Regarding my "I donated to the third quarter drive" tag

[shadowknows69]

I actually didn't. Wasn't able to. If someone else has donated on my behalf I humbly thank you and would love to know who you are so I can thank you personally. That being said, I'd like to ask the mods to please take the tag off. I know there was a discussion a few days ago about this and the more I think about it the less I like the idea. To each his own of course and I don't begrudge anyone who has one. Just personally it feels cliquey (sp) to me, and it isn't me. I love the idea of the donation stars for anyone who has donated but please in the future if I'm able to donate to drives exclude similar tags for me. Thanks.
S

[BOSSHOG]

1. On a similar note

I dropped a check in the mail last week to DU per the fundraiser (which is my preferred method of payment). But you couldn't tell it by looking at my posts.

[shadowknows69]

2. maybe there's just a mix up

n/t

[BOSSHOG]

3. I don't consider it too relevant

but it seems there is some sort of reward for giving; a reward I don't need but on the other hand it may be considered by some as a scarlet letter in reverse.

[shadowknows69]

6. I'd still just as soon not have the tag

you can have mine BH.

[Dhalgren]

22. I sent a check, too, BOSS. Maybe it's a "Paypal" thing...

[Vinca]

4. I sent a check, too. Maybe we're on the "to do" pile. nt

[H2O Man]

15. "

[wakeme2008]

5. LOL myself I like the drive with hearts to give out

drove ppl crazy

[shadowknows69]

7. Actually yeah that was pretty cool

getting funny tags or new smileys or something you can give to another member for donating would be better IMO.

[wildeyed]

17. See I really hated the hearts fund drive,

so much that I didn't give that time, even though I always give to quarterly fund drives, and logged off DU for the week. It brought all my Junior High School insecurities to the fore front, made me absolutely crazy. This fund drive didn't bother me at all.

I don't make any assumptions about someone who didn't give to the fund drive. Some people give via a monthly draft, some on a yearly basis, some just don't have the money.

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. I think people worry too much.

I mean.. Look at me. I don't have one, but I've donated before. In fact, I didn't even really think about them until you brought it up. In the whole scheme of things, a few little words isn't really anything to be bothered by. It certainly isn't "clique-y"... I don't feel excluded from anything.

[shadowknows69]

9. But some people might take it that way

and as I said. I wasn't able to donate. I certainly don't want any accolades I didn't earn. Prize money sure, but not publicity

[ScreamingMeemie]

10. Somebody thinks you earned them.

You have made a difference in someone's life. Think of it that way.

[shadowknows69]

11. consider me duly honored if that is the case.

[Pab Sungenis]

12. Well, they should all go away

now that the drive is over. They could have been seen as justifiable as a way to pressure those who hadn't yet given in the drive to do so. Now that the drive is over, the "I donated" tags should disappear, and the stars remain as usual.

[shadowknows69]

14. There shouldn't be any pressure to donate

Skinner's eloquent personal emails should be plenty. If we're going for the telethon motif here I want Ed McMahon in the hizzouse.

[ScreamingMeemie]

18. I didn't feel any pressure to donate.

I donated for myself last fund drive. I think they are fine.

[calico1]

13. I don't mind them. I think that it's a nice

way for the Mods to show appreciation for the donations. However, I can see where people who could not afford to donate might feel embarrassed because people will know they didn't donate. So I would not mind if this was not done anymore.

[shadowknows69]

16. I'm feeling doubly embarrassed for having one

because I'm broke and I couldn't donate.

[madokie]

20. Only in money maybe.

put a big ole smile on that face and quit worrying about the little shit. Someone appreciates what you are doing for our leaving and returning Soldiers. My first star was an anonymous gift, made me proud too.

[OwnedByFerrets]

23. I am in the same shape

being Laid-off temporarily and very little money to go around. It was so exhilarating when I found out I had a star. I was so happy that someone thought I was worthy of being "sponsored" that I jumped up, ran and got my wife and had her look at it. I am proud to think that I have said "something" that inspired someone to donate in my name.
As far as the red tagline at the top, I am proud to "wear" that in my posts just as I am proud to wear my "I Voted" sticky on election days.

There is one other thing.....when I get working again, I will pay it forward many times over. I will find someone else in need and deserving and hopefully MAKE THEIR DAY by donating to a worthy cause in their name. Its the least I can do.

[peacebuzzard]

19. I am glad everyone donated to this site that was able to.

This is the first time I have not been able to. I am so overwhelmed at the moment w/ personal complications that it will be a long time before I can put some thoughts to keyboard. Been too broke, too tired, too exasperated and just trying to play catch up at the moment. I have been just paying what I can at the moment and hoping to catch some deep breaths soon. But I do not consider it a lesser stigma that this was the only drive I have missed in years.

Carry on, ........

[sendero]

21. I really....

.. don't put a lot of stock into whether or not someone has a star or a red line.

Times are hard for lots of folks and being able to donate is nice but not a necessary part of being a good DUer.

I read what people have to say. If they are furthering the discourse, I admire them and could care less whether they have any money.

[silverlib]

24. Why not e-mail admin...

I bet they would remove the tag. I feel bad for you. I'm sure the member who donated in your name also feels bad. I'm glad it wasn't me. If I had made this donation, I would contact admin for you.

I hope something really nice and appropriate happens to you to brighten up your week. I realize it really started off on a bad note.

[shadowknows69]

25. I don't want anyone to feel bad

and I officially worship the ground my anonymous donor walks on now. I have emailed the admins but more and more I guess maybe I think I'm overreacting. Anyway thanks everyone for the input.