But first, we need your advice.
We've had a lot of new readers lately. More and more people are coming to appreciate the value of what we do here. . . even our frequent target, the New York Times. Ninety-nine percent of you who read us never leave a comment, and that's okay by us: we write for everyone, not just the locals. We know you're all out there and we really appreciate your choice to spend any of your precious time here with us.
Here's where I'd like to ask for everyone's advice, very quickly: we need to create a sustainable revenue model to support the work we do here (advertising doesn't do it), and I'd like you to take three minutes – that's all it will take – to complete this survey. We believe that if we are going to ask for regular community support, we need to ask the community about what model of support works best for our readers. We need you to tell us.
We'd rather rely on a large number of small, regular donations from readers, people in the grass roots community, than look primarily toward other, big ticket funding options (though we of course won't rule out any options that help us remain true to our mission). Grassroots financing makes us accountable to you, and not beholden to anyone who may wish to attach strings to large donation that may limit our long term effectiveness.
What is our mission? We've never articulated it fully, but it would probably go something like this:
We're here to build a strong progressive media presence and to facilitate the development of robust, effective, progressive activist networks throughout the United States. Through our Blue America Political Action Committee and other efforts, we also exist to identify and independently promote candidates for elected office who share our values and those of our readers.
In the spirit of not wasting your time, I'll refrain from saying any more about our history, what we've done, what projects we've led and so forth. Maybe some commenters will chime in with their recollections in the comment thread. For now, I have but one thing to ask of you: please take the quick survey right now!
Please take the survey.
Oh, and please take the very quick survey.
On behalf of Jane, Christy, TRex, Siun, myself and all of our other, stellar guest writers, thank you, thank you, thank you in advance!!
UPDATE WED March 21, 2007, 5:35 AM PST: I've closed the survey now. We have 2962 responses, a very nice sample, and I'll be making our findings public once I have time to do more analysis. Thank you all!
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Thanks to everyone for taking a minute to take the survey. And to Pach for putting it together. We really appreciate it.
Pach,
you might want to explain what you want the $ for.
The Muck wants to hire a staffer, is that what this is for. Is it to pay for the servers and the hosting.
You might want to explain a bit more
Is Pach going to shrink me if I take the survey? ;-)
Survey Says?
Done.
My .02 at the end also.
I could use some shrinkage :)
Pach!
I took the survey and personally I like associating the “ask” with specific projects like Plame house and Vaster books. I’ll continue to support FDL the best I can – whichever way you choose. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.
Good ideas for funding. I like the idea of strengthening the Lake permanently.
Done!
Please don’t go all subscription-y. I think it’s important that people still be able to accidentally stumble in here.
brownandserve @ 8
me too – it’s a great way to judge how important the readers find each project. but, i suspect that it would nice to have a more consistent and predictable revenue stream for fixed expenses.
maybe a combination of small monthly subscriptions combined with larger requests for individual projects?
‘course i have no idea the amount required monthly to keep the lights on.
Ooooo…I loved the survey, and those buttons were so cushy and fun to press. ;o)
I said in the survey that I would happily subscribe, but I didn’t clarify that to mean I don’t want the site closed to non-subscribers, like they do at Salon or NYT. As a subscriber, I am trying to think of what prize I want. I don’t need another coffee mug.
Done. Thank you FDL for being here for all of us!
Move the nude shots of Pach and Trex off of that other website to Firedoglake here, and charge for them.
I like a “friends of FDL” scheme where you can donate a set amount either monthly or annually.
In the survey someone I noted, IIRC; that someone once suggested a similar scheme where “friends” would get a “star” on their comments.
i expect that advertising income will be low for the next year – maybe until primary season is upon us (i’m hoping that then there will be lots of candidate ads).
Albatross @ 15
Ewwww. A nekkid Indian and dinosaur!
Just sent money yesterday,(snail) and will continue as I am able, a contribution to you is many more times worth its value in actual money.
I want to see the fabulous poster pups paid for their marvelous work.
The only problem I have with the Salon model is it loads slow on dial up. (but I am not a subscriber)
I just cannot stand the Salon model. There is sort of an unstated value judgment regarding the non-subscribers. Or maybe I am just too sensitive.
I used to buy the dead tree version of the NYT every day. Since I live outside of the greater NY metropolitan area it cost me a buck a day and 3 dollars on Sunday. That’s close to 500 dollars a year.
That’s a lot of money that will be much, much better spent building the new media enterprises that this country desperately needs to replace the old, dying, establishment bought and paid for media organizations.
I subscribe to Salon, give money to TPM when Josh asks and have a subscription to Air America Premium.
I will GLADLY become a monthly subscriber to Firedoglake if that’s the model you choose.
It’s the least I can do to help save American democracy, which is exactly what you guys are doing here.
Thank. You. All.
From the bottom of my heart.
I will support the work you all do here as much as I can. I was able to send a small donation in for Plame House, and will be able to do more if you people ever let me leave the site long enough to find a job. So do some shitty reporting for a few days, will ya’
Done. I agree that shutting off access to non-subscribers is counterproductive. Probably a mix of the choices. dKos offers subscribers an ‘ad free’ look at the page. It always reminds me when to pay up…
CNN – leahy “thanks but no thanks” re: the white house offer…
“i dont accept his offer, it’s not acceptable or helpful.”
twolf1 @ 25
pat leahy is my hero!
I suppose I should add that I’m completely in favor of a subscription. Granted, I cannot afford to do very much on a monthly basis, but that would be the easiest and “pain-free” for me.
I’m completely against the Salon version. Way back when, I couldn’t figure out how to change my browser settings so that I could sit through the ad to get to the meat. As a result, I rarely got to read a complete article. I’d hate to think your readers could get stuck in that same dilemma here.
Can’t you just do a survey without all that “enabling cookies” stuff? You throw a techie monkey wrench like that in and I just disengage. I’m sure there are 100s more like me who love and support your site but won’t get past that step.
just a quick comment – i used to love to read Glenn Greenwald – i don’t read him daily anymore – there are too many blogs that are free – i don’t have time to read all of them, please don’t make it so that I don’t read your blog anymore either
I’d be delighted to become a monthly supporter – but I do hope the Lake can keep going without going the Salon route.
(Many of my less tech-savvy friends’ spam/ad blockers prevent them from using Salon’s daypass…)
DKD @ 28
In this case, I think the cookies prevent ballott stuffing… or stuffing the ballott with cookies.. or something like that.
Firedoglake gives me hope.
why us expats can never go home, find here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE
looseheadprop @
3
Hire Wil!
Take my money! Seriously, take it :-)
How about a Kos-like subscription where subscribers get extra goodies (date with Jane, perhaps? :-)
Naked Fitz pics would make you all VERY rich
As someone who has sent more $ than what I would expect subscription fees to be (and I will send more soon). My vote: I don’t want bling bling symbols beyond what any standard subscriber might have.
I took the survey and made a suggestion, and want to expand on it a bit. I suggested that you do weekly or daily subscriber funded podcasts. I for one would gladly pay a reasonable fee (I think iTunes sells individual podcasts for 1.99, but sometimes subscriptions end up with a smaller fee per podcast) to hear roundtable discussions or just conversations between any combination of Jane, Christy, Marcy, Pach, or Trex and special guests. The reason for this is that there is such obvious camaraderie between you all that, even though we all can read and participate in the comments and you all are wonderful about making us all feel welcome and included, I often feel left out of a lot of the spirit and emotion of the group. I think a podcast would be a wonderful way to share that. I know I really enjoyed the Plame panel discussion at Yearly Kos. I think more of that kind of activity would add a lot to the site.
…bill maher on w/ blitzer now.
Count me in. I will support the fine work you do.
Gnome de Plume @
13
Impeachment served cold. Or warm. Or a la mode.
I subscribed to Salon when it first went pay-for then didn’t renew. And now don’t ever look. Mostly I miss Mr. Blue’s advice.
I think a subscription is a great idea, but agree that the site should not be closed to non-subscribers or have a click-through.
I also like the idea of supporting specific FDL projects. Sort of like pledging to PBS for the Geezer Rock Fest concert to get more geezer reunions, but with less pain.
Wil @ 35
Eureka!
I’m for the subscription model with the ability for people to read free also, but not Salon’s model.
I would contribute to subscription myself.
> there are too many blogs that are
> free – i don’t have time to read
> all of them, please don’t make it
> so that I don’t read your blog
> anymore either
I have never really understood the deep hatred many have toward the Salon 30-second advertisment. It only comes up about half the time, and when it does I work on something else for a minute, look back, and click “Enter Salon”. It is no worse than training your eye to skim over the ads in a newspaper.
Cranky
Delurking and making my contribution. Jumpin’ in the lake, as it were! The water is fine!
I was brought here to see Scooter’s drubbing. Now I can’t leave. Thanks to all.
That took a lot less than 3 minutes.
Is anyone live-blogging President Pissy-Pants’s presser? I just don’t have the strength.
Frank Probst @
44
Which C-SPAN channel is carrying it?
Yes, that is really what I want any which way I can get it. I just couldn’t think of a clever way to put it and my friend Punaise is not here to help.
I should think most people would pay not to see me nekkid.
Hmmm. . . that gives me an idea. . .
When do we find out if we won?
Leahy tells Bush to go Cheney himself. Very nice.
Pachacutec @ 47
Donations ending in .01?
And I am having second thoughts on hiring Wil (or myself for that matter). Spends too much time on-line.
Can’t do the survey. It won’t come up. Reminds me of a few ex-boyfriends.
Conyers and Leahy statements here:
http://tpmmuckraker.com/
Pachacutec @ 47
There you have it! Threaten to send nekkid pictures straight (?) to our in boxes. If you don’t want them, you gotta pay. Kinda like those Pink Flamingos that show up on your lawn in the middle of the night.
I think TRex is the key here.
Dinosaurs being otherwise extinct, leasing him out to museums (or, say, carnival sideshows) could be a figurative goldmine.
anyone else not getting into the survey? Volume is high. We’re at 603 since this went up 44 minutes ago, even as we had server hiccups on the home site.
Ed*ard Teller @ 45
isn’t listed on the schedule…. maybe c-span3 (there is a gap in the schedule)? hoping there will be some access for us folks w/out cable (i much rather pay a subscription to fdl than pay for cable TV!)
CSPAN-3 is covering shrub.
yep – the pres on c-span3 right now.
I’ve been reading since I heard about your Libby coverage on Stephanie Miller’s radio program. Just started posting this week. I’m hooked and I’ll support you however you choose.
You guys are true patriots.
selise @ 58
Apparently it wasn’t political. I’m satisfied.
petulant Georgie is on
C-SPAN 3 on now…
Bush’s is explain’ himself live on MSNBC and no on either of my CspanI or II.
he’s pimping executive privilege…
oooh. don’t all those books behind the pres make him look serious and smart?
uh, no.
Comments left. Survey taken.
You’ll probably detest me even more, but there it is.
he’ll “allow” some staffers to be “interviewed”.
will oppose any attempts to subpoena staff.
It’s on!!
the expression “through his teeth” keeps popping into my head. wonder why.
cleter @
10
Second that! I pledge to Pacifica Radio; firstly, so they can keep producing content, but secondly, and more importantly, so that other folks can get that content FREE! My job requires Internet access, so I can get Democracy Now whenever, but I want as many people to have easy, no-commercial-break access as possible.
Quarterly pledge breaks? I’m in, and if I can, I’ll go in for a challenge grant. (Will match all grants till 6pm from the state of Georgia, up to $xxx.xx. Or, I’ll help organize a bigger challenge than one I could match as an individual.)
Anyone pledging $60 gets an FDL mug. Is there an FDL mug? Never thought to look before, but if there isn’t there should be. (Not sure about CafePress, there may be a progressive alternative)
jayt @ 67
How thoughtful. Here’s a better idea: Everybody testifies under oath, or we just impeach the Attorney General for lying to us.
OMG. he LOST HIS PLACE in his prepared for him SPEECH!
Fishing expedition???
You are neither reasonable nor a King.
Impeach!
I enjoyed doing the survey. I will support FDL. You’re doing great work.
Eeeeewww –
Bush is POed. He is being arrogant and threatening a fight! I hope the Dems hold on to their balls thru this!
jayt @
67
That jumped out at me, too.
“show trials” “Partisan” you can just hear the buzzwords flying for tomorrow’s media cycle.
Here’s a word: Senate hearings. Open. Under oath. It’s the American way.
angie @
73
Imperch!
Survey done.
I’d gladly sign up for x dollars a month, but agree that we shouldn’t go the Salon have-to-watch-an-ad route to get to the site. That sucks.
Anyway the whole thing made me feel a little guilty (wish I’d been able to give more to Plame House) so I hit the donate button as well.
Bush-shit going on. Defiance may perhaps not work. “Partisanship” after the past few years probably will not cut it.
Desperately need live-blogging of Shrub. The only station I can get it on is the Spanish station. My Spanish isn’t good enough. Help!
jayt @ 64
yep.
interviews only.
will not go along a fishing expedition
will oppose any attempts to subpoena white house officials.
[please, please leahy, conyers et al. - don’t back down.]
Being asked to tell the truth is an ‘unnecessary confrontation’.
angie @ 73
Impearch!
Swopa @ 54
Oh I love that idea – we loves our TRex here on the Left Coast and I’ve a lovely venue in our chic little fine art museum on the Monterey peninsula.
In the survey I suggested the blog consider establishing an ebay auction account so we besotted firepups can contribute collectibles, designer clothes, autographed first editions, all countless other treasures we’ve mostly all found gathering dust and no longer need to hoard.
NM…All done. I can piece together what he said. I wonder if John Q. will buy it.
couldn’t take the survey in Firefox – had to switch to IE
:(
angie @ 52
Saw a clip of Leahy speaking on Senate floor that CNN ran repeatedly earlier today.
The steely look & thin-lipped smile that Leahy wore during his Senate speech on this topic said it all- knew he wouldn’t buckle…
Pat Leahy, American.
heh twolf1 @ 77– funny!
Survey done.
boosh is such a bully and liar.
ooh “kleig lites” sez boosh.
That was defiance, sheer defiance. I can hardly believe it.
AATTAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Thanks for taking the time to provide the surbvey, Pach. Just sent you $50.00 I hope the MSM start pulling those big greenbacks out of their wallets and make a donation.
“the proposal i put forward is the proposal”
It “impairs his ability to get good advice ” if his staff testifies under oath to the public !
skdadl @ 89
Um, have you been in a coma for the past six years?
Guitar_Playing_Bastard @ 90 – i think you just busted the margins. if you are quick you could edit it (if that will repair the margins).
Somebody blew the margins.
Ok who was it? Slink on up to the tip jar.
He’s the proposer-in-chief.
Josh Marshall liveblogged it:
Bush: Nothing wrong with US Attorney firings. I’m in charge.
Bush: My aides may speak to Congress, as long as they don’t have to tell the truth.
Bush: We were concerned about the lack of prosecutions of bogus voter fraud claims.
you’ll go to the mat on this? (fighting subpoena’s)
“Absolutely”.
Let’s get Ready to Rumble!!!
GWB 30 seconds ago.
this is wild
Bush just said that Gonzo will go up to Capitol Hill and testify. Senators need to keep strong and not accept back-door hearings!
Go Kelly O’Donnell.
I’m with those not fond of the Salon approach. I rarely go to Salon without having something there been pushed by another source, and the one-day-subscription-after-we-blind-you-with-this-ad is mostly why.
Can you function with a mix of options, combining subscription for the die-hards, a tip jar on each post, and specific pleas for special projects? I can see how that would be complicated to administer, but I think you would up your chances of broadening the pool of regular readers, and eventual contributors.
If you need a base amount to satisfy the business plan, can that be generated through subscriptions plus ads, and supplemented by targeted fund drives for special projects, a la Plame House?
Mount Holyoke just sent me the monstrously expensive promotional brochure for their new capital program. How about a cornerstone club, or its lake-themed equivalent, since I doubt you’re planning on building a $15 million dorm anytime soon.
I love your work, and your writing makes my envious of your skill and insight, as for helping the cause, well as any good republican can tell you poor people don’t need computers or the Internet or speak out on things political. But if you don’t mind spare change from my disability check I’ll chip in.
PS: You can imagine the emails we didn’t get in that doc-dump.
“I’m sorry for the way this has bubbled to the surface the way it has – for the Attorneys involved.”
Oh, I bet he is. But not for them.
Quasi-OT: What’s with the new talking point that Karl Rove doesn’t ‘do’ e-mail? He’s a well-known Blackberry addict. Unless he’s really addicted to Tetris or something, I’m guessing he uses it for e-mail. Hell, he probably e-mailed the talking point out. Who is he trying to fool here?
I believe he just cut and ran….
“…harm the President’s ability to get good information.”
Perish the thought.
ccmask @ 106
Don’t need to–we already know. They gave us the DOJ e-mails ONLY. Not the White House e-mails.
jayt @ 109
Yup! He did!
No indication anybody did anything unproper…I guess he didn’t read any of the 3,000 documents….
It makes it difficult for people to come into my office and tell me how to get away with what I want to get away with…
The AG’s gonna ’splain…’splain away…
Listen to the facts….no we can read….
Pleasure of the President….doesn’t the President serve at our pleasure? Oh, that’s right, Mr. Bush was appointed president…so I guess he serves at the pleasure of the SCOTUS…
Chimpy has his simian tit in a wringer. He was a good boy though, he used Karl Rove’s “klieg lights” line twice.
-GSD
I support the work of the FDL. But I would feel more comfortable when I know what the money is used for…
Is this about “expansion of services”?
Transparency please.
I doubt if Conyers and Leahy backdown now.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 98
I think they should subpoena Rove, then schedule him for testimony on five separate occasions. It seems to take him that long to get his recollection straight.
Did the survey and I have to agree with the don’t turn into Salon crowd. I’d be happy to be a supporter too. But subscription would hurt this place.
FDL reminds me of the neighborhood coffee shop where everyone is welcome to come in, enjoy a cup and chat about the important stuff. I don’t want it to loose that feeling by having commercials blinking at you all the time. YUCK!
GSD @ 114
I think that’s the first presser ever wherein he did not mention terra.
Course he slung plenty o’ mud at the Democrats.
twolf1 @ 77
IMPERCH!
What a coward and stone waller – I say we let him “go to the mattress” as he so stupidly blubbered with his myotic and invincible ignorance like the schoolyard bully he is. aghhhhhhh!
Sounds like Chimpy & Co are going to the mattresses.
I say subpoena time and fight them hard.
George was not happy because the Dems aren’t taking his reasonable offer.
Interesting dodge, I thought, that Bush claimed the “American people” will get to hear these officials speak “in a public forum.”
Uh,nope. The whole point is that his “offer” is for a CLOSED forum, not a public one. Right?
AZ Matt @ 116
Suggested response: “A spokesman for Sen Leahy said, ‘Bring it, bitch.’”
Frankly, the nerve of the Democrats to turn this ideological purge of recalcitrant USA’s into a partisan matter.
-GSD
The man doesn’t realize how little capital he has left.
Tweety compared Bush to Jim Bowie at the Alamo.
Sigh. Will I never learn?
he’s worse than an empty suit. he’s empty jockey shorts. dirty ones at that.
Because of my odd personal situation I have not donated yet but hopefully can soon. The site is so good that a small fee a year should provide you with enough money to keep it running. For example $25.00 a year is the price of a magazine subscription and think about how much that would raise with the WH people during the Libby trial. You guys are great and I thank you for all your work.
CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS is finally out in the open.
ATTACK!!!!
I absolutely love this site, but hate the fact that I have virtually nothing to contribute (financially because I am unemployed, intellectually because my PhD is in Biology). The few times I chime in (usually with an off the wall comment), it is ignored. I find it a bit frustrating that all the regulars glom on to the comments and within 5 minutes there are maybe a hundred of them (most of them fascinating, but still …). I like the dKos comment medium better, where people respond more readily to individual comments. This is more like a coffee klatch where everyone is talking at once. That’s why I rarely bother to comment anymore. Sorry to gripe. You people do great work. I just wish I had something intelligent to add.
As for the money, I am all for supporting my values with my checkbook. I preach it all the time!
Mary McCurnin @
21
I absolutely despise the way Salon does it. Most of the time, I’m getting the link from someone else, and very rarely because I actively searched for the article. That means I’m probably in the middle of another piece, but I’m getting that one to understand context & etc. I want to get back to my main article, but I’m having to wait instead for a *(&@#(*&(@##$% commercial? Look folks, I’m the kind of person who doesn’t watch TV because if I do, I mute the sound when a commerical comes on, leave the room, and get interested in something else (ADD or a mind that prefers being occupied to being idle? You make the call).
I’m the same person who canceled my subscription to TIME by cutting out every ad, sleeving what remained of the magazine in a Ziploc bag, and mailing it all back to TIME with a letter explaining that I didn’t appreciate paying so much for so little content.
I’m no different with the Internet. I get an ad splash screen to see content on a site, it had better clear ASAP, or I’m saying the hell with it–and sometimes even the page I came from! I hate HATE HATE ads, everywhere.
A variation of that model, though, might be that if people come to you from a non-Google site (or one that is the result of a search that wasn’t looking for the site itself), give them one free look at a specific article, then, if they want to look at something else you have, hit ‘em with the Salon model. That will also provide a great idea of how many people are intrigued enough with their first visit to keep reading.
AZ Matt @ 116
hope not. bush just called them – i hope they’re not bluffing.
btw, a question for the legal eagles/pups… i know that many pres’ aides have testified before congressional committees before, but is there a legal requirement that they do so?
is the law settled on this?
Yep, the mattresses.
newspaperbrat @
84
funny about the ebay thing- I’ve thought of that too. Prob. is that it would take someone to administer it, and I suspect that would be a fair amount of work. but maybe it could be tried out as a one-off event- all of the items listed at the same time for the same length of time. with restrictions like PayPal only, and the understanding it would take time to communicate between individual buyers and sellers. Just trying how to simplify the process.
And so it begins -
MSM begins reporting on the Constitutional crisis of the last six years
Matthews says that it isn’t fair that Rove should testify–Dems could ask him all kinds of questions and he wouldn’t be able to study the kinds of questions they would ask.
News Flash for Chris Matthews. If you don’t lie, you shouldn’t have to study questions. You should just answer them.
Anonymous @ 131
Would you like a cookie and a neckrub.
-GSD
i added this to the comments section of the survey, but wanted to hear your thoughts on this idea
brownandserve @8
selise @11
I was wondering how much it costs but I can appreciate that that’s not azzakly our business. I’m happy to pay my fair share, if I can, but I don’t think that it’s the FDL way to exclude folks who can’t pay as much as others.
So I suggested a sort of BlueAmerica type counter but which registered contributions as percentage of target, and have it update overnight so you couldn’t deduce the targe$ by what it updates when you contrib. Could do on a monthly basis, could be set up for x months ahead as a cushion, we don’t need to know that. It’s just that we can help better if we know what’s needed.
Special projects by subscription, it’s fun to know you had a hand in something, whether a benefit for Esten, seed $ for Marcy’s book or Plame House or whatever.
I think it is not unreasonable for the people who work so hard here to get some $ for their trouble, too, as well as expenses. I mean jeeze, what’s a reporter get paid?
And finally, if *professional* types who get *paid* for reporting and commenting on stuff use FDL’s resources (I’m talking to you guys who used Marcy’s live blogging., f’rinstance), a banner or requestline like the Libby post might rtemind them to kick in some $, or their companies could.
Isn’t this interesting.
Now Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) wants to hear more. From the AP:
“I have questions about Debra Yang’s departure and I can’t answer those questions right at this time,” Feinstein, D-Calif. and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters in response to a question. “Was she asked to resign, and if so, why? We have to ferret that out.”…
About five months before Yang’s departure her office had opened an investigation into ties between Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., and a lobbyist. When Yang left her U.S. attorney’s job she went to work for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, the firm where Lewis’ legal team works, but government rules required that she recuse herself from that case or any other she was involved with while a government prosecutor.
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/
Oops. Lou Dobbs just calling shit on Chimpster….Says much of what came from the Justice Department were lies and that Bush wasn’t honest in his just finished presser.
Maybe Al Qaeda # 3 is waiting in the wings to announce he is Kaiser Sose.
-GSD
hi people…
I love this site. And I love C&L, the young turks, SmirkingChimp, Buzzflash… and I could go on… what I am wondering is how much of this is wasted effort? and by that I mean, how many individuals are spinning their wheels when, if they all got in the same vehicle, they could get better traction?…
I don’t know much about the blogosphere beyond visiting and reading and occasionally punching my monitor in reaction to some heinous act being uncovered… but I see all the talented and committed writers and researchers at the various sites, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe they could come together on fewer sites and concentrate their message more effectively?…
and, *blushes*, I would and will give money to support such ventures when I have some… OK… it’s been a lousy winter of discontent….
GSD @ 139
anonymous does have a point, you kmow!
ccmask @ 138
Shouldn’t it be just that simple?? Why can’t they just tell the flippin’ truth?? Dang!
Well that about nails it for what their game plan was:
1. do not admit any wrongdoing
2. when wrongdoing becomes obvious
a. doc dump emails from DoJ
b. pin the tail on the AbuG
c. defend AbuG as firewall
d. if that doesn’t work, cut AbuG loose and stonewall on the WH
I don’t think it’s going to cut it this time, though. Subpoena those bastards, the truthful have nothing to fear from being under oath. This is something the American people innately understand, so if these asshats continue to refuse, we can beat them about the head with it indefinitely.
If it goes on long enough, hopefully someone in the house grows a pair and convenes impeachment hearings.
JeffinBerlin @
16
Hmm, not all friends can chip in big bucks, but for instance, I am in a line of work where predictible is something I lust after. So whether $5/month or $500 per month should get same star. Extra $ can always be kicked in, too, anytime. Or the odd fundraising event — I could ask Mr HotFlash to auction off some of those pens he’s been buying.
maunga @ 145
Look that was my way of acknowledging anonymous with a reply. I READ anonymous and I replied……Imagine that.
-GSD
As to surveymonkey: A simple human test would be a good idea for future surveys, ie the “what color is an orange” kind of randomly generated question.
maunga @ 145
Yes, I kmow, I kmow.
-GSD
Just tuned in – I missed the pissy presser.
Even Tucker Carlson says “this has turned into a bonafide scandal.”
Wasn’t that klieg lights he was so in love with during a visit to NOLA?
Survey finished………..but only b/c Pach asked so sweetly. *g* Didn’t think to say anything about Salon in the comments sections but, like others, I never go there precisely b/c of the way they’ve set it up.
Love to all you guys at home base.
Probably unecessary to warn anyone but don’t go anywhere near Tucker…….hear he plans to have the bug man on today; talk about a gagger following the shrub.
maunga @ 145
Anonymous doesn’t have anything to say but gets upset when no one responds?
I HATE the layout of Daily Kos and very rarely go there – I get lost and I can’t find a thing. If you find 100 comments before you get there, what the is the problem? That is what the scroll bar is for. Scroll away!
(Sorry I just woke up from a nap and found W on my tee vee. Made me cranky)
Anonymous @ 131
may i suggest that there are ways to contribute to the mission (if not specifically the site)? some don’t require lots of $ (i don’t have a ton of $, either)… for example, on fdl-related issues you could: call (or even visit) your reps frequently (and let us all know what they say), write a letter to the editor, volunteer in a campaign (ok, this is bad timing).
just because no one has replied, that doesn’t mean it was ignored – many people probably read it.. and maybe just didn’t have anything to say/add. if you pick a “handle” and stick with it, i’d love to have the pleasure of getting to know you….
i don’t let that stop me… and the regulars are still real nice to me. i bet they will be to you too. *g*
hope you will be persistent…. the more the merrier!
Quzi @ 75
I hope the Dems hold on to his and squeeze tight!
Disgusting, but someone’s gotta do it!
Anonymous @ 131
A lot of people who have nothing (idea-wise) to contribute still do. I skim over those comments. So don’t feel like you have to hold back. And if you feel like you’re being ignored, say something incendiary. You’ll be called a troll! It’s fun!
I refuse to believe there’s no place for biology in these comments. Cheney’s deep vein thrombosis, anyone?
Hi all.I kind of like Salon’s model in that it loads quickly for me and there’s usually something decent on the screen like Leonardo baby. LOL. I can also do $5.00 a month. Or even $10.00. It might be nice to do the Star thingie for contributors and I also like the Public radio & TV model. Ah hell, I’ll go along with whatever you guys decide. I just can’t live without you.
Anonymous @ 131
Anonymous- I am wondering if Anonymous is always your screen name? If so, that might be the problem. People tend to see “anon” as someone who doesn’t want to be id’d. If not, and you do have another chosen screen name, don’t despair. When I first came to FDL, it took a while for anyone to respond to me. And, also, being a Bio. Ph.D., I felt a bit out of my depth. So, I just tried to keep adding information and linking to things that people might find interesting. More scientists at this site would be a great thing. I don’t know how long you’ve been posting comments. However, I do think that with the great influx of new visitors during the Libby trial, regulars are overwhelmed- back when traffic was slow, there used to be a “howdy” for everyone who said- I’m new here. Also, plenty of comments go unreplied to, but are nonetheless read and absorbed. So, take heart, and keep commenting.
Zee @ 146
And that is why Chris Matthews cannot be trusted. Ever. He is part of the problem. Every one in a while he goes against the grain and we get all excited. He is a Bushie.
They can talk all night about $90,000 in a freezer but never do they spend one night talking about the missing 8 Billion in Iraq.
Every member of the MSM have been bought and sold. I wish I could buy a handful of the for what they are worth–and sell them for what they think they are worth.
I’m getting so tired of the bad news…
I have completely given up on commenting.
I know that some of my ideas have been timely, even early. I’ve been attacked and no one has ever bothered to apologize.
I wouldn’t dream of paying for this treatment.
selise @ 155
yes, what selise said. Much nicer than I could. Sorry, see “nap” comment, above.
Do I understand this correctly? The President of the United States has said unequivocally that his administration will “resist” Congressional subpoenas of his staff and advisors?
He has the audacity to say that he will not allow the Congerss to do it’s job? What, are his people above the law, different than any other staff over the course of our nation’s history?
He thinks that the Congress and the people of this country don’t have the right to have GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PAID BY US to have to speak under oath in an investigation? What, the American people don’t deserve to see what has happened – he’ll only concede to have them speak in a private behind-closed-doors session, not under oath, and with no transcripts taken?
Who the F*** does he think he is? Seriously – how the hell does he think he can get away with this?
And, is he stupid enough (answer, yes) to think that by doing this, it doesn’t make the odor seem much much stronger?
LJAquaria @ 3:03 -
I’m the same person who canceled my subscription to TIME by cutting out every ad, sleeving what remained of the magazine in a Ziploc bag, and mailing it all back to TIME with a letter explaining that I didn’t appreciate paying so much for so little content.
Ooooohhhhh, I *do* like the way your mind works!
ccmask @ 160
Zee @ 146
I’m tired of the bad news too, but today feels a little brighter, dontcha think? Like its getting close to showtime?
Anonymous 1 @ 161
I’ve been here for a couple of years and I almost never get answered either. You got to be tough to be a blogger. I also have no degree and I feel really dumb a lot of the times. I figure if Christy keeps letting me in then I’m okay.
Anonymous 1 @ 161
Not true! (see #162)
ccmask: thank you for the donation!
New thread’s up.
Valley Girl @ 136
Our small art museum collects donations from within our membership in the Friends of the Museum year-round for an average of 4 to 6 ebay auctions a year. It is considerably easier than the old labor intensive book sales we used to hold and many times more successful. One member donated a ten year collection of rock concert posters the first time we did an ebay auction and we remain stunned at how popular they proved and how much we realized from that one thoughtful donation.
Of course we’re a 501c3 nonprofit organization so our donors receive a tax deduction for the final bid amount. Maybe Jane & Christy and their brain trust could explore creating a Friends of FDL if a similar non-profit situation could meet the federal guidelines so the Friends of FDL could also enjoy a similar tax advantage. I really have no idea how that works but it may be worth exploring.
LandOfTheFree @ 163
Can’t decide if he reminds me more of my 1st grader or my 2 year old.
jayt @ 68
Is it about regime change yet?
Ccmask, you’re not dumb.
Re: the subscription thing- I think different people must have had different readings of that question. I support the subscription idea, just so FDL might have some idea of its financial situation in a slightly longer term. HOWEVER, I DON’T support the idea that subscribers get any sort of special marking (a star or such), and especially not according to amount of donation. That would undercut one of the egalitarian principles behind FDL, and some how signal that some commenters were more “special” than others, based on a money measure. I don’t think this is what Pach was suggesting, but maybe he should clarify.
Oh, yes…Can we impeach now?
I have witnessed the evolution of FDL from close to its inception. I could write a long post in gratitude and rather abject admiration. This community has earned a place in history.
I have only commented a couple of times, but lurk with great frquency. Reasons not relevant at the moment. Sometime other than now.
I will continue to support FDL any way I can.
To current topic: subscription or pledge like PBS I think would be good; ad hoc special projects would be good. Tip jar, good. Please no Salon model: it just grates.
I will be here to learn and contribute when I have something to say. Keep making history.
Your welcome Pach. And thank you more.
Again, I am asking members of the MSM for their help on behalf of firedoglake. You can send it by snail mail….a money order even….this way your news buddies won’t get you fired for supporting real media in real time.
Thanks so much!
selise @ 81
George, *we* are going fishing and *you* are not invited.
Anonymous 1 @ 161
ccmask @ 166
I don’t have a degree either, but I’m smart, politically aware and not afraid to look foolish. Since the 2000 elections I’ve become more and more active – realizing that this is MY country and they’re destroying it in front of my eyes. Its sometimes hard to speak out, because someone might prove me wrong. But we can’t be silent while they mutilate our Constitution. Speak your voice. Call your representatives. Take a risk and participate. If you’re misinformed, someone will correct you. And who cares if you appear foolish…no one can see you here.
ccmask @ 166
May I say I love your comments and so many other pups.
Comments demand time, context, sense of humor and thick skin.
Anon makes their point and I respect it, but the huffpo and dkos comments setup are dreadful, imo.
Kudos to the wordpress design and fdl’s fabulous mods!
newspaperbrat- oohh let’s keep talking about this auction idea. I wasn’t even thinking about the 501c3 aspect, though I can see for your org. that might be a factor. What’s different I assume, is that you have all of the donations in more or less one location, and so it’s relatively easy to track the sending of stuff people have won. But, with FDLers who are all over the country donating stuff, the logistics of tracking would seem to be a big complication. How do you deal with the specifics of sending stuff out?
ccmask! Eureka! (p.s. I don’t like the format of dKos comments either- eye-crossing for me)
In the suggestion section of the survey I wrote:
How would the rest of you guys feel about bundling your donations to several blogs?
Oh yes – I’ve contributed only a small amount, both money and comments – because that’s all I can do. I think that occasional appeals would get small responses from people like me who couldn’t make a larger commitment.
hit the tip jar, then took the survey, wonderful job you guys……..
I’d love to take this survey, but in spite of permitting cookies every which way, I can’t get past the “You Must Enable Cookies” page.
Aaaargh!
Any advice?
And yes, I’ve cleared the cache. Multiple times.
Reset settings for IE6 per instructions, but couldn’t figure out how to take survey.
Oh, I totally forgot to add one comment in the survey.
I think this blog and everyone else out there should put up a BIG REMINDER for people to turn OFF their adblock. I have it set to shut out all ads…… but I individually allow ads for the GOOD PEOPLE on the net, like FDL. But sometimes I forget to enable ads!
I am assuming if I have blocked the ads that the site doesn’t get the revenue?
Or is it that I have to actually click on the ad to get you some money? If this is the case… I would say putting a reminder for people once a week to puhleeze click the ads!
Thanks Eureka! I definitely respect Anon’s feelings. I’m just hoping that he/she sticks around. Of course, if he/she uses the Anonymous nickname, then that could be part of the problem.
Anonymous @ 131
I have read your comments and like them. And a degree in biology does not unfit one to participate in one’s government. Hi!
Valley Girl @ 136
It wouldn’t take anyone special to administer it if you opened an ebay store and let ebay do it. I sell on ebay in my spare time and they make it so easy to do. If we held an auction, put it on ebay and then link around the blogs. You can auction off anything. Even auction a chance to post.
i don’t want a mark by my name that denotes that i donate…….everyone should be equal to comment or not, it’s not a club with ’special booths’…….i am willing to donate so that others can find this wonderful place and roam and swim in the lake until they assess what they can contribute…….i am on a limited income, but am willing to include it in my budget keep it going so that others can also swim in the fine firedog lake, whether they contribute or not, doesn’t matter to me……
Terre @ 156
Eww! People, there are appliances for that.
No DKos style comments, please! I find that format very hard to read. I think the kaffee-klatsch atmosphere here is fun.
I love FDL just the way it is—it’s the only blog I read, and I check in several times a day.
How about putting up an auction for breakfast with Jane & Christy in Chicago?
Jacqrat @ 154
Here, Jacqrat, bite on this stick.
I might be considered a lurker but it’s not because I haven’t posted here before. I have found these comment threads less than hospitable when an infrequent poster expresses something that is not the FDL conventional wisdom. This is not unique to FDL, btw. It’s actually a lot like the old usenet threads. Cliques develop, which is probably normal. FDL has a loyal community who will no doubt contribute enough to keep this site going. I thank you all for that. This is often an interesting site but it does come across to some people as a fairly closed community. That inhibits some folks from posting. In psychology, it’s called extinction. Look it up. Now, who’s going to be the first to call me a concern troll or some other fur-covered variety of troll who lives under a bridge?
Valley Girl @ 181
Do it on EBay, make the sale part public and thenm PayPal the proceeds to the Lake.
ccmask- Hiya. My major concern with the ebay stuff was having so many sellers in so many different places. I think it’s an interesting idea- just need to make it as simple as possible given how distributed people are. Like what happens when someone doesn’t send the goods? Most people wouldn’t do that, but it could happen and complicate things. etc.
I’ve bought a lot of stuff on ebay, but still trying to get my courage up to do the seller thing. Is it okay if I email you about this at your FDL addy?
newspaperbrat @84
In the survey I suggested the blog consider establishing an ebay auction account so we besotted firepups can contribute collectibles, designer clothes, autographed first editions, all countless other treasures we’ve mostly all found gathering dust and no longer need to hoard.
i love love love this idea……..where i used to work we had a company newspaper that had ads from employees, you felt you kinda knew who you were buying from….everything under the sun in the ads, was a wonderful thing for employees….i love this idea……..fdl people things…….love it.
the wide variety of people here, i’m salivating thinking of all of the COOL stuff that would be on a site like that……imagine……wow…….
HotFlash- my only concern has to do with what I just posted to ccmask (3:57 also!). But, as I said, I only know about EBay from the buyer’s perspective- never sold anything there. So, maybe I am worrying too much. But, we should keep at this idea.
Welcome Smiley!
LandOfTheFree @ 163
Two mistakes made in American history:
1.) Original inhabitants had a bad immigration policy.
2.) Framers of Constitution did not specify a penalty for failing to uphold oath of office.
Ack! I just reread my post and realized I said “some people” several times. Let me be more specific before all you rabid lambs go for my jugular. Some people = me and other people I know who I will not identify who read FDL. Small n, yes, but, like usenet, many or maybe most people are turned off by the clubishness. Me, I just lurk and only occasionally scream into the void (and no, I don’t expect a response to any of my comments).
elef @
183
I would love to see something like that. Similar to union federations. Each blog develop it’s own revenue source and share resources, depending on needs and projects.
smiley @ 197
glad you have the persistence to try again. please keep it up.
sometimes ideas are challenged – but not to defeat them, rather to get more info and think about them. ‘course then there are times people just act like jerks. if it was me who treated you badly, i apologize.
in any event, please don’t stop bringing new ideas and info – but if they seem to be out in left field, i hope you will be prepared to defend them (with analysis, evidence) – just like you have the right to expect from anyone else.
My suggestion in the survey was to open an FDL merch store, maybe via Cafepress, and let the firepups help design tee shirts, mugs, etc., connecting FDL to the various projects it has embraced in fun and thought-provoking ways.
A line of FDL Fitzmaswear would be a great start.
FRONT: “I liveblogged the entire Scooter Libby trial and all I got was blisters on my fingers and this lousy t-shirt. Oh, and four felony convictions against Scooter.”
BACK: “MADNESS! MADNESS! MADNESS!”
I came up with that, and I am lame. Just think what the community could come up with. Everybody wins!
ccmask @ 166
Hey. I’ve answered you. Sometimes I comment just to vent.
Chimpy:
“I hope they don’t choose confrontation.”
Yeah, I’ll bet he does.
Valley Girl @ 199
Sure, valley. I use ebay to sell old clothes when I am upgrading my wardrobe. I don’t do it for a living though. But I would like to help with an ebay thingee if you guys need it.
ccmask @ 210
ccmask- thanks. We’ll see if there is any response from “the powers that be” re: the ebay thingee. And, I will find your email. Maybe a few days before you hear from me. I have been thinking about doing the “seller” thing for myself of ebay- maybe you can help me get over the psychological barriers. I wouldn’t be doing it for a living either..
Hey anonyomus -
I’m late to this thread (log in on between clinic pts) , but I hope you’ll continue to chime in. Pollinators crashing, food crops crimped by global warming, food crops stolen for the gas pump, GMO foods – we’ve got all sorts of biology that will be forcing politics this year.
Hope you’ll stick around to share.
And – if it helps – I comment regularly and (rarely) have my comments kicked up to the front page. ANd depending on the flow of comments I may be completely ignored for several threads….
I keep telling myself it’s nothing personal (and it isn’t) – hope you can accept that perspective also.
The Lake needs bio PhD’s! Hope you’ll keep splashing about.
neurophius @ 209
No, he hopes they choose surrender.
i also like the ‘friends of fdl’ option, without the bling, or an ‘annual pledge drive’ – so us peeps who reside outside your borders can contribute some coin AND $upport our national/local political blogs…i am a regular reader – mostly lurker – and i love the work you guys do…i’ll throw you some ‘queen’ in appreciation of ‘the spin i’m in’…it’s a great addition to fdl and one i never miss…cheers and thanks for all you do!
smiley @197
yeah, ok, maybe, i’ve only been commenting for a little over a month.
what i’ve noticed is some get welcomed in with open arms and some get missed……it’s the flow of the party, the flow of the thread……how important is it to be recognized? how important is it just to comment? i find it important to throw in my two cents, and not expect comment back……sometimes i get it sometimes i don’t, but to get a comment back is not what i look for….it’s to add to the conversation, not what i’ll get from it……..it’s all in what is going on in the thread that determines what you get………free flow…….
smiley @
204
That made me think some. I have been reading this blog several times a day for the past few months. Was here for the verdict moment.
And I absolutely abhor cliques on the internet. And USUALLY I end up never returning to the site. So why do I keep returning here? Because of the value of the original posts. And that tells me that there is something really GREAT to be had here at FDL in spite of the cliques. Cause if I judged this site solely based on the social aspect? I would never return. Let me clarify… I love reading the threads of comments. But 80% are completely unnecessary for my edification.
I just wanted to highlight the point that people return in spite of the coffee house environ and that says TONS about those who run this site.
As long as people are airing certain dislikes, maybe I please say that the race to be at the top of the comment threads is truly annoying. First! Fitz! Jane! TRex! It’s just poor form to take up people’s time and mental space with NOTHINGNESS. (God, I feel better just having said that)
What I like about dkos comment system is you can absolutely ignore the extraneous conversations that have nothing to do with the topic. A lot of people, like myself, literally only read for information and have no need to join or be inundated with coffee house atmospheres.
Thank you. I feel so much better!! :-)
Zed!
RadRobin @ 216
I would love to take the survey – but I cannot get past the page that says PLEASE ENABLE COOKIES.
6. How often do you read Firedoglake (please choose the best answer)?
hey – there was no choice for “almost constantly”!
I’ve responded to project-based appeals several times, but I could also go for the subsrciption model – I get a lot more from FDL than my local public radio stations, and they get my money every year.
I frequent this blog multiple times a day.
I want to help but am not an American.
I don’t want to taint your survey so am asking ahead of time.
Should non-citizens fill out your survey?Either answer is fine with me and congrats for your increase in readers.
I’m about 2 months new here and feel FDL is one of the,if not the,finest blogs available today.
Keep up the great work!
Gump @ 220
Gump- respond to the survey. There’s a box at the end for comments, and raise that question. It (the box) has some specific question, but I just ignored that and wrote the extra I wanted to add. FDL isn’t a PAC or anything, so as far as I know, there’s no restriction on where the support $$ comes from.
Gump @220, it’s not for me to say, but my guess is that there is no citizenship requirement for taking the survey or contributing to FDL general fund. It might get trickier with regard to political contribs. to the Blue America PAC.
hey VG!
Hey Punaise! Yes, I agree. Ferriners ;) can’t make political contributions to PACs, but I can’t imagine any restriction for contributing to FDL itself. And, there are many many non-citizens who comment. Great to have that perspective.
“Spew Alert. Eli is channeling Punaise.”
Eli is upstairs
I took the survey and will gladly support this site. I made a couple of contributions to your effort to live-blog the Libby trial and have just thrown some luv to Josh Marshall in his recent appeal. I also occasionally throw some luv to John Aravosis at Americablog because he’s my neighbor and has links to this site (which is how I stumbled upon it in the first place).
It’s very interesting to see how all this will shake out. People got so used to everything on the Internets being free, that they seem to object to paying for services delivered. It costs me $3.60 per week to read the WaPo, plus I have a subscription to the New Yorker. Why not pay for something you really value?
thank you kindly.
I live on Saltspring Island which has perhaps the most integrated mix of U.S./Canadian citizens on Earth.Both my neighbhors are U.S. citizens.I know just how important Blogs like this are.
Thanks again for the response and have a good one. :)
Survey done. Anybody else interested in the idea of a Firedoglake cookbook? I’d buy one, just to get all of those yummy recipes people post on the “Pull Up A Chair” threads…
Valley Girl @ 225
uh-oh – better go check on that. (just a clarification – Eli is a master punster when he lets his guard down).
Marion in Savannah @ 228
I’ve thought about that too, but wondered if it could turn out to be a $$ maker, or “just” a labor of love.
I can’t get past the cookie monster thing, so I’m not taking the survey. I’m glad to support Firedoglake on regular basis, but it would be a really good idea if you did a little outreach and coddling of your supporters.
Apply the same level of professionalism to your fundraising as an alumni association or other nonprofit would make the fund-raising job far easier.
Sending out a thank you email after people throw money into the lake would be a really good start.
Thanks for all the responses to my previous rant. No, I don’t use Anonymous as my usual handle, but perhaps the one I use reminds people a wee much of that creepy uncle at the Fitzmas gathering who had one too many drinks. I started reading blogs when Katrina hit, and quickly gravitated to FDL. Once a day, I copy and paste the FDL postings to my word processor, reformat them so they take up less space, and print them out so I can read them in my comfy chair with my snuggle blanket and a bowl of popcorn. My octagenarian mom (who doesn’t “do” computers) reads them, too. Thanks to everyone here for being family. You people rock! P.S. A toll house cookie and neck rub would be just fine. Uncle Bug
Fitz!!
Ok, I filled out the survey but had to think a bit on the suggestions part. Everyone has some pretty good ideas. The auction idea seems to be popular. But that limits winners to the ones who can afford to pay the most. What about a raffle instead? The possibilities are endless, but take FDL coffee cups for instance. X number of cups at Y $$ per chance. Or, Jane (for instance) is going to be in Portland, OR on such and such a date. For Y $$ per chance, you may be the lucky winner! (she pays, of course) Or……endless possibilities. Since this is my first post here, be gentle.
Aeolus @ 231
I have made the same comment a while back re: thank you emails. I believe it did happen for some, but not for me. All I can imagine is that principals and the folks behind the scenes just can’t keep up. But, I agree totally as to making this a priority.
p.s. I don’t have any idea why some people can’t get past the cookie monster, but several have said the same thing.
I meant the lucky winner for lunch. Sorry. She still pays though.
Seineman @ 234
hmmm… the raffle idea is interesting! Don’t even know if “the powers that be” would get behind the auction idea either- needs more volunteer staff, which FDL needs. But, I think the raffle idea for a lunch with Jane or another principal is a really great one. Someone suggested an auction for this, but I felt uncomfortable with that, bec. then principals would be given $$ values. For that, the raffle idea is so much better!
I would like to see some work done on Senator Roberts. He failed to complete the “second part” of the 9/11 report. He lied about Joe Wilson on Meet The press. And he let Republican staffers propagandize an import report.
To me, he is a traitor to the United States.
Muzzy @
82
Is this a quote? for real?????
I took the survey (which works fine in Safari) and felt so guilty when I checked “several times a day” that as soon as I was done I hit the “donate” button, something I plan to do on a regular basis in the future. I don’t need a thank you nearly as badly as the opportunity to keep learning from the wonderful group here.
I apologize that we have not been good at thanking contributors individually.
It’s a catch-22: we need to build the infrastructure and contact/donation management systems to do that well, and then again, we need more money to put those things in place. Even beyond that, we need the people allocated to do it, as we’re all strecthed exceedingly thin as individuals doing this for the love of it.
So, once again, I apologize. We do need to get that fixed.
Pach, my area of expertise is budget analysis. If you can take a look at your assumptions, such as traffic (say daily unique visitors) and a budget target, you might be able to give us an idea how much per person you need to raise, assuming varying levels of participation (say, only 10% kick in – this could be based in part on actual experience with the tip jar to date). I would not necessarily look to other sites (altho I would be curious how they manage). Your demographics are probably different than most. You could also assume a graduated scale, say a small percentage of gold star subscriptions (some of us can afford more than others), a larger share of minimal regulars, and the occasional tipper. Sorry, I may be rambling here. Along with examples of the cost of a typical magazine or newspaper subscription, some idea of a gold star or standard “subscription” (all voluntary of course) would help I think. Along with a regular dose of guilt. Couldn’t hurt. Especially when you get bursts of traffic (like the standard set of reminders shown during Marcy’s liveblogging).
kirk murphy @ 30
Have them download the Google toolbar; sites can be allowed in very easily on a site-by-site basis.
Dawn @ 37
That would work!
No. No. THANK YOU. Thank you for this superb medium that allows me to link up so quick so I can go to the source. Never again will I ever have to listen to Andrea Mitchell misread statistics on air, and I don’t even know she’s misreading statistics, I mean, er… bald face lying.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Now on to the survey.
Is there a link to the survey somewhere?
jk
barrelhse @
247
The link is embedded (three times!) in the main post.
I feel badly I have so little to financially support your good work and wonderful blog. I love your voices – all of you and I am so amazed at your diligent, passionate work. I love this place and rely on it for my information and my sanity. . . and my hope.
I admit to not reading past the first reference to the “survey” yet. The stopper was the listing of the Blue America PAC.
I think it was your/our Blue America request for contributions listing candidates to support. They allowed the contributor(s) the option of financial support to any or all of the candidates. I was impressed by the list and wanted to donate and let the PAC distribute the proceeds as they saw fit.
Because the only way to contribute was to do so through the internet such as by credit card. I took the time to write the webmaster explaining that there are many of us who either don’t have a credit card or would like to contribute with a check or money order through the USPS. Also mentioned the obvious; those of us with limited financial means would like to contribute to so many deserving PACs or sites but of necessity had to carefully pick and choose. My request was answered by telling me that if I would send my mailing address they would in return send me the mailing addresses of all the candidates they had listed so I could make a contribution to them personally.
I hope that Blue America isn’t the one listed here and if not please accept my apologies for misunderstanding.
The point is, there are many of us who must make the hard decision(s) of who to give some of our limited resources to while not being able to give to others just as deserving. All solicitations should furnish a mailing address as well as internet address if they want to reach a sizable segment of the population. Just a suggestion. And I have been saving up to contribute to FDL and will do so in the near future. Please be sure I (and many others) have a mailing address for this purpose.
I’ve closed the survey now. We have 2962 responses, a very nice sample, and I’ll be making our findings public once I have time to do more analysis.
Thank you all!
RadRobin @
216
Ole!!!!