faq

What is Commonpath.org?

Commonpath.org is an online artisan community and directory for Chico and the surrounding area. It is a place for local creative people from any discipline to connect and share work, and interface with the public.

What is the goal of the Commonpath project? 

Commonpath existst to bring local artists together, start new local collectives, educate everyone about creative living and giving, promote the under-promoted, support the under-supported, provide a positive context for the exchange of creative ideas and growth, and to educate the public about the importance of financially supporting local emerging artists. Further goals include keeping Commonpath ad free and viewer/listener supported, and maintaining the necessary expansion of Commonpath to compliment user recommendations and requests. 

How did Commonpath.org start?

Commonpath.org began as a simple idea from local artist and teacher Weston Thomson. Thomson saw value in the networking of creative people on a local level both to enrich the lives of artisans and to enrich the lives of the public and creative businesses. With the help of Debra Lucero from Friends of the Arts, Thomson spun his idea to the Chico Arts Commission. With the grant approval from the Arts Commission, Commonpath.org had adequate funding to get started. Then, with the web programming innovation and design expertise of Learning Change, Commonpath.org was carefully built and designed to complement Thomson's vision and the recommendations of Debra Lucero and the Chico Arts Commission.

Who can join Commonpath.org?

Any working artisan 14 years or older from Chico and the surrounding area is encouraged to join Commonpath.org. Keeping an online community local will help keep focus on local arts enrichment and elevation. People from outside Butte county are encouraged to browse the site but not to create an account.

How can I become a Commonpath.org sponsor?

Commonpath.org graciously encourages sponsorship. If your business would like to set up a sponsorship with Commonpath.org, please contact us for the details. All sponsorships are tax deductable, greatly appreciated, and help advance Commonpath's ability to serve local artisans, businesses, and the public at large.

How do I create images for my online profile?

If you need help creating digital files to post to your profile, try contacting a Commonpath.org creative user who specializes in web design or digital photography for their services.

Does Commonpath.org own copyrights to my media?

Commonpath does not own copyright or other unfair distribution rights to your creative work. Many sites will ask you for these rights upon sign up, which may jeopardize your creative vision. A main function of Commonpath.org is to display creative work in an effort to inspire more creative work, collaboration, and public/artisan interaction. At Commonpath.org users grant us the right to display their media publicly on the website. Users have full contol of what media they choose to display or not to display. Please review the Commonpath.org terms of use link located at the bottom of the site for more info.

Who runs Commonpath.org?

Commonpath.org is an online community, meaning that it is up to users to "run" it successfully. Healthy communities require activity, participation, and support. Outside of user participation, Commonpath.org is overseen by local artisans under the direction of Weston Thomson. Commonpath.org is hosted by Strangecode.

But I already have a Myspace account!

We know it can be frustrating running various profiles online. Our hope is that because CP is a local entity, it will transcend more loosely organized systems and encourage participation on a local level offline. We have to enrich our hometown first, and providing for others on a local level is the key. We already have all that we need to develop a thriving creative, artistic, and musically enriched local scene here in Butte County. The trick is to focus our efforts locally with inspiration from other places worldwide.

How can I help CommonPath?

You can help fund CP through tax-deductable donations (contact us for more info), monetary contributions (see profile donation links) to CP staff and directors, supporting our sponsors, or reviewing local art/music shows and events for the Commonique.

How to send a problem report.

• Login (see left sidebar).
• Open the contact page.
• In your message tell us:
  • What the web address was where the problem occurred (copy it from the address bar in your browser).
  • What the problem was.

Feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have!

Answers to your questions will be posted here.