Suck on 8

[furtech]

I -knew- it was a bad idea to donate to a political organization. I try never to toss money to politicos. None of them are honest or fair, however worthy their cause is. Right now things are particularly tight money-wise and every dollar is precious.

I donated money to one of the Prop. 8 sides...and I -clearly- checked the boxes asking not to be signed up for any mailing lists and -not- to have email sent to me. I was already hesitant because they ask for all kinds of personal information-- information I generally don't trust with any online site (how many times have I heard about laptops with unencrypted information being stolen? Too many)

And what do I see in my inbox today? A "concerned" email from an affiliated organization telling me how desperately money is needed and how "they" (the other side) just got a bazillion dollars in donations and how I need to send them some, too, to balance it out! Moar money plz!

I had to go back to the site and "opt out" again. I HATE being lied to. Never again. Suck.

I want my money back.

Comments

[okojosan.livejournal.com]

Errrgh sorry to hear that. Gods how irritating!

Donating to anyone these days is just opening up oneself to begging, it seems. No group can just send a heartfelt thank you and leave people alone.

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Yeah-- it's almost like, "Oh, if you can donate a dollar...then surely you can donate two!"

That's why I will never give another cent to World Wildlife: I "coded" my donation name and discovered (six months later) that I started receiving a TON of environmental group solicitations-- some really weird ones, too. I was baffled: why would an organization who wanted your money sell your info to -other- groups who would vie for those very same dollars???

[okojosan.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I still get calendars and address stickers from them. Always trying to guilt me into paying for the items. Sorry folks, but I don't feel guilt for receiving free stuff in the mail. I didn't pay you for the last 5 calendars you sent... Maybe you'll eventually get a clue.

It does anger me that a donation to such an organization seems to result in more junk mail. Just what, exactly, are they spending the money on?

By the way, I did look up local animal shelter stuff around here. There was a long list of items they need. I may go out and buy some of the stuff at a cheapie place and donate the things instead of money. There is a volunteer orientation meeting in mid-November that I may go to... if I can climb over the wall of social anxiety in my way :D

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Yeah: the environmental orgs who create mountains of trash...A simple post card and an address would be so much less intrusive. I often donate on the basis of how well the money I send them is spend (ie, simple flyer/newsletters, not nagging me for more money, etc. and virtually all of the money going toward the cause I sent it for).

Re: animal shelter-- something most of them need is blankets and towels. Ask them beforehand to make sure (they can tell you exactly what kind they need), but stopping at Goodwill or Salvation Army and getting towels and blankets is another way to help.

[dustmeat.livejournal.com]

Same here, I stopped because of junk mail/begging.