I would love to see the latest prize-- the laptop go to a DUer

[JanMichael]

who might really need it but just can't afford to get in the drawing right now.

I know that being out of work, or trying to find a place to live can be made a little bit easier with a netbook. I think it's almost impossible in this day and age to network for a job effectively without an email address that can be checked often--

Wonder how we could help make that happen-

[graywarrior]

1. Well, some of us who made a measley donation barely have any money

I try to see everyone as equals here. But hell, I wish I could buy a laptop for anyone who really needs it...including me. Maybe the winner will donate it to someone in need. that would be cool.

[JanMichael]

3. I know what you mean, GW

I was just thinking of the poster who has to go to a shelter next week, and how a really small laptop like that would be easy to carry in a small backpack, and use in free wifi places--

I WISH I had money to just buy stuff like that for folks, but in this case, I think I'll enter-- who knows? Maybe I'll win and let the admin decide who gets it! That said, I hope you win now! ;)

[graywarrior]

7. But see, you planted something in my head now

If I win, I'm thinking a DUer needing a shelter could really use a laptop. We should start a foundation here to help some of our friends.

[daleanime]

12. Actually....

internet connections for shelters would be another good charity O8) far too many for my limited funds:cry:

[graywarrior]

15. For sure.

Internet is essential to contact assitance with health issues, to find an apartment, a job, stay in touch with a network of family and friends. There is nothing so lonely as losing touch with support and getting dragged into the abyss of homelessness.

[lunatica]

21. Well I don't need another computer but I have only around $40 dollars

in the bank till the first of next month. I'm trying very hard not to use the credit card too, but I have to buy gas to go to work. I'll have to pass on this donation cycle.

[uppityperson]

28. you don't need to donate to enter, read the rules, can send an email to enter

[Mythsaje]

Well, we could hope that the person who wins would be willing to donate

it back-this IS DU, after all.

[Fireweed247]

19. okay well whomever wins...

can PM me and I will tell they exactly who needs this laptop the most...and we at DU need her to have this laptop...

[Tangerine LaBamba]

2. Read the fine print ......

It says that you don't have to make a donation in order to enter the contest.

Go do it...................

[Zavulon]

4. How?

I can't afford to donate right now, wanted to enter the contest but can't see how to do it without donating.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

16. On the top of the page,

see the image of the laptop?

Look at the small print under the laptop.

Or, ask the Administrators....................

[JanMichael]

5. there's fine print!

heh-- I haven't read the fine print on anything in years.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

17. There's always fine print ...........

That's why lawyers were invented.

Look at the image in the upper right corner, and the message underneath it.

You're welcome and good luck ................. :)

[Dragonfli]

6. I Know Swamp Rat Needs a Computer

He mentioned recently that not having his own computer has been keeping him from uploading new images as he would like to.

He is a talented guy and I think it would benefit those of us that enjoy his graphic/political satire if he could share more of his work.

If I happen to be lucky enough to win I would ask the admins to send it to him.
Anyone else like this idea?

[Hawkeye-X]

8. He's also travelling in South America...

He's not exactly home...

[Fireweed247]

20. I think if swampy has enough $$ to travel to South America he is doing okay

Some DUers have more desperate needs...

[Garbo 2004]

9. Directions to enter contest without donating, from contest rules:

"To enter without donating, send an email with your name, address, phone number, and Democratic Underground username (if applicable), and the subject line "Acer Netbook Contest" to [e-mail]. Limit one email entry per person. All entries must be received by 10PM EDT (7PM PDT), Saturday, May 16, 2009."

http://upload.democraticunderground.com/contest/contest-rules-netbook.html

[bobbolink]

10. The prize go to someone who needs it, but can't afford to even enter? That's too much like JUSTICE

I very much appreciate your understanding and your thoughts.

I resemble this remark of yours.

Thank you!

[JanMichael]

11. Hi Bobolink

I think one of the worst aspects of losing one's home is not just the basics of food, clothing and shelter-- but the damned loss of privacy, and the loss of being able to just connect to services, or job postings.

Technology has made being homeless worse in a very real tangible way.

[JeffR]

13. This is a brilliant idea.

Someone who has already posted in this thread is in desperate need of a laptop. It could literally be a life-changing thing for her.

[Fireweed247]

18. I was thinking the exact same thing!

I wish we could vote on this giveaway...

[pnwmom]

14. Here are precise instructions for entering without a donation:

Taken from the contest rules. Good luck!

To enter without donating, send an email with your name, address, phone number, and Democratic Underground username (if applicable), and the subject line "Acer Netbook Contest" to [e-mail]. Limit one email entry per person. All entries must be received by 10PM EDT (7PM PDT), Saturday, May 16, 2009.

[BlooInBloo]

22. I think we shouldn't begin playing the Bitching About The Winner Not "Really" Needing It game.

[JeffR]

25. I hope the winner does need it.

But in case he or she don't, there are some that really do, so I hope it works to someone's benefit either way.

[BlooInBloo]

26. I hope the winner takes it, and does whatever he wants with it, because it's a random drawing...

and the winner doesn't have to answer to anyone about it.


EDIT: Or she.

[JeffR]

27. That's fair enough.

But I can still hope.

[Midlodemocrat]

23. No donation necessary to enter. Says so right on the page.

[Divine Discontent]

24. as I told people days ago who said they can't give anything b/c they have no money but would love

the prizes, that they don't have to give a dime to be entered. On the right hand side of the banner that says to donate it says no purchase or donation necessary.

So, hopefully everyone who wants to be entered will follow the directions in the instructions of the rules of the contest.

Good luck!