcely imagine, and using this experience to eventually create my own experimental living/work environment to further explore the possibilities of immersion of and cross-pollination.

I'll be looking forward to reading the serious article and seeing what dynamics you are willing to employ in lieu of co-located living and working. Who knows, it might even be a better fit for me than my lionized version of the personal growth compound.

On the other hand, I can't help but think that I already have access to hundreds of growth oriented people in my area, and if I can just give myself permission to fail and make mistakes and initiate more, I can create the very experiences and opportunities I crave.

The possibilities are endless. And that's what I appreciate so much about opportunities, real or imagined, that spur me into dreaming without reservations. I realize how much more I could be creating and contributing. And that the only excuse I have for not doing so is my own unwillingness to start.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by inverse Paranoid

While I thought the D/s part was largely written in jest, I must admit the possibility of immersing myself in a "personal growth compound" really excited me. In my head it was Project Mayhem meets the Googleplex meets a confluence of talents and passion unseen since the days of the Renaissance. And I saw myself growing in ways I could scarcely imagine, and using this experience to eventually create my own experimental living/work environment to further explore the possibilities of immersion of and cross-pollination.

That's funny because I was thinking about Project Mayhem when I wrote it. Fight Club is one of my favorite movies.

Another inspiration was Project Hollywood from the book The Game. I know someone who was there.

Both of those projects ended on a bad note though.

[inverse Paranoid]

Originally Posted by Savage

Both of those projects ended on a bad note though.

I dunno. I kind of digged the "total chaos" ending of Fight Club. IMO, Slave Club could have a similarly epic ending.

"You met me at a very strange time in my life, Master."

[VinceG]

Originally Posted by Savage

I think I'd have more fun on the business side though if people called me Captain, and then every time I gave someone instructions, I could say "Make it so." I think Erin encountered a company where everyone took on Star Trek inspired roles, and they seemed to enjoy it.

That would be awesome. We could each have nicknames from the show, and everything we do could be to save the Enterprise. If stuff happens, we blame it on engineering gobbeldy-gook. "That video's taking longer than I thought, Keptin, the dilithium energizers are having a tough time with the codec!"

[ChrisGinsburg]

I'll be interested to see your serious version Steve. Admittedly, I don't really fancy the idea of being a slave as I can be that anywhere I work. However, I agree with most of your philosophy and the convenience of living in the same city is there if you're seeking offline help.

[Curtis2011]

Originally Posted by Savage

You may want to wait till I post the "Help Wanted (the Serious Version)" blog post though. It's written, but I still have to edit it before I can post it. It's the non-joke version, so it removes all the D/s stuff and such. It also has a lot more detail about potential ways of working together. I'm not actually looking to put everyone together in the same household, but the true part is that I am looking to build up a staff so we can get a lot more done as a team.

I know you often refer to employees as slaves, but won't your "team" have to be compensated via money in one way or another?

For instance, even if you don't pay them, I doubt anyone will do work that you consider valuable for you without you giving them something that is of equal value to them in return.

Even if that just means giving them a place to live without paying rent, then in their minds won't they naturally equate that to something like "Okay he's giving me a place to live which would normally cost me $700/month for an apartment, thus his gift to me is worth $700/month so I should give him about $700 worth of value in the form of my hard work" - or something like that.

We humans always seem to be doing trade-offs like this in our head. Money is not something to be a slave to if you just see it as a tool used for transferring value. If someone works for $1000, their work hasn't just earned them 1000 green pieces of paper, it has earned them the things or experiences that that money can be traded for.


I guess my actual question is: why are you avoiding a normal boss-employee (or captain-first mate) relationship? Just because people who work with you are technically employees, doesn't mean they can't like doing what they do.

All that said, of course I understand the analogy of employees to slavery. I've only had one paid job and one unpaid internship in my life so far, and both had some unintelligent people in charge of operations.

But still, for someone who isn't an ignorant baboon, does being a regular boss in charge of employees really need to be avoided?

[ehillis]

Originally Posted by Savage

I think I'd have more fun on the business side though if people called me Captain, and then every time I gave someone instructions, I could say "Make it so."

Also funny because when I read the post and sent in my application, I was thinking the title "Captain, my Captain", as in Dead Poets Society, would work well. We get unconventional leadership and you build a team of inspired workers willing to replace the ripped out pages of the traditional textbook with something much more interesting. And, of course, a team with the courage to YAWP! now and again.

Unfortunately that story had a sad ending too...we're not putting together a very good trend of analogies here.

[cacheborn]

Originally Posted by Savage

You may want to wait till I post the "Help Wanted (the Serious Version)" blog post though. It's written, but I still have to edit it before I can post it. It's the non-joke version, so it removes all the D/s stuff and such. It also has a lot more detail about potential ways of working together. I'm not actually looking to put everyone together in the same household, but the true part is that I am looking to build up a staff so we can get a lot more done as a team.

I am also in the process of writing the application but I will wait for the post. From what I have read, I find the whole concept intriguing and as IP said, a chance of a life time.

[Savage]

The serious version is already done. I'll most likely post it on Monday.

[Le Roi]

Originally Posted by ehillis

Also funny because when I read the post and sent in my application, I was thinking the title "Captain, my Captain", as in Dead Poets Society, would work well. We get unconventional leadership and you build a team of inspired workers willing to replace the ripped out pages of the traditional textbook with something much more interesting. And, of course, a team with the courage to YAWP! now and again.

As a moderator on this forum for 2-3 years, I've seen an online version of Steve's behind the scene leadership style for a group of people who are volunteers. I have to say it is awesome and well suited to this environment, and I've really enjoyed it. If I had only one word to describe it, it would be "empowering". While I'm sure the off-line version of his leadership style will exhibit some differences due to the different nature of the work, I can imagine it still would be quite empowering for his volunteers and quite a treat.

[supertom]

Originally Posted by Le Roi

As a moderator on this forum for 2-3 years, I've seen an online version of Steve's behind the scene leadership style for a group of people who are volunteers. I have to say it is awesome and well suited to this environment, and I've really enjoyed it. If I had only one word to describe it, it would be "empowering". While I'm sure the off-line version of his leadership style will exhibit some differences due to the different nature of the work, I can imagine it still would be quite empowering for his volunteers and quite a treat.

I so wish to be part of that moderating inner-circle one day. I'll be patient and wait.... as soon as a Mod slips up, I'll pounce like jaguar

[inverse Paranoid]

Originally Posted by Curtis2011

I know you often refer to employees as slaves, but won't your "team" have to be compensated via money in one way or another?

For instance, even if you don't pay them, I doubt anyone will do work that you consider valuable for you without you giving them something that is of equal value to them in return.

Even if that just means giving them a place to live without paying rent, then in their minds won't they naturally equate that to something like "Okay he's giving me a place to live which would normally cost me $700/month for an apartment, thus his gift to me is worth $700/month so I should give him about $700 worth of value in the form of my hard work"

Regardless of the title—slave, employee, ensign—I wouldn't be doing the work for Steve, I'd be doing it for me and the people I was hoping to impact. By the above rationale there'd be no difference between working with Steve for the purposes of developing your talents and ability to contribute and doing repetitive tasks at a local fast food restaurant. But I see much more at stake here than merely doing a dollar's worth of work for a dollar's pay.

People seem to forget that, as a consultant, Steve has regular opportunities to influence people who value their growth enough to pay $1000/hr to accelerate it. Do you honestly think he'd say to himself, "Well, since this employee is paying me $0 for my guidance, I should give him $0 worth of value?" Or is it possible that the reason Steve is able to attract $1000/hr clients with no paid marketing is because he gives away his best at every opportunity? And the reason people volunteer to work for him is because they know they will benefit much more from working with him than from substantially higher pay at a job that doesn't challenge them to grow?

One of the reasons Steve wrote this article the way he did was to challenge people who were in denial about how slavery-like their current work situation was like. As someone who's been self-employed / happily jobless for the last six years, I know I haven't been working as someone else's slave. But the article still reminded me of how much of a slave I've become to my own willingness to sell myself short, and live a life that, while vibrant and periodically fulfilling, is only a shadow of what it could be.

The reason I was willing to uproot my life, risk losing an amazing girlfriend, and pass on control of my local projects was because I knew I could grow more working with Steve than I could living in an environment where no one else is pushing me to grow. I already challenge myself a lot—and consequently grow a ton—but I can't see past my blind spots, or learn what I didn't even know I didn't know; so my self-administered growth is lopsided by bias and hindered by limitations that seem normal to me, but that would be quickly caught by someone who's already transcended those limitations himself.

In my mind, I'm going to succeed with or without Steve's help. And I know I'm already succeeding on many levels. I just know that, despite my best efforts, the ways in which I sell myself short are greater than the price of receiving slightly less monetary compensation for the opportunity to do life changing work.

Besides, we don't yet know what sort of model Steve is looking to employ. Who knows how much of the April 1st post was intended as a joke and how much was serious. But I do recall Steve's logic behind forming Pavlina LLC rather than making it a nonprofit.

From his 2007 blog post: Future Plans

If you’re a long-term reader, you may recall that a while back I considered forming a nonprofit company. I investigated that option and eventually decided against it. Non-religious nonprofits have many limitations in their ability to raise funds and compensate employees. I want the freedom and flexibility to recruit the best and brightest staff members and to compensate them well. So I ultimately concluded that a nonprofit wasn’t the best vehicle for the kind of contribution I wanted to make

None of us, not even Steve, know how this is all going to unfold. But it is our collective willingness to experiment, discuss and continually challenge ourselves that makes this a journey worth contributing to. Whether we actually join the ranks on the USS Pavlina, or simply continue watching from afar, there's something in this for all who choose to participate. And I, for one, appreciate the opportunity.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by supertom

I so wish to be part of that moderating inner-circle one day. I'll be patient and wait.... as soon as a Mod slips up, I'll pounce like jaguar

Actually we could use a few more mods, so if you're serious about it, the mods and I can discuss it. We generally make these decisions by consensus because the collective group of mods usually has a good pulse on who'd make a good mod. I think that's one reason the mod team has gotten better and better since the forums launched.

[James81]

supertom,

I also have an opening for you...in my army of minions. The first rule of this army is to not talk about the army though. And there's a brief initiation period, but it's nothing too terrible...just go hungry for 8 days, stand in the bitter cold for an entire night, and then bath in a tub full of [censored].

Your first mission would be to deliver crates of bigfoots and unleash them into the world. If you notice that they are blurry, do not be alarmed. Bigfoots ARE blurry. they are large out of focus monsters and that is extra scary.

Shoot me a message if you're interested.

Lots of Shoop,

James

P.S. Shoop da Whoop

[Lucidism]

Originally Posted by James81

The first rule of this army is to not talk about the army though.

And yet you speak of it. As leader of your army, you are setting a bad example.

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by Savage

I think I'd have more fun on the business side though if people called me Captain, and then every time I gave someone instructions, I could say "Make it so." I think Erin encountered a company where everyone took on Star Trek inspired roles, and they seemed to enjoy it.

*nerdgasm*

[munish]

Originally Posted by SatvikBeri

I'm not sure this is a joke. It sounds pretty reasonable to me-and certainly much better terms than a lot of employers are offering these days.

“You're gonna have to serve somebody…it may be the devil or it may be the Lord…
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.” -Bob Dylan