Wanted: Online Relationships

When I created a profile page on mySpace I was excited. But the first person I told about my new adventure replied, "mySpace is where kids and pedophiles hang out." I'm glad I didn't listen to that person because I have built many great relationships with some wonderful people through online social sites.

The depth of some of these friendships has become even more apparent as I asked some of them for help promoting my latest fundraising effort for the Arthritis Foundation.

Here are some examples of responses I received:

• When I asked Dr.Mani if he would help promote the fundraiser, he responded "You don't need to ask - the answer is always YES. Pls send details." What a response! You can read his blog post Social Networking for GOOD to read about doing good online.
• Beth Kanter also jumped in immediately to help. She discusses why she said "yes" in her blog post Spamming for Good is the Wrong Description of What Dr. Mani, Roger Carr, Jen Lemens, and Other Good Personal Fundraisers Really Do!
• Scott Couchenour jumped in with a blog post before I asked. Please read his blog post Opportunity To Help Eliminate Arthritis
• Martin Sabel is a good friend of mine. He responded with the blog post Help Stomp Out Arthritis
• My earliest and strongest friendship that started online is with David Perdew. He sent out an email to his subscriber list. It was not an email that came across as a form letter. He wrote it from the heart and encouraged his readers to donate to the cause.
• Christopher Scott is a young nonprofit leader and friend who is in the middle of multiple large projects. However, he still made time to support me. Be sure to read his blog post Great Causes

In addition to promoting the fundraiser, each of these friends made a personal donation as well.

These are all true friends that believe in giving back to help others. Each of them makes me a better person.

If you haven't yet donated to my fundraiser, please consider following the example of those I mentioned and do it now. Click here to make your donation. Together we can make a difference in people's lives.

Comments

[Scott Couchenour]

Roger - I too am amazed at the power that the web has in promoting collaboration. Sure, it comes with those who would try to make it a tool for harm. But that's the way it is with anything. Although we need to be prudent, we shouldn't shy away from online collaboration just because there are those who seek to destroy.

By the way, thanks man, for your efforts. You're an incredible & inspiring person and our prayers are with you guys as you battle arthritis on a personal and global basis.

Scott Couchenour www.servingstrong.com

[Christopher Scott]

Roger-

Thanks for featuring me on your blog.

I'm a very busy dude, but I always find a way to make time for great people and great causes.

I'm always glad to help you with your fundraising efforts.

Christopher S.

[Michael Gibbons]

Roger I saw this on Beth Kanter's blog and left a comment there -- I hope I have kept to the three Rs Beth describes -- sometimes passion/zeal can be a recipe for "all about me" -- thanks for this reminder that social networking is as two way highway with no FAST lane!! Thanks for all your help in the past and here's a bit to help you make your goal!