I too have many stars to donate... just let me know if you need one

[MazeRat7]

edit:

Several poster downthread made some really good points... so I am completely editing the OP

Just tell me if you need a star... I'll take it from there.


MZr7

edit: revised OP.

[Sugar Smack]

1. I give really good back-scratches.

JK. I don't need one, but I think your generosity is outstanding. ;-) :D :yourock: :applause:

[Sapphocrat]

2. You should do it...

...out of the goodness of your heart, anonymously, and without making anyone grovel.

That's what my donor did for me, and I appreciate it 10,000 times more than I would if I'd begged for one.

[Sugar Smack]

3. LOL! Aw, I think he means well and just wants to see lots of creativity.

:pals: It just struck me as being a playful sort of post.

[MazeRat7]

7. Yes... I want to see something "human".....

I'm new at this whole "donating stars" thing... but I've got the $$$ so what the hell not ?

MZr7

[karlrschneider]

4. I applaud your generosity but wouldn't it be a bit more classy if you just

picked somebody without the publicity?

Just sayin'. Please don't take offense, hey, it helps DU anyway.
:D

[MazeRat7]

9. No offense taken... I'm new to all this "donating" stars thing...

This is my first time.... but how do you "choose" anonymously ?

I'm really easy... give me a line and more than likely i'll fall for it :)

MZr7

[Gormy Cuss]

20. A line... you mean like

"You're so much cuter than MazeRat6?"

[orleans]

43. no, a line like: "what's a good lookin' guy like you doing in a place like this?" n/t

[karlrschneider]

32. I've heard that some just read posts and pick somebody at random

but after thinking about it, I was too judgmental. After all, it's your money and nobody should tell you how or where to spend it. So I now say, good job, go for it. :D

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

5. I like to do nice things just because. People don't have to "work for it," but that's just me.

[Jim Lane]

6. I'll try to hurry in with what might be the first pitch

Need: unemployed for the last few years, getting by on undependable free-lancing, little disposable income.

Merit: I spend most of my time at Wikipedia, where I've made more than 10,000 edits. When researching a particular subject, it would really help me if I could search the DU archives for relevant material.

Thanks for your consideration!

On edit: Hah, not even close to being first. Well, as we all know from the 2000 (s)election, you don't always have to come in first to claim the prize.

[MazeRat7]

16. Done

[Jim Lane]

26. Thanks!

And, while I understand the sincere points made by your critics, I didn't feel at all humiliated by complying with your request. When I had a good job I got lots of fundraising solicitations in the mail and I had to decide which ones to answer. The ACLU, Oxfam, etc. would all make their pitches to me. Now I'm the pitcher instead of the pitchee. That's just the nature of this kind of philanthropy.

[acmejack]

34. Kudos for creativity!

[dysfunctional press]

8. does being on a fixed income due to permanent total disability...

due to the adult onset of a previously undiagnosed arthritic condition qualify?

when you start collecting social security at age 38, the checks aren't all that big- especially when you find out 15 years after the fact, that a now long-bankrupt company that accounted for 14% of your wage history NEVER paid into the social security administration the money that they deducted from your paycheck every week for 2 years...and the social security person tells you that basically you have no recourse and you are s.o.l....unless perhaps you have the 15 year-old check stubs to prove the deductions were made...and of course you don't...

[MazeRat7]

18. yes. done.

[dysfunctional press]

56. wow- thank-you very much!

i feel legitimate again...

[Gwerlain]

10. Because...

you'd like to make friends with people you've never met.

[cboy4]

11. You may mean well, but you don't know how humiliating this

is for some people to essentially have to beg for something they can't afford.

It may be just a star to you, but for some people who don't have one, they don't feel like they're truly part of the DU family.

Just ask around.

It's indirectly very divisive, and I'm always unhappy around this time of year because of it.

I would say, if you're going to be generous, be unconditionally generous. :)

[MazeRat7]

12. Your right... looks like I fucked up with communication of my intentions....

Well the offer still stands...

MZr7

[brook]

17. I don't think you fucked up at all.

You made a simple enough request. Nobody needed to go 'public'...and be 'humiliated' by a generous offer. Maybe it should have been more like "finish this thought in 10 words or less"? :)

Stick to your premise.

[MazeRat7]

19. ah too late.. I am conflicted and see both sides... (typical dem)

I'm just going to give out a bunch of stars and call it a night... *grin

MZr7

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

24. Hey, In The End The Giving Of The Stars Is All That Matters, Regardless Of Method. :o)

:toast:

[XOKCowboy]

65. Typical Dem. LOL

You kind of summed up our party/movement in this thread. You try to do something good and even though the initial execution wasn't the best, you modified your position and still did the right thing.

I applaud your good intentions and your heart.

[MazeRat7]

69. Yeah... I was thinking pretty much along the same lines while amending my OP...

The irony is not lost.. if nothing else, its good for a laugh at what makes the repugs crazy about everything we do... :rofl:

MZr7

[XOKCowboy]

74. Even more irony....

You got dissed for your execution! We've got our own little Fox News counterparts here on DU! :)

[Subdivisions]

49. I donated in the 3rd Quarter drive, but I'm not sure if I'm going to

make it this time. Will I lose the star I already have if I don't donate this quarter?

edited: sp.

[MazeRat7]

51. They are good for a year... so I suspect you've got 2 more quarters.(n/t)

[City Lights]

53. Your star lasts a year.

:hi:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

13. There's Nothing Wrong With Personal Preference As To Who Receives The Star.

You even just said it yourself: A star is a privilege. So what's wrong then with having some minimal criteria that must be met in order for a DU'er to donate that privilege?

And if you've ever really paid attention during these times, you'd see how grateful so many DU'ers are for the generosity of us that donate stars to them. Ask how many of them have felt 'humiliated' or felt like they 'begged' for it. All I've seen is them be extremely grateful for the opportunity, even if they have to answer a wee little question first.

But to each their own.

[cboy4]

21. I think the OP got it. You feel differently. You're obviously

free to do with your stars what you wish.

I'm in no way trying to imply that you or anyone else is a rotten person for choosing your individual methods. It's quite the contrary, you're doing a great thing donating.

Just keep in mind, you don't see the PM's I receive from people thanking me for saying what they're too embarrassed to say.

[Suich]

14. I disagree.

Some people may not be interested in a star, whereas someone else might be desperate for one. I would just as soon give a star to some who really wants it than someone who doesn't care one way or another.

Just sayin'.

:hi:

[cboy4]

23. I just find this whole process of awarding stars to the "peasants"

increasingly tasteless.

Just sayin'

:hi:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

25. They're Not All Peasants, Ya Know.

I hope you aren't naive enough to think otherwise.

[cboy4]

48. Check this out and tell me why this isn't a case study on how

things ought to be done, if we all put our minds to it?

There is a chain reaction effect of giving.

Nobody embarrassed....nobody having to type that they're unemployed or can't afford health care this year.

Simple anonymity.

It's exhilarating. It's very DU.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2738629

[ScreamingMeemie]

28. I give out stars, annonymously, to those people whose posts grab

my attention in some way...and hold it. If they don't want a star...they don't have to use it. If they do, they didn't have to grovel for it. :hi:

[Horse with no Name]

15. Ack

I know a lady who lives in an area where Freecycle is WAY COOL.
You can get cars, power wheelchairs, nice furniture, etc. if you are willing to grovel and give sob stories to prove you are the NEEDIEST.
She ALWAYS gets these items because her line of bullshit is so good that you would have to be heartless to deny her. She then turns around and sells these items to make money when the person who gave the stuff really only wanted to help someone in need.
For instance, she got a free car on Freecycle. She turned around and sold it for $500. It broke down a block from her house. The guy didn't even have the money to have it towed home let alone to fix it. She took this guy's last $500 and when he asked if he could have his money back because he HAD to have a car, she accused him of doing something to the car in the block he had driven it. So the guy ends up without a car and without his $500.
It should be said that her husband is a shadetree mechanic and wouldn't help the guy fix it.
She has gotten so good at her sob stories that sometimes I think she believes them herself. It makes me absolutely sick and I have told her as much.
Give because it feels good. Don't make people act like trick ponies and then pick the one whose tricks you like the best.
Just my .02.


On edit:
Was just pointing out that people can say anything to achieve what they want. A freeper can come in here and give you the most heartwrenching story. Look to give in other ways. Personally, the last star I gave was to a new member who I was unfairly rough on. I gave her a star because I realized I was wrong. We have several longtime DU'ers who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. They may not have enough cash to keep their stars.
That is where I would look first. Gesture is wonderful though.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

27. I Think Each Member Should Have The Freedom To Donate Stars How They Wish.

In the end, regardless of method or personal preference of choosing who, what truly matters is the thoughtful gift of giving the privilege to a fellow DU'er. In the end, regardless of method or personal preference, our mission is identical: To make somebody feel good while also showing financial support to the best liberal site on the web. Becoming petty as to whose personal preference in how they give is the better one is what muddies the process in my opinion, not the preference itself.

That's just my thoughts on it, and I'm not saying you're guilty of doing that. Just a general feedback comment. :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

29. I think each member can post their opinion on it too...

:P

I happen to not like the whole "hey, I'm handing out stars now so line up" method. :hi:

[elocs]

22. I received my star anonymously and appreciated it very much.

I don't know what criteria the donor had for giving me a star. I guessing that he/she had read my posts and either agreed with what I had to say or respected what I said. Maybe it was grace--unmerited favor.

[MiaCulpa]

30. Question about stars?

Still rather new here, what exactly are the stars?

[LostinVA]

31. They mean you've donated, and they are certain features here you can use

that non-donaters can't. Searching, the smaller forums, etc.

[MazeRat7]

33. To all that responded....

I guess we never do anything 100% right... certainly I don't.

That being said.. I've only given out about 4 stars thus far and have several more to go.

I'm just looking to help... take that as you may.... hopefully my intentions will not turn into some kind of debate on when/how to give stars...

Sorry if this came off as some kind of "American Idol" deal where you had to "sing" for your "star".... that was not my intent. I really just wanted to know "who" I was giving a star too and why... not too much to ask is it ?

MZr7

[acmejack]

35. A really nice gesture in my book.

[ScreamingMeemie]

36. And that is a noble undertaking... A suggestion...

Perhaps take a look around at some of the postings in GD, LBN, etc... Wherever you "hang". Find someone you really like the posting style/ideas of and donate annonymously. You'll get a kick out of it and the star receiver will be surprised. I love doing it this way.

:yourock:

[cboy4]

37. And that is why we adore you MrsGrumpy!

:loveya:

[MazeRat7]

39. Sigh.. but everybody I like "has" a star already......

Good point...since I only "hang" in a couple of the big forums..... :)

MZr7

[Sapphocrat]

52. So go hang where you don't normally hang.

You might be surprised at what -- and who -- you discover.

If I had the means to give away stars, I'd probably give them (anonymously) where they were least expected. There are a few people in -- gasp! yes! -- I/P and the Gungeon who'd never expect such a thing from me. And I'd give a ton to a bunch of Religion/Theology regulars who probably don't even know my name, let alone realize I know them all, as I'm a longtime lurker who posts there only a few times a year.

Expand your horizons. Spend some time in the forums and groups. There are a lot of amazing people there, who never venture out into the Big Forums.

[TahitiNut]

75. Now, just who would do something so unrewarding, huh?

:dunce:

Anonymous shanonymous. :silly:

It's no fun to giggle at the puzzlement of those who have to try to figure out which one of the few (or, wait - there's all those - or those) DUers who might do something like that. It's no fun to give someone a star after having a disagreement - just because. Where's the fun in that?

:dunce:

I sure wouldn't do it. :evilgrin:

[lumpy]

38. I'm always in need of a donated star, so I would

appreciate one very much. I have a difficult time streching my money. If you are so inclined to help, I will thank you very very much.

[MazeRat7]

40. but but... you have a star... Oh I'm so confused by all this......

[cboy4]

42. The stars are good for a year and then they go away if you don't donate.

Lumpy may be losing his/hers shortly.

[KelleyKramer]

41. I need one

Have had a hard time with money all year, any help would be much appreciated.

[MazeRat7]

45. Done.

[KelleyKramer]

57. Wow that was fast..

Thank You!!

Before the last couple years i never ever had to worry about money. One thing that surprised me the most was how much time you actually spend worrying about it.. it sucks!

One silver lining though... you learn to appreciate the simple things in life. And when you owe a friend for a favor, you really dont have to give them money or buy them something to re-pay them.. you can DO something for them instead.

And when someone does something for you, you appreciate it more.. like what you just did...

Thanks again, its much appreciated!!

Your karma bank is full

[MazeRat7]

60. Your are welcome...

I'm glad I could help...

MZr7

[Jim Lane]

76. I agree completely

With my income reduced, I miss being able to contribute to numerous good causes -- but I'm bothered even more by the factor you mention, of having to spend time worrying about money. Booooooring.

And I join you in thanking MazeRat7 for his generosity.

[orleans]

44. i'd bake you a cupcake with a nice design on it (but i don't bake)

sing you a song? naw...i don't sing that good

draw you a picture? i don't think so. i don't draw very well.

i could write you a love poem...

"when i think of all the time
that has passed without you
near me i can hardly believe it's true.
how could i have lost you
in a heartbeat, in moment,
with such carelessness.
this winter in my heart is warmed
by the very thought of you."

naw...forget it. (no one likes love poems)

besides, i already have a star. but thanks for offering.

[MazeRat7]

46. LOL.... well damn after a poem like that, how am I not supposed to donate... *grin.

One star to someone on your behalf... :)

[orleans]

47. i was gonna say kelleykramer (post 41) but i see a star there now.

so thanks for that. :toast:

[bobthedrummer]

50. Thank you, MZr7.

[MazeRat7]

55. Don't thank me.. thank DU.... I'm just doing what anyone else here would...

given the means to do so....I just happen to have the means "at this time"....

MZr7

[aikoaiko]

54. I'll happily accept a star if they are still available and someday

...I'll return the sentiment to someone else. I promise.

[MazeRat7]

58. Done.

[aikoaiko]

77. Thank you MazeRat7.

You're a good example.

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

59. I think you are a very generous person.

Mazerat7, I have seen this done before, and I really think you and the others who do so are great! I know there are alot of people who post here who are disabled or elderly or otherwise unable to donate to the cause, outside of their contributions to the discussion.

Do you remember Kephra? He was a guy who posted to LBN for a long time - he's really famous in DU because his ability to track the newswires is legendary here. After he died, his Mom posted a note explaining his disability and the circumstances of his death. It was so damn touching, it makes me weep. I think Skinner actually went to his funeral...

Another guy who is a martyr for the cause is Andy. FR and their ilk killed him out of hatred and spite. Remembering his story makes me so angry I want to commit certain crimes, even now.

If you have a few stars to spare, you might like to drop one on each of their graves - folks like that are one reason why this place is truly a community.

Peace,

LFR

[MazeRat7]

61. No its not me.. for one night I am the spirt of what makes DU great...

I just happen to have the means right NOW... all I am doing is acting on the behalf of every DU'er (Kephra and Andy included) who is of similar mind about how we should act towrad our fellow human beings....

MZr7

[juajen]

62. Hubbie and I live on fixed income,

which does not meet our expenses. We both have serious health issues. Our children help with prescription costs, medi-gap policies and emergencies. We just can't ask them for any more; but, I would love a star. DUers are generous people.

[MazeRat7]

63. Yes DU'ers are very generous. Thats what separates "us" from "them"....Enjoy your star.

[Dem4truth]

64. I do not post often but I read as often as I can.

I know I am not worthy of a star here as I do not contribute much. I do read here and learn so much.

I am sorta new to this political scene so I am kinda shy and would rather listen then speak(somtimes wrongly).

I have limited resources at this time so I can't send anything now. I appriciate your offer and would love if you donated for me but I understand it is more for regulars.

I do thank you for your williness to keep up the fight!!!

Thanks MazeRat7.

[MazeRat7]

66. Everyone is "worthy".. never think otherwise. Enjoy your star.

[Dem4truth]

70. Thank you so Much MazeRat7!!!

I hope the time comes soon when I can contribute more.

You are a wonderful person and thank you again.

Dem4truth.

[juajen]

67. Thanks so much.

I love that pretty little star.

[Rhythm]

68. *gazes at you pleasingly*

my gal and i are struggling right now, working our butts off and counting the days until my student aid disbursement in January...

all i want for christmas is a pretty yellow star next to my name...

can ya give a gal a hand?

[MazeRat7]

71. Merry Christmas... Enjoy.

[Rhythm]

72. thank you, thank you!!!

*smooch*

[MazeRat7]

73. Hey... you know better than to be smooching with _boys_... *LOL