Your opinion, please

[OneGrassRoot]

(I'm going through the proverbial Dark Night of the Soul...good thoughts are most welcome. :hug:)

As I wonder what I am doing and why, and must decide how to continue trying to finance Wishadoo when I'm not sure it will even be used and just can't keep doing everything on my own without help, I have two very specific things regarding raising funds at Wishadoo -- for Wishadoo -- that I'd like your opinion about, please:

1. Do you truly feel merchandise based on the "I Choose..." Campaign graphic (with different versions but this is the gist of it) is of interest? Can you imagine yourself buying t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, pet items, etc., etc. with this CHOOSE LOVE message (including my banner image)?




2. Recently I've seen discussions here at DU where people are wanting their own "yellow pages" -- a business directory of progressives that they can support, especially with the upcoming holidays.

One of the features that you can't yet see but is there at Wishadoo is a directory. I call it the Compassionate Yellow Pages. Basically, businesses and organizations which are in alignment with and working toward the ideals displayed in the "I Choose..." Campaign are invited to be part of this directory.

There are "green" directories but they aren't always comprised of companies which are responsible beyond being environmentally responsible. Granted, I wouldn't be able to "prove" the validity of such Compassionate listings, but there is a rating system with Wishadoo's directory...so there's a way for customers and clients to comment and add stars and such, too, to keep them honest.

And, it functions as a website for people who don't have one: there is a way to upload documents (menus for restaurants, for example), there is a Google map feature, there are many tools that are very cool for businesses who want to list with the Compassionate Yellow Pages.

I realize that for many even $5 is a stretch, but can you imagine this being of interest? Not only for businesses themselves to pay to have a listing (as little as $25 for six months or a year, for example, as an introductory rate), but also for others to pay to have their favorite business or organization listed, as a thank you or a gift.

Those are the two immediate potential ways for me to raise funds to get Wishadoo going. Time is of the essence...doing what is needed to apply for grants and other red tape-laden alternatives are not an option. Doing a fundraiser for Wishadoo itself -- using the Glenn Beck thing -- I fear would take away from fundraisers to be posted here at DU for MM, for example.

So, I'm focused on business transactions rather than simply donations to raise these funds.

Thoughts?

Thanks. :)

:grouphug:

[mysticalchick]

1. Love the ideas!

Seriously. Love them.

One of the things Andrea Hess always talks about is an idea that come from within you is often better (i.e. more aligned with your path and purpose) when implemented than "an idea" you saw somewhere that worked for another. Whatever comes up for you, OGR, organically - I'd say go with it.

If there's any way I can help, please please please let me know. You are working so hard to bring down this wisdom and it will get there - but you have to be patient. PM me if you want to talk privately.

MC

[I Have A Dream]

2. I would DEFINITELY buy things, especially for the holidays.

I absolutely love the logo, and my sister is a purple freak. I could see buying her all kinds of things.

By the way, I sent a message to Skinner asking for permission to post one thread here to allow those who post here who have things that people might be interested in for the holidays to share in the thread. I just did it this morning. I hope to hear back from him soon.

I could see myself spending a small fortune on your products, especially if available for the holiday season. :)

[Sanity Claws]

3. Yes the logo is great

I think that design on t-shirts and mugs would sell. I promise to buy after I start working again.

Go for it.

Sorry about the dark night of the soul.

[rosesaylavee]

4. Love it and I would participate...

I think you have a great idea here. It helps you AND the businesses who would post. Awesome in fact.

[Kind of Blue]

5. Excellent idea, OGR.

:thumbsup: You know you're talking my color. I want I Choose on my big fat T-shirt nightie, as well as wanting it as a nicely framed poster - as I've done with one of MM's images that she was so kind to send me a jpeg. I've even wanted it on my front door somehow.

A couple of years ago, I was really into printing up my mermaid images on transfer paper and ironing them on T-shirts. I sold out at a swap meet. And people were very interested in the transfer paper with the mermaid designs on them that weren't for sale - sold them too. I'm just saying this kind of transferable I Choose might be a good way for people buy to be inventive with and it's cheap.

[Kookaburra]

6. I would buy

I don't know if my business qualifies as "green", but it is virtual, so I suppose it does. If so, I would also subscribe and list my business.

[northernlights]

7. absolutely...I can see the "I choose" goods taking off at places such as

college campuses.

A directory of Choosers is a great idea.

I also was recently in an online discussion talking about Wishadoo as a place to host a bartering system. Not sure how the legalities would work...at what point bartering becomes sales and subject to sales tax...but bartering struck me as a possible supportive income stream too.

I'll send you a pm.... :hug: :hug: :hug:

[get the red out]

8. Where can I buy a sweatshirt?

I would LOVE that! So beautiful.

[I Have A Dream]

9. Me too!

:D

[Ricochet21]

10. Go for it

I'm all for both :hi:

[OneGrassRoot]

11. Thank you all SO VERY MUCH!

I would reply individually (and will still try to soon) but, as I just posted briefly in Howler's thread, I'm having major issues with both phone and Internet (both cable, so when one goes, they both go) and thus am reply briefly!

But, truly....thank you all so much for the support and good ideas.

:grouphug:

:loveya:

[I Have A Dream]

12. Maybe consider having refrigerator magnets and window decals as well.

They're not expensive, so people might start with them and then buy more. (Even if they just buy these items, it would add up money-wise over time.)

[OneGrassRoot]

13. Oooh, a holiday ornament! :)

I'm flitting in and out quickly....like Tinkerbell...lolol

But still waiting on programming help. :(

Maybe I can do the "I Choose..." project separately, via The Piece Process instead of Wishadoo? All systems are in place for The Piece Process, and it is a strategic partner for Wishadoo, after all. Maybe this would allow me to raise funds which would HELP me get the programming help for Wishadoo?

I am hesitate to do a full push of Wishadoo until the navigation "clumsiness" of the site is fixed, as well as a few other things.

*sighs*

:hug: