Let’s let this one go folks… everyone was upset at what they saw last week. Duncan lashed out, we got hit… but he didn’t mean to do it.

We’ve raised $6,000 and created the “dog ear” graphics that a lot of folks are using across the Internet. I feel like we’re doing a lot and I think everyone will do a lot more over the next couple of weeks.

I thought that by my not talking about Katrina for my entire two hour program, that I would see some criticism but actually my listenership has shot up. I think people were looking for some escape from the depressing coverage and hear other news and comments. Most emails said, they wanted normalcy restored to some extent.

While yes I am struggling to gain audience and get my program more visible, I am VERY proud of the amount I have raised.

Come on Gawker, I know you can do much better.

Shaun

WIN bloggers have no donated $5k–their money! Not telling other people to do it… that’s impressive.

Duncan: In the future just call me–don’t call me out!

My main blog is a science fiction and fantasy one. It’s about entertainment and escape from the real world. I think its quite reasonable to present people with a place where they can escape from some of the horrors of real life for a while.

Personally I’ve about got to the point where the coverage of Hurricane Katrina is so constant that I’m switching off.

Our bloggers have been blogging about giving in their posts since this all started!!!!

Blog posts work much better then ads slots, and it was my call to do that.

Additionally, Weblogs, Inc. is matching donations from our bloggers which is going to be a couple of thousand dollars (one of our bloggers donated their entire pay check for the month!!!). Just because we haven’t been telling everyone how much we’re donating doesn’t mean we’re not doing it.

You have me on your IM and email… why wouldn’t you do your homework before you call us out?!

” I think you should show that same level of respect to Nick and Jason. If you want to ask them about their decisions, do so privately. ”

Kinda like what you COULD have done with Duncan, is it not ?

BTW – I’m not trying to attack Steve, just pointing out a small inconsistency. Also, I link to Steve from my blob.

Just a thought.

Now of course you will be rebut about this post, thats cool its a free country. I still stand by what i say if you are going to report about the hurricane, you should not be making money on it. Google should flip a switch and put PSA’s on those pages that are reporting about the hurricane. I said this a week ago, and i still believe this. my previous comment is on this post http://www.blogherald.com/2005/08/29/blogging-hurricane-katrina/#comments

You have a great blog, and I read it everyday so don’t think this is a major criticism, its just to pint out that I made these comments back on August 29th.

That would do more than just an ad.

Personal I would like to wake up tomorrow and see ads on this blog for a variety of different charities which are important to me. But if I don’t see them, I shall respect your decision, and I won’t make posts on my blog to send supporters of that charity chasing you down to force your compliance. I think you should show that same level of respect to Nick and Jason. If you want to ask them about their decisions, do so privately.

I’ve also been blogging about this (within my topic) at http://weblogs.about.com/ .

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 30, eh? So, is it pub time then? ;-)

I have given a donation, and did so on the first day. It is upsetting to read some of the stories etc, and I have lots of sympathy for those involved – though it’s saddening to hear of people hampering the efforts by shooting at rescuers etc.

Personally, I would say the best route would be to make a single post saying ‘we are thinking about you, here’s where folks can make a donation’.

There are a few blogs that have posted 1) A post saying they are going to write another post about donations, followed by 2) A post about ad space they have dedicated to donations, followed by 3) A post about everyone else that has done the same and finally 4) A post updating everything in the last 3. It’s just too much quite frankly.

I’ve also been blogging about this (within my topic) at http://weblogs.about.com/ .

But aren’t we damned-if-we-do and damned-if-we don’t … we don’t help out and we’re seen as selfish whatever – and if we do we are simply using it as a cheap publicity stunt to make us seem like good blogger citizens.

At this stage, I don’t think the people in the affected areas give a hoot where the money/help comes from … just get it there!

Duncan – the big 3 0 ! Happy Birthday

I’ve been called niave and worse lately in regards to my view on human nature. You know what, I accept that. I’d rather look for the good in all people than the bad. Sure, some might take advantage of it, but take 5 minutes to read the 200+ posts on the missing people appeal here at the Blog Herald and tell me if you seriously wouldn’t be moved enough to make the same call. As I’ve written elsewhere I’ve got a family, and nothing is more important to me in the world. I cant start to imagine the hurt and distress these people are feeling. I have been literally bought to tears by the content on The Blog Herald in the comments. What more can I say….

I dont think its much to ask to a small ad spot to be provided with a link to give donations across the two largest blog networks on the planet (in terms of traffic)….l suppose its a matter of solidarity. I know realistically that it won’t make a huge difference, but morals aren’t about numbers, they are about doing whats right.

I also respect that it can wear thin, which is why I think its important to note that life must go on. But to ignore a tragedy like this is, dare I say it,verging on the immoral (although I’d rather not get into a debate about immorality you’d understand, this blog is apolitical and areligous generally speaking)

I think one of the things that has to be considered is that such things can be viewed in a negative light by readers – i.e ‘Oh, another one jumping on the bandwagon’. I’ve read a few blogs today where posters are asking people to give donations etc. Theres nothing wrong with that, but it does wear thin after a while.

From my personal point of view, I see the news broadcasts and am able to make a decision myself whether or not to give a donation – I don’t need it to be forced upon me everywhere I go.

Basically, I guess what I’m saying is that alot of folks view these things as a publicity stunt or ‘lets make us look like we are really nice people’ stunts.

Nothing personal intended – just wanted to give a different opinion across.

It seems like a simple and reasonable request. Sometimes those are the hardest one’s to get filled.

Let’s see if they comply or fight…it will take the same amount of effort to do either.

We have a number of different relief organizations highlighted with banners on our network and intend to continue doing so for a long, long time. This will be a long, methodical process and it will take years to get past it.

BTW – Happy Birthday !