Thursday, November 21, 2013

A few more constructive things you can do with your time and money

These Indiegogo fundraising campaigns for pro-independence causes seem to be sprouting up all over the place now - which is perhaps hardly surprising, given the astonishing success of all the previous ones!

Newsnet Scotland are seeking £40,000 to expand their operations. I know some of us are a touch ambivalent about the site - it could do with having a slightly less blatant 'propaganda' feel (although to be fair so could most of the mainstream media at the moment!), and by all accounts it has a ludicrous moderation policy that almost makes James Mackenzie look tolerant and reasonable. But we mustn't lose sight of the bigger picture here. Newsnet fulfils an almost unique role in the pro-independence online world because it's not a blog, or a site restricted to comment and analysis - it's a fully-fledged news website that can (and already does) directly rival the websites of leading newspapers and broadcasters. And let's not forget that this fundraiser will also help pay for more outings for the intrepid Duggy Dug, as voiced by Brian Cox (the Hollywood actor I mean, not the TV physicist). To donate, or to read more about the aims of the campaign, click HERE.

Bella Caledonia are also seeking £40,000. I'm sure this one will be a very easy sell for most readers of this blog - Bella is quite simply an unalloyed Good Thing, and if it didn't exist someone would have to invent it as a matter of some urgency. Donate or read more about the campaign by clicking HERE.

As ever, it's worth bearing in mind that these campaigns are only beneficial if they supplement rather than detract (or distract) from the Yes campaign's own fundraising efforts, so for the sake of completeness HERE is where you can go to donate to Yes Scotland!

Now for something that won't cost you any money, but is arguably even more important. The BBC Trust are seeking responses to a public consultation on the draft guidelines that are intended to ensure impartial coverage during the referendum campaign. This falls very much into the "speak now or forever hold your peace" category, so to read the guidelines and to submit your suggestions as to how they can be improved, click HERE.

Last thought - isn't it encouraging to hear about all these university debates that are resulting in huge numbers of converts to the Yes campaign? It's a pity we can't squeeze the entire population of Scotland into a lecture theatre, because at this rate we'd have the whole thing sewn up in an hour. Alas, that isn't possible, but at least we're getting further strong indications of just how soft the No vote is, particularly among young people.

3 comments:

  1. Newsnet Scotland is not exactly my cup of tea but it was the first pro site I came across and it definitely has a place. I actually cycle past a billboard style advert for the site on my way to work here in Inverness that always makes me smile. Disappointingly it looks like it has been deliberately defaced, i.e. all the letters have been individually blacked out. I am going out on a limb here but it would appear that some of our friends on the other side of the debate don't believe in free speech.

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  2. So many sites. So little money.

    I think, unless you're loaded, and who is these days, you have to pick a favourite, or two, and support them.

    Newsnet does produce some good stories, but as you point out it doesn't much care for free speech itself and i wouldn't support it.

    Wings gets my money. It is a superb site and the Rev's dedication to research is practically faultless, even if he is sometimes a little abrasive with people who are less quick witted than he is.

    Your own site would also get my money, James, if you were fund raising.

    Bella Caledonia is also superb. But you're bang on. Yes needs our money too.

    As I say, so many good causes; so little cash.

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  3. Iain : "I am going out on a limb here but it would appear that some of our friends on the other side of the debate don't believe in free speech."

    To coin a phrase, let's "blow the whistle on the bullies"...

    Tris : I'm the same as you - I managed to donate to the Wings appeals and also to National Collective, but I'm not exactly awash with spare cash, so I have to pick and choose. Hopefully I'll be able to rustle up a few pounds for Newsnet and Bella, but I'll see how it goes.

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