I just read, on EcoGeek, about the I’m Initiative and the I’m Talkathon which is a donation promotion sponsored by Microsoft in which money will be donated to good social causes: American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club of America, National Aids Fund, The Humane Society of the United States, UNHCR UN Refugee Agency, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sierra Club, UNICEF, StopGlobalWarming.org, and Susan G. Komen. Money is donated based on the number of emails and instant messages that are sent using Microsoft services.

Im Social Causes

So, sponsored by Microsoft, hmmm. At first I found it very interesting then I noticed the Microsoft stamp and was concerned and trying to find the catch. I am not an anti-Microsoft bandwagoner that believes Microsoft is evil throughout, but their track record is not promising. There are sections of Microsoft that aim to participate in good causes. Unfortunately, the countless other sections manipulate all intentions for the worse.

What is the catch? Well here you go: “… Microsoft shares a portion of the program’s advertising revenue with an organization of your choice…” From what I see, it seems that the first clause is that only a portion (undefined) is shared and the second clause is that the program must first generate revenue in the form of advertising. It seems Microsoft would rather get people using their services by investing part of the advertising funds in charitable organizations rather than making a technologically superior service. Interesting…

I suppose if it’s on Microsoft’s dime and it supports good social causes, then I am a supporter, but only if their services are used for information that doesn’t need privacy and only for this promotion. Maybe we can help Microsoft pay back to the community a portion of what damages they have done through their crimes against humanity and capitalism.

Im Rockin

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