Comment Donations
Posted on September 11, 2005 Posted by John Scalzi 15 Comments
I’ve decided to send a dollar to the American Red Cross for every person that leaves a comment to this entry by next Sunday. I’ll also send two dollars for every literary agent or person with a published novel who leaves a comment, because you folks have fans/large readerships, and fans like to participate with the objects of their attention. To the same effect, I’ll donate $10 if your last name is Nielsen-Hayden or Scalzi. :)
Mention this on your blogs, drive the comment numbers up, and donate money without spending any. I’ll post a PDF of the Red Cross receipt after I donate.
If you’re so inclined, go over and leave a comment. I did (hey, it was worth a sawbuck). Do be understanding if eventually the fellow cries for mercy and puts a cap on his contribution — I know how many people visit here on a daily basis, and if all of them went over and left a comment, he’d be in trouble. It’s a good thing he didn’t decide to name check Instapundit or Kos. On the other hand, it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes before he institutes a cap. Go on over and leave a comment and let’s see.
(Helpful hint — if you’re not a LiveJournal member and you have to leave a comment signed on as “anonymous,” let the guy know who you are in the body of your comment.)
Spend someone else’s money to help victims of Hurricane Katrina
This guy will donate $1 to Red Cross for everyone who comments on his entry. You don’t have to be a LiveJournal user to comment (just comment anonymously and add your name and website, if you so choose). The link above will take you directly to …
Done.
Ye gods, that’s brave.
I’d have nightmares of finding twenty times my net worth in comments (though, admittedly, that wouldn’t be very many).
But if someone’s going to tempt those capricious Fates, there’s FAR worse ways to do it than by funding Katrina relief. Good for him!
How you can send money to Hurricane Katrina relief without spending a dime
So you are concerned about the situation in the USA, want to do something, and either have no money yourself, have given too much to other charities or would just prefer to do a very little bit without bothering too much, well here is a way to send mo…
How you can send money to Hurricane Katrina relief without spending a dime
So you are concerned about the situation in the USA, want to do something, and either have no money yourself, have given too much to other charities or would just prefer to do a very little bit without bothering too much, well here is a way to send mo…
Brave guy – can’t overstress that. However, isn’t it better we donate OUR OWN cash, rather than someone elses?
Collectively, we could put this guy (who we don’t even know) in the poor house – whilst believing we’re doing a good deed. All without feeling any pain ourselves.
Yes, I know he asked for it, and I’m sorry to sound like a killjoy, but it just doesn’t seem right.
I just thought I’d post an update/FYI that the guy has updated his blog, asking for corporations or charitable individuals to help him pay, because he’s already gotten something like 2000 comments and it’s only been one day. I think he may have underestimated the power of Scalzi.
looks like he’s getting buried in comments – nice!
Yeah, I’m getting buried.
To answer rayyy: I started this to help the people who don’t have any money to donate. The human spirit wants to do SOMETHING and feels bad when it’s drive to help is overshadowed by the absence of a way to do it. I’m just trying to give people a way to say “I did something. I helped raise a couple thousand dollars to help those people.”
If you’re not living check to check, PLEASE send your own money. But if you are, pop in to my blog and get counted. It’s another dollar.
And John, thanks for helping. You’ve sent me more people than anyone else. I saw your books on the prize counter at PAX 2005, btw. Very cool.
Archer, you’re an inspiration.
Just curious – why are you encouraging donations only to the Red Cross? The more I read about them, the more disgusted I get – but there are others, such as Salvation Army, Church World Services, and Especially the HSUS and ASPCA.
Thanks for all of your great work!
I’ve been getting more and more feedback to this effect, and so I’m looking at Habitat for Humanity and other organizations as well. Since I originally mentioned the Red Cross by name, I’ll definitely send some money there, but probably just a portion.
Apropos donations :
>> Have you considered salvation army instead of Red Cross? Your $120 collected so far will just about give Marsha J. Evans a massage treatment at her favorite spa?
Did you know : Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross Salary for year ending 06/30/03 was $651,957.
Did you know : The Salvation Army’s Commissioner Todd Bassett receives a salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 Billion dollar organization. By comparison, Brian Gallagher, President of the United Way receives a $375,000 base salary (plus numerous expensive benefits).
It makes me laugh when I see the false information put out that The Salvation Army’s Commissioner Todd Bassett receives a salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 Billion dollar organization.
On the contrary, he makes so much money that is it kept secret even in the Minutes (rules) of The Salvation Army itself. I know firsthand that the Captains and Majors make as much as $30-50,000 per year. Plus, they get their vehicles and houses free of charge to use as they please along with many perks that any CEO would love to have. I have worked for the SA as an employee for 8 years in administration and it would make you cringe to know what some of the money is spent on and how it is wasted. I have been looking for another job because I can’t stand seeing what is going on and people being so blinded.
I am a Salvation Army officer, and have been for over 35 years. I feel compelled to respond to misinformation. Believe me, we do not make big money. My husband and I between us receive about $26,000 in spendable cash. Now, don’t get me wrong, we do get housing and a vehicle, and we have a wonderful health insurance plan. But when we file our income taxes, we include the value of the housing and the vehicle, and still between the two of us, it comes to $45,000. Salvation Army officers compensation is far, far below those who run comparable agencies. Our regulations are very tight, and we are audited twice a year. The public’s money is put to the best use in direct service to communities.