The Dark Side of Online Charity

This may come across as perhaps insensitive or callous but the seemingly never-ending requests from people via e-mail for charitable donations has become tiresome.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of causes worth supporting but the ability to solicit personal donations using the Web strikes the wrong chord. For one, the personal connection has disappeared. It used to be that someone asking for a charitable donation would do so in person. It was an exercise that took time and effort but it was an “investment” that meant something for both parties.

Today, that no longer exists. The act of asking someone for a donation now involves nothing more than accessing your Outlook, GMail, Hotmail or Yahoo address books. With a few clicks, it’s a snap to send dozens, if not hundreds, of e-mail requests in a matter of minutes. It’s easy but so impersonal.

It has come to the point where I’ve decided to ignore most of these requests unless it’s a really close friend or relative. It’s probably not a decision that many people will openly endorse because giving to charity is obviously seen as a good thing but it’s a personal statement that these digital solicitations are failing to resonate.

I’ll still use the Web to make donations because it’s an efficient and cost-effective way for charities to raise money but I’ll do it by visiting their Web sites or doing so through companies such as Givemeaning.

Technorati Tags:

This entry was posted in Web 2.0. Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.
  • Subscribe RSSFollow me on TwitterSubscribe on FeedBurner
  • TwitterCounter for @markevans

  • How it works  |  Vision & Calls  |  Cost

    What's on

    Have you seen what you can get with BT's digital tv?

    © All Rights Reserved
    BT Vision and Calls

    Did you know that BT offers great deals in cheap mobile calls and cheap international phone calls? If you have a phone line with BT, come and see how we can reduce your bill of your home phone.


    Get one of our broadband telephone packages to get even more entertainment at a great value.

    How it works

    With BT Vision now you can enjoy Freeview digital tv channels, radio channels and a great range of on demand entertainment.

    Cost

    Get a deal at a great value with our digital tv packages. Visit our website to find out more.

    What you need

    BT Phone line

    BT Total Broadband

    A TV and aerial

    Freeview coverage

    Speed test  |  Availability  |  Support

    BT Total Broadband

    Want fast, broadband wireless internet? Get BT Total Broadband.

    Speed test

    If you are unsure of how fast your line is, have a broadband speed test. You just have to enter your telephone number or postcode below. You will need a minimum of 2MB speed to be able to get BT Vision.

    Enter phone number
    or postcode
    Availability

    Want to see check broadband availability in your local area? Enter your postcode in our broadband postcode checker below and find out what is available to you.

    Enter postcode
    Support

    BT offers great support with broadband services. Do you need broadband help? Contact us and we will be more than happy to help you.

  • Wikio - Top Blogs - Technology