Community Chat

[Vamp]

How do you all feel about GO FUND ME requests on social networks, like Facebook? Am I the only one who feels like this is the on-line equivalent to begging? Or is this just part of the New World?

[partypan]

It depends on what's being funded.

[Preds]

I find it strange, but it appears to be the new norm. The days of donation buckets at cash registers is a thing of the past.

[Say Nay]

There are people who have been victims of violent crimes, children dying of illnesses, wounded veterans, animal rescue supporters, etc. who have either requested funding for themselves or requested funding on behalf of others. I don't see anything wrong with it. No one is forced to give.

[Pqfan]

It depends on what it is needed for. I have seen it used for good and bad things.

[Say Nay]

I encourage you to go to the website and look under "Success Stories". Read some of the stories behind the requests. And read some of the replies from the supporters.

Yes, people have to be careful when donating. Doing your own due diligence is important. But to anyone who doubts there is kindness in the world Go Fund Me will crush all skepticism.

[Vamp]

On 12/6/2014 Typo Quean said:

There are people who have been victims of violent crimes, children dying of illnesses, wounded veterans, animal rescue supporters, etc. who have either requested funding for themselves or requested funding on behalf of others. I don't see anything wrong with it. No one is forced to give.

I agree, and I have mixed feelings about it sometimes. Sometimes they get posted by friends of friends, so who knows how genuine the need is? If I don't know the people, I definitely don't give, even if their story is sad. I just don't know what is legitimate.

Don't get me wrong, I am generous and give to many organized charities. At times I have given directly to friends who are in need. I just think the "Go Fund Me" format is the same thing as begging, and it feels a little weird to me, I guess. Also, it reminds me that there is something wrong with our government that people need to ask friends to help them with medical bills, which is the #1 reason in America that people incur huge debt and file for bankruptcy. It's sad, really.

[Moonchilde]

I suspect the OP was commenting more on people trying it out to see what they can get for themselves in situations where you wouldn't go ask random strangers (or even friends) in person. I have actually been having this conversation with others within the past few days. Such things as making a page and posting on FB to contribute so a home seller of goods can attend the company's convention.

Many people ask for funds to pay vet bills for their pets, for example. I might find it a bit startling, but would consider that worthy. What each considers worthy is personal. But there is IMO a HUGE potential for scam artists. There is no way to know, in most cases, whether anything that is claimed is actually true. Unless I *know* the person, I'm pretty much a skeptic.

[YorkieonmyPillow]

I don't have a problem with people begging in cyberspace or panhandling. That may be the only thing left for them to do.

As far as gofundme, I would not contribute unless I knew or could verify the situation.

[Vamp]

Thank you, moonchilde, for stating it so clearly. I really do have mixed feelings about it. I realize that many people find themselves in terrible situations that not only are emotionally overwhelming, but financially taxing as well. It's heartbreaking. That being said, I would never ask my friends or family to chip in to pay a vet bill, for example. That's my pet, my responsibility. I was raised in a house where charity was something you do for others, not something you ask for yourself, so that's on me, be it right or wrong.

It is startling to me to have seen people ask for funds for elective surgery and to finance their son's athletic training or a trip abroad to study. I'm sure you all have stories to tell of similar requests.

Maybe it is more streamlined to give directly to the source in need, rather than donate to charitable organizations who have to pay salaries, etc.

I am genuinely interested in your thoughts and feelings about this subject as it seems to be a growing trend. The times they are a-changin'!