Plan Vero Possumus: Yes, We're Going to Denver!

I'm very pleased by this news!!!  Now I can rest easily that I can read sane, humorous and insightful coverage of the first Convention I've cared about in decades.

This is great news! I am confident that you will be able to raise the funds in no time, judging by the raising of over $5000 previously. I am looking forward to your coverage and am saddened that I won't be able to join all of you awesome Fieldhands in Denver! There is no other blog that I would rather hear from at this exciting time. Thanks for allaying my fears. (I'm also eagerly anticipating your future explanation of the outcome of the original credentials... oops, does that make me a gossip?)

Thanks, J! (Uncloak if you wish!)

Get a Macbook.  Can't leave the big T.O. unfortunately...would love to see you at work (and play! I want to see that guitar at work Salon Chingon styles!)

Very glad to hear the news, Al. I'm sending you $100 online tonight.

1. Ah, in Field Hand parlance, the "Iron Man suit" (like those of the character played in a recent major motion picture by Robert Downey Jr.) is how we refer to the technical capacities of the website. We keep having to upgrade to be able to receive more thousands of readers without crashing.

2. $7400 was the amount raised by the former hosts of the Ex-Field to "Send Al to Denver" or on a button that said "Keep Al Writing," most of which appears to have gone to other purposes.

3. I'll be purchasing, with your permission and support, a new MacBook. The whole tech and video team here runs on Macs. Saves us from viruses and more.

and maybe more to come.  The timing isn't the best for me right now.

The $50 represents what I contributed at the Ex-Field.  I'll expect them to return that money if/when they confirm for me that they won't be using it for the original, restricted purpose, and if they also can't suggest a new purpose that I'd accept.  I've requested they contact me to discuss this.  I've gotten no response.  Maybe I'll ping and request a little harder.

It's really ridiculous for a nonprofit to handle donors and their restricted donations this way.  (restricted meaning the donor designates them for a restricted purpose, and they can only be used for that)

Glad to read this post.  Another $25 towards sending you to Denver, I can't imagine not having your voice coming from the convention!

I like the selection of the MacBook!!! As a lifelong Mac/Apple addict (my first computer was in the early 90s - Macintosh Performa with a 32 MgHz processor, oh those were the days. Unfortunately, I have to use this Lenovo Thinkpad tablet for school, it is TERRIBLE. So, consider me much envious. (I do have my iMac so all is not lost.)

Al, good choice on the mac!  I donated $25 before seeing your response. Had I waited to find out that you will be getting a shiny, new mac (well, okay, not shiny) I would have donated more.  I will donate again as soon as your website lets me donate using Safari.  I just had to go to the dreaded FireFox to make my donation. I wrote to Dave so we'll soon know if anything can be done to resolve that.

Can't believe I didn't remember the amount was $7,400! It's only been less than a week.  Not good.

ok. sending $75, and will forward the 'other' $75 from RV when I receive.

onward.

Thumbs up. Chicken little innoculations for the soul and MSM can be tuned out.

BTW - I've been in email contact with DK today. If you researched Groundspring you know doing refunds via them is a challenge. From her responses, I anticipate she is working out the kinks and refunds will be forthcoming.

[Formerly GrannieAnnie TN]

This is very heartening to good people everywhere and very demoralizing to those that might wish ill upon uncensored reporting.

GrannieAnnie - The executive director of a certain organization got very well educated today as to the non-response and game-playing by one of the organizations for which it had provided a donations vehicle. Perhaps an attitude adjustment followed. If so, excellent.

Next, the credentials!

I used to be just a reader, not a commenter, and a sluggo to boot, missing the first go round of sending Al to Denver.  My slothiness has been rewarded by not having to stress out over trying to recoup funds from RV, but we do need Al in Denver.  Fifty bucks via the online link. Do what you do, on whatever machine you need to do it. 

I was confident that we would help get you to Denver somehow, but I am glad to hear the good news so soon. I will send some money your way this weekend.

Al, good job on getting the new site up and humming so quickly. Can I suggest you change the black side bars to something more cheery .... we are not in mourning now that you are back... something fresh but not green jello.

Your pal from the north.

...so far donated, and the night is young.

Just added $25 to the bucket (separate from my small $5 / month recurring donation).

If Al is going to go to the Republican convention, that means we should rightly ask an important question about that side of the fence: what's the VP lineup for McCain (and how's that going to proceed), and what of Al's suggestion that McCain may not be the GOP nominee at the end of the day?

PA from Canada - Yes, our tech team is setting up options for readers so that you can make it all white if you wish.

I plead patience, as we've got a lot going on right now.

That was a great time in Vancouver that night!

I just now e-mailed Rural Votes debbyskoz@cs.com. requesting a refund on the $100.00 I donated May 25th on the original "Send Al to Denver" appeal. I also just now donated $100.00 to Fund for Authentic Journalism. If and when Rural Votes returns $100.00 I'll send it along as well. I agree it's important to re-establish a new and expanded fund here for the convention. I realize it's terribly childish of me but I feel like sticking my tongue out at someone and saying, "See, now Al gets $200.00 from me (eventually) instead of just $100." This location just feels more confortable and secure.

Just pitched in a Benjamin... know its not much, but come August you can expect it on a recurring basis.

On to Denver!!!

Just added another $25 when I saw your call tonight.  I was new to the Old Field and got in late.  Sent the first donation after you set up here, Al.

Sheesh - all these big donors, makes me feel a little lonely to report my $20 bucks.

Of course, I've also been doing sweat equity - building up the Field House for the Twin Cities local. Which others who have some time and computers (hmm, that would be all of you?) might also do. Spend twenty minutes joining the Fieldhands today!

Got your message. Adjusted mine accordingly. Thanks!

$100 on its way, Al.  Glad to contribute.  Now to sign up for my co-publisher account.

I wish it could be more but I just donated a very small amount ($15.00) via PayPal.

John Slade and San Mateo - If there is anything we've learned this past year, it's that the small donations overwhelm the big ones and thus make us free of dependence or addiction to the idea that we should direct our reporting to the whims of high rollers.

Likewise, to anybody who gave small donations to any organization that didn't use them for the purpose solicited: that's why it's especially important that - if I were in your shoes I'd do this - they be made to return it, even if it was for just one penny. That's how you make your voice count as much as that of a censorious big donor: when they legally have to comply with your wishes and it takes them as much time and effort to do so as if your donation was for thousands.

In the immortal words of my longtime pal Pete Seeger:

"Drops of water turn a mill, singly none."

Looks like at least $2,000 in 3 hours.  Not too shabby!

I am heading for bed, but I hope to see the thermometer at least 1/3 of the way to your $7,400 when I check in the morning.  It's up to you night owls, now.  Do us proud!

Just signed up for a paypal a/c. Apparently, there is a 3-day cool-off to confirm my card. Will make my donation next week.

Still no news from Deb about my refund.

Just donated $20 (after finally getting my donation back from RV). Wish it could be more, but there's some time between now and then... Delighted you're going, Al.

Am so happy that Al is going to Denver. This trip is much deserved and we will have some of the best analysis in town. And we don't have to worry about the information being censored.  

Just sent $100, which is what I sent to RuralVotes in May.  As I mentioned on a previous thread, I filed a complaint with my credit card company and explained the particulars.  They told me they credited my account, but I may be contacted. I am ready if they do so. FieldHands, fighting to receive a refund of your first Denver donation is a fight worth fighting for. It doesn't take that long and the principle is important. 

Nancy in Seattle,

If you are being childish, then I am too. I also feel like sticking my tongue out and saying at someone, "See, now Al gets $200.00 from me (eventually) instead of just $100." 

But the $100 that came through from RV has been pledged to its righttful benificiary :-)

$50 more on its way! Will try to donate more before August. Gotta say, I'm a longtime lurker of many months now. Not super comfortable commenting, I'd rather sit back and absorb all the great analysis that Al and the rest of you Field Hands provide. Needless to say, I'm just a huge fan and check back constantly numerous times a day. So onwards to Denver! This is the very first convention that I've cared about and I'm just so thankful to see that Al will be there to share his experience, insights and fantastic analysis with the rest of us.

Donated another $50 to Al tonight! I just can't imagine following the convention without being able to view it through the lens of your perspective.

Even though Deb responded to my request for a refund of my donation for "Send Al to Denver" with some pretty weird, rambling statements about how ethical she is or something to that effect, I still haven't gotten a refund. So I filed a dispute with PayPal. Hopefully it gets resolved soon, as I am frankly feeling angry that my good will and dollars have been misused by her/the groups she represents.

I was just wondering why the graphic goes from South America (Brazil?) to Denver for the donate button?  Do you live in South America, Al?  If so, I had no idea!

Are there any rules against foreigners donating, Al? I can't give my money to Obama so hopefully I can donate it to the next best thing.

What a pleasant surprise to wake up to! Al's going to Denver and he's getting a Mac - both really good news. I just donated $100 to the effort by credit card. I'm still waiting for my reimbursement from Deb or Groundspring, but I did get an e-mail saying she was working on it. Que vaya bien, Al.

I'll be donating at the beginning of August. [My cable has been down since 2 PM yesterday; l had to buy a new modem and the cable company ineptness has me gnasjhing the back molars.]

Al,  I sent $50 on 6/20/08.  Here's another $25 and when I get my refund from Deb or Groundsprings, that is yours, too.  Glad your working from your home site and our donations can serve a dual purpose of helping your good works there.  Thanks for all your efforts to keep on posting.  I'm just a lurker, but have been enjoying  your posts since December.

Wow. Y'all are fabulous. Woke up to find we're now just a little over $3,000 toward our goal (in less than 12 hours!). When the tech guys wake up (I told those nocturnal creatures to set their alarms) we'll have the graph updated.

Jeff - To answer your question, I am a born New Yorker residing and reporting from Latin America. When y'all sent me to Nevada and later to Texas, passports and border crossings were involved.

Bastardly Dan - My answer to Jeff also answers yours: The Fund for Authentic Journalism is nonpartisan and can and does receive donations from any place on earth.

Everyone - Much appreciated, very much.

to read that Al will be going to denver.  I have been involved in politics for most of my life (and I am over 75) and this is the first time I understand the behind scenes action....thanks to Al and all the comments on this site.  I just donated a large amount (because I can) even though I have not received my refund from RV....SWINE.

It is a grand way to spend my money.  thanks for making this more understandable and exciting and FUN.

I'll have to wait a couple weeks to donate, but I'm excited to contribute once I can (and become a co-publisher).

Contributing to your trip to Denver will have to suffuce my waning chances of finding a way to afford Denver myself.

Just donated $10 to the cause and will put more in when I can!   Al, I'm ever appreciative of your posts and also the smart and thoughtful comments of the Fieldhands.  Thanks for staying with this in spite of all the recent turmoil.  I look forward to your reporting from the convention.

Such good news! Hope you love your MacBookPro as much as I do. Good to know you will be in the midst of all the action - DKos a hero.

Another 'Ben' on the way. Wonder what we'll be calling Authentic Journalism in a few years - so wonderful to have moved from 'alternative' - may be too idealistic, but what the heck, a day soon when Authentic Journalism overwhelms Ye Olde MSM.

Thanks again, Al, for your preserverence.

Just sent $50 your way, and when RV gives me back the $50 I sent to you through them, I will wing it your way as well.

Just send $30, will do the same in July and August (maybe more if the horse rescue group I support does well at its emergency yard sale this weekend.....) 

...with my best wishes, Al. Btw, Deb hasn't returned my Groundspring donation yet, and she's had nearly a week. She must be too busy dealing with the heavy traffic at Tumbleweed Connection.

Al - my comments are identical to the previous post.  I just sent $50 and will send another $50 if and when RV returns my early June contribution there.  And I will of course make an additional contribution for the Twin Cities trip.

Hi Al,

Wow - great news to wake up to - this is like a primary win morning! I got over the shock of thinking I was back in church with a collection plate being passed --quickly realizing that I never heard "Yes We Can" recited by Father Smith during Latin High Mass.

The person I most respect in my life, my late Mother, used to practice what she always told us, "an open purse is a full purse". So tonight I will be donating the same amount that has been heisted by Deb at Rural Votes (soon to be recovered in full with or without legal and law enforcement assistance). That sizeable donation amount will be in addition to the $100 when you first moved to this much better Field.

OT, on my computer, if I'm using IE, until I sign in a co-publisher I can't see the donation graph. Only after I signed in as a co-publisher could I see the graph and other links on the right side. I know the black sidebars are being worked on by the nocturnal guys but just wanted to point that out.

And again, great news about all the donations and you going to Denver! Vero Possumus!

Long time lurker who supports what you do. Next month I can do more but here is $35 for now.  Thanks Al.

Wow!  $3,000+ for Al and 300 Signatures for Al!

Here is the link to the Petition for the DNC to re-award Denver Credentials to Al!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/credential-al-giordano.html

We love Al; and he loves us back!

Field Hands Abroad (US citizens or not) can sign the petition and donate to the *new* "Send Al to Denver" fund above!

We know that both Al and Our Candidate have world-wide appeal...we want to make sure that the DNC AND the RNC remember that, too!

Thanks to everyone...and *pass it forward*!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/credential-al-giordano.html

waterprise2 AKA Pam

Liberal with a Capital L!  and...

Progressive with a Capital P and that rhymes with T and that stands for TEAM! (With apologies to "The Music Man"...)  What a great Team we are in "The Field"!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/credential-al-giordano.html

Hey Field Techies!  This was SUPPOSED to link automatically, YES?

waterprise2 AKA Pam

Liberal with a Capital L!

Al, the Sunday you reference is the 24th and not the 25th.  I know because the Obama fundraiser I am having in my backyard is Saturday, August 23rd.

Al, i'll toss in $50 now and bump it up later regardless of whether RV coughs up my "Send Al to Denver" contribution from May.

Date is now corrected.

because all macbooks come with a webcam built right in! That way you can participate in live video-conferences on the Pilsen Interactive Media Project's live interactive webcast on election night!

The Pilsen Interactive Media Project is a wild idea thought up by some crazy Chicago Fieldhands to do a live election night coverage as a webcast.  If you've got a webcam, you'll be able to participate in live video conferences as our correspondents around the globe.  If you're interested in participating or have any ideas for how to make our coverage even better, check out our discussion on the ning Fieldhands page.

If you're thinking of getting one of the Pulse Pens for Denver and Minneapolis -- how much fun would that be in the smoker's lounge -- here is a good example of the standard quality of recording using the two mikes located inside the pen. The earphone mikes are even better, but you would use them for a convention center or large lecture hall. (They are GREAT for telephone interviews. As far as I am concerned this is the best thing since sliced-bread for that. And convenient.)

http://www.livescribe.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/LDApp.woa/wa/MLSOverviewPag...

Click on the diagonal arrow in the upper right hand of the 'paper" and it will go to full screen. Press play to hear the guy talk. This is also how playback ("Paper Replay") works on your notebook as well. You can tap anywhere on your notebook page to hear what's behind the writing, provided you haven' deleted the recording just as you can with your mouse in this online demo. Try it.

The Pulse Pen works on an Intel MacBook now with VMFusion/Windows (32-bit) like XP installed. As I indicated before, a Mac version of the desktop software is due out in the fall. Which means you could probably record on the Pulse Pen and wait until the Mac software shows up around that time to upload and archive your sound files and empty the Pen. One guy on the forum said he had 30 hours of Lecture recording on his pen. It records in Mac's AAC format, and the forum discusses playing files independently with QuickTime and/or uploading to iTunes.

After playing with this for a few weeks, I dont think I will ever use a regular hand recorder ever again to record conversations. And you can record without writing anything down too. just stick it in a breast pocket and dangle the earphones on the supplied neckstrap over your shoulders. I'd be packing some black tee's with a breastpocket if I were you.

I wasn't able to logon on Monday....something about the server...being too busy?  I missed yesterday bc of work stuff and was dead tired when I got home and today I logged on and read the request for donations and just donated 100.00 to you Al.  I donated 10.00 when I requested my co-publishers acct so thats a total of 110.00 from me Al, from The Fields NEW home....the old home I gave you 75.00 for a grand total of 185.00 in all Al and you are worth it AL.  Wish I could give you more, much more, as your organization deserves it.  If I ever win the lottery you will definitely get a "nice" donation helping fund your organization for years to come!

I lurk, mostly because I'm busy with a new baby. I'm not working due to said baby so I have to be careful with the bucks, but have found a great use for part of my "stimulus" check.

Looking forward to reading your posts from Denver.

I gave up on getting my refund from the lavender lady. $50 on its way.