I know it is well past its expiration date, but it really shows no sign of dying just yet. Jann Arden just did it and nominated Nenshi and Anne Murray. If Anne does it I am in for $50.
The CP tradition of attacking people who are seeking support from the community rather than bothering to read through their posts to understand the message behind the words is particularly grating right now. I know it's unlikely, but I really wish that instead of rushing out to tear people down with a snarky, smug, condescending reply to highlight how much of a jerk or how uninformed or how stupid the other poster is, that people went into a thread assuming that others are intelligent, kind adults who are seeking assistance on matters they are relatively unknowledgeable in.
The 'shoot first, get the most thanks' mentality just really seems to be getting to me. If an issue hits too close to home for you to post at people in a helpful, informative spirit, maybe you shouldn't be hitting "reply".
When it comes to "slacktivism" I'm about as cynical as they come.
I generally roll my eyes and scoff at "for every tweet/like this get's [BIG CORPORATION] will donate 5¢!" or "Wear this [TRINKET] to show awareness!" type activities.
My general reason for this is that quite often the "engagement" generated by such activities (see: Movember parties) ends up over shadowing the cause itself. Basically lots of people talking the talk of "supporting a good cause" without the actual follow through.
But, having said all that, the Icebucket Challenge feels different.
Yes, there's an entertainment aspect of it, but by personalizing the challenge "I nominate [X]!" it's really putting the onus on others to take part. I choose to believe most (or at least many) of the folks taking the time to make a video are also making a donation.
The numbers like this suggest this is at least partially true:
Quote:
@seankjensen
The @alsassociation announced $22.9 million in donations compared to $1.9 million during same time period last year.
There's nothing wrong with making an engaging game out of donating to charities, but there's a balance between raising funds & entertaining people. It appears the Icebucket Challenge has hit the sweet spot.
TL:dr: Slacktivism bad (in my opinion), Icebucket Challenge doesn't fit the criteria for it.
Last edited by Regular_John; 08-19-2014 at 08:13 PM.
Reason: grammarz
The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to Regular_John For This Useful Post:
I don't know why they are against the ice bucket challenge. The money is going to research, research that is showing that marijuana DOES help ALS patients. I would think they would be FOR paying for scientific research backing their position.
While it may be a good cause, the videos overwhelming my facebook feed are growing tiring very very fast. Good cause, easy marketing gimmick, but man, celebrities are using this as a look-at-me scheme. Just donate instead of making it all about yourself.
While it may be a good cause, the videos overwhelming my facebook feed are growing tiring very very fast. Good cause, easy marketing gimmick, but man, celebrities are using this as a look-at-me scheme. Just donate instead of making it all about yourself.
Yeah, that's all I was getting at in my gear grinder post. It's a great cause, it's clearly raising awareness and large amounts of money. It's just out of all the things that could catch on like wildfire, could there be a more boring "look at my version" thing out there?
Outside of PK Subban, Paul Bissonette and a couple others, dumping water on your head really is a "once you've one you've seen them all" thing.......and now we're seeing them all.....everywhere.
If it's possible, I'm happy it's here because of what it's doing, but just think the videos themselves are soooo boring, and yet we see them absolutely everywhere, social media, news, sports shows.
The Following User Says Thank You to jayswin For This Useful Post:
Meh, if you don't like 'em don't watch 'em. Depending on the person, I think they are kinda funny. Like I said above, I'd gladly pay $50 to see Anne Murray do it.
I don't know why they are against the ice bucket challenge. The money is going to research, research that is showing that marijuana DOES help ALS patients. I would think they would be FOR paying for scientific research backing their position.
Probably because the ban on marijuana has little to do with actual science.
Location: Oklahoma - Where they call a puck a ball...
Exp:
Quote:
Originally Posted by fleury
While it may be a good cause, the videos overwhelming my facebook feed are growing tiring very very fast. Good cause, easy marketing gimmick, but man, celebrities are using this as a look-at-me scheme. Just donate instead of making it all about yourself.
Which is why it's brilliant marketing... even Joe-Schmo likes to have people looking at him so he feels important. People like feeling important. Couple that with now they are a part of something that even the celebs are doing and BAM.... Everyone and their dog is going to do it. Im actually surprised I haven't seen someone ice bucket their dog yet.
Icebucket Challenge
