Hello, Everyone!

With so many new folks joining Gone Raw lately, we'd like to say welcome with one of our short newsletters. We're so pleased that each of you has joined our community! That Gone Raw exists is proof that web design and passion can indeed cohabitate in the same breath.

When the site was created, we took a step back from work, work, work during an uncertain, scary time in our lives and spent some real time together. Talking. About what was important, what we were passionate about. Eating raw profoundly changed us and we felt strongly about beginning a dialogue with like-minded folks. Thus... Gone Raw was born! And six months later, the dynamic conversation here has blossomed and taken on a life of its very own.

Recipes! Forums! Support!

Folks haven't been shy about sharing just what they love the most about Gone Raw. But because we're always working toward making Gone Raw the absolute best it can be, we decided to ask everyone what was great about site, and what could be better. Hopefully, you noticed our posted survey, and even filled it out yourself! It's probably no surprise (thanks, in large part to all of those beautiful food photographs!) that the recipes are at the heart of what you love about Gone Raw. Whether it's Yam Chips or Cinnamon Rolls, Tacos or Burgers, the excitement over the recipes on Gone Raw seems to be contagious! Folks love that the recipes are added and tested by real people with real opinions, and the sense of trust and community created from sharing knowledge and experience with others:

[What I like about Gone Raw are] all the great recipes. Since they are added by people and not 'chefs', I trust that the person has actually tried the recipe.

We've also heard that you're "looking forward to the new, enhanced recipe features that Ray was talking about: recipe boxes, shopping lists, nutrition info, hooray!" and that you'd like to see even more recipes and pictures. Some of you would like to be able to add your own picture to someone else's recipe. What a great idea! Adding articles and searching by ingredients were some of the other helpful suggestions from the survey.

We Heart Simplicity

We were thrilled that many of you mentioned the versatility and simplicity of Gone Raw. Not only because it's what we strive for as web designers, but because if Gone Raw is easy to use, more people will contribute!

[Gone Raw] is more intimate that other raw food websites. I really like the excitement about eating raw. And I love the simplicity of the site.

I love the versatility. I love the simplicity. I love the ease and friendliness as well as the welcome.

And you can be sure that simplicity is here to stay. We'll be adding more features over time, but if we ever make things too complicated, be sure to let us know.

Share the Love

Gone Raw is all about sharing. We feel that everyone has something they can bring to the table, and we look forward to getting to know you all.

But sharing within the website is only one possibility. A little while ago, we added some features that let you share your interest in raw foods (and even some of your recipes) on your own blog, MySpace page, or any website you want. We have badges you can put on your site, or you can even share links to your latest recipes, and it's all automatic!

It's pretty easy, and we have some instructions to get you started. In an nutshell, just visit your profile page, and click on Gone Raw Remote on the right side of the page.

Oh, and if you're a Mac user, be sure to check out our widget!

Thanks so much for being a part of Gone Raw.

Cheers,
Ray and Kandace