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The Internet has created a relatively new phenomenon sometimes referred to as cyberbegging or online panhandling. People who would be appalled by the idea of standing on a street corner with a cardboard sign and a cup are going online to ask for help (with varying degrees of success).
Karyn Bosnack is credited with starting or providing impetus to the cyberbegging with her site, SaveKaryn.com. The site was created in June 2002 in a desperate bid to pay off $20,000 in credit card bills, and the bills were reportedly paid by the end of November 2002.
One way to cyberbeg is to post your need on one of the many begging sites available.
To name a few:
Most people, however, start their own site and may or may not offer something in return.
In 2006, Dustin Diamond (known as "Screech" from TV's "Saved By The Bell") started an online Save Screech's House campaign selling Tshirts. For $15, you could get a T-shirt reading "I paid $15 to help Screech save his house." For $20, you could get a T-shirt signed with an obscene remark directed toward a New York Capital Exchange employee that Screech initially relied on to help him save his house. He sold about 22,000 T-Shirts.
Some sites tell heart-rending tales while others are more light hearted. Light-hearted examples include Ed Needs A Hummer and Dan wants Money For No Good Reason. The Amazing Send Me A Dollar Site wants a dollar from you for providing amusement value, while another individual proposes a Society to Prevent her Employment by providing her with donations to keep her in the lifestyle to which she would like to become accustomed.
If you're planning to give to anyone online, I would, of course, suggest you make a donation here. |
