Tony Gulino / not yet published
 
Unlike many other organizations, AstareGlobe isn't just an organization. The name AstareGlobe also contains an idea and a vision.

The name

The name AstareGlobe is composed of two parts: Astare and Globe. The word Astare is derived from the name of the Phoenician goddess Astarte, the goddess of fertility. Astarte also holds connections to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of passionate love.

The idea

The idea of fertility is that there is always somewhere new to go and something new to discover, while passion is essential to bring forth the energy to realize that potential. Put the two together, and out come many possibilities. That's where the second part of AstareGlobe comes in: Globe. The many possibilities that can be realized through creativity and passion can have a huge, positive impact on the world. And that's why we exist.

The vision

We believe there are infinite ways to improve the world, and it all starts with the individual. People can begin sharing themselves with each other, sharing their experiences, their talent, and their opinions. Once we begin learning from each other, we begin listening to each other, and begin understanding each other. The barriers that once separated people begin to break down, and we realize that we are all part of an unbreakable, intricate web that is interconnected with all of Life. AstareGlobe is just one way that this interconnectedness can be realized.

The organization

AstareGlobe exists to provide people the opportunity to put their creative ideas to work. Through mutual sharing and improving of these ideas, we can begin to create new things we never even dreamed of, while at the same time connecting people to each other in grand ways.

The types of creative projects are limitless: our primary creative projects consist of software and web tools designed to help make peoples' lives easier. However, in the past we've also worked on music and film projects to provide people the opportunity and experience to work on these projects. We've only begun to scratch the surface of what's possible.

Our core values

We highly value the sharing of information and open, honest communication. When people have access to information, they can discover new ways of improving existing things as well as learning from others' experiences. Open and honest communication allows people to interact with each other to make things the best they can possibly be for everyone.

The Internet has become a very practical and efficient tool for both information and communication. Our most successful software project, InfiniDreams, has had a very successful beta testing cycle, involving people from all over the world who tested and provided feedback on what could be improved. An already useful tool can become more useful and accessible to others just by sharing it.

Our other values

Information sharing and open, honest communication are our main core values, but we also hold a few more.

• Nothing is impossible: Anything can be done, and there is a way. If it's not obvious at first, look at it from a different angle, or ask around to get other peoples' thoughts.
• T-shirts and blue jeans don't affect intellect: Just because someone wears a suit-and-tie to an interview doesn't make them more qualified, intelligent, or easy to work with. So if the suit-and-tie doesn't matter, just be comfortable in some jeans and a t-shirt.
• Equality and diversity: We believe everyone has an equal opportunity and ability to improve themselves and the world. No one is on top at AstareGlobe; everyone is on the same level. Everyone works to achieve the same goal, but their path to that achievement, as well as their influence on the outcome, may be different. People of different ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities are all valued because of their unique viewpoints. No one is left out. This world should be able to be enjoyed by everyone.
  • See the document There is no hierarchy: the structure of AstareGlobe for more information on the structural organization of AstareGlobe. Also see Diversity at AstareGlobe for more information on our diversity and non-discrimination policies.
• Take it easy: Deadlines hardly ever exist at AstareGlobe. We find that when people are rushed, stress increases, quality is low, and emotions are down. Instead, we encourage contributors to take their time with projects. Contributors should first and foremost take care of themselves and be healthy. When they are, they are able to work in an optimal state and actually enjoy the work they do. Otherwise, why work if you're not enjoying yourself?
• Stay on top of stuff: However, just because we take it easy doesn't mean our quality suffers. If and when you take time off, be sure that when you're ready to get started again, you get up to speed on the project. Make sure quality is as high as possible, and that peoples' opinions and suggestions are heard.
• This isn't work: The work we do isn't work; it's about connecting with people and bringing creative ideas into being. Take time to get to know your fellow contributors and actually have a connection with them. That's the whole point of AstareGlobe!