The Question of Hearts.

[MadisonProgressive]

I really liked giving out hearts. I only wished that the people I gave them to knew about it. I wish I knew who gave me the heart.

I thought about something that I think would go over pretty well. It would be "The DU Heart Fund".

Five dollars, and you can donate a heart to a DU'er. This heart would last for one year. You could choose to be anonymous, or choose to let the receiver know who sent them their star.

This would be TOTALLY separate from the regular fund drives. But the money collected (minus the handling fee that DU would need to offset their costs and effort) would go to a political cause that would be voted on each period by the MEMBERS (star owners) of DU.

What do you think of this idea?

[catabryna]

1. It all seemed like a popularity contest to me...

All I can say is that not getting a heart sort of reminded me of what it was like to be the last person chosen to play on the team and DU is a team where all players are valuable and have a role to play.

My opinion, for what it's worth.

[MadisonProgressive]

2. I would give you a heart - I didn't know about you before

This heart thing only lasted a week. If it was a year long thing and you were a regular poster that didn't turn people off you would be bound to get some hearts. The thing is, this is not about receiveing hearts, it's about GIVING them, and in the end, giving to a good progressive cause or charity (as chosen by a majority of DU members).

But you have the right not to participate, of course.

[catabryna]

9. Wasn't quite sure how to explain my answer...

without it appearing like I was whining, because I'm not... I know I'm a newbie, and I didn't expect one because no one knows me. I completely understand the giving aspect. However, people were disappointed that their hearts disappeared this morning and that reaction was not about the giving... that was about the getting.

Either which way... perhaps the long-term use of the hearts might be a better option in the future.

[MadisonProgressive]

11. I respect what you're saying

But just because people were dissapointed to see their hearts go away, doesn't mean that they didn't cherish the giving at least as much. It's like if you had a piece of bread and you gave half to another starving person. Just because you relished eating your piece doesn't mean you weren't very happy to help another person too. It's a matter of HEART.

[catabryna]

16. Oh, I am not disagreeing...

We all love to give and do when we can! My point is that people were sad to see their hearts go... I didn't see one post that said, "I was so sorry to see that the heart I gave to someone I admire disappear this morning."

But, I think I'll bow out of this discussion now because, the more I say, the more it seems as if I'm whining, and I feel as if I'm giving the impression that I am. :hug:

edited to add: I love your avatar!

[MadisonProgressive]

19. LOL!!

[msgadget]

6. Oh wow, you're so right, I hadn't even considered that

so I'm voting for not doing the heart thing.

[I Have A Dream]

8. I thought EXACTLY the same thing. I'm lucky that I received some...

but I could just as easily not have, so there were many times during this whole thing that I just wanted to cry because I wanted to pick everyone without a heart for my team.

The heart concept certainly worked as a good fundraiser, but how do we do this and also not humiliate people who add so much to this board? This time it wasn't me, but next time it might be. I can't tell you how many times I cringed during this fund drive. :(

[alarcojon]

14. I'm 100% with you, newbie

It was nothing but a popularity contest, and lets face it, some people got hurt. Full disclosure - I got one heart. There were several threads where people were talking about giving their hearts to people who didn't have one yet. It could be read as a noble impulse, or equally as feeling sorry for someone.

[MadisonProgressive]

21. I never perceived it that way - and i 'only' received one heart

[alarcojon]

22. I'm sure you didn't

I'm not questioning that. But I'm sure lots of people did see it that way.

[fishwax]

15. I agree with you

and I wished I had enough to give everybody who didn't have one a heart.

[Bluebear]

23. I have to agree.

I don't know you but....



It was a cute idea but I hope it's not repeated.

[catabryna]

25. Thank ya kindly! nt

[Pharaoh]

3. very bizzare

I had to vote for rodents behind,............

[MadisonProgressive]

4. Don't you have a heart?

[YOY]

5. Great Idea but only if you give this grumpy little fart one!

Unbelievable some people here and their lack of humor and willingness to take a joke!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=441760&mesg_id=441760

Good job in putting up with that one!

[MadisonProgressive]

7. Sure i'd give you one!

It benefits the giver, the receiver, DU, and the progressive cause/charity.

About the thread you noted - yes, I am very proud of myself. Sometimes you just need to take the high road. It really does make you feel better!

[Burried News]

10. Some people just want to keep a heart on ALL the time.

[MadisonProgressive]

17. I think Viagra(R)

works for that.

[demgurl]

12. I was talking about this, yesterday, with my husband.

I was going to bring it up with a slightly different spin. There could be several different ones you could choose from such as a shining star, hands clapping, a pat on the back, a welcome sign, etc... you could choose to give different ones for different types of posts - and, yes, pay for them.

My thought was also to find out what the poorest county is in the US and pick a school there. (or a soup kitchen depending on which way they wanted to go) All the money for a quarter/half a year/ a year would go to that one place. All the money except for the fund drives.

It would be a way to support something we all believe in and have a feel good attitude on the board. People can let folks know if they gave them one of the pictures by sending them a PM.

For what it is worth, I think it is a great idea.

[MadisonProgressive]

18. I think your idea is better!

But I still believe the proceeds should somehow be chosen by the majority of voting DU'ers.

[Jeanette in FL]

13. Great idea, your choices sucked. n/t

[MadisonProgressive]

20. OK - what sucked so much about my choices?

You know that if you start your own poll, you can have whatever choices you want!

[TahitiNut]

24. "Everything contains its opposite." ("Hearts!" contains "not-hearts!")

All glasses are part full and part empty. (I-glasses?)
Every "I do" creates an "I don't!" (When?)
Every answer creates a question. (Huh?)
All truth's are half-truths. (Liar!)

"Fish will be the last to discover water." (Einstein)

Imagine the possibilities!!?!

[bigwillq]

26. Let's save the Hearts

for next Valentine's Day. I like DU's heart idea and I think they should continue to use it for next year's first quarter drive.

Just my opinion. :)

[ripple]

27. I like the year-round idea

What about changing what is given, depending on the holiday or season? For now, we could start with shamrocks for St. Patrick's day. The symbol could change with the times- similar to way google regularly decorates it's logo.

I also like the idea of choosing among several icons to give a person.

Personally, I think the anonymous gift is also a better way to go. It limits the potential for jealousy and competition and instead, promotes selfless giving.