Login HereHello All --
It's Christy, with a humble request. After speaking with Jane about blog logistics this morning, it has come to my attention that we are in dire need of some financial assistance. Jane has been fronting a number of the expenses of this blog for a while now -- because the ad revenue can be cyclical, frankly, so we try to bank excess where we can and then use that in the slower months to keep things running smoothly. But, frankly, we haven't had much energy the last few months to try and push for advertising and such, because we've had some more important things on our mind.
This morning, we realized that we've hit a bit of a financial hiccup -- which is absolutely the last thing I want Jane worrying about this week -- and it came upon us a bit suddenly because, well, we've been worrying about a whole lot of things other than blog money the last few days. I'm certain that you can see why that would be, under the circumstances.
So, I'm coming to you all for some help. The assistance that everyone chipped in to cover some of our DC expenses was amazing, but we fell a little short of our goal...and we're also staring at a bit of an empty pocket for the next months' expenses for servers and tech gods and all of the other myraid of ways that our pennies go right back out the door every single month. Anything that you could chip in would be very much appreciated.
We don't generally do fundraisers for the blog -- we do them for special, dedicated projects, but not really for the blog itself, because neither Jane nor I like having to ask for money. It just seems wrong to do so when so many other folks out there need it so desperately to feed their families or pay their bills or what have you. But, after getting off the phone with Jane, I'm putting my money pride aside to ask for your help, if you can give it. If you can't afford it, please don't worry about it -- having all of our wonderful commenters around is pretty much the greatest thing for both of us on a daily basis. But if you can afford to toss in a little money, we would very much appreciate it. (You can do so via PayPal or via a credit card.)
Thanks so much...for everything,
Christy
PS -- So, that wasn't so much like getting a root canal. With no anesthesia. But it was close. Anyway, thanks.
PPS: Here's the snail mail addy, for those who asked for it:
The Fire Dog Lake Company
8033 Sunset Blvd. #966
Los Angeles, CA 90046
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Fitz!!!
You got it. Thanks for everything and best of luck to all!
Hi Christy,
How is Jane feeling? Hope her spirits are up.
If we want to donate how do we do it?
Christy, is there a monthly subscription option? I would love to do so.
I’ll toss some $$ in the hat, too.
-S
Topanga: Paypal, top right corner.
Consider it done. Thx for being there — please, don’t ever go away.
Giving a few $$ as we speak. Not as much as I’d like, but if we all chip in (that is those who can afford to) we should be able to weather the storm.
This site will be indispenable for the next few months, so from one mostly lurker to others, now is the time to contribute in dollars if not in words!!
Done - somebucks coming your way.
FWIW - I will be scheduling my honest to god root canals late next week. Luckily for me I will have pain killers. Thank god for insurance.
How ’bout doing dollars and 2-4 [24] cents to affirm this is special–for Jane’s goal day. As special as are Jane and Christy.
Oh, and in the spirit of TeddySanFran:
Impeach
Unfit
Gonzales
Some bucks coming your way. Thanks for all of the great work you all have done.
BTW - I get to schedule a root canal of my own next week. But luckily I do get the pain killers. Thank god for insurance.
I just sent $100. In February I’ll send some more!
Thanks Thingwarbler I’m on to it.
Some of us, perhaps, have a ‘thing’ about using our credit card #’s and debit numbers on line. Is there a way to send something along in a different manner?
AFAIK, Christy, my guess is, it helps more if people give through Pay Pal, because I strongly suspect Visa takes a larger cut (4%???) of whatever gets donated.
a snail mail address will get you $100 from me …..
I just put in my earlier pledge (paypal wasn’t working for me before) plus .07. Thanks Christy, Jane, Pach and everyone else. Certainly you all have thought of this, but I would also hope you would put this all together as a book, and I bet there are some publishers out there who would be willing to provide an advance to cover current “research” expenses. Plus, don’t forget to Schedule C- :-)
Yes, a snail mail address, please…
yeay ! was so looking forward to being able to afford to hit the button for once . . . and will do so this Thursday night
Christy - sorry to go all personal but you may have missed the big news from chez cbl last week
Mr. cbl went out and landed himself a union job, you know, a living wage, benefits, etc. - union happened to have affirmative action for geezers program - yup, things are definitely looking up:)
Count me in. Keep up the great work!
there was a snail mail addy up last Friday …
The Fire Dog Lake Company
8033 Sunset Blvd. #966
Los Angeles, CA 90046
You should put the PO Box address at least here in the comments.
You provide a real service. You shouldn’t be shy about asking for a return.
Hey PJ,
Can we send get well cards to Jane at that address too?
P J Evans @
19
Ya beat me to the punch. That’s the one to use.
Richmond @
15
Is the Schedule C you mentioned what normally comes to mind from my perspective? If so, funds expended to assist FDL with defraying its expenses aren’t deductible on that schedule.
Sorry all — Since my laptop crashed yesterday and I had to run out and get a new one last night (yes, it truly is Murphy’s Law Week for me…SIGH), I lost the bookmark on the nail mail addy. We’re scrounging it up from another computer and will have it for you shortly.
Topanga-lib @ 21
For the time being, let’s keep the get well messages on the threads where Jane can see them.
Just sent $50 through PayPal for the Cause! Keep up the great work!
Maybe we can ask Scooter to silk screen some more t-shirts to pitch in?
Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 23
I meant if they were calculating expenses for the Washington trip (living etc) to live blog the trial and were planning to write a book about it based on this trip/blogging experience. These expenses would be directly related to that end and would work under schedule C.
How much do you need to raise?
Ich bin ein FDL’r.
o/t
*ilson APB
he was last seen over at a progressive Indy blog - clicking on his name gave me this email addy - no response to date -
ctto_at_indy.net
When I saw the YouTube, I thought the Beatles connection was going to be John Lennon’s comment during their first visit to America — when a reporter asked, “Will you sing for us?” he snarked back, “We need money first.”
Christy Hardin Smith @ 24
I don’t recall ever having the luxury of taking time to shop for a laptop — they’ve always died in the middle of some important project or another where I needed to replace it the same day.
(Hope I haven’t just jinxed my current laptop.)
Root canal? Without anaesthetic? Been there! 1992, Czech Republic, dissertation research. Electrifying experience, I can tell you. Wish I could help.
just sent 2.8 weeks worth of NY Times subscription
best of luck
Christy - my HD went right after the election; it was Hell saying goodby and breaking in a new one. I had regularly saved all my data, but lost all my email addresses. My thoughts are with you.
Your request was beautiful and nothing like a root canal.
will definately see what I can do!
O.T. Kos has up the new Rasmussen data - Clinton is sharply sliding downhill free fall; Gore is also down.
Obama and Edwards are strongly on ascent.
Done. Sent what I could afford without losing sleep over it. Wish it could be more.
delurking…
The work you all do here at FDL is so important. I’ll do what I can to help out.
Please give Jane my best. I wanted to post in the thread (about her health crisis) last night, but my ISP went down just as I pressed “submit comment”. She seems like a very strong woman, and I’m sure she’ll fight with everything she’s got. We’ll be here to have a celebration once she’s defeated cancer for good.
Glad to help Christy! Best to Jane and all the gang. We really appreciate all that you do.
Dang!
Where is that Glenn Beck ad when you really need it?
LMAO
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....00742.html
I gave $100.07 yesterday.
I am quite pleased to add a flat $100.00 today.
Keep up the fantastic work.
50 bucks coming later this evening when I get back. Maybe an update from this neck of the woods, then, too.
Hang in there, Christy. Give our best to Jane.
Bustednuckles @ 40
Apparently, soon to be on Good Morning America!
Or were you looking for a more horrifying alternative to the root canal without anesthesia?
George Soros, Ned Lamont and others. We need your help!!!
angie @ 41
Amen to that!
Hollywood, unions, we need your help here!!!
Of course we’ll help! My contribution’s sent.
mandrake @ 45
I was referring to the advertisement that was at the top left of the page at one time. *g*
I took a great deal of pleasure clicking on it repeatedly, knowing the right wing bastard was paying for the upkeep here.
BWAAHAAAHAAAaa
Just slipped you a Yuppie Food Coupon*, Christy–don’t ever hesitate to ask for more.
Thanks for giving us a window into Fitzmas Central!
*$20; so-called because that’s what the ATM spits out.
angie at 32 — You have no idea how difficult it was for me to hit publish on this one. I had to talk to TRex first — that’s how much I hate, hate, HATE asking for money.
Thanks everyone, more than you know, for being understanding about this.
Christy, currently unemployed (retired??) but have just kicked in $100.07. Please give Jane a great big virtual hug.
I’m good for a few bucks, Christy. FDL has been a light in dark times. Thank you for that.
And Jane, read your post this morning. I’m so sorry you are going through all of this. You are one tough woman, and I’m sure you will soon be well again. Hang in there, and take very good care of yourself.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 51
So, you’re saying that talking to TRex is a sign of desperation?
Jeez Christy, heres a hug!
((((((CHRISTY)))))))
Swopa at 55 — Nope, a source of great comfort. Those tiny little forelimbs are wonderful at giving hugs, don’t ya know?
Good one Swopa.
chuckle.
In, for a Franklin.
FWIW, this is the first request I ever recall from FDL directly for a contribution to FDL. We’ve had requests to “click through the advertising.” We have received requests to contribute to Ned Lamont and many other worthwhile Democratic candidates. We have received requests to fly a TRex to CT. We have received a request to fund the writing of Marcy’s book. We have received requests to fund other bloggers. We have received a request to fund coverage of
Scooter’s great adventurethe Libby trial. CT Bob and others who predate me (or who simply have a better memory) can correct me if I’m wrong, but we’ve never before received a direct appeal from FDL for a cash contribution to FDL.I know Jane is adamantly opposed to charging a subscriber fee.
I’m just thinking out loud here. If 1,000 FDL’ers commit* to contributing $100 per year, that’s $100,000 annually. When deep pockets see that kind of grass roots support, they are more likely to match all or part of that.
OT, FDL has traffic. If anyone has any ideas on how to turn that traffic into revenue, per advertising dollars, or something like that, please email your suggestions to Christy.
The long term goal imho is to endow FDL, so as much of the fixed operating costs, (servers, software, maintenance, payments to writers) are paid by the interest generated by what’s in an endowment. IIRC, Jane’s plan would be for all other costs to be paid via advertising.
*There’s a lot of unused FDL real estate, in the column to my right below about the 9th comment on every thread. That space could be used for the names/handles of those who commit to contributing $100 (for example)/year.
I’m in.
Because you ASKED.
See was that so hard?
[…yes…]
Some $$ headed your way. Gotta keep the home Fires burning!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 52
Contributing allows me to think that I’m a part of this community even though I don’t contribute much more than moderately snarky comments. So allow me to thank you for letter me be a part of something bigger than myself.
Mucho thanks Christy and Jane for all that you do. You are the best and I mean it.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 51
I think most folks who read this blog realize there are expenses to be paid. Most here seem more than happy to contribute to a good cause. You shouldn’t be embarrassed about asking for help after all the help you provide to others.
I wouldn’t mind being a charter member of that.
Might not be this instant, but I could see that happening in the forseeable future.
Mr. Dido has already sent off another $100.07, Christy. More to come in the future. This is money well-spent. Thanks so much for all you do.
Done . . .$ on the way
Man Christy do I sympathize. I hate those bill collection calls!
Bustednuckles @ 49
Yick! I remember that now.
He has, apparently, become the new darling of the propaganda networks. I really, really hope MSNBC burns their rating pants off in the coming days!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 52
The way I feel about is that you’re not asking for money for yourself or even for Firedoglake. It’s really for all of us-what you and Jane have done for us, and the country, is worth more than you will ever, ever know.
Kinda’ like what the Beatles said, “the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
I’ve **had** a root canel ,-((( which took mind-altering drugs and nowhere near enough anesthesia to get thru……….give me begging on a street corner any day!
Check coming by snail mail. Christy, when you get a chance, do you have any way of finding out whether the one I sent mid-November was ever rec’d? Can’t remember if current addy or different one. Tks!
Money sent. Since I’m replacing a computer, and had to make sure the plastic was correct, it’s now back in sync with PayPal. Still don’t know what the problem was, though.
If you go for subscription support, I’m in too.
Topanga-lib @
21
What if we put $20 IN a get well card for Jane and save a little postage and a few trees?
mc @ 68
I could not have said it better . . .
I fumbled around with paypal and think I probably sent you guys $$
SOLD!!!
At $25, the best bargain on the block.
Christy-you really shouldn’t feel bad about asking for money. FDL delivers quality product, and I would pay money anyday for what you guys deliver than subscribing to a lousy newspaper. Believe it.
Christy, I feel your pain. *s*
Asking for help from those are able is a very good thing. So many people want to participate / help out here in any way possible.
I am dropping my movie channels 50.00 per month and sending it to FDL from this day forward.
Starting out with a 100 for the DC safe house and another 100 today. Thank you for asking, Mrs. Harden Smith. and thanks for the snail mail addy..)
Haven’t read all comments, but, do we need to add cents to our amount for specific areas of help?
EPU’d, but I think if you had a “gold membership FDL” subscription ($100?) that would make your name light up gold in the comments, peer pressure alone would drive contributions. FWIW.
kristinejoy @ 77
bling bling *s*
John Casper @
59
Cool Idea - Perhaps start at $20/year and progress upwards?
Gonna go donate some $$ - I’ll help when ever I can.
Waccamaw @ 70
Long time lurker from Vancouver pitching in $50 ($60 Canadian).
The great white north appreciates all you do.
Good luck and keep hope alive.
Thanks so much, everyone, very much appreciated. I usualy deficit finance this stuff but I got wholloped with surgeon bills yesterday and today and I’m very grateful for everyone’s generosity.
Hey Jane,
Good luck with everything tomorrow. And don’t worry about the money. Just get better!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 52
Christy, I hate asking for any kind of help myself. But as my wonderful partner once explained to me, not asking for help deprives people of the opportunity to do something which makes them feel good. All of us who were stricken by Jane’s news yesterday really needed this chance to do something in a practical way to help. And helping FDL helps Jane directly, because she has so much of herself invested in it.
With all my love for all of you… thanks.
Christy, I sent a check a few days ago with the $.07 tag by snail mail but made a note on the check to split it between FDL and the trial. Use it as you see fit ($100.07). Warmest regards to Jane.
I’m about to reach for that credit card….
o/t
a little SOTU foreplay while fundraising
all Senator Webb has to do is resurrect some of these gems from last year’s speech -
btw, he used the words Iraq/Iraqi only 15 times in entire address - am thinking he may keep mention of Iraq to a minimum this year as well, maybe we should have a contest to guess this year’s “switchgrass” *g*
Jane Hamsher @ 81
You are more than welcome! Just get well fast!
Long time lurker, first time donor and first time poster.
Wish I could send more than just the $50 I just sent, but things are a bit tight here in Hoosier-land (Guv. Mitch is privatizing everything in sight…)
Keep up the great work, and all my good thoughts to you all!
–Speedway Democrat
Jane Hamsher @ 81
Geez. Was the idea to put you into shock so you wouldn’t need anesthetic?
Suggestion: if technically possible, put live copies of your PayPal links into your post itself above.
You know, I just love on-line banking. I think I’ll add a “payee” which shows the FDL LA mailing address, and have the bank mail a check to you each month. $15, I think. There. (If it weren’t for Social Security limitations, it would be a lot more).
One condition: You must spend it on whatever you want or need. I have happily lurked here for years, and it’s my way of saying thank you, Jane, Christie & the Gang.
added my two cents :)
OT - Levin on CNN talking about that non-binding iraq resolution that he and hagel and biden came up with.
I’ll sent a check tonight (also not happy with using credit cards on line). I enjoy reading the posts and comments nearly every day and it means a lot to me in all the ways so many others feel.
But here’s a thought, obviously, FDL needs some form of regular revenue as mentioned above. This might be the time to *expand the brand* … when you’re getting loads of publicity over the Libby trial. How about that oft mentioned FDL Recipe Collection in a book form? T-shirts and caps … sounds corny but might be fun and hey, how about coffee mugs for those Pull Up A Chair posts?
If y’all are running into substantive enough costs to need contributions, it may be time to look at this like a business and develop a dependable stream of revenue.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 78
egregious, I think it was, mentioned something similar last fall, a gold star, I think she said. It was quite well received — doesn’t everybody love a gold star?
A lot of us may hesitate because our contribution may seem embarassingly small. But, as we learned from Blue America, $5’s and $10’s can really add up.
Susan M said - T-shirts and caps..
Cool FDL goods already available somewhere on the cafe press site.
RagingGurrl @ 79
Excellent, John Caspar, endowment *good*. Perhaps a thermometer to help us see our goal?
one C-note.07 just sent. glad to help.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 96
I’m using my FDL coaster right now.
In real life, I’m a grant writer. Learning to ask for money was a very hard thing to do when I first started in nonprofits. I was fortunate to work with a great development professional early in my career who explained that there are people who look for something worthwhile to support, and a good proposal is a way to connect those who have funds with an organization that does good work. I’m at work now, but will chip in some $$$ when I get home tonight.
Like most everybody around this place, I think FDL is a great community, and I’m happy to support it. FDL is like public radio or public libraries–helping me make sense of the world, providing some wonderful
snarkentertainment, and a place where voices can be heard. I help support two public radio stations, two public libraries, a few historic sites, and two peace organizations [not to mention the Democratic Party].And remember, while there are some folks who would love to get some credit, there are also plenty of us who would prefer anonymity for our support.
compare, if you will, the ways we kept up with the world, from only seven years ago till now…I used to keep “Today” on in the background as I got ready in the mornings, scan the LA Times that was on the table in the break room at work, listen to NPR at 5 pm, and maybe turn on Nightline or Charlie Rose if something was going on.
now, it’s Hartmann, Air America, Kincaid, Malloy, and Bernie Ward, and visiting my list of 18 weblogs (of which FDL is obviously one) incessantly. (well, many times a day, anyway, to sound less pathetic.)
I owe FDL a “debt of gratitude”, to use Junior’s Bodine-esquery, for being here at a time when it’s profoundly needed. but I’ll give you some $$$ instead, and all good wishes and thoughts for Jane, who will kick this illness’s ass just like she’s kicked every other asshole’s ass (sorry) over the last few years.
much love!
fresh Pachacutec goodness upstairs . . .
I wouldn’t mind submitting a regular contribution for an “FDL Bond” like the DNC. Maybe a pick of a Brick with FDL on it or a pick of Kobey with pumpkin loaf would be great to hang on my wall at work would be nice also.
This is my first stop every morning and my last stop before I go to bed at night. I would love to be able to help out long term.
SusanM @ 93
You mean something like this?
OK, everybody buy a lotto ticket or two, and in the unlikely event that someone actually wins, a big chunk can be the FDL endowment seed money.
Christy-
I know how hard it can be to ask even close family and friends for help; the instinct
for liberalsis to nurture others and give from a compassionate and loving heart with no need or expectation of return.So just consider what a wonderful gift YOU have just given us - the opportunity for us to give back to you and Jane AND to the wonderful, unseen community of people who have found this place and each other. There are so many people here that I treasure and I have never even exchanged comments with them. I wonder if the connectiveness of thought and feeling we are experiencing through the Internets and sites like the Lake is the beginning of a tremendous human evolutionary change.
Anyway, philosophy aside, thanks for the chance to help. Sign me up as a regular, sustaining member of the Lake.
Oh, by the way, have some {{HUGS}} too!
Love and $$$ from Lyn Woolsey country.
OT, note that
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/1/17/133448/625
HotFlash @ 95
Can’t take credit for that one. But I do think it’s a good idea to beef up our fundraising capability.
Catch ya on the flip.
Love and cookies to all.
And a pony for ((((((Jane))))))
I think the “subscriber” or gold name idea is a good one (like EZboard). Everyone would still have access, but regulars could chip in. One of the sites I peruse has a custom in which people buy subscriptions for others who contribute to the site but haven’t purchased their own subscription. I think that type of community feeling could easily be fostered here.
persiflage at 106 — Awww, now you went and made me cry. *sniffle* Thanks.
Christy, I have to wait on payday, but you can count on it. I’ll send what I can.
Was I suppose to add .07 cents at the end of the donations?
Oops.
ODD @ 112
The .07 is an earmark for the Libby trial expenses.
I contributed to the DC fund, but another $100USD will be on its way today (that’s $127 in Kangarubles). Best wishes to Jane.