About ReikiAloha.com

There were many "Free For All Links" sites, but few specializing in Reiki. It was also different from most (general) links sites in that having a Web site (link) was not the point of listing, just as long as an e-mail address was provided so one could be contacted. Reiki practitioners and teachers (hereafter referred to simply as "practitioners") were encouraged to submit their contact info and description by filling out a guestbook-like form. Each new entry was individually reviewed, then "moved" (cut and pasted) to a single geographic classification. Ideally, seekers would be able to select from among several nearby practioners. Listers could charge for their services or not - it was an individual choice.

On June 24, 1997, the site was moved to ReikiLinks.com.

The focus was on the individual practitioner (not organizations), the use of real first and last names, not "handles" or nicknames. (Those who wish to remain anonymous should not list publicly.) Listers were to submit their own entries, in their own words, not someone else's.

As a deterrent to spammers, the posting of "raw" e-mail addresses was avoided - e-mail forms were (still are) employed instead.

Some submitted multiple entries or links/descriptions on behalf of organizations. Links were submitted to non-Reiki-related sites. Often it was not clear if the person submitting the link was the same as the person being described. Dead-links (typing errors, discontinued or moved Web sites) and invalid e-mail addresses were common. Some descriptions were inordinately lengthy, overshadowing others around them. Although an update form was available, some submitted additional new (duplicate) entries to make changes or corrections - leaving it to the site administrator (webmaster) to detect this and clean up after them. Spammers also participated.

The need for rules was apparent. These were formulated and revised based on actual experience in running the site - though they may have seemed arbitrary, even senseless to others. Would-be listers were directed to read and understand them prior to submitting/upating entries. Many obviously did not. People will be people (PWBP).

In addition to the listing of practitioners by geographic location, various free services were offered, including home page hosting, e-mail addresses, and different forum and chat implementations, with mixed success/results.

On February 13, 2001, the site was renamed to ReikiAloha.com to reflect both its broader scope and roots in Hawaii.

The idea of offering yet another forum was to provide a safe place for practioners to discuss Reiki without the flames often seen in non-moderated newsgroups and forums. To encourage open but civil discussion, the person running this site purposely wore two "hats" - one of "webmaster", whose word was authoritative, the other as the person her/himself by name, who was to be considered as just another member - but whose views were often strong and counter to those of the majority of practioners. These two personas posted side by side in the forum.

For questions about the site (or anything else for that matter), respectful, public messages were encouraged, rather than private e-mail. Thus, the e-mail address of the webmaster was/is not made easily available - not even via an e-mail form. The idea was, rather than repeat the same information privately a number of times, to encourage the posting of non-sensitive questions and responses publicly; others may have the same or similar unasked questions. As for (non-private) Reiki information, posting these publicly allowed for review by one's peers.

If the measure of success of a forum is the number of posts, then some of the earlier forums were "successful". However, a public forum really only works if there are many participants offering diverse information and opinions. What often happens instead is that a vocal few dominate the boards, only because most (the silent majority) choose not to participate. For the benefit of those new to Reiki, repeated attempts were made by the webmaster to broaden (improve) the content of the message base - by directly and indirectly encouraging more public participation.

PWBP, and if there is enough traffic, flames occasionally erupt. It was repeatedly suggested that people post alongside one another - not in contention. Instead of directly attacking or refuting someone's ideas (contention), offer another point of view in a separate thread (alongside). If there was dissatisfaction with how the forums were conceived and run, people always had a choice to go elsewhere. However some chose to publicly vent their anger/frustration at the webmaster (before going elsewhere). In this sense, results were "mixed".

[I learned years ago from a sysop of one of old the dial-up BBS's, "You don't go into someone else's home and (purposely) slam the door" - basic courtesy. These people were slamming the door on their way out.]

Over the years, the site has undergone numerous changes in response to feedback from and actions of members and visitors.

In an attempt to automate many tasks and avoid (repeatedly) reinventing the wheel, over time, different sophisticated, pre-packaged software systems were installed. These were cumbersome (huge) and, unless customized, each maintained its own user database and login system. Thus, to take advantage of all the site features, one had to register separately at the main page ("front door"), at the forum system, and again at the blog, for example. For the webmaster, it became difficult to keep up with all the recommended upgrades for the various software.

When one of these upgrades went wrong, it was decided to redesign the site and applications from scratch. The current design is more modular (easier to maintain), with a consistent interface among applications, and a common user database and login.

The "free for all links" feature is also different. After registering and logging in, the user goes to the appropriate subcategory then submits her/his entry. Classification is automatic, and can easily be extended. The user has direct control over updating and can even delete entries if appropriate. There are fewer stated "rules". Thus, someone could post an entry on behalf of another individual or organization. Entries can be posted for those who do not even have e-mail addresses, contact info can be included in the description field. Categories are available for posting non-Reiki entries. It is all right for one person to submit multiple entries, as long as there are no duplicates. Spammers are still not welcome.

Instead of "forum" (implies discussion), the current incarnation refers to "message boards" (or BBS for "Bulletin Board System") with a different connotation. Messages (often self-contained) are publicly posted. Others could reply if they choose, but it is all right if no one does. One could post a question or request inviting a response, but it is all right if no one does (post a question or request). It is a more relaxed setting, with no predetermined posting interval, no prodding others to participate. Post if you feel so inclined, if you feel like sharing something.

This site has always been offered as a free service to the Reiki community and, more recently, as a (free) source of information related to Health and Lifestyle in general, and selected topics related to Hawaii. Miscellaneous other topics are also accomodated.