We received feedback that Bolder challenges may feed consumerism. We got a few comments during our prAna challenge, so we wanted to be honest and upfront with our thoughts related to consumerism. For an example of the feedback we received, please click on the screenshot (to the right) of the discussion from a rock climbing forum.
At a high level, Bolder helps great businesses inspire actions that benefit society. We provide a platform where a business can challenge people to do something good, and then reward people who complete the challenge with discounted products or services.
We understand that businesses produce products, and people consume them. People consume to meet basic needs and also to achieve certain life experiences (If I want to do a bike race, I'll certainly need a bike). To sell products, businesses run discount marketing campaigns, and they will continue to do so, regardless of Bolder. We want to be the platform that turns these campaigns into good actions that benefit society. We are focused on driving positive action, and we believe we can increase the overall positive impact on society by providing rewards for good actions. Even the best of us out there can use a little nudge to do something good (we sure do!).
In an effort to do what we can to encourage consciousness, we give you a choice of whether you would like to accept the rewards you earn. When you take action to complete a challenge, you earn a reward. You can choose to accept the reward as a 'thank you!' for contributing positively to society. What you may not be aware of is that some people who complete the challenge do not accept the reward. This choice that you have to accept the reward is important to us. Don't like the challenge? Cool, don't do it. Like the challenge, but not the reward? Complete the challenge with the Bolder Team, but don't accept the reward!
If you agree, disagree, or just have something to say about this topic, please send us your ideas (ideas@actbolder.com). We're very excited to hear from you, and in general just love to talk ;)
If you're realllly concerned about consumerism, you could also just do what a member of the climbing forum says, "grow your own food and get naked." Yeah we really like that idea, too.
Like it or not, our entire society is founded upon a high level of consumerism. I'm totally for more purposeful consumerism - buying used, not buying stuff you don't need, etc. etc. But we won't solve any of our problems by all returning to the dark ages - that's idealistic and I have wished it for myself and our society in the past, but we are who we are. Shunning the modern system would more than likely cause much greater problems that would impact the less fortunate the most.
ReplyDeleteBetter to embrace our economic and societal structure, and to do it in such a way that our behavior is changed for the greater good. Hence, Bolder. Buy the stuff you want or need, in whatever way agrees with your value set, while building a community driven by positive action, and saving money that you can put towards whatever you want.
Bolder tries to take control of the consumerism and use it for awesome. That's why I'm excited about it and other companies that are trying to do the same.
maybe we need a new challenge . . . complete 5 bolder challenges, and don´t accept any of the rewards!
ReplyDeleteseriously though, it´s cool to see you guys making honest introspection. this openness and thoughtfulness is BOLD.
I'm with Eric on this one. And not just because he shares the male version of my name. :)
ReplyDeleteOur culture buys things, plain and simple. The choice is what you buy, and which companies you are choosing to support. I would much rather give my money to a business willing to give back in a positive way. Call it Evolution of the economy, consumerist karma... BOLD action!
I think some people just have to find things to complain about, and to those people I say ppbbbtt (sticks out tongue).
@eric well said! While returning to the dark ages is attractive, you're right, it's too idealistic. Let us know if you have future feedback on our model of blending our current economic and social structure for good.
ReplyDelete@tucker thanks! we'll work on lining up a business sponsor for that challenge:) If you have any businesses in mind let us know! thanks for the kind words.
@Erica. Yes! We're really excited about not complaining, but rather turning our frustrations into something positive. Thanks for being such an awesome contributor to the team!
I love that you guys are taking what we have the existing consumer model and tweaking it just a bit to use it for a bit more of a purpose. It's a good mix of idealistic thinking with pragmatic action - I try to do the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan.