Not even 800 donations to DU???????????????

[karlrschneider]

Man, this sucks. I see hundreds of DUers with 1000+ posts who haven't made a contribution and many
of them don't even have a star! If you can afford an internet connection, you damn sure can afford a few bucks. And no, I have no connection with, or even permission -from- the admins here to post this.
So if I'm out of line, dump it. But I think it sucks. Oh, I said that already.
...

[arcane1]

1. it does seem to be taking longer to punch that bastard this time

:shrug:

[pooja]

2. I donated about 2 days before the drive went up... but I'm not that

surprised. This is an election year and many are donating to election races and the DNC.

[karlrschneider]

3. I suppose so.

...

[Proud_Lefty]

4. I made mine donation hours ago

and haven't received any confirmation from DU yet (I got the confirmation from PayPal). Don't know if it's been counted yet. Normally, I get an email from Skinner right away.

[karlrschneider]

7. You're acknowledged! See that red confirmation beside your name?

:D

[Proud_Lefty]

17. Thanks

This was my first post since donating.

[Robbien]

8. Your confirmation is that bright red streamer after your name

Don't you see it? I do.

[angstlessk]

9. Well I think the "I donated" is proof enough..what do you want a kiss on

your bear lips from skinner?

[Proud_Lefty]

34. How rude

Here's a perfect example of why I don't post much here. Sure takes the fun out of it.

[NMDemDist2]

53. hi lefty! it's great to see you

and ignore the rude idiots as needed

:hi:

[Proud_Lefty]

128. Hi AZDemDist6

You've always been a sweety. Good to hear from you too. Thanks for the nice gesture (puts the fun back in). :pals:

[babylonsister]

5. Well, I'm just gonna recommend this as a reminder. nt

[Blackthorn]

6. Please don't start with the guilt trips about donating

This happened last time, and it wasn't pretty. Donations are just that. Let Skinner come out and ask people to pass the hat around again.

[karlrschneider]

10. I apologize for making you feel guilty.

...

[Blackthorn]

28. I don't feel guilty...

I just resent people trying to use emotional blackmail to finangle money out of me, whatever the cause.

[driver8]

35. Thanks for saying what needed to be said.

People donating money is their own business and no one elses.

If you donated, that's just great -- thanks for helping.

If you didn't, or cannot donate at this time...well, do what you can when you can.

The people here at DU are all grown-ups and know how important DU is. I don't think you need to use guilt as a way to get them to contribute.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

72. I can't donate this go-around. I've donated in the past (this year)

and will do so when I can. I emailed Skinner to tell him this.

[skooooo]

51. thank you....

Someone laid that guilt trip on me while disagreeing with a point I made. Very tacky. I was able to donate something, but no one is the judge of you, me or anyone else on here.

[angstlessk]

11. K & R...too important to let this slide..I want to still be alive when the

shit hits the fan..er ah..the glove punches out the petulant ass's face!

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[momzno1]

15. Some quarters I have a few extra bucks, most I don't...

I am grateful for the wisdom of those who can't donate at this time as much as the wisdom of those who can.

[karlrschneider]

21. Yes, I'm sure you are right. It's entirely inappropriate for a DU

member to try to help out the site. Whatever was I thinking? I clearly usurped the prerogative of
the DU ownership by even mentioning it. I am desiccated with mortification. Can you ever forgive me for such a transgression? Please?

[Berserker]

42. You are a

member and so am I but a post like the one you wrote only serves to cause bad feelings among those who can't donate at this time and a smart response never helps. If you are feeling so giving find a few posters and donate for them without bringing all the attention to yourself. But I see thats what you are going for.

[spacelady]

106. Remind me not to tap you for fundraising skills, you are not helping.

[AZBlue]

126. I thought Democrats and liberals were supposed to understand when

people had financial problems, when money was tight, when $5 really does make a difference.

Sorry, my mistake.
:sarcasm:

[Horse with no Name]

23. I don't like it either

I think it points a definitive finger at the "have's" and "have-nots".

[Robbien]

27. I agree. The stickies last time were so much better

and alot more fun.

[EFerrari]

38. I'd rather just see the donation number going up. N/t

[shadowknows69]

30. hear hear

Take away my star if I can't donate but don't throw it in our faces.

[EFerrari]

13. Summer time hard here and for lots of folks. We'll get it done. n/t

[bigwillq]

14. I don't like when other DUers ask me to donate.

It's cool if Skinner or EarlG or Elad do it but not other DUers. I feel if people want to donate that's great. If they can't, what can you really do about it.

I usually donate during the first quarter drive, which I did this past year.

When I can donate again, I will.
I also don't really like that tag that says that people donated. I think it makes those of us who didn't or cannot this term feel less worthy.

[yorkiemommie1]

121. my issue has been sneaking around my bushbot dh

i've had to write checks to friends who in turn wrote checks to DU for me, etc. I had a feeling another drive was coming up and was going to PO to get a mail order but then I decided to tell dh i was going to send something online and he gave me the go-ahead. he knows that i have sent him some good links and laughs from this site.

the reason that i snuck around previously was that i didn't want HIM to contribute to GOP in retaliation so I figured I'd rather NOT contribute to DU if it meant that.

but he was cool w/ my contribution today...so am glad.

[Mist]

16. I'm sending a check, so my contribution won't move the glove! nt

[madfloridian]

18. Some of us donate yearly, it might fall outside of donation drive.

I donated a couple of weeks ago.

[Change has come]

19. I was just thinking...

that its going faster than the last few drives. Tomorrow is payday for a lot of people. :bounce:

[nolabels]

122. Me too

I wanted to get in before I was an also-ran

[Raine]

20. People do what they can

maybe some can't afford to give even though they have internet connection they also have to eat. I don't think it's right to berate people about not donating, no one can know what others are dealing with.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

130. food or internet (for DU)... food or internet (for DU)...

I figured I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway. :evilgrin:

[Horse with no Name]

22. Well you are a little out of line

Sorry to say.
I have made several contributions this year--I just haven't got around to it this time.
The fund drive is supposed to be voluntary--some people are having tough financial times. You can only do what you can do.
I think Skinner would rather forego a few bucks from someone who is barely surviving.

[Fleshdancer]

24. sorry. you'll just have to wait until next month

I just spent over $200 on school supplies and clothes for my 6 yr old who never stops growing out of everything. Then there was the $100 on car repairs. The jump in energy and gas costs haven't helped my budget much either the last few months. But I have my gold star and I've already donated many times so I'm not bothered at all by not donating this week.

[madmunchie]

25. How about if I give my donation for somebody else to donate?

I don't care about the acknowledgement because I donate monthly anyway. It is a nominal donation, but it is what I can afford. The donation for the quarterly drive can gladly be acknowledged to somebody else, that is why I elected not to get a thank-you letter or bumper sticker. I just really enjoy this board so much, that when I can, I will contribute.

Maybe we can do something like this - - - -how I don't know, but maybe give some acknowledgment to somebody else who can't afford to donate. Are there any brains out there who can think of a way?

[karlrschneider]

31. Check your inbox

;-)

[babylonsister]

47. I did that; pick a person you know/like or don't know, and just

donate anonomously. It helps DU, and that person.

[shadowknows69]

26. Ok, some of us are pretty much broke ok?

I could donate but then I'd lose my internet. Kind of a double edged sword eh? I'm sure google ads will pick up the slack.

[LeftyMom]

29. Gas is up, the economy blows, how many of us are out of work?

I don't want to hear that "you can afford internet" shit either, because most of us need it for school, for work or to look for work, and in any case just because we spent some money doesn't mean we have more to spend on another worthy cause. We can't make the pie higher, no matter how much the asshole at the end of the donation bar thinks we can.

Bottom line, people know better than you want they can afford.

[Individualist]

96. Good points, LeftyMom

When the price of gas went up, other prices went up as well. Add to that the increase in utility costs, etc., etc. I'd love to have high speed internet connection, but have to stay with my slow (but dependable)dial-up because of the price.

[greatauntoftriplets]

32. I have to look at my checkbook after paying my bills to see what's left...

and that isn't happening until Sunday afternoon. Among others, the pile includes my mortgage payment and a Visa bill with an unplanned-for car repair of $500+.

[LiberalArkie]

33. For me it was harder to come up with the money this time.

[L A Woman]

36. Sorry, I am poor

I will donate one of these days. I assume you can do it year round?

[NMDemDist2]

57. don't be sorry dear Woman. if you can, do. if you can't you're still

welcome and we're glad to have you.

and yes, you can donate anytime, there is a blue "donate" icon at the top of every post. but don't feel bad no matter what. My first two years i think I managed to donate less than $15 cuz that's all I could scrape up

hang in, stick around and we'll love ya anyway :pals:

[Ghost in the Machine]

37. "If you can afford an internet connection, you damn sure can afford

a few bucks".....

My internet connection is $109.00/month, how much is yours?

I was badly injured in an accident 3 years ago. The insurance company cut my benefits off last November when I was placed at MMI (max. medical improvement), but they took until a month ago to get my disability rating, with me still unable to work.

I'm raising 2 teenagers... alone... through all of this. We get by, with the help of my family.

But for the good news! I settled with the insurance company last week. I'm waiting on a check right now, but won't have it until next week some time. When I do get my check, I'll be more than happy to donate, but it won't be because of chiding from you or anyone else, it'll be because I've planned on it all along.

Nothing personal against you, I can understand what you're saying, with a membership of over 90,000 people, and not even ONE PERCENT of them have made a donation, it could get your spirits down. However, please remember, we don't know the financial circumstances of every person on this site. We are, afterall, living in Bush's stranglehold of failed domestic and foreign policies.

[QuestionAll...]

58. I don't think there are near 90,000 active members here...

I believe thats just a total of all registers from the start of the site - people come, people go, people get tombstoned, etc.

Have no idea how many use this board, but it sure is not 90,000.

[Ariana Celeste]

62. A few thousand.

Or so I've heard.

[jackstraw45]

39. Just curious...DU is a FOR-profit entity, right?

How much does it cost annually to run? Has that ever been disclosed?

Just curious.

[LeftyMom]

48. The info was posted last funding drive.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Skinner/98

[Mika]

123. Wasn't that before the Google ad revenue?

I wonder how much the Google ads (and trend tracking) brings in?

[wakeme2008]

40. I think you will see a jump after Friday for it is payday

for a lot of ppl...

[cynatnite]

41. There was a time when donating was encouraged...

rather than condescension and passing judgment on those who have not donated.

It was always wonderful to see a donation given in someone else's name. That doesn't happen much anymore.

[citizen snips]

43. I don't have a job

beat that.

[democrank]

46. Hope things work out for you, MATTMAN.

Glad you`re here.

[citizen snips]

49. well...

I sent in a donation not too long ago. But I am not that bad off considering I that I am only 18.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

75. Good luck to you, Mattman. Hope your luck changes soon!

:)

[CelticWinter]

44. I just donated

I live on a limited income every month and am a full time student money is tight but I scraped up my change and took it to the bank, it wasnt much but every dime counts.
Celtic

[NMDemDist2]

63. that's what I did one year. I dug around and found $12 and stuck it

in an envelope.

since I spend so much time here, I had to give something and that star felt so good when I finally got it :bounce:

[democrank]

45. We don`t all match.

My meager contribution is in the mail, but there have been times when I`ve been unable to contribute. I`m certain some DUers are in that same boat. It`s not easy trying to survive these days, so I hope that any DUers who genuinely were unable to contribute this time just hold their heads high and keep on posting. I`m very glad you`re here.

[NMDemDist2]

50. yeah kinda sad isn't it? but I was able to give 5x my usual donation

this year so i'm happy :bounce:

[Catherine Vincent]

52. Very Rovian of you, Karl.

n/t

[RebelOne]

54. I donated, I donated!!!

[The Straight Story]

55. I thought google was donating :)

Seriously though, I will be donating later this evening as I do each drive.

Go thread, and a kick for donations!

[Sydnie]

56. Pull up a chair Karl, and let me tell you a little story

I am a single mother with two kids. I share my house with another single mother with one kid. The house is paid for but I am a year and a half behind on my property taxes right now. The house could go on the market at any time, considering the whim of the "need for greed" by my ex. I work, but my work right now is sporadic at best, it's not the season for most of the jobs that are contracted for with my employers. I take what I can get when I can get it, and never, ever, turn down a minute of time that I can be making money. My room mate has been unemployed for over a year and has run out of unemployment insurance. I get regular child support, but last week I had to cover her car payment (two actually, she was behind) as well as my car insurance payment. This week I had to pay my electric disconnect bill before they got to me on the list (hundreds of dollars because we were behind on that too) and my internet bill too (my son is beginning college in the fall, studying computers and MUST have an internet connection to do what he needs to do for his studies). When I got home from work yesterday I was informed that the washing machine no longer drains the water. Now, it is almost 20 years old and I just had them come to repair a leak a few months ago. Right after the visit for the washer the last time, the dryer had taps played over it (also almost 20 years old) and I had to find the cash to replace that. Did I mention that the same day that the dryer died I was also the lucky owner of a boiler whose control panel decided to go south and not fire, needed to be replaced if we wanted to have hot water again anytime soon? Did I further mention that the day the dryer and boiler decided that they needed attention was also my first day back to work after being out for two weeks due to an episode of angina that landed me in the hospital overnight (with a lovely $250 copay that is still outstanding)?

So, with a grand total of $14 in my checking account, no credit cards to fall back on, I must now figure out how to be able to replace the washer this week. I also thought I would change the light bulb in my oven this morning, something I have never done with this stove (that last bulb lasted about 7 years). In the process, I seemed to have shorted out the wires for that and now must either figure out how to repair that on my own or pay a repair man to come to replace the wire ... all because I didn't want to cook in a dark oven.

So Karl, you see, I would LOVE to donate this round, but I have gotten to the point where I am water-boarding Peter and raping Paul just to keep the wolves from the door ... day by day and week by week.

And the moral of the story is ... I am sure I am well off compared to many in our country and probably a few who post on this board.

I am one of the "have nothings" in today's society. But things are looking up. My room mate got a job this week. Now if we can just juggle our jobs and our kids while we deal with her mother (epileptic and does not drive) and her work schedule and her father that is currently in CCU at the same hospital that I was recently sprung from (who is legally blind and can't drive any longer either and has a bad heart) and find a way to keep my son in college and the other kids in clothes and lunch money for school, we will be doing swimmingly.

I am considering the hours that I sleep as a good time to go look for cans along the side of the road for gas money. What do you think? Is there a future in that for me?



:rant:

[lonestarnot]

64. eww damn sidney

you sound like me, only the mortgage co. owns the house and no roommates.

[Lars39]

65. Hope things get better for you, Sydnie.

You sure have a way with words...This one is a keeper!
"So Karl, you see, I would LOVE to donate this round, but I have gotten to the point where I am water-boarding Peter and raping Paul just to keep the wolves from the door ... day by day and week by week."

[Rude Horner]

68. I truly hope things get better for you Sydnie

I've been where you are. I know what it's like. I can remember a time where I was terrifed to answer the phone because of bill collectors. And yes, there was actually a time where it was so bad that my wife and I dug through dumpsters at night to get aluminum cans. That was a long time ago, but I know where you are right now and I sincerely hope that things get better for you.

:hug:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

73. How Much Do You Need For The Washer Sydnie?

[Sydnie]

112. 500 bucks

I stopped by the store today (where I purchased the dryer last month) to try to find out what I had to do to correct the oops I had today with the oven, but the parts department was closed. So, I took advantage of the fact that the sales floor was still open and went up to see what the washer (that matches the dryer) would cost me. Between the cost of the washer, delivery, and hauling away of the old friend washer that I have now, I am looking at just a shade shy of $500.

It makes no sense not to attempt to replace it since the laundry of 5 people (and three of those still kids of various ages and neatness factors) makes it cost prohibitive to be done at the laundrymat. I mean, a few weeks of the laundrymat and I am out big bucks and no further ahead than I was, am I?

Life sucks sometimes, doesn't it?

[Porcupine]

115. Buy used on the washer and dryer. $500 a set is fair.....

for five year old units that have been refurbished. When you consider that the average washer or dryer will last about 15 to 20 years that can be a real deal. Check your yellow pages for independant appliance repair shops call and ask if they have any used units for sale.

A multimeter at Lowe's costs $12. Your computer whiz son should be able to rewire the stove (buy stove wire from appliance parts store) for about $25 bucks in parts plus labor. Remember to unplug the stove before working on it.

If you have time you can fix all of this stuff. It doesn't take genius, just literacy and time. I KNOW you're literate.

[Sydnie]

118. Used was a consideration

even with the dryer. Unfortunately, there's not much around here to purchase one from. I did check the ads in the paper, but I have no way to transport it once I get it. And then there's the disposal of the old one. No where around here to take it for recycling and no landfill to drop it off at either. Believe me, if it were feasible, I would do just that. I have a dead microwave (was also almost 20 years old when it died last winter) sitting in my kitchen because there is no way to get rid of it. Some states have recycling centers for those types of things, but there is none around here. I've checked.

As for the wiring, it's not so much the wire as it is the connector and the light unit itself. Had I thought about turning off the breaker FIRST, I would not have shorted the damn wire. LOL I have to laugh at my stupidity this morning in that aspect.

BTW, I had asked my son to change the bulb in the first place. The problem was neither of us knew just HOW to gain access to the bulb in the first place. Now I know how to do that too. I do tap my son to help with things like this around the house all too often sometimes. I am sure we could figure it out but I fear that we might do something wrong and they will set the house on fire while I am at work ... and the possible outcomes to that scares the hell out of me. I will admit it wasn't him that shorted it out today. It was me.

I can and do fix many things around the house myself, but where electricity and possible fire come into play, I will admit to being a bit shy at attempting those things myself. Heck, I am the type that has fire extinguishers in the kitchen, upstairs by their bedrooms, and at the foot of the stairs, just in case.

You could stop by and fix it for me if you happen to be in the neighborhood though. You seem to know what to do with enough confidence to fit my comfort level. :)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

116. PM Me Your Address or Email As Well. I'll Do What I Can. But Let

me know if you can receive paypal or if you prefer good ole checks. :)

[fishnfla]

78. Where my money goes

pm me your address, ma'am. I'll kick in.

[Sydnie]

113. That is so sweet

Thank you for your kind and generous offer. :hug:

And THAT is why I love DU more everyday.

[pooja]

120. please, please, please at least get WIC... get your children into

a lunch program in school, and see what you can do about getting aid with your essential bills. please do this. There are social services out there. and damn-it we pay into the system, it ought to help us all out when we need it.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

131. oh Syd!

I knew you were having a tough time, but I had no idea!

I love you!!

:hug:

[Ariana Celeste]

59. Kind of a bad attitude, don't you think?

:thumbsdown:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

60. Well, Mr. Karl Schneider, I Attempted To Donate On Behalf Of Someone But

no one seemed to want it (see below). I already have a star so I'd rather use my donation to sponsor somebody else who doesn't have one yet. Since no one responded to my thread, I'm just keepin my eyes open for a lucky DU'er I think deserves one.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1917275

[cboy4]

66. LOL. I just read your post. No wonder nobody responded....you're

making them write an essay?

That's like going up to a homeless man and offering him a sandwich if he does a trick for you.

If you wanna be generous, be unconditionally generous. Don't make people beg. It's demeaning.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

70. Are You For Real? Give Me A Friggin Break.

There isn't a goddamn thing that was demeaning about what I posted nor was it in any way asking people to beg. I think it's disgraceful you even insinuated such nonsense.

The reason for asking them to give a brief detail of what democracy means is because generosity is one thing: Picking who deserves that generosity is another. Having a star is a badge of honor in certain ways. When I donate for somebody, as I did in the last drive, I like to know that they are worthy of wearing that star next to their name and not just some faker. I'm not looking for an essay, I was merely looking for the inner thoughts of newbies or non-star DU'ers as it relates to democracy, since after all that's why we're fucking on this site to begin with for the most part.

I find your take on the issue to be quite pathetic.

[cboy4]

77. delete

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

80. Delete Too. Why not.

:evilgrin:

[cboy4]

84. Just so you know, I retracted my sarcastic response after I noticed you

inquired about the woman's washer..............without making her write anything. lol

That was nice.

But you need to calm down, or I'm going to start a fund drive to help pay for your anger management sessions. ;)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

86. You Kidding? All Anger Management Does Is Make You More Angry.

Seriously. Those things are a friggin joke. LOL

[cboy4]

94. ;) INBOX!!

[Catherine Vincent]

89. LOL!

It seems you've ticked off a few people of late.:)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

93. LOL Maybe You're Right CG

Lord knows it's been a hell of a last couple of weeks and I'm burnt and frustrated as a mother fucker lately. But I do mean well :P

[NMDemDist2]

69. see post #56 OMC

:hi:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1932726&mesg_id=1933206

[karlrschneider]

74. Uh, well. check your inbox

:D

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

76. I Have.

:shrug:

[karlrschneider]

79. You're too damn fast!

:D
Took me a minute...

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

81. LOL My Bad. Got It Now And Replied . n/t

[lonestarnot]

61. waiting for payday.

life from paycheck to paycheck is always fun

[DarkTirade]

67. That's not necessarily true.

I only have an internet connection because I do some computer work, and because my phone company screwd me over so I'm with Vonage now.
Not all of us can afford a couple of extra bucks. (although if my roommate ever pays me back his half of the bills from last month, maybe I would.)

[BlackVelvet04]

71. That's not very nice......

I've donated a couple of times including buying hearts and stickies for other people. We all do what we can when we can.

Right now I'm facing being out of a job. Hope you can understand and if not, oh well.

[MadJohnShaft]

82. I did mine today

[FlaGranny]

83. OMG !!!

This is my very first OMG post. Since when has DU degenerated into arguing about donations? I know we argue a lot around here, but this has got to be a first.

[Blackthorn]

90. Unfortunately no,

Last drive, which was aiming for 1200 donations, fell short of the target. Which in turn caused several self-righteous people to get on their high horse and complain about the lacklustre effort.

[laylah]

85. Mine is

scheduled to start my next payday, what with *dumbass' great economy and all.

Jenn

[Debau2005]

87. Would love to be able to donate at the drop of the hat

but I don't get paid until tomorrow, after I pay bills, then I'll donate what I can.

And I don't think you can say that people can afford a few bucks, not all of us can.

[Retired AF Dem]

88. For me

it seems like I always donate right before a fund drive. I try to donate two or three times a year. It just seems that I never do it on time.

[JohMunich99]

91. Sorry, donating to candidates

I think DU does little to help elect Democrats.

[cboy4]

105. Wow, you've been a member a whole week and you can already

evaluate DU's influence?

That's a pretty bold statement.

[Name removed]

108. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cboy4]

111. Gotcha. So you'd been saying to yourself for a long time, "You know, DU

does absolutely nothing to help elect democrats!

That's terrific, I think I'll finally become a member so I can officially be part of its uselessness. :eyes:

[Name removed]

114. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cboy4]

117. I'm not arguing with you about your views on elections. My point was

you figuratively kicked down the doors of this place a week ago when you signed up, you started eating our food that we paid for and then you have the nerve to bad-mouth the poor selection of free grub.

Many of us sacrifice to donate and keep this place around.

It too bad there wasn't a way to make negative freeloaders like you pony up their share.

That's good that you donate to candidates, but you didn't have to sound so smug in your post, now did you?

[B Calm]

92. I gave. Good feeling knowing I donated to a good cause!!!

[sakabatou]

95. I'm not one of the hundred

[sutz12]

97. I'm in. nt

[Scout]

98. sorry, I just lost my job today. It was ABSOLUTELY unexpected...

as they just hired me full time and "permanently" on July 31. I had completed a 13 week temp contract, which had a break in the middle.

They (Co. A) had let me go from the temp job after 8 weeks, which I knew was coming, no problem. I then went to another assignment (Co. B). Two weeks into Co. B assignment, Co. A CONTACTED ME out of the blue through the temp agency and asked me back. I finished up a week early from Co. B. Then I finished the remaing 5 of the 13 weeks for Co. A, then they brought me on full time.

Right after I accepted Co. A, another temp assignment (Co. X) asked for me back and I had declined!!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

99. I happen to agree with you, Karl...for all of those folks who can't,

I certainly wish better times for you in the future. We have all been there and no one is busting your chops. But there are many who just are too lazy to pull out the old credit card and would rather see old George clobbered by the donations of others because "I'll get around to it next time." That might be true, but if DU is the place where you go day and night to vent your anger and frustration, and join in with your friends to try to make it a better world, then you should be happy to chip in with a couple of bucks.

[question everything]

100. DU has a fund drive four times a year

and I gave earlier this year.

I did, however, gave on behalf of someone else. Hope a star will shine there, too.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

101. Liberals are poor.

[Retired AF Dem]

102. I wish I was as poor

as Kerry the Kennedy's and others.

[Individualist]

103. Walk a mile in my shoes

or in the shoes of other DUers who struggle to make ends meet. Then see if you feel like criticizing people for not donating.

[spacelady]

104. Perhaps some have made a year's contibution on one donation. n/t

[foreigncorrespondent]

107. karl don't assume to know everyones...

...position financially by stating this: "If you can afford an internet connection, you damn sure can afford a few bucks."

#1: I maintain a computer connection simply because this is the way I communicate most with Sapphocrat.

#2: I lost my job earlier this year and the end result of that was a debt of over $6k. Now I am working again, but am trying to pay that debt off, so I can actually pay to see Sapphocrat at some point this year.

How dare you go off on a rant without knowing each and every person personally and knowing the financial position each person is in. There are many reasons why people maintain an internet connection but don't have a spare $5 to donate at times.

So yes you are way out of line, and take your own advice and dump it.

On edit: typo

[Sapphocrat]

109. See this star next to my name?

It's there because some kind, anonymous DUer, whose name I will never know, gave it to me.

At present, even five bucks to me means the difference between having Internet access and not having Internet access.

You can believe that as you like -- I really don't give a fart in a jar what you think -- but I will admit you totally piss me off with your implication that those of who do not donate are just stingy, or lazy.

Get back to me when you're not broke, but truly poor. I'd love to hear what you have to say after you've walked a mile in my shoes.

[chrisau214]

110. I Would Love To Donate

I've read these boards for years but only post when I feel that my thoughts are not redundant. At this time I simply cannot afford even a five dollar donation. Food costs money. Medicine costs a lot of money. Gas costs a lot of money (but not anywhere near the cost of medicine), paying back school loans costs money, and electricity costs money.

All of these things and many more cost money and those to whom the money is owed really don't like to wait for payment. Unfortunately unemployment doesn't pay well. My wife makes enough so that we get by but there is little left over for anything else.

Eventually the unemployment will end (hopefully tomorrow but who knows?) and hopefully the bill collectors will stop calling and the past due bills will be paid. When all of that is taken care of then I will happily donate what I can but until then I really don't need to be made to feel unwelcome here.

Thanks




Chris

[LibraLiz1973]

119. Wow- this was a polarizing post....

I agree with 90% of the other posters who said you chose the wrong way to approach it.
Having been so poor that I lived in my car with my mother I know what it's like to REALLY and truly not have an extra $5.
What you said seems to have made alot of people uncomfortable & its hurt some feelings.

To all of you who are going through hard financial times- my prayers are with you!!



On edit... I also found the "I donated" thing next to our names a little tacky. It makes people who cant afford it feel inferior.
I donated about 12 hours ago and its never been put next to my name - at first I was annoyed but now I'm glad.

[RoyGBiv]

124. All my donations go to others ...

Until my year is up, I make donations in other people's names, sometimes with their knowledge, usually without.

So I don't get the "I donated" tagline. :-(

I'll be having my standard trivia contest either Friday or Saturday for stars. Haven't narrowed down the questions yet to the specific ones I will use, but I plan on making them a bit tougher than last time.

[snot]

125. I'm very sorry for folks who can't afford to donate --

I don't blame them one bit; everyone has to judge those things as best they can for themselves and their families.

However, I do find it discouraging that as of this post, we have 93,552 registered users and only 832 who donated. I'm really bad at math, but I think that's less than one percent?

[Blackthorn]

127. Registered does NOT active.

[Dem2theMax]

129. I have reasons for not donating to DU and I've written to Skinner and told

him why. Until the situation changes (and it's not me and money, it's DU) I won't be donating. Simple as that. If there is a star next to my name, it's from last year and should be disappearing shortly.

[Moderator]

132. Locking at the author's request

DU appreciates all of our members whether they can afford to donate or not.