Well, let me say I’m sorry that I did not do the Cyborg Live Chat last night. My computer died on me. Well, technically, the computer still works–but the keyboard doesn’t. I was able to copy and paste a few words onto facebook to let people know what’s going on–but I couldn’t get logged in on my blog. It took me about half an hour to get the facebook message typed out, I couldn’t bear the thought of trying to get logged in.
Sigh.
So for now, the Cyborg chat is on hold–I have access to a computer through the library, so I can get on for a while to do work, but time intensive things aren’t going to be happening for a while.
That being said, it’s time for me to start my computer fundraiser. I’m looking to raise a huge sum, $2000. I know it’s a lot. I’m looking to buy a Mac Book Pro. With taxes and the warranty, it’s gonna come out to about 2000$
So, did I mention that I know it’s a lot?
The reason I’m fundraising for so big of an amount is because I have been working on second hand/hand me down computers for about six years now–the entirety of my time blogging. And that means that I’ve gone through a ton of computers. I’ve had one catch on fire, one of them the cat broke, another one the little mouse nob in the middle of the keyboard doesn’t work anymore (so I have no mouse), and of course, this last one–the keyboard is broken.
As I’ve said to various people–I’ve been working with my ’76 Imapala. Duct taping that thing back together, using hangers to hold up my muffler. It’s all I can afford, and that’s only if I stretch really tight to make the payments every month.
But I need a Taurus. I need that reliable car that isn’t going to break down because a cat walks across it the wrong way. In order to do my job as a writer, a blogger and a media justice activist, I need to not worry that I’m going to be stranded in Michigan when I need to be in New York.
So, I’m gonna go for it. If you’ll notice, I put a widget on the side bar–It will count down how much money I’ve raised and how much more there is left to go. Feel free to pass the widget around, or better yet, click on the little button to donate! 
Now, here’s the good news!
Every person who donates will receive a gift!
For those who donate between:
$5-25: You will get a personalized thank you note from yours truly!
$26-50: You will get the personalized thank you note and a newly published zine!
$51-100: You will get the personalized thank you note, and two newly published zines!
Over $100: You will get the personalized thank you note, two newly published zines, and a surprise gift (I will tell you once you order–I only have certain quantities of each, so I don’t want to list them online!).
The bad news: Because this computer breaking down has taken me by surprise, I am only in the planning stages for the zines. So it will be up to two months before those of you who order zines will get them. So that you know what stage I am at making the zines, I will be documenting the process I go through to make them here on the blog. This has the added bonus of hopefully helping other people–so many people I know have expressed interest in making zines, but have also expressed not having any damn clue how to.
So, that’s what is where things stand right now. I hope that you are excited–I sure am. I’m a bit apprehensive as I know it will be a lot of work–but I also am really excited for the motivation to get these new zines out! I love zine making, and I’m really excited to get back to the drawing board again–see how things flow out of the mind this time.
Please donate and/or spread the word–and THANK YOU so much for your continuous support!
~en lucha
BFP
- Share
April 26th, 2010 at 4:59 pm #
Refurb or no?
(Btw, the AppleCare is a good idea. I don’t really like the idea of giving Apple more money, but it’s helpful in the long run.)
April 26th, 2010 at 5:10 pm #
You got it, marvelous! Today was payday and I actually got a little extra for once. FY, zines!
April 26th, 2010 at 5:42 pm #
much <3
April 26th, 2010 at 7:05 pm #
i got five on it
April 26th, 2010 at 10:34 pm #
Yes! I’m SO excited to help make this laptop happen! Macs are so fun and shiny…perfect for an artist. Plus, I don’t know how I would’ve made it the past couple years w/o your words. Really, truly. Thank you
April 26th, 2010 at 11:24 pm #
You should totally create a Kickstarter project for this!
April 27th, 2010 at 5:27 am #
dammit. i wanted to be the first contributor but my pay pal account is wirey….errrrrrrrr
**back to paypal.com**
April 27th, 2010 at 5:37 am #
Good luck BFP you absolutely deserve to have a good computer to work on.
April 27th, 2010 at 12:10 pm #
LOL to what lisa said!!! saw your post yesterday 10 mins after you posted and was like “i’m going to be the first one!!” then spent 30 mins trying to get my paypal to work…
glad sylv wrote the post bc after i got furious at paypal and moved on, it helped me remember to come back
April 27th, 2010 at 2:46 pm #
put up a copy of your request at my place in hopes deep pockets come a runnin’; will mention in my classes as well since many of my students are readers of your blog.
April 27th, 2010 at 4:49 pm #
I have to say–I am completely totally 100% overwhelmed by the response so far–in ONE DAY–23% of the funds are raised????
Thank you so much. To everybody from the bottom of my heart. xo
April 27th, 2010 at 5:17 pm #
I scream this with love and it NOT meant to derail the sunshine in this thread, but…
I HATE PAYPAL. WHY DOES IT NOT COOPERATE WITH ME?
April 27th, 2010 at 6:20 pm #
okay. I want to contribute… I have been screwing around with paypal for almost an hour. Is there another way???
I’m excited about this! I hope there’s a way!
April 27th, 2010 at 10:18 pm #
I GOT chu, girl.
April 27th, 2010 at 11:07 pm #
This is so great because the job I’ve been working on a room/board basis just decided to pay me a stipend! So now I have moneeze to contribute to my favorite artists and wisdom-makers!!! I’ll be back in 3-5 business days when the PayPal transfer goes through.
ps: I think yours is a fantastic model for fundraising. Way to be, BFP!!!!
hearts and hugs
April 28th, 2010 at 12:11 pm #
Credit is not my friend. Neither are banks, actually. Can I get you fundz in some alternate form? Like, cash, MO, etc?
(This is the beauty of being local!)
April 28th, 2010 at 2:05 pm #
Ok seriously…I can’t get paypal to work.
can I send you a check? My eyes are going blind from trying to figure this out…
xo
April 28th, 2010 at 4:50 pm #
Happy to be able to help out a little.
April 28th, 2010 at 5:23 pm #
Did what I could, glad the amount gets higher every time I check back!
April 29th, 2010 at 12:30 am #
I wish I could help, but I’m still broke! In fact, last time I paid my bills the bank was nice enough to pay them…of. My creditors got the money and I got $275 in overdraft fees that I don’t have the money to pay. I need to win the f—ing lottery!
April 29th, 2010 at 12:31 am #
ACK! Missing word in the last comment. It’s supposed to say “pay them…sort of”.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:57 am #
for those who asked–if you email me at bfp@flipfloppingjoy.com, I can send you a place to send money–please don’t HURT YOURSELF (MS. LISA!!!!!!)!!!!!!! Paypal chaps my ass too–they shut down one of my accounts over three years ago, and I’m STILL “working” with them to get it back up and running. fuckers.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:27 am #
I want to send you money just because you said “chaps my ass.” <3
April 29th, 2010 at 10:11 am #
No need for a thank you note, a hug at AMC is all I want.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:06 pm #
I am so excited!!! wow, i’m not on facebook for a week (not til tomorow) and I miss a lot. I didn’t know your computer broke and this is beautiful! I love you are getting a good computer to do your valuable work. I love that you will be showing how to make zines up here as you go through the steps. Hooray!
May 10th, 2010 at 12:48 am #
Wai~!! Closing in on the final mark! I’ll check my account tomorrow and see if I can donate more.