Furious Seasons

September 11, 2009

Fall Fundraiser, Very Tough Going

Another $31.50 came in yesterday from two people bringing the total raised so far to $1,046.49 from 24 people. Thanks to all of you who've contributed so far. There's still $2,953.51 from 76 people to go to reach the overall goals of $4,000 from 100 people on or about September 21.

I know how badly the economy stinks right now--far more than I want to get into on a personal level--and I've heard from several readers by email about just how tough things are on their ends. I feel for all of us these days. The economy is horrific, competition for available jobs is tougher than I've ever seen in my life (I know this one intimately), and the nation seems primed to rip itself to shreds over health care reform (it's a subject that's grown so intense, poisonous and heated that I'm reluctant to even write about it). Times are way tough. Hell, the Sunday NY Times costs $6 in Seattle these days.

I'd like to think that every so often I'm worth the price of the Sunday Times or whatever magazines you read. That's why I'd like to ask all you regular readers out there--and that's about 5,000 people--to make a large number of small contributions. If that happens, this fundraiser will succeed. If it doesn't, I'm going to have to scale back dramatically in the work I do here and go do something else with my time.

If you've been following the mental health blogosphere lately, you probably don't want that to happen. Sadly, some popular blogs have gone on hiatus, their returns uncertain. Meanwhile, this is a critical time: yet another pharma company (Pfizer) has been found criminally liable for its psych meds and researchers continue to tout BS evidence and theories in papers while not disclosing their pharma ties. (There's more of course.) Someone has got to tell the public--meaning you--about this crap so it can someday be ended. That someone is me.

As usual, the PayPal button is on the right. Or if you prefer snail mail, send me an email and I'll send you my mailing address. Thanks in advance for your support.

Posted by Philip Dawdy at September 11, 2009 12:05 AM

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Comments

The Sunday NY Times is 5 bucks in New York...Oh, and a rat infested apartment is 3 grand. Yes, times are tough; for everyone...

Posted by: Angie at September 11, 2009 02:47 AM

is it me, or has the Paypal button gone missing from the site?

Posted by: Christine at September 11, 2009 04:47 AM

Philip,
The checks in the mail. Your blog has helped a lot of people, myself included.
Thanks,
Monica

Posted by: Monica at September 11, 2009 06:34 AM

Really wish I could help more, Philip.

Posted by: Francesca Allan at September 11, 2009 09:42 AM

I'm grateful for the highlighting of children and antipsychotics/psych meds, the Zyprexa documents, the pediatric bipolar diagnosis explosion of 4000% coverage, the time and effort to keep pushing the topic of mental health and in a fair reporting, questioning it all.

PS- Angie, I hope you are achieving the success you deserve.

Posted by: Stephany at September 11, 2009 01:16 PM

Just back from paypal, Philip; I hope it helped and that you get lots more today. Your blog must live on, please do not leave us!

BTW, why does your blog always call me a first time commenter when I post here? I've posted on several occasions, and don't have any problems with my cookies or anything on any other site.

Thanks and have a great day!

Posted by: Cindy at September 11, 2009 02:53 PM

Never mind, maybe the blurb is just letting me know in case I am a first time commenter.

Posted by: Cindy at September 11, 2009 02:55 PM

Philip,
This place has been a godsend to me and a huge part of my recovery. Maybe I should say my recoveries. I seem to be working on several of them at once.

I'm always impressed by the way you set specific goals. You've always achieved them thus far. This fundraiser kind of highlights what's really going on beneath the statistics. The daily lives of regular people lags behind the stats.

Keep up the good work. I get to wish I was rich four times a year--during your fundraisers.
Sherry

Posted by: Sherry at September 11, 2009 05:02 PM

i sent something but frankly September is a bad month for me. Oct will be so much better money wise. Would you take a check now that isn't good til October?

Posted by: susan at September 11, 2009 05:55 PM

I sent a donation to mindspring so I'll have to catch you the beginning of next month.

Posted by: Andy Kats at September 12, 2009 12:49 AM

Thanks Stephany-
As far as the job hunt goes-I feel some of the same fate that has been bestowed upon Philip has touched me as well. But, this year I took control of my life and body from doctors. The result is I look and feel better than I did at 20. I have a roof over my head and family I love and cherish, which is much more than many people have right now. Negativity only pollutes my head and rubs off on those around me, so I am staying positive knowing that the right job is out there for me.

Thanks for saying Hi, I hope all is well with you too. =-)

Posted by: Angie at September 13, 2009 06:46 AM