A reminder, folks, about helping fellow TDPRIers...

[Tim Armstrong]

I pulled a recent thread soliciting help for a fellow TDPRIer having financial trouble (note that the thread wasn't FROM said member, but from a sympathetic fellow member).

We regretfully don't allow that kind of thing on the TDPRI, as it can lead to an avalanche of similar requests, particularly when things are going poorly for so many folks. With almost 40,000 members, there are undoubtedly hundreds if not thousands of fellow TDPRIers suffering from economic hardship.

Thanks for understanding.

Tim

[morroben]

I thought that was the case, but when I saw Paul posting in that thread, I figured it must me okay.

[Omiewise65]

Why not make an exception ?
Just for it's christmas eve ...

[BritishBluesBoy]

Ah, OK. I see your point.

[Tim Armstrong]

Originally Posted by morroben

I thought that was the case, but when I saw Paul posting in that thread, I figured it must me okay.

Paul didn't post in the fundraiser thread.

Tim

[Faraldi]

Understood.

[TDPRI]

Tim is correct.

There are very good and valid reasons for not allowing the TDPRI to be used to raise funds for folks.

Some are:

1. Who decides what's a real need and what's not?
2. Who decides if the need wasn't caused by gambling, drinking or drugs? And does that matter? I"m sure to some it does.
3. Who specifically verifies the need and why it's needed?
4. Which members are "OK" for this kind of thing and which ones are not?
5. Who checks out new members to insure they are deserving, not lying, not using us?
6. Who makes sure that collected funds go where they're supposed to be going?
7. Who makes sure that the member in need uses the funds for good and not gambling, drinking, drugs or similar "evil?"
8. How long would a member need to be a member before you raised funds for him? How many posts would he have to have? What country would he have to live in to be eligible for fundraising? Do we raise money for Americans? What about someone in Africa?

If this is done for one member... then it's right for EVERY member suffering a tough time to expect the exact same treatment for their problem. Are you going to go along with this 100% of the time? Or will you start to judge others as not as worthy? Not as in need? Not justified for some reason?

I'm sure that the member in question here that folks wanted to help had no intention of asking for help. He was just sharing his plight.

Nothing is stopping YOU from doing something to help him. We just will not allow the TDPRI to be used to gather up multiple people to help him. Because of all the reasons above.

[Dan German]

Excellent points, and well taken. Paved with good intentions, etc. etc.

Best of the season to all!

[Stuco]

Well, I was the one who started the thread. I didn't realize this was against the rules. I'll go refund all the donations.

[Telenator]

I completely understand the need to pull those types of threads. It was a very nice gesture.

For what it's worth, the person in question, (a personal friend) will have a something to borrow until the tide turns. Mission accomplished.

[Tonemonkey]

Originally Posted by Stuco

Well, I was the one who started the thread. I didn't realize this was against the rules. I'll go refund all the donations.

Just fwd it to photoweborama. Thanks.

[Groovey Records]

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.

And now my life has changed in oh so many ways,
My independence seems to vanish in the haze.
But every now and then I feel so insecure,
I know that I just need you like I've never done before.

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.

Prayers and blessings to our friends and loved ones who find themselves not in good cheer

You are not alone

[Stuco]

The donations have been refunded, please let me know if you donated and you didn't get a refund, I checked twice and I'm pretty sure I got them all. I can understand the reasons not to allow this type of thing, I'm just sorry it has to be that way. The member who was to receive the gift is definately trustworthy but who's to determine that in future cases. Thanks for all who gave and I hope our intentions will at least brighten spirits.

[Stuco]

Originally Posted by Telenator

I completely understand the need to pull those types of threads. It was a very nice gesture.

For what it's worth, the person in question, (a personal friend) will have a something to borrow until the tide turns. Mission accomplished.

I'm glad to hear that!

[TDPRI]

Thanks all for understanding.

Remember, this doesn't stop any one of you from doing this at any time, just please understand the reality of the internet and how it can't be done through the TDPRI.

Merry Christmas.

PS. Here is the exact wording from the rules of the TDPRI:


FUND RAISING/CHARITIES OR OTHER PERSONAL USES:
You cannot use the TDPRI to request donations for any personal charity. This includes posting links to sites requesting charitable donations. This includes asking people to donate money or purchase items you are selling here or elsewhere to fund needs of any kind for family, friends, neighbors, pets, other TDPRI members or anyone.

[stax]

Originally Posted by Groovey Records

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.

And now my life has changed in oh so many ways,
My independence seems to vanish in the haze.
But every now and then I feel so insecure,
I know that I just need you like I've never done before.

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.

Prayers and blessings to our friends and loved ones who find themselves not in good cheer

You are not alone

Nice post
Stax

[Tim Armstrong]

Originally Posted by Stuco

The donations have been refunded, please let me know if you donated and you didn't get a refund, I checked twice and I'm pretty sure I got them all. I can understand the reasons not to allow this type of thing, I'm just sorry it has to be that way. The member who was to receive the gift is definately trustworthy but who's to determine that in future cases. Thanks for all who gave and I hope our intentions will at least brighten spirits.

I'd note again that private assistance between members is absolutely between said members, so refunds, etc. are solely at your discretion! We aren't against members helping each other, we just can't allow it to spill over onto the public forum.

Tim

[Charlie Bernstein]

Thanks, Tim and Paul. I fundraise professionally, and that unsolicited solicitation made me really queasy. The poster meant well, but it trashed the whole book of ethical standards.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by Stuco

Thanks for all who gave and I hope our intentions will at least brighten spirits.

No doubt about it! Just another case of a good deed not going unpunished. Keep up the good!

[sonserve]

I posted a similar sentiment recently that got yanked. The email I recieved explained the reasoning and I agree with the need to restrict certain uses of the TDPRI. We have a bunch of good folks around here.
Happy Holidays Everyone!