ePatriots or MoveOn?


Daily Kos has an idea floating, and actually implemented, which would help the DNC raise funds through weblogs called ePatriots While acknowledging that the DNC can use the funds to offset the massive amounts of funding corporations give to the GOP, I have concerns with the way this is implemented. At first and subsequent glances, a MLM (multi level marketing plan) springs to mind and immediately turns me off.

Kos says: the DNC sets up a Revenue Sharing-type program. You know the ones -- Amazon and CDNow and all those guys run them. You slap their books or ads on your site, and you get a cut of any sales they make originating from your site. In this case, the websites would not get a cut of the proceeds, their donations would simply be tallied. The more donations each site amassed, the more influence it would enjoy.

None of the funds would go directly to candidates and, although the blogging community itself could possibly have a stronger voice, I'm more inclined to support the candidate(s) directly, and support policy influence of my choosing through MoveOn, or ReclaimDemocracy. I can't say I always agree with Kos, or other influential websites that might directly influence policy as a result of this fundraising. Perhaps when the time comes for the DNC to foot the tab for advertising to offset GOP advertising I will change my mind, but for now, I'm much more interested in supporting the candidates and issues I personally feel strongly about. I just can't give money to an organization that might end up advertising for Lieberman! Regardless, kudos to Kos for the idea, and, at a tad over $4500 raised in 6 hours alone, I guess he can be proud!
posted by Cyndy | link | | |
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