Mastodawn

UPDATE:

@TexasObserver has reached $100K in donations from 1.3K donors.

They’ve now created a stretch goal of $200K and hope that this will convince the board to continue operating the publication.

I’m convinced that the Fediverse has given @TexasObserver a chance at life.

It’s been 24 hours since @TexasObserver’s GoFundMe has been up, and it’s reached $140,000 of its $200,000 goal, which is already a stretch from its original $100,000.

I hope this convinces their board to continue their work.

But even if it doesn’t, what this should tell every journalist is that, not only does the Fediverse value journalism, crowdfunding through the Fediverse is a viable way to support journalist initiatives.

This is a path forward.

I’m happy to say that @TexasObserver reached $200,000 on their GoFundMe!

Journalists around the world, are you seeing this?

Colopen Mar 28, 2023

Yay!!

Tim Chambers Mar 28, 2023

Go #Fediverse, you can make this happen….

James M.Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver yes! Doesn't hurt to mention in your comment that you heard about it on Mastodon, if that's the case.

Texas Observer Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet we hope so. We have asked the board to give us time to find more major donors, and the 100k would go a long way in making the case by covering a lot or all of payroll while we mobilize those efforts, and buy staff a little more time in general. If the board still says no, the money will go directly to the laid off staff. Just wanted to add a little more detail to the thread. Thanks so much for the support!

@TexasObserver Putting this out there as well. @reiver and I are exploring ways to integrate crowdfunding directly into the Fediverse. We hope this could help organizations like yours build an active donor base.

Of course, this is preliminary—I hope you live another day.

Tim Chambers Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver I just gave.

toxtethogrady Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver This will have to be done to the tune of $2 million a year for the rest of their existence. It should be possible for them to have more than 4,000 subscribers...

ideaPDish Mar 28, 2023

If I had a nickel for everytime someone asked me for money, it would be ironic. (because nickels aren't made from nickel anymore)

System IV, Building K Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver Thanks, Chris, I donated. Not sure I would have seen this opportunity but for your post. Forward!

@pineywoozle ‘s #3WordNote Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver Do it for Molly! #TexasObserver

Lipk Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver I didn't know the Texas Observer (I'm Dutch) but I've just read some articles and imho this is a very important news outlet, especially in Texas. So I donated, I hope they'll reach their goal!

TBYG Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver Just donated. They blew past the hundred thousand overnight and raised it to $200,000.

Joy Denebeim Mar 28, 2023

@atomicpoet @TexasObserver fwiw i.just donated. You all are great

Grumpy Gramp Mar 31, 2023

@atomicpoet You seem to have missed the good news https://www.texasobserver.org/texas-observer-no-layoffs-remains-open-board-vote/

We Did It, Y'all! Texas Observer Will Remain Open!

"Thanks to the extraordinary success of the staff’s fundraising this week," the publication's board of directors voted to rescind layoffs and shutdown.

The Texas Observer

Tatiana Travelways Apr 16, 2023