Bonfire has launched. As the father of two children I am qualified to say that launching a project of this scope has been much like birthing a child. From conception, pregnancy, labor and delivery - the analogies are clear and readily available. And now, as precious and loved as this new project is, I find myself once again in the throes of late night feedings and diaper changes. And I love it.

The response of our Tribe to the arrival of Bonfire has been as expected: pure enthusiasm and excitement.  The reception was exhilarating and the adoption, participation and feedback have been incredible. Together we are shaping the Bonfire Experience.

The Ning site has been the center of the communication – a place for members to gather and ask questions, connect with the doctors and benefit from the insights, frustrations and experience of other members.  There has been no shortage of confusion with certain features or functions, but that is to be expected during a Beta launch. Now is the time to find the bugs, over-sights and feature flaws. Don’t hold back with ideas or requests. We are actively updating and changing functionalities, now is the time to create your Bonfire. 

A common question across all domains (Fuel, Air and Spark) is in regards to the ability to make substitutions within the recommendations or assignments (The Daily Meal Plan, Workout and Journaling). Most members are concerned about substituting their workout or menu selection with a healthy choice of their own.  Members wonder if they can still get the “Smiley Face” (emoticon) compliance credit for that day if they substitute with an alternate healthy choice. The answer is YES.

Bonfire will eventually have Alternate or Substitution and Equivalent selections in a future version. This was a complex feature that we chose not to incoporate in Bonfire version 1.0 because of the delays it would have caused. These options will allow for some “drift” within the program and will be presented in such a way as to protect the integrity of the program and ensure you the best results. Clearly, this community is ready for this feature – watch for it.  

The Bonfire Virtual Café Menus, Exercise Library and Spark Tool Box will be new features that get folded into the program as we move forward. These items will mitigate some of the confusion that new members have expressed and will enhance your family’s Bonfire Experience in the future. 

Eventually babies start to sleep through the night and even potty-train. As I did with my own kids, I am going to be sure to enjoy and appreciate every step of the process. 

Thanks for your support and enthusiasm.

SF