Think of the potential power of MetaFilter

February 6, 2002 12:41 AM

Willnot's pledge drive idea below got me thinking. Think of the potential power of MetaFilter (more >>)
posted by chaz to MetaFilter-Related at 12:41 AM (13 comments total)

Imagine a fairly large community that despite obvious differences, has many agreements. And many skills. And many ideas. And enough collective buying power that would dwarf many small towns. And vast knowlege of a vast communication system. And connections in the media, entertainment, banking, education, IT, and who knows how many other industries.

I'm not suggesting this community is cohesive enough to flex its power in traditional ways through traditional outlets. The first thought in my head would be off-the-wall ways to affect the world through media.

I was thinking about something like a positive yet humorous meme that we start that we ask our agents to spread around the world, seeing how far it will go. Or buying local radio time or billboards (not all that expensive) to spread some strange yet meaningful quote or idea.

I have no idea what we would do... but the fact is we could do something positive/funny/weird/worth it.
posted by chaz at 12:49 AM on February 6, 2002

MeFi Mafia.

Don Matt Haughey.

Fear us, we own this town.
posted by eyeballkid at 1:04 AM on February 6, 2002

I can do something nice for three of you. Then each of those three must do something nice for three more people. We'll call it "Haley Joel Osmond!"
posted by j.edwards at 1:12 AM on February 6, 2002

^What about Haughey Jedwards Owillis?^
posted by sennoma at 2:12 AM on February 6, 2002

me likee.
posted by owillis at 3:39 AM on February 6, 2002

$5 bucks if Miguel gets to do the PSA.
posted by Hankins at 5:41 AM on February 6, 2002

Apparently in Canada right now, ad rates are so low on the new digital channels that you can get a few :30 spots for under $5. This has made me think...
posted by D at 6:11 AM on February 6, 2002

well chaz, your the only one thinking about willnots idea...any brain stormers?
posted by clavdivs at 8:13 AM on February 6, 2002

The problem with semi-organized Mefi action for definitive purpose other than our own amusement is the extraordinarily wide variety of opinions on any given topic, precluding any unanimity of direction and promoting both stifling internal bureaucracy and intellectual stagnation.

Therefore, I second Chaz' idea that any semi-organized Mefi action be solely for our own callow amusement.
posted by UncleFes at 8:39 AM on February 6, 2002

How about at 1:30, after lunch, we all drop our pencils and notebooks!
posted by jonah at 12:10 PM on February 6, 2002

you know, if the college kids 'round here are too poor to donate money... there's always an alternative. *hint*


posted by lotsofno at 3:50 PM on February 6, 2002

wouldn't mixing that graphic with the community spirit make metafilter into a big orgy?

metafilterians are silly.
posted by thebigpoop at 10:29 PM on February 6, 2002

I propose Mefi dedicate itself to a worthy goal like getting me a TV show.
posted by owillis at 12:56 AM on February 7, 2002