“In an environment filled with noise, her work is crystal clear and honest."

Andreas M. Antonopoulos

The idea for this event came from @grayruby. I have been posting here for the past few months about Anita’s activities and forwarding the earned sats to her Stacker News account, with limited success. Now, @grayruby and I are kicking it up a notch.
I am starting things off with a 100,000 sats boost. @grayruby has agreed to zap this post 100,000 sats, and his wife has agreed to zap an additional 20,000 sats. Keyan Kousha (@k00b), Stacker News founder and CEO, has graciously agreed to zap 100,000 to this post, in essence reimbursing the boost I made to assure visibility. It’s then up to the Stacker News community to see how big we can make the final number.
If we are successful, this might just be the first of many Stacker News charity satsraisers. If so, I can’t think of a better way to start than with Anita Posch and Bitcoin For Fairness.

Bitcoin For Fairness Resources and Programs

If you have some time, watch this documentary to get an idea of how Anita sees bitcoin as a tool for enforcing human rights:
On the BFF web site you can find many learning resources, including books, instructional videos, a weekly newsletter, and The Anita Posch Show podcast, which I listen to on fountain. She’s been doing this podcast since August of 2018. Her first episode’s guest was Saifedean Ammous, who had recently published “The Bitcoin Standard.”
I have subscribed to her newsletter, The Orange Journal, for the past year or so, and I highly recommend it for its informative content.
The organization also hosts meetups and workshops in African nations.
According to the web site:
Bitcoin For Fairness is a non-profit initiative raising awareness and understanding of Bitcoin for people in emerging countries and for disadvantaged communities. We connect and boost the profile of local stakeholders, identify and work with educators on the ground to expand Bitcoin adoption locally and Bitcoin awareness globally.
I’m glad we decided to do this fundraiser now, because Bitcoin For Fairness just released its Crack The Orange platform. Here is how that program is described in The Orange Journal:

Bitcoin made easy

Over the last years in the Bitcoin space, I have observed and understood the obstacles in Bitcoin education. The amount of Bitcoin information out there can be overwhelming and make it hard to orient oneself. This lack of clarity creates a fertile ground for scammers, who in return give Bitcoin a bad reputation. After my experiences in Africa, I don’t believe in quick fixes such as sending a shop or restaurant owner some Satoshis and leaving them shortly after, to fend for themselves. Other attempts are very technical and require a deeper understanding of highly technical terms which can be a barrier for people without previous economic education.

So what was missing?

It became clear to me that people needed a structure and a trustworthy contact person. Someone they could ask questions after they learned something new. Also different learners require different materials. This is why I created my learning platform Crack The Orange which includes text, video, audio, and the possibility of live call participation, in which learners can ask me and other thought leaders questions that come up during education. The goal of this program is to offer long term sustainable Bitcoin education. Today I want to offer you a 10% discount on all products paid in national currencies. The coupon code 21ORANGES is valid until the 21st of September 2023.

Course & Membership Options

Memberships
  1. Become a Supporter & get access to the private community channel.
  1. Become an Enthusiast & get access to one live Q&A with   per month. Users have the possibility to ask questions, get access to exclusive content, the (L)earn Bitcoin ebook and free access to my private community channel.
  1. Become a Builder & be a part of podcast recordings with special guests, get access to one live Q&A per month with me, the possibility to ask questions, exclusive content, the (L)earn Bitcoin ebook and free access to my private community channel.
  1. Become a Course Master & get access to all (future) courses as long as subscribed. Be a part of podcast recordings with special guests, live Q&As with me, the chance to ask questions, exclusive content, the (L)earn Bitcoin ebook and free access to the private community channel.

(L)earn Bitcoin Course

Heart of the educational program is the (L)earn Bitcoin course, which includes a one-year membership, where students can receive a certificate of completion after successfully finishing the course. This credential paves the way to becoming a "Certified Bitcoin Professional'' through the CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium (C4), equipping individuals to leverage Bitcoin technology professionally.
Crack The Orange's impact extends beyond membership and courses. Scholarships made possible through donations grant Global South Bitcoin educators and community builders access to transformative education, breaking global financial barriers.

“If bitcoin works here, it can work anywhere.”

Someone asked Anita why she went to Zimbabwe to educate people about bitcoin. I assumed it was because of that nation’s notorious hyperinflation. I’m sure that played a role, but she said that she wanted to show people that bitcoin can be adopted anywhere and everywhere. Listen to a few of her podcasts. You’ll wonder where she gets her drive and focus.
Anita grew up in Austria. Before becoming a bitcoin activist she worked in web development and e-commerce. As a woman, she describes the subtle or overt slights and disadvantages of being under appreciated in a male dominated world. She is openly gay and a professed feminist. I have never seen any indication that her politics has affected her success as a bitcoin activist. She speaks at bitcoin conferences and events throughout the world. She is a frequent guest on the most popular bitcoin podcasts. Her standing in the community belies the common misconception that bitcoin is only for “alt right” men, whatever the hell alt right even means. Bitcoin doesn’t give a damn about your politics or beliefs. Bitcoin is freedom for everyone, the opposite of the ideals embraced by virtue signaling authoritarians.
Bitcoin is also still characterized in some circles as a scam or get rich quick scheme. The fact that this bullshit still gains traction amazes me. Maybe those pushing these narratives should follow Anita around for a few weeks, if they can keep up with her.
Bitcoin is about proof of work, and that’s where Anita excels.
She has dedicated her life to educating disadvantaged communities in the global south about bitcoin. She walks the walk. She lives on bitcoin, although doing so is not always convenient, and sometimes the volatility causes a loss of purchasing power. She’s not in it for a lambo. She’s not “investing” in bitcoin with the goal of gaining great wealth. I can’t imagine her saying “have fun staying poor”. She spends a good part of her life in the Global South, in overcrowded cities or tiny isolated villages. Internet connectivity is spotty and blackouts are frequent. Basic necessities are sometimes in short supply. It’s not about Larry Fink and BlackRock. It’s about the communities that have been victimized by the neo colonialism of organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It’s about those African nations forced to use the CFA franc, which drains these nations of their resources while enriching France.

“Keep The Unbanked Unbanked”

I heard her say this on a podcast once. It stuck with me. The point is that bitcoin is the only bank you need. Many people in the countries where she works have never had a bank account. They don’t need one. She describes the lightning network as your checking account, and onchain bitcoin as your savings account. She intentionally keeps her educational materials simple and practical. She isn’t teaching about merkle trees and elliptic curve cryptography. She is teaching how to use bitcoin as the solid, bullet proof money that it is.
If you look at the Bitcoin For Fairness web site, there are links to videos and blog posts teaching how to download a wallet to a cell phone, where to buy bitcoin, and a guide to the Machankura platform, which
allows you to buy goods, send and receive bitcoin via the Lightning Network without the need for internet or smartphone.
This is all basic, nuts and bolts advice to get you using bitcoin right away. There is little technical theory. BFF does provide links to resources for those who do want to pursue a career in bitcoin development, but that’s not where the emphasis lies.

My Goals

Learning about Anita and the many others in the bitcoin community doing this type of work always makes me feel a little guilty. I may be obsessed with bitcoin, but it’s mostly through reading and interacting with other bitcoiners on Stacker News and Nostr. I surf the web while comfortably lounging on my cushy recliner chair.
So I want to make some changes. I want to get off my ass and spend more time working on fundraising for the people who are dedicating their lives to bitcoin education and adoption. This satsraiser is a small start, but it’s a start.
Another thing I am trying to do is also inspired by Anita. I am trying to get closer to the ideal of “living on bitcoin.” I have used the excuse that it’s too difficult for too long. I’m going to take it one expense at a time. I’m asking local merchants if they accept bitcoin. I get some weird looks. I haven’t had much success. I hope to get better with practice.
I’m asking you to help too. Give what you can

How To Help

  • You can zap this post. All sats are directed to @anita ‘s Stacker News wallet.
  • You can privately donate to Bitcoin For Fairness on their web site.
Whatever you choose, please reply to this post if you want your support to be recognized.
If you can’t spare the sats right now, you can contribute to the bitcoin cause in other ways. Use Anita Posch as your model. You don’t need to travel half way around the world to find disadvantaged communities that would benefit from the establishment of a bitcoin circular economy. There are homeless encampments throughout the U.S. There are plenty of impoverished people in western Europe. You speak their language. You already have a leg up on Anita. You know their culture. The people you encounter are more likely to have a cell phone and a reliable internet connection. The neighborhoods you visit won’t be under constant threat of blackouts. Maybe you can establish the next Bitcoin For Fairness.
Thanks, Siggy
Oh @Siggy47! Absolutely blown away by this text about my work. The best description anyone has written! Thank you so much for all you do!
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I second this. Siggy did a fantastic job with this post. I was a little confused about the picture of the chair though. I thought we were supposed to sell all our chairs for bitcoin.
Just kidding. The sentiment about the chair was the best part. We can all talk a little less and do a little more.
Thanks for letting me be part of this Siggy. I hope we are on to something here. Thanks for everything you do Anita and it is awesome that you took some time to pop into the chat today.
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Sure, make me feel good now, then give me endless shit when I'm knocked out of the survivor pool in the first round.
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I think we both better save a few sats for the re-buy. Haha.
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You deserve it! Your work is so much appreciated, for so many years. I was watching your work from the beginning. Well done!
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That's very kind, Anita, but you're the one who deserves the thanks from all of us. I hope we can raise enough sats for you today to make a difference.
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A big thank you to all donors and the appreciation I get from all of you here!! 🧡
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4830 sats \ 9 replies \ @kr 30 Aug 2023
very cool initiative!
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The man himself. KR enters the party. 211 day hat streak now? The guy never takes a day off. Thanks for all your work in the Bitcoin community sir.
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haha i had a couple close calls but somehow managed to keep the streak alive
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Being a cowboy is a tough job but somebody's gotta do it.
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Thanks for participating Oscar.
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You're welcome great initiative!
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Out of curiosity, as a bitcoin integrated business, would you see value in Fountain taking part in future Satsraisers in some way?
We are hoping this is the first of many Satsraisers on SN. @siggy47 floated the idea of offering some sort of recognition for bitcoin businesses that want to contribute to the event but don't even know what that would look like at this point.
Is that something you might be interested in?
I just noticed I have one but I don’t know how I got it or anything about them. :o
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Cowboy hat is awarded once you pass a certain zap threshold per day.
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Thanks for doing this Siggy. Great post!
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You gave me the push. Thank you.
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You made a great point about sitting in your comfy chair immersing yourself in the world of bitcoin but needing to do more. I think we can all do more. Hopefully this is the first of many more events of this type.
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It occurred to me that I can't zap my own post, and I'm getting an itchy trigger finger. Are you around? Can I zap you as a reply to this message and you zap the post?
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I thought about that earlier. I was thinking you would have to make an alt account to zap yourself. Up to you. I am happy to do it but you can also zap as a guest now. Just open a private window or use a separate device and you should be able to zap as a guest. It will generate a lightning invoice for whatever amount of sats you want to zap.
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Very good idea. I forgot that SN has that guest zap feature. I never had a reason to use it before!
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Awesome thanks, @anita for your work! And @siggy47, @grayruby for making us aware of it! I wish to see more like this satsraisers in the future! Weekly or Monthly, maybe?
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I don't know what Siggy is thinking about in terms of frequency but hopefully many more to come.
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Indeed, even if they contribute back zap they got from SN it would be massive.
As someone who don't withdraw stats from SN, this should be the way to put it back to use!
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Agreed. Interestingly enough I don't withdraw my SN sats either, which is unique because if I won 10 sats on Bitcoin solitaire you could be sure they are getting zapped to my WoS. It is a testament to what @k00b and team have built (are continuing to build) that it feels intuitively right that SN sats stay on SN.
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Excellent idea, Bitcoin Community is real asset.
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Thanks for supporting.
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Thanks guys.
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The snail enters the party.
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nice work siggy.
"Keep the unbanked unbanked" gonna remember this one
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This was new to me as well. Siggy really did do a great job with the post.
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Absolutely! 🤩
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Ninja move Anita. Sneaking in to the depths of the replies. Thanks for all you do. Hope we can raise a lot of sats for you today.
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I never thought very much about "bank the unbanked", generally thought it meant good sentiment -- just "bank" them on bitcoin instead, but this makes it clearer that hey, let's skip the banks altogether
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Yes, similar to how so much of Africa and other developing nations had little access to computers and the internet but now have a high degree of mobile phone use. Don't need the unnecessary steps just go straight to mobile (or bitcoin in the case of banking).
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That's exactly the analogy I thought of too. What seems like a disadvantage is actually an advantage. A little daoism!
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DAOs ruined daoism for me. First thing that popped into my head was to make a joke about Siggy becoming a shitcoiner and this all being a big rug pull. Haha.
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I should have gone with the "T" spelling.
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I am sure crypto people will come up with something for TAOs as well in due time. Gotta keep the grift assembly line running. I think it is a great orange pill tool that we can compare the work of folks like @anita to the crap that comes out of crypto as evidence of why Bitcoin is different.
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SIGGY -- which podcast did she say this on do you remember?
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This is an old Anita podcast I got some information from: https://fountain.fm/episode/1TPmVdFK4fUVDxkiODfT
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Great episode!
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Appreciate u ser
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Goes both ways
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This is great guys! I love this as an evolution in what SN can be.
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It's alive!
3M sats for @Anita 🎉 congrats @siggy47 @grayruby 🤙
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Damn the zappers still be zapping. Time for @siggy47 to start thinking about round 2. Once a quarter???
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I have been trying to find some worthy projects that have a presence on SN. I might make a post next week just to get input on ideas. I put the Anita Satsraiser link on my profile page, but I really wish there was a sticky way to promote it and future Satsraisers to provide the projects with steady income. If the geyser integration comes to fruition that would make a big difference.
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SN as a crowdfunding platform.,. it's great! It will be nice to see one open-source project a week selected for a campaign.
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I think one big one per quarter is good but something small weekly would be good as well.
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I'm thinking along those lines too. I'm going to post an idea I have in the next few days to get feedback
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Big fan of Anita, sats sent!
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Woo Hoo. 1M sats! Well done everyone. I can finally unglue my eyes from my laptop and stop drinking coffee.
Amazing. Keep zapping guys!
Gotta run some errands but check in later!
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@anita Thank you for everything you do to make the world a better place!
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awesome post @siggy47, amazing work @anita, and nice job everyone getting this over 1.5m sats! love seeing stuff like this
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Awesome, love this idea. Hopefully it catches on. Zap from me!
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Awesome. Thanks for participating.
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Thanks for doing this. I was unaware of Anita Posch's work.
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1597 sats \ 1 reply \ @Eljay 30 Aug 2023
Donating here is much easier than geyser. we should do this more often!
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Hopefully the first of many. Thanks for taking part!
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Great idea, superb execution!
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I feel more guilty than you are. In Kenya, more needs to be done as we continue experiencing high inflation, excessive government control, bailing out of non-performant companies, freezing of individual savings by govt' etcetra. Though the adoption of Bitcoin has fairly improved over the years, many Kenyans still believe it's a ponzi scheme. Good start there, and KUDOS! from Nairobi.
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Anita is so genuine she represents the spirit of bitcoin better than anyone I’ve ever seen!!
Freedom of movement, freedom of speech , freedom of property rights. These things are enforced bitcoin and that’s what Anita wants for everyone. I can’t imagine a better place for our collective sats to congregate. They will be used in the best of ways. Thank you so much @siggy47 for your outreach and effort in this. Great job!!
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@Siggy47 This is great. I support this!
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<3
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Congrats for reaching 1 million sats!!
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Such a cool use of lightning! Your work is inspiring @anita, keep it up!
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I'm going to be disappointed if we don't get to the million.
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Great Job @siggy47 & @grayruby sing it loud and proud when spreading @anita work. Wonderful idea, excellent job.
Thank you both for all you do.
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From time to time there are bitcoin related businesses who discuss their products here on Stacker News. If any of them choose to participate it is only fair that they get some free publicity by letting everyone know that they contributed in a reply. I know many people prefer to donate anonymously, but this could be an effective way to support the community, get visibility, and support a worthy cause.
*Please zap Anita, not me.
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Yeah that would be great PR for companies.
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I like Walker's idea of zapvertising. Blockstream sent me 1000 sats for engaging with their post about Jade on Nostr. I ended up buying the device. All sats are precious but that's a ridiculously low customer acquisition cost.
This would be more zap for PR but similar.
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Love your work, Anita.
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Nice Work Siggy, keep the great work 👍 @Siggy47
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Thanks for updating the article and adding Crack the Orange memberships! I answered your email a few days ago, have you received?
Best, Anita
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Just checked, Anita. The only email I got recently from you was your newsletter.
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Do you mean the December 16 email? I just saw it. Lots of good information. I'll go through it when I'm done working. Is that what you're referring to?
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I'll check, Anita. I don't think I saw it.
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That was a very cool initiative! Next time I will definitely be the part of donation with more sats.
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2.5milly @siggy47 @grayruby you have done one hell of a thing. Well done.
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Top stacker of stacker.news @anita Congratulations!
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👏👏👏 Siggy and Anita both inspiring.
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Very interesting!
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Luv for me 😉
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You put the bug in my head about him. I had insomnia the other night and watched all his videos back to back! He's definitely on the list.
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Definitely think the idea for the next one should be crowdsourced.
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Sounds good to me. I have been thinking about fundraising a lot lately. I feel like we will have a lot of low hanging fruit to choose from at the beginning. There are a handful of vetted organizations with a good track record. Then it gets tougher. We all want to be generous, but we need to select deserving projects. I have been involved with fiat donating for years. There is a web site called "charity navigator" which analyzes the finances, management and effectiveness of charities. We obviously don't have anything like that. We'll need to do our own vetting.
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