Loomio
Tue 12 Aug 2025 4:16AM

How do we pay for Loomio?

HH Heather H45 Public Seen by 6

Hi guys...

so - as you can see - it's just a teeny handful of us in here now. Ideally, I want to start inviting everyone and fully populating this space so important discussions can be had BEFORE the AGM... but we can only have 8 people in here (with this free trial). Loomio costs $1000 per year to be able to accommodate 300 people (discounted rates are offered for "non-profit" organisations but I'm not sure whether Mbona qualifies for that ?).

Alternatively, there is an option to pay $99 per month. Perhaps we do a monthly payment while we try this system out... and upgrade to the annual payment once everyone happy?

Open to suggestions / ideas?

PS: I have been fiddling around on this platform - it's actually really easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Things are basically grouped into:

  • threads (which are discussions like this one)...

  • decisions (which are polls)...

  • files (which anyone can upload).

I also like how EASY it is to make these "threads" interesting... (you can add images, quotes, tables, bullet points, videos, voice notes, diagrams... I love that!).

So... I shall leave y'all with a photo that I took of Karkloof waterfall a few years ago... and an invitation to suggest ideas (even though - as I type this - there's only 5 of us in here!)... tee-hee!

MM

Michelle M Tue 12 Aug 2025 7:38AM

Dear Hat

I suspect the cost may be a deterrent but suggest we use it fully during the trial period so that we can fully understand the benefits

I shall support the process as fully as I can while I'm still here, but I'm starting to feel the pressure of time.

M

Sent from my Galaxy

HH

Heather H45 Tue 12 Aug 2025 2:00PM

@Michelle M Don't worry! You just do all the zillion things you need to do. Absolutely NO pressure or expectations! X

J

Julie Tue 12 Aug 2025 8:45AM

Thanks Heather,

That would translate to R200 a year for 100 participants, more or less, which is very affordable.

Im just thinking that some might initially be daunted by having to navigate a new ‘app’/platform. How can we facilitate that so it's less intimidating?

Otherwise, this is looking great.

Warmest

Julie

HH

Heather H45 Tue 12 Aug 2025 1:59PM

@Julie  Once we're ready to mass-invite... I'm thinking of putting together a very simple PSA video - which just shows the basics. If people can operate Facebook, they can definitely operate Loomio! I agree 100% that a number of people (especially those aren't very tech-savvy) might feel intimidated... and the biggest initial hurdle will simply be the process of getting them signed up... and "on-board". I'm (hoping) that... maybe... HOPEFULLY... a video (or even series of diagrams) will help. 🤔

J

Julie Tue 12 Aug 2025 2:07PM

I salute you for this enormous effort. Hugely grateful.

HH

Heather H45 Wed 13 Aug 2025 5:05AM

@Julie  It's amazing what sheer (desperation/frustration) can do to motivate someone! 😁😉

H

H48_ralf Tue 12 Aug 2025 3:44PM

We may need to fund this upfront (eg a loan from those that believe in it) and try to recoup contributions from others that join over time. But let's first get to grips with what Loomio offers so that we can make an informed decision, therefore an initial monthly subscription seems like a sensible start.

HH

Heather H45 Wed 13 Aug 2025 5:00AM

@H48_ralf I agree! We still have about a week and a half of time (on this free version) before we need to pay that first $99. The pros: we have some time to explore the app before committing. The cons: we can't have any more than 8 members - so we can't invite other shareholders to try it too.

Item removed

HH

Heather H45 Wed 13 Aug 2025 5:14AM

@H48_ralf Ralf - these ideas are really good! (I read your doc). I think this needs an entire thread of it's own. Please can you start a new thread. I'm not sure what you should name it - but it should have something to do with a proposal or a structure (moving forward)... of how to make Mbona "function" in a cohesive way as a community of "engaged shareholders". We need to create some sort of system... ie: after different issues have been discussed within the Circle... then what? What sorts of systems need to be in place within the board in order to implement the ideas and/or solve the problems? David Bailes sent me some very interesting thoughts on WhatsApp yesterday afternoon (he's now in this group)... and what he was saying goes really well with some of the ideas / suggestions in your document. If you make a brand new "thread" - I think it's a good start as a place where we can start building on ideas regarding the "how"... (instead of it being in this particular 'how do we pay for Loomio?' thread).

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