I’ve long believed that blogging not only has the potential to build the reputation and income of people and businesses but that it also has the potential to give something back to the wider community.
I’ve seen this happen in a number of ways over the past few years and have attempted to do it myself on occasion also. Cameron Reilly and I had a long chat a few weeks ago while we travelled to a conference about how some of the new media networks that are out there could give something back in some way. We wondered what impact we could have as bloggers, podcasters and networks if we all focussed our attention on building awareness, raising money and lending expertise of charities.
It seems we’re not alone with our conversation as the bloggers at 9rules have just launched 9charities – a great idea to identify 9 charities per year and help them by developing their web presence for free. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with.
Blogathon – I also wanted to let readers know that I’ve decided to postpone my next blogathon for another month. For those who don’t know about it – each year (this will be my third) I blog for 24 hours and ask readers for donations and sponsorthips for a charity. I post once every 15 (ish) minutes for 24 hours (my goal is 100 posts over the 24 hours). In doing so my aim is to raise money but also awareness for the charity.
The reason I’ve postponed it (I was hoping to do it before the end of March) is that for the past few weeks I’ve been struggling with bronchitis and I just can’t throw it off – partly because of the long hours I’ve been working. As a result I’m not sure it’ll be a wise move to spend 24 hours awake blogging as each time I’ve done it before it’s left me pretty exhausted. I’m taking 10 days off early in April so once I’m back from that I’ll begin working towards it – hopefully at the end of April.
i think it is a noble idea blogging for charity.
Awesome move, Darren. I love the 9charities concept.
I’ve been interested in blogging for charities for a while and am really happy about 9charities and am looking forward to being a part of it.
For the last few months, I’ve been running a “Sponsoring Charity” program on my blog where I ask for suggestions for a charity each month and donate all of the money my site earns to that charity (from ads as well as affiliate links). I’ve sent off over $500 to three charities so far!
Bronchitis stinks. Hope you get over it soon.
I’ll keep an eye out for the blogathon..
Take care,
Vic
On a related subject, I’d be very interested in any thoughts anyone might have on ways to blog to support a non-profit.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
I love the idea of blogging for charity. You are the first person I’ve ever heard mention this idea. Everyone is always looking to make some money from their blog, but giving back is such a great way to positively use a blog!
Susan
http://susansspa.blogspot.com/
Darren — Please take it as easy as you can. Bronchitis can be very hard to shake. (I had it 3 times last year and the memory of it will last a long time)
Do you choose a different charity each year?
yep – different charity each year. I’ve lined up this year’s and it should work out well.
Blogging for charity is a great idea. I just started with my first blog a couple of weeks ago. No ads yet, no income. But whenever it starts off – and as I follow darrens advices closely :-) – this is just a matter of time. And next step would be choosing a charity to support.
I suppose this can be a real incentive to care even more about the content of your blog.
Darren,
I posted this over at 9rules, but figured I’d toss in here too since while I talk a bit about my personal cause, there’s some generic take-home points that apply to lots of charities.
Great idea guys – having worked with some charitable organizations (note URL in my signature), they would definitely appreciate any help in this area. And unlike for-profits, charities often appreciate awareness just as much as they do $$$.
On a personal note, my first-born struggled for 2+ years until the MD’s finally figured out it was Celiac Disease, which is often un/mis-diagnosed. So yea, would be awesome to increase the awareness of this not so rare malady so others don’t have to go through this. And yea, more awareness leads to more funding so hopefully a cure will be found … eventually … be nice to be able to have a pizza and beer with my kids when they grow up.
No doubt tons of other good causes can tell you the same story, so go get ‘em!
Sending some virtual chicken noodle soup your way, Darren!
Get better first, then focus on saving the world.
As for blogging for charity, I think that’s a terrific idea.
Wish I had a blog or website that actually drove dollars but I’d be more than happy to add a blog post or two to someone else’s site!
Gotta love the karma thing.
It’s what makes this world great!
Great idea! Blogging is an excellent way to give readers information about charities in an easily-digestible and entertaining form, and in the context of information that is of direct interest to them. Taking this principle to the extreme, our own site is a blog specifically about the latest celebrity charity news.
I hope that many more people will follow your lead.
Darren,
Hello, We are Pete and Maribel Hernandez.
We read your blog but, never posted till today.
Your blog is a source of rich content.
We are sorry to hear about your bronchitis, and pray you recover your much needed strength. Since you mentioned bronchitis, Pete and I wondered how bloggers deal with sickness or chronic illness while still trying to maintain a blog.
I also like the idea of blogging for charity. In fact,I just started a charity promotion, on my blog. Check it out if you are interested.