The DEFINITIVE poll re: "Help a DUer" stuff going forward. Please vote!!!

[OneGrassRoot]

Last edited Wed Sep 18, 2013, 07:25 PM - Edit history (1)

Sorry to refer you to two long previous threads to know the context here, but I'm trying to prevent typing a novella.

This "Heart-to-Heart" post, expressing my concern about visibility of the Help a DUer OPs, as well as my personal need for the process to get easier in some way so that I can focus more on expanding Wishadoo and being of service beyond DU (though still including DU), led to this recent OP/poll.

I should have asked Skinner about current rules at DU regarding individual members posting personal fundraisers before creating that recent poll. Sorry, my bad.

I am surprised, because the approach is now (since DU3 evidently...duh, me) indeed very different from when I initially began creating these "Help a DUer" OPs years ago.

Per Skinner as of today in AtA:

Members are permitted to post fundraisers on DU. Members must use their own judgment when deciding whether to support those fundraisers.

That changes the whole landscape of this process and means that the DU community has clear options in how you may want to move forward!

So, as I now see it, below are the options with a wee bit of explanation, and corresponding poll selections. (Note that I did not include leaving things as they are as an option, because it's not going very well and I need help, even if that help is via a new subgroup here and helper hosts.)

Please note that #1 and #2 remove my involvement and the assistance (such as it is) I've provided behind the scenes. And that's fine! I just want to be sure that when you vote, you understand that option #2 absolutely requires someone step forward to establish this new subgroup and guidelines. My involvement would be that of any DU community member: K&Ring and helping a fellow member however I can on a personal basis.


HERE ARE THE OPTIONS:

1. I'll call this POST AT WILL. Members can post needs on their own as an OP on DU. No organization of the process or assistance is involved in this option. Everyone would have to figure out payment stuff on their own. (Please read the last part of this OP, where I share insight about existing fundraising platforms.)


2. In addition to #1 (because, I would assume that now it's known it is allowed, people will start posting requests), a new group can be created where these individual member fundraising/request posts can be organized and have a "home" and act as a support. The host of such a group perhaps could create periodic OPs in GD, to bring more attention to the posts, just as I do now. But instead of OPs linking to Wishadoo posts, it would link to posts created at DU.

THIS REQUIRES SOMEONE TO STEP FORWARD TO BE A HOST OF A NEW SUBGROUP and to establish some sort of guidelines and protocols. It may also require the host(s) to do what I do now behind the scenes regarding helping to set up PayPal, etc. If there are many votes for this, maybe that will be the incentive for someone to step forward.


3. The last option is what others suggested in that recent OP: A combination of a new subgroup and Wishadoo. But I guess it's really a combination of all three, because inevitably people are now going to post at will.

The Wishlist posts would still be created at Wishadoo which means I would continue to help with that process, I would still create OPs in GD here at DU (I need to post one tomorrow), and I would work to expand Wishadoo so that more people, beyond DU, would see your request/offering. I'm just very concerned that there isn't enough help amongst DU members for those in need, which is the whole point of Wishadoo: to expand community. But maybe, somehow, one of the two options above will result in increased, reliable help for DUers who are in need. I don't know...#1 and #2 are new territory.

I would host a new subgroup but would ask for help. Remember, I'm seeking help with this process myself, to decrease some of the burden, not looking for another task to add onto it.


Thanks.

5 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Post at Will; nothing required
	1 (20%)
	New subgroup for posts (requires volunteer hosts!)
	0 (0%)
	Combo of Wishadoo (my help) + new subgroup (w/host helpers)
	4 (80%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[NYC_SKP]

1. I support number two or number three.

Whichever makes your life easier, if you have a preference.

If you don't have a preference, then I'll go with whatever the community prefers between those two options, 1 and 2.

[Ms. Toad]

2. I really don't think you need to worry about the brave new world

of post-at-will requests for assistance.

That has been the rule since DU3 opened its doors. Skinner has previously addressed it at least in ATA, and I believe in Meta before that. His previous responses have basically been, you take your chances. If it bothers someone, and they alert on it, it will stand or fall based on whether the jury decides it is appropriate.

[OneGrassRoot]

3. I feel like an idiot that I didn't know that before today.

I've been in a bubble since DU3. Silly me.

But, really, this whole "moving forward" thing is to tweak or completely revamp the process so that people can get help more reliably and, selfishly, for some of the load to be removed from me, even if that means I'm removed altogether.

However the community wants it to go.

Thanks, Ms. Toad.

[Ms. Toad]

4. You're not the only one in a bubble

I get amused by the posts which refer to DU2 rules. (i.e. the Wish-a-Doo stuff is one of several...)

Thanks for trying to help folks out over the years. (I'm not voting in the poll since I do my helping-folks-out gig locally.)

[OneGrassRoot]

5. I'm surprised someone didn't educate me in those threads!

Oh well, now I know.

It's like I developed adult-onset -- and I mean LATE onset -- ADHD or something in the last few years.

Have a good one.

[freemay20]

6. kick eom

[OneGrassRoot]

7. Only 180 people have even seen this. Please keep kicked so people will see. Thanks. n/t

[Delphinus]

15. And this is one reason

that having a sub-group would work against what you're/we're doing. If it's not out there to b seen on a regular basis, I'm afraid it will falter.

[OneGrassRoot]

16. Right...however...

my vision of a subgroup would be to SUPPORT posts that are in GD....to have a space for constant visibility and interaction for those interested, rather than flooding GD with posts.

It wouldn't be in lieu of posts in GD.

Nice to see you!

[OneGrassRoot]

8. kick n/t

[IdaBriggs]

9. I prefer your involvement and Wishadoo. I like "scams" being given at least a cursory once-over.

Unfortunately, there are people out there who *will* take advantage of other people. I have personal (real world) experience with this, as does DU with the "BB-Bev-Folk-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named." While I do not expect you and Wishadoo to be "perfect" about making sure people who are trying to "scam" don't get in, I very much like the fact you communicate and verify the requests are from "real DU folk" and not Nigerian Princes and their ilk.

To be honest, I prefer "requests for help" to come from someone OTHER than the person who "needs" the help because of this implied "and I know this isn't a scam because I've checked this person out" verification.

Much appreciation for the work you do! I'll try to help keep the thread kicked for your discussion.

[OneGrassRoot]

10. I appreciate the feedback, IdaBriggs.

A LOT.

[IdaBriggs]

13. See, and now I can "kick" with another -

"well, YOU are awesome!"

[IdaBriggs]

14. Kick. nt

[NYC_SKP]

11. Morning kick.

[Eleanors38]

12. As a past contributor, I appreciate your efforts at authentication...

2 or 3 seem to be the way to go. Will you post standards or screening criteria for us? Thanks.