social (cause) networking

after reading the article on teens who raised money through other social networking sites, i was inspired to write about it. i almost couldn't believe it when i logged in and saw this.

if we use the web to do everything else, why not use it for some good?

while we sit and nod our heads, nick anderson and ana slavin did something about it. they did a lot about it.

i can remember the fundraisers and charity causes at high school and maybe sometimes we combined with other local schools. but to coordinate such a large-scale effort as they did is amazing. also, considering it is supporting a cause most high school students probably knew little to nothing about. they were successful because they connected to their audience through accepted mediums, and also mobilized them. or, basically every marketers dream. i doubt either of them will have trouble rounding out their college applications in the next year or two.

with any technology there's benefits and drawbacks. you love to see this, but i can only shake my head in disbelief of the stupidity of those who use the technology for things such as flash mobs.

in any case, i admire those who use the web to amass fortunes, look down upon those who use it for stupidity, and respect those who can simply create solely for the benefit of others.