Every day we can be distracted with advertising. It pops up in our inbox, newsfeed articles and interrupts videos, podcasts and music.
Collective is different. Our model focuses on fairness and user autonomy. Member listings are randomized for equal opportunity exposure. Users have complete control over their search results, using filters to narrow the listings by keyword, category or location.
No ads.
No distractions.
Collective is completely ad free; no pop-ups. The only ads are the ones that promote the directory. The website itself is designed to help users easily find and connect with businesses and organizations in their community.
Real content
by real people.
Information is not auto generated. We work together to provide helpful resources and insights from people who are knowledgeable in their fields.
Lifetime value.
No subscription.
Our community directory is all about providing information. We do this through member listings, resources and events. We believe in a service based model for setup and maintenance; pay only when you need or want something.
Become part of this community-driven platform that connects people and highlights the good work happening in our neighborhoods.
We provide a service-based model; and here's what that means for you:
• Lifetime membership — no subscriptions, ever
• Your listing stays posted for as long as you'd like
• Free event submissions to our community calendar
• Update listing when you choose
• Contribute resources to support and educate the public
That’s it. No hidden fees. Just a community of good people doing good things — and a space to support each other in the process. Collective is here to showcase the services and the products of the members in a user driven way.
We are doing something different. And we'd love to have you join us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Collective different than a search engine?
Search engines: Complex algorithms rank results considering factors like relevance, SEO, page authority, etc. The most popular or "best" results can be top placers, though will likely include ads specifically targeted based on your behavior and search history.
Collective: Member listings are all on a level playing field. The results are presented without bias or prioritization. Users find a randomized listing of results (within a given category, keyword, or location), so no result is inherently “favored” over another.
User control & transparency
Search engines: Results are influenced by paid ads, search engine optimization and even your previous search history. You receive results that they think you want to see (whoever 'they' are).
Collective: Users have complete control over their search results, filtering by keyword, category or location. Results are presented in random order, with no member being able to buy the top spot. There are no hidden ranking algorithms.
Personal data collection
Search engines: Search history, location, clicks, and browsing patterns influence results, trying to engage based on what's been done before, not necessarily what is needed right now. This can make users feel like they are being tracked (ahem, because they are).
Collective: Random results are provided by the present filters - like category, keyword or location. The system responds to what the user actively inputs at that moment, so there is no need to collect your data for future targeting. Keep your anonymity.
Monetization
Search engines: Advertisers pay more dollars for specific targeted ads based on personal user data.
Collective: All members have the same opportunity to be seen within the filtered search results specified by the user.
Opportunity
Search engines: Less visibility for smaller, or less-known organizations who don't have resources to pay for ads or SEO. This can be even more apparent in areas where there are a lot of the same types of organizations competing for clicks.
Collective: Equal opportunity for all business and organization to be seen in the filtered search results.
Purpose
Search engines: Any number of things can show up in your search results. This could be websites, images, news, videos, maps, or other resources., along with (targeted) sponsored ads, and probably an ai overview.
Collective.Guide is an inclusive directory on mission to help humans find and connect with other humans in their communities, through listings, resources and events.





