Hey there! Let’s dive into a topic that’s been making waves in the online fundraising world. After all the drama involving payment giants like PayPal, Mastercard, and others, you might be wondering how to support causes that matter to you, especially ones like WikiLeaks. Fear not, because there's a fresh player in the game: Flattr! So, lean in and let’s explore how this startup is shaking things up and making it easier to lend a hand to important causes.
Imagine liking a post on Facebook, but this time, you're sharing more than just a thumbs-up; you're actually sending money to the creator of that post. That's the essence of Flattr! This Swedish startup launched with a mission to help folks share their hard-earned cash, not just their opinions. In their words, "Flattr was founded to help people share money, not just content." Pretty cool, right?
So, how does it work? Sign up for Flattr, and for a minimum fee of just €2 per month, you get to support your favorite content with a simple click of a button! At the end of the month, your fee is divided among all the content you’ve ‘flattered’. It's like passing the hat, but on the internet!
Amidst the noise surrounding WikiLeaks, many recognized the financial blockade orchestrated by major companies refusing to process payments to the organization. But here’s the twist: with Flattr in the mix, donors now have a golden opportunity to contribute without the red tape. In just a matter of days, WikiLeaks within Flattr had amassed more support than in its entire first four months on the platform – and that’s no small feat!
You might be thinking, "Why should I pay for something I can get for free?" Well, here’s a little secret: people have shown they’re often more than willing to support content they find valuable. Think of it this way: if you enjoy a good meal at a local restaurant, you tip the chef, right? Similarly, Flattr lets you support creators who put out valuable content.
What’s incredible is that Flattr isn’t just a lifeline for WikiLeaks. From tech blogs like TechDirt to news sites like Numerama, many are hopping on the Flattr bandwagon. In fact, less than three months after its beta launch, Flattr had already attracted over 46,056 users and funneled more than €114,057 through the system! It’s a bustling community that speaks volumes about the potential of alternative funding methods.
In light of Flattr’s growing success (thanks to supporters of WikiLeaks), the company has decided to embrace a philanthropic spirit. They’re now allowing non-profit organizations to use the platform for fundraising efforts without the monthly fees that regular users incur. This inclusivity opens the door for more organizations to engage with supporters and generate funds, making it easy to be a part of something bigger.
Additionally, Flattr is rolling out changes that will let users make donations of specific amounts – including options up to €20 per donation and €50 per month! This kind of flexibility could open the floodgates for additional support for WikiLeaks and other worthy endeavors. It’s a win-win!
So, there you have it! Flattr offers a unique, engaging way to support causes that resonate with you, especially in an era where traditional means are often obstructed. By clicking that Flattr button, you’re not just liking content; you’re participating in a movement to ensure that vital information continues to flow freely. As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, platforms like Flattr remind us that change is just a click away.
1. What is Flattr? Flattr is a social micropayment service that allows users to support content creators with small monetary contributions, making it easy to financially support projects and ideas you love.
2. How do I sign up for Flattr? Simply visit Flattr's website and create an account. You will need to set up a payment method and choose a minimum monthly fee to start supporting creators.
3. Is Flattr free? While signing up is free, there is a minimum monthly fee of €2 that you need to pay to start donating to your favorite content.
4. How does Flattr distribute my contributions? At the end of each month, your total fee is divided among the creators you ‘flattered’ during that month, based on how many people supported them.
5. Can I use Flattr to support non-profit organizations? Yes! Flattr has made it easier for non-profits to engage with supporters without the need for a monthly fee.
6. How does Flattr compare to traditional donations? Flattr allows for smaller, recurring contributions, making it more accessible for people who might not want to commit a large sum all at once.
7. Can I flattr more than one piece of content? Absolutely! You can flattr as many pieces of content as you like, spreading your support across various creators.
8. What measures does Flattr take to ensure transparency? Flattr is committed to transparency, allowing users to see where their money is going and how it’s being distributed among the creators they support.
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