18 May 2007

Publicity: 'Cause even blogs need it

I have come to realize that in order for this Kindness Experiment to take off, I'm going to have to promote the heck out of this blog. This was something I had not anticipated. I'm an optimist (obviously, right?), and I thought if I had a great idea, surely it would just take off on its own.

Yes, I do realize that I've only been at this blog thing for only five days, however, I realized yesterday that the more people who know about this site, the more people will circulate "You're It!" cards. The more people who circulate the "You're It!" cards, the more awareness is raised toward random acts of kindness.

More importantly, though, I'd like this site to be so well known that it can become a place where a needy family or an organization looking for volunteers can get their needs met.

Therefore, I'd like to offer the following:

  • If you're interested in pre-printed "You're It!" cards, please let me know. I will get you at least five cards and a few stickers, too. You can pass them out to your friends and tell them to do good-deeds. Then you can gab about your random acts of kindness over ice cream.
  • If you'd like to link this blog on your site, I will definitely return the favor.
  • If you email me a story about a senseless act of kindness (either about one in which you were the recipient or even about a time you performed an anonymous act of service), I will send you a hand written thank-you card. People never get snail mail anymore, and it's always a nice feeling when you check the mailbox and there's something in there for you that is not a bill. Who knows, maybe this part of the Kindness Experiment will spawn its own Letter Project. Wouldn't that be exciting?
Also, if any 'net veterans have some advice on how to amp up Austin traffic (to this blog, not on I-35), I would sincerely appreciate the advice. I can be reached at atx.anonymous @ gmail.com.

One day, I hope this blog is a segment on the local evening news (instead of another story about violence). My biggest hope is that this movement will change our communities and the way that we interact with one another. I know that together, we can do it!

Thank you to the websites that I have already linked Austin Anonymous:
That Other Paper
The Austinist

To: Anonymous, From: Andrew

As promised, here is the playlist from the mix CD a thankful Andrew left for me at Half Price Books:

Tai Mahal: Chevrolet
Gong: You Can't Kill Me
Gong: Dynamite: I am Your Animal
Holy Modal Rounders: Indian War Whoop
Funkadelic: Super Stupid
Lightnin' Rod: Doriella de Fontaine
13th Floor Elevators: You're Gonna Miss Me
Atomic Rooster: Time Take My Life
Blue Cheer: Magnolia Caboose Babyfinger
The Modern Art: Forcefield Blues
Old Time Religion: Tigers in the Temple
R.L. Burnside: Jumper on the Line
He writes: "Sorry if you don't like rock, but most people do, and I don't know who you are!"

It's a great CD, and I do like rock, so you guessed correctly. And can I just say that mix CD's are a great way to brighten somone's day? Thank you for the CD, Andrew, and thanks for being Austin Anonymous' first successful mission.