It’s a really good idea, but with one bad attribute: blogs with rich readers would have an advantage. E.g. blogs whose readers are mainly students would likely get lower donation amounts than blogs whose readers are … (insert job title of overpaid fat cats or idle rich).

Yeah … I think the per-donation limit would have to be $5 or $10. Certainly, this would not completely overturn the advantage, but it would help, combined with the same kind of features they used to limit voting by individuals.

Of course, better yet might be to get voting to narrow it down to 5 or so, then actually have some kind of panel of experts determine the winner.

instead of just votes, do a matching scholarship competition (with a reasonable limit on individual donations). That way, EVERY blogger wins, to a degree. Plus, they really would only get people ‘voting’ who truly wanted to support the individual.

It’s a really good idea, but with one bad attribute: blogs with rich readers would have an advantage. E.g. blogs whose readers are mainly students would likely get lower donation amounts than blogs whose readers are … (insert job title of overpaid fat cats or idle rich).

In and of itself, this is quite the story. If there is a journalistic entity out there that follows the web … this is the kind of story they should report on. It actually might be interesting to see how much money you raise from ads, vs. straight donations, vs. apparel issues, vs. beer money, vs. the scholarship. It wouldn’t surprise me if the last two were actually the most profitable, and might lend a good economist with some better ideas about how to earn a small amount of cash from a good blog.

Dave, I am incredibly happy to see people recognize you, even in small ways, for the contribution you have made and to assist you in being able to increase your skills.

For all of the USSM authors, I hope y’all see this with a sense of pride. We all know the site is not a money maker (even if you include the amount that was raised for Dave, if you balance that against time invested), but I hope this indicates that there is an appreciation, even a monetary appreciation, for what you provide.

Finally … I have no idea if the scholarship people learned anything about their process. As many people indicated, it seemed a poor choice as a way to determine a scholarship. However, if they feel the need to continue on in this fashion, I have a suggestion … instead of just votes, do a matching scholarship competition (with a reasonable limit on individual donations). That way, EVERY blogger wins, to a degree. Plus, they really would only get people ‘voting’ who truly wanted to support the individual.

Congrats Dave! If you ever have any issues as you pursue your higher education, let me know. It’s my field of study and work, and I would be happy to share my wisdom if it can help!

@ five number ones:

I’ve been obsessed with 47 since I read The Long Walk by Stephen King when I was a kid. My alarm is set for 6:47 am.* I occasionally run into other 47philes. Nice to meet you.

*and, of course, I hit the snooze bar 5 times and get up at 7:23. Of course

Congrats Dave!! Well deserved!

Congratulations, Dave. You earned this.

Tug McGraw was once asked, “Which do you prefer playing on, grass or artificial turf?” His response: “I don’t know. I’ve never smoked artificial turf.”

Congrats Dave!