Making a Statement with Your Business Model

I finally understand the reasoning why I'd selected (I acted on instinct originally) the most ridiculous business model for supporting the tsunami anniversary live-blogging trek. But that post  (which includes the promised fundraising update) is becoming richer, and more involved than I originally planned; i.e. I'm still working on it).

I understand it now because it is not a business model.

It is a statement about social media.

And it's an experiment. Robin Stavisky writes in, "I love the idea of the project and the way you have decided to fund it a la monk's begging bowl."

The Buddhists call it dana, the New-Agers call it a love offering, and bloggers and podcasters call it ludicrous (they're usually right, btw):

7. Donation
Probably the poorest excuse for a business model in the list in my opinion. I just can't find anything to like about relying on the good will of readers for your income. - "10 Business Models for Bloggers", Performancing.com

Stay-at-home dad and comedian Dan Klass says promoting products on his "Bitterest Pill" podcast is a far more palatable way to support his show than asking listeners for donations. That's what he did after he got socked with a $570 bill from his file-hosting company... "I assume they'd rather listen to me talk about a service that I genuinely support than standing there with a tin cup." - "Podcasting Riches", San Jose Mercury News, November 28, 2005

Stay tuned for the crazed why in this particular case for the donation model. And perhaps I'll riff on why your business model selection should jibe with your highest intentions and your brand.