FAQ
1. Who stands behind Shapeshifters?
Shapeshifters is founded, financed and operated by Shapeshifters Information Management GmbH, an independent micro-enterprise. The founders and owners are Eric Poettschacher (Vienna) and Beate Becker (Boston). The business branches "Global Reality Check" and "High Touch" are co-owned and managed by Sanjay Khanna (Vancouver) and Arian Hassani (Paris).
2. Where does the money come from?
Shapeshifters has been started with private investments from its two founders. Our aim is to build on the value of independence instead of buying into the bigger-is-better rules of the usual economy. This allows us to grow at our own pace and do the things we really love—such as make incredible things happen by supporting creators on a global scale. The revenues generated by Global Reality Check and High Touch allow us to be self-sustainable and provide the Creative Exchange as a free-of-charge service.
3. Why is there an invitation-only policy for the Creative Exchange?
Shapeshifters is built on the values and worldviews of professional creatives. We are proud that our users and clients come from the most diverse cultures and backgrounds but share the same expectations when it comes to work, money and meaning. At Shapeshifters we want to cultivate this shared spirit and further build the trust that is needed to create strong ties between creators from all parts of the world. That is why only existing users can invite new users. Trust and common understanding is a priceless resource in our network.
4. How can I get invited to the Creative Exchange?
You might want to contact an existing user or simply send us an e-mail at office@shapeshifters.net and tell us what you do as a creator.
5. How can I create a posting myself?
You need to be registered user in order to be able to create a posting. Once you have got invited you can set up your personal profile including a brief introduction about you and your work. In other words there is no need to introduce yourself to the community with a posting if you are a newcomer. Everything you need to create and manage a posting you will find in your “workdesk” area. Always log in first with your password if you want to create or comment a posting.
6. I have already a facebook and/or a myspace account. Why Shapeshifters?
Shapeshifters is a boutique network of professional creatives only. We are tiny compared to facebook and myspace. As a consequence you will not meet many so-called “friends” on Shapeshifters but peers who are genuinely interested in a serious business relation with you based on a high quality of interaction. Now what do we mean by high quality of interaction? It´s all about sharing resources that put you on the track instead of distracting you from getting things done. Keeping you hours and hours online for gossiping just to please ad clients is not our purpose. We want to get you in touch with the resources you need. As effectively as possible.
7. How will I get the best out of Shapeshifters for me?
Ask precise questions. Share precise information. In other words: communicate in a way you expect others to communicate with you. Every posting you put online is a role-model for others. It is you that encourages peers in other parts of the world to share and trust, too. So be the change you want to see and don´t wait for others to take the first step. Ask for what you exactly need - no matter how small or bold it is. It makes more of a difference then telling the community that you are phantastic (which you are anyway). For more helpful instructions please read our code-of-honour and the Users Guide that takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a useful posting.
8. What happens to the information that I share online?
Our terms and conditions are absolutely clear on that. We are not interested in exploiting your creativity. You can even choose to hide your posting from Google in case you like to share your knowledge within the trusted community on Shapeshifters only. Our goal is to put you in touch with resources that you require. Our business model is build on smarter ways to co-create global support and not on smarter ways to attract advertisers. We are not going to sell your loyalty.
9. Why should I share my resources and contacts with strangers?
Try to look at it that way. We are millions and millions of creative professionals out there trying to make a living. There are two ways to go from here. We can be fierce competitors and hide our personal insights and contacts from each other or we can co-create our own global resource center full of high-end & hands-on information. Knowledge is a resource that is not naturally limited like oil or gas. It gets bigger and better every time we share it. Every question, every comment, every posting adds value to a global ecology of trust - and each one of us is going to benefit from that.
10. How do the services "Creative Exchange", "Global Reality Check" and "High Touch" interrelate?
Some of our heavy users on the Creative Exchange get invited to become paid correspondents for our “Global Reality Check” service. In this case we will get in touch with you directly and inform you about the terms and conditions that apply. It is also possible that one of your postings turns out to be relevant for the “High Touch,” a matchmaking service for creative and financial resources. Also, here we will contact you directly and explain what it takes to get a “Cultural DNA” - which is a prerequisite to become part of the High Touch project portfolio. One thing connects it all: We create win-win scenarios only.
11. Can I actively apply to become a Shapeshifters "Global Reality Check" correspondent?
Yes, you can. Email Sanjay Khanna
12. Can I actively apply to become a part of the “High Touch” matchmaking portfolio?
Yes, you can. Email Arian Hassani
13. Why do I need tags for?
Each tag is a keyword that helps other users to get in contact with you based on shared areas of interest. There are two types of tags on Shapeshifters and both are really important. Please attach tags to every posting you put online. General tags relate to genres and meaningful keywords (e.g. "fashion", "material", "leather", "manufacture"). Place tags relate to the geography of your posting (e.g. the place were you are located yourself, places you want to get connected with and those places that are contained in a posting). It sounds complicated but actually it is really easy. Just look up other postings and you´ll see how it works.
14. Why are there 3 channels on the Creative Exchange?
Because each channel allows a different kind of interaction: "Inspire" is about sharing inspirational sources of inspiration. "Introduce" is about sharing trustful service providers that you can recommend. "Interact" allows you to solve work-related challenges. Just ask a precise question. Usually there is always a peer out here who has an answer.
15. Who can I talk to in case I face technical problems?
Please send an e-mail to office@shapeshifters.net and describe the nature of the problem. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
16. Who keeps track of the quality of the postings?
You. Our webmaster will only interfere if other users report a violation of coyprights or if postings contain certain keywords or pornographic content.
17. What can I do to grow the Shapeshifters network?
If you like our services please invite also other creators that you trust. You have a chance to send out up to 9 invitations from your workdesk. If you require more, let us know.