EDIT: Ive been proven wrong, the Ice bucket challenge has done an insanely good job in not only raising awareness but providing monetary support as well. From $1 million in donations last year to $4 millions the same time this year (alsa.org/news/archive/als-ice-bucket-challenge.html) Im not going to retract my statement about how I feel about this during our drought, but I definitely changed my mind about the challenge itself. There wouldnt be any dialogue about it without the viral nature, and thats definitely due to the ridiculousness (and sheer coldness) of the ice bucket challenge. Nicely done yall and sorry for doubting. ----------------------------------------------------- ORIGINAL POST: Enough with the Ice bucket ALS challenge. Ignoring the fact that were in a severe drought (which should be reason enough to stop), the challenge monetizes a quirky fun video of dumping ice on yourself as being worth more than actually donating, because by actually doing the ice bucket challenge, we tell ourselves okay awesome I did my part in finding the cure. The ALS Association has experienced 4 times as many donations during this time period than they did last year, so dont get me wrong, I get that intentions arent ill. But if everyone who bought those 3 bags of Ice just donated straight instead and posted that on their Facebook, wouldnt it have solved a lot more? (this is the part where I would remind you about the drought but all g Ill still ignore it) The fact that you can substitute donating with a social media post takes away from the whole point of a viral donation campaign. Theres no accountability. Some posts are now just Icebucket challenge, you have 24 hours to do it, tagging these doods with no mention to the ALS, no URL for more information, not even any direction on how to donate for anyone that could be mildly interested. An article which sums up my thoughts in a more concise and clear manner: huffingtonpost/ben-kosinski/icebucketchallenge-why-yo_b_5656649.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063 (yeah it is HuffPo but still makes a good point) p.s. This isnt a personal attack towards anyone, Ive seen a lot of these videos all over my feed, and I commend those of you who really are serious and in this for the awareness aspect of ALS. Just, whats the use of FB if I dont voice out my thoughts.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 05:37:00 +0000