Comments on G Valentino is Random: ... holding unpopular opinions

agreed. but most people don't donate so the lives...

2009-06-18T10:44:46.278-04:00

agreed. but most people don't donate so the livestrong thing probably increased the overall contributions.

Livestrong and what not: that's fine, although I s...

2009-06-18T09:14:17.784-04:00

Livestrong and what not: that's fine, although I still think if you had the $2 before, why didn't you donate it when it didn't give you the opportunity to display it and request a back pat for all your hard work?

(Not saying *YOU* you, but addressing the 4th Estate here: the mob. Having had my father go through a bout of prostate cancer I know it's horrible and I don't begrudge any support given. But I'd rather live in a world where people though that a life without cancer was the better status symbol than a piece of plastic.)

i have one dissenting commment regarding ribbons, ...

2009-06-18T08:23:08.573-04:00

i have one dissenting commment regarding ribbons, bracelets, and the like. to wear said items does very little, but to acquire said items generally requires an outlay of cash that is, in essence, a donation to an organization that supports whatever issue you are raising awareness for.

and great curmudgeonly post. me likey.

Yeah...I've seen those a lot lately also, and had ...

2009-06-18T08:09:50.765-04:00

Yeah...I've seen those a lot lately also, and had the same feeling. Especially the person who posted a similar tweet and ended with 'It's important'. Actually, no it's not important.

Leo and I have issues, shall we say, that you can see in posts here and on http://www.theludditetimes.com. This week on MacBreak he went down a path that nearly ended with "There are probably more iPhones taking pictures in Tehran because Mac people do more". I think he caught himself in time and changed his tone to "Mac people do more with their gadgets", but at that point he nearly was sucked into his own navel.

Just to drive the point home, Leo Laporte recently...

2009-06-18T00:02:46.385-04:00

Just to drive the point home, Leo Laporte recently tweeted:

#helpiranelection - show support for democracy in Iran add green overlay to your Twitter avatar with 1-click - http://helpiranelection.com/

That is the ultimate "low touch" activity, one click to make you feel like you're making a difference in the world.

I'd better shut up before I come off as a real curmudgeon.

I think we can make the time to do these things if...

2009-06-17T22:01:13.125-04:00

I think we can make the time to do these things if we really believe in them. In fact, with the Internet it's never been easier to have a meaningful exchange of opinions with elected officials. Having said that, putting a picture of Ahmendinijad on eBay as an auction item? It's cute, but does nothing.

I totally agree. Actions like ribbons and green av...

2009-06-17T09:16:36.101-04:00

I totally agree. Actions like ribbons and green avatars are popular because they're "low touch" interactions, like "throwing a sheep" at a Facebook buddy instead of leaving an actual comment on their wall.

Slapping a ribbon on your car doesn't raise awareness anymore because everyone has one, not to mention that, hey, we're aware already! Personal effects like flag pins only seem to have meaning these days if you don't wear one.

It's all so meaningless, all this empty gesturing. But "who has the time" to write to politicians, volunteer, and otherwise make a difference in the world? I commend the people who are actually getting off their buts and making a difference out there.