DU Fund-Raising: Auction? Brainstorming thread

[Plaid Adder]

Mods, I didn't know where to start this; move it to the lounge if you think it's better off there...

Rabrrrrrrrrrrrr has brought up the possibility of organizing an auction to help raise the dough that keeps DU running. I think this is a great idea, because I've seen the same concept work wonders in a totally different context: The Tiptree Auction at Wiscon. Wiscon is a convention for feminist science fiction and fantasy fans held annually in Madison, and every year they hold an auction to raise money for a book prize they award. The auction is the main event of the con and is usually a multi-hour debauch emceed by the incomparable Ellen Klages, who manages to get people to pay hundreds of dollars for items with no intrinsic value, such as bobblehead dolls altered to resemble famous science fiction writers, or fake vintage ads and items featuring a character called Space Babe who never actually existed.

The same concept could potentially raise a lot of dough for DU, even if you had to do it online. People are willing to shell out money for stuff that is special to the community in question--in this case, the DUers--but actually doesn't cost anything to make, because they support the cause and because they want a unique memento of their experience. It helps if this memento is associated with celebrity in some way. One of the highest-dollar items I've ever seen auctioned at Wiscon was a little plastic baggie full of Neil Gaiman's beard clippings. Gaiman writes the apparently very popular Sandman series and is also evidently a hottie.

Never heard of Neil Gaiman? Neither had I, but there were loads of people in that ballroom who did and were killing each other to get that beard hair. Similarly, most of the world has never heard of Skinner, Elad, or EarlG, but I bet you could get people to bid big dollars on that raggedy-ass shirt Elad's wearing in the Only Known Group Photo of the DU Admins.

So, would this work? What would we put on the table along with The Shirt? Signed copies of Will Pitt's book? Matcom's autographed cocktail shaker? Think of the money you could raise on 'edited' George W. Bush action figures. The possibilities are endless.

Hopin' to see it happen,

The Plaid Adder

[thebigidea]

1. ah, fun! Only if I get to play the auctioneer that talks real fast

No cash in my moldy wallet, but I'll donate some so-called "art," maybe a Rumsfeld painting or sculpture.

[Beetwasher]

2. Dude! I'd pay for your art!

It's wicked cool! Do you have a gallery or show any of your stuff? You're in NYC right?

[Plaid Adder]

3. I bet a lot of people would pay for it!

See, this is what I'm talking about. One thing we have going for us, that is in shorter supply over on the right, is creativity. I bet there's loads of DU artists who could contribute to the cause.

C ya,

The Plaid Adder

[Spazito]

4. Kick

I am totally without artistic talent but sure would be a bidder on what others donated!

[chimpymustgo]

5. Donate a DU gathering for a certain number of people.

Winning bidder pays to "host". Donator picks up tab. Could do this in various cities across the country.

[Plaid Adder]

6. That's a great idea!

Keep 'em comin,

The Plaid Adder

[Spazito]

7. Great idea!

*

[grasswire]

8. I've sent an email to Skinner...

...with an idea that could raise a lot of money, but haven't heard anything back. You're on the right track, pals. Just think bigger. Think eBay and think donations of items from Dem celebrities.

[chimpymustgo]

9. NPR has had on-line auctions. Anybody out there know how they went?

And, did you buy anything?

I love the idea of celeb stuff.

[otohara]

10. Make a CD of Bushisms

CD's are fairly cheap to make - an entire CD of the stupid things/dangerous quotes from Jr. would make good gifts to your right-wing friends.

[chimpymustgo]

11. OMG - in time for Christmas!

I'll take a dozen!

[leftofthedial]

12. there are many DU musicians

at least according to recent Lounge threads.

What about selling/auctioning DU compilation CD's--or even simpler, downloads. I already have a site that could host the downloading.

too bad the fundies chased off mopaul, or we might have some great artwork to auction.

[chimpymustgo]

13. "Banned from DU!!!" I see a big seller here.

nt