Questions That Matter: Community vs Commodity

Community was once about shared purpose and mutual aid. Now, much of what’s branded as “community” often hides a price tag: subscription models, coaching upsells, paywalled belonging. Even friendship circles can seem to come with hidden membership fees.

Here in Chiang Mai, “Authentic Connection Events” can hide ties to paid events or sales pitches. Ironically, the price for events centered on authenticity can sometimes not be shown or be buried in fine print and word salad. So much for “authentic community”?

The goal of this Questions That Matter discussion isn’t to point a self-righteous finger, nor to demonize those who charge or romanticize free alternatives. Instead, we’ll explore complex questions, such as:

1. Do you think the concept of “for fun and for free” has the same meaning it might have once had?

2. Is it hypocritical to criticize paywalls while expecting free emotional labor from facilitators?

3. In a world where almost anything human is now monetized, is something that is for free potentially now seen as less valuable?

4. How do different cultures and groups currently view paying for social connection? What can we learn from each other?

5. How can we build communities that aren’t extractive?

As usual, our goal for the night isn’t simply to agree, disagree, or learn. It’s also to connect through genuine, lively, interactive discussion and, potentially, to go to some of the unexpected and uncharted places that deep and free conversation can take us.

Whether you’re in Chiang Mai for a short visit or you’re a longer-term expat or resident, we hope you can join us not only in exploring the deeper questions but in making new connections and friendships through the discussions.

When we wrap up, around 8 p.m., we hope you’ll mingle, exchange numbers, and head out with some of us for something to eat or drink. As polarized as the world is right now, one of the deepest connections still available to human beings is a shared meal or drink.

If possible, please support the venue, 4seas, by purchasing a beverage or a snack. They are kindly providing the space to us at no charge.

We all look forward to meeting you.