This page was started four years ago tomorrow to draw together links to as many click-to-donate programs as could be found on the web.
It caught people's imagination pretty much straight away and rode on the crest of the first wave of social networking, which was the explosion in popularity of MySpace.
Things have changed. MySpace isn't the same as it was. People still use it for networking, which is good, but increasingly for many it has become a site for marketing rather than socialising online.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing, as sites like Facebook are far better equipped to handle the more social side of social networking, leaving many MySpace sites to be more of a shop window than a social hub.
Throughout these rapid changes in the way we use the web, click-to-donate sites have thrived and if you are reading this the chances are that you are one of the people who has helped them to do so. Lives and small corners of the environment have been saved or improved as a result of you actually being bothered to click a few buttons.
If you want to see how, check out some of my earlier blogs or even follow through the link buttons to see how the money you have helped to shift is being spent.
Here on MySpace we are hindered by the policy that was introduced a little while back for blocking external links - some with a warning screen and some just altogether. It's understandable in a climate where suspicion reigns and is sometimes well founded, but a shame for all those who are just getting on with stuff, not bothering anyone and trying to help make the world a bit better for the various life-forms that inhabit this crazy planet, even if it is in a tiny way.
The trouble with blocking our links is that the vast majority of people have incredibly short attention spans. They think it would be nice to help feed the starving, clean up the oceans, save a bit of rainforest, buy books for schools who can't afford them, help people in desperately poor countries to become self-sufficient... ...all that kind of thing, but frankly if it takes MORE than one click to get the job done, most of them just won't make it to the finish.
That is why I set up our companion site at Freewebs, to allow direct clicking once again:
There is also a Facebook group: http://groups.to/oneclick/ - which you would be most welcome to join. Unfortunately this was hacked and control was lost for almost two years but it has now been rescued and the group is once again up and running.
Please do think about clicking more than just the usual Charity USA sponsored buttons (Hunger Site, Breast Cancer site etc). These are without a doubt vital and if you really only have time to do one, make it the Hunger Site. But maybe every now and then when you have - say - a minute or so to spare, try some of the other buttons. (Let me know if any are out of date, too, and I'll remove them).
If you get on a roll and really want to go for it, for the most comprehensive list of all, you should check out Jonny Knowles' site, also on Freewebs:
Jonny is the king of click-donation collation and a very reliable source of information on the latest schemes. It doesn't matter where you donate from, only that you donate.
Remember, you're not paying, just giving. And tiny though that gift may be, it DOES make a difference.
Thanks for your support over the past four years. Keep it coming.