User Comments

1. 

   9/17/08

   gafarmwoman

   I am positive you will make it. Good luck.

   [reply]
   1. 

      9/17/08

      dacoatne

      Thanks gafarmwoman. Do you have any suggestions on how I can promote this further? Much appreciated!
   2. 

      9/17/08

      gafarmwoman

      I know the more people that saw your site would expose your fund raising effort more. Have you considered sites like the Entrecard entrecard.com/ site? It would give your site a lot of traffic.
      I also believe right now people have so many worries about the high cost of living that donations are down on so many deserving projects.
      I will put your graphic on my sidebar to try and help out.
      Good luck!
   3. 

      9/20/08

      rainforestrobin

      @ GAFARMWOMAN
      
      Thank you from me also, gafarmwoman!!!
      You have kind heart!
      Robin
2. 

   9/17/08

   dacoatne

   gafarmwoman - Hey thanks for the ideas! I'll look into entrecard tonight. Also, thanks for helping by adding the pic!

   [reply]
   1. 

      9/21/08

      gafarmwoman

      Dacoatne,
      Sorry about the delay but I have your graphic on my site now. Busy, busy last few days around here.
      Good luck on your bike tour. I just know you it will happen soon.
      Just imagine! One day you will be telling your future students all about what a wonderful experience all of this was and the people that helped you along the way.
3. 

   9/20/08

   rainforestrobin

   Also, if you have time look through STUMBLE UPON and find people with similar interests and see if they will stumble your site and that particular post with the video. I had people stumble my post that I put up to help save the mountain ranges in New Zealand and it literally doubled the visits to my site that month and so more people became aware of the situation and signed the petition. Don't hesitate to ask people to stumble or digg any related posts and give the link to the video post in each relate post and ask if they will stumble or digg it etc. to help spread the word. I have been letting some stumblers know about it tonight. Keep the faith, Robin

   [reply]
4. 

   12/09/08

   TheIndustryGiant

   You know, as I read through your blog post I noticed something. You forgot to use the biggest, strongest, most compelling copy-writing trick out there. Are you ready for it? Really? Good. Here it is.
   
   The majority of the post is about what you wanted and a plea from us to help you get it. Then, you throw in the What's In It For Me, with the link love bribe. Nothing wrong with the bribe. But by being at the bottom, I have to wonder how many have read it, and have been moved to act on it. It wasn't a compelling story.
   
   Here is the brutal truth. Aside from your Mom, no one really cares about what you want or need. They care about what they want and need. Help them get what they want and need, you will get what you want.
   
   If I were in your shoes, I would do a re-write. That re-write would have you offering an irresistible offer (your shameless bribe). Explain how you will promote them as you travel across the country giving them even more exposure. Provide them with a tax deduction by offering them a receipt for advertising expense.
   
   In other words, brain storm all of the benefits, your readers will get supporting your ride across the country. Spell it all out in the blog post. Make it a no-brainer to add their hat to the ring to support your trip. Then you will see failure turn to success.
   
   And if it means anything, I don't see this as a failure for you, just a humongous opportunity to learn more and develop your skills. Don't give up.

   [reply]