Aquarion posted an article a few days ago about people who set up websites asking for money. I generally share his sceptical attitude towards people who pull that kind of stunt. I'm not all that sympathetic towards people who rack up uncontrollable debt, just want to get laid, or are saving for breast implants, though I am sympathetic towards the guy who got run over by a taxi. (I am slightly perturbed by his refusal to sue the taxi and insurance companies for the damages they owe him; they're not going to cough up anything until they're forced to comply. I understand that he doesn't want to contribute to the everybody-suing-everyone culture, but come on, this is not a cup of coffee, and he's really just asking for his medical bills to be paid.)
Today another site came to my attention. It's not really like the others above, although it does ask for help. This guy is homeless in LA and has set up a website about his life as a homeless person. He does ask for contributions (from those who can afford it), since he would be kind of crazy not to, but he primarily asks for job leads, and he says he constantly applies for jobs. Mostly the site is about his life, where he lives (his car), where he bathes (sponge baths in Starbucks), the necessity of appearing "normal" to everyone else, especially when applying for jobs. It was really enlightening for me to read about what it's actually like to be homeless. I am very conscious that my parents are the only thing in this world that is keeping me warm, dry, and fed.
Laurabelle says:
Okay, look, people... My post criticizes cyber-begging. Why are you piggybacking off of it to advertise your begging sites? Sheesh. My comments are there for discussion, not link-spamming.
So I'm disabling comments on this entry. Sorry if anyone else wants to say something intelligent, but your chance has been ruined by previous idiots.
ladyshark says:
You're right. About the only thing that's keeping me safe is my parents. I have a site about cyberbegging. It's interesting. It give you a view into human nature and also how the internet is evolving. I'm mentally disabled but I try to help people through my website. I'm not interested to much in money. Cyberbeggars do NOT get rich. It's not a get quick rich scheme. I'm interested in trying to make cyberfriends. On my site, I try to offer resources about making websites. If someone can't make a site they can put their snail mail on my "Need Help" page. [[link deleted by webmaster]]
Nan says:
I recently saw a report on CNN about cyberbegging. I have decided to join the ranks. My site is still in the conception stage. I to plan on including weekly updates as to the pitfalls of single parenthood. Please visit and leave comments at [[link deleted by webmaster]]
Melanie says:
I am trying to fund a study abroad trip to Spain for the summer of 2004. [[link deleted by webmaster]]