Compelling And Successful Cyber Begging Campaigns

Cyber begging and internet panhandling has many names and definitions, however the idea is the same; to ask for money on the internet. Just like everything else, the idea was taken from off the streets and into the long series of tubes known as the internet.

The exact first known instance of begging is unknown, however there are many articles that point to 1997 and 1998 where the early examples of cyber begging emerged. One particular case is that of Karyn Bosnak, who launched , a website that blatantly explained that Karyn had accrued over $20,000 in debt and took her story to the internet. Over the course of several years, Karyn added new features to her website and updated the amount she collected and ways she was saving to meet her goal. After she finally conquered her debt, she turned her site to be more about the dangers of credit card abuse and about her experience cyber begging, but no longer accepted donations. She later earned a book deal and is now an advocate for saving and living a debt-free life.

Karyn's example of internet panhandling is one of millions these days. But why did her story work and so many others suffering with their donation pages.

It's the story.

Humans are attracted to compelling stories, as it is a natural evolution of our species. Sitting around hearing and listen to stories is as natural to us as yawning.

Karyn's story began with her problem. She knew she had an addiction to Starbucks and designer clothing and had accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in debt. She started a cyber begging website with the little money she had left. She truthfully explained her story and created an entertaining website. Her story was picked up my the media, and little-by-little she climbed her way to her goal. Upon completing her goal she reorganized her website to teach what she had learned.

Now that's a compelling story! There have been many other similar stories like this, and truthfully explaining your compelling story and following through with updates appears to be the most direct way to have a successful cyber begging campaign. Once again here is the essential list you need:

Truthfully explain your situation
Set a goal
Update your progress
Announce your success and pay-it-forward

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How To Audit-proof Charitable Donations For Income Tax Season

The IRS means business when it comes to properly documenting donations given to charity. Because of a change in the tax law you must now obtain written documentation for ALL cash donations. Prior to the tax law change if your cash donation was less than $250, you weren't required to have it substantiated with a receipt from the charity. But now you do. This means all tithes to your church too, that's if of course, you're going to claim it as an itemized deduction.

Here's a suggestion to ensure all of your t's are crossed and your i's are dotted in case of an audit. Always maintain good records and do it now instead of procrastinating till the tax deadline is staring you in the face. When you give to your local charity make sure you get a receipt. It must show the charity's name, the date you contributed and the amount you donated.

Here's something else you might not be aware of, if you use a credit card to make your charitable donation in 2008, you can claim a deduction even if you don't pay it off until 2009. Sweet huh?

What if your donation is of the non-cash variety? Well, if you claim a deduction and it's less than $250 you must get a receipt from the charity. Again, the receipt must show who, when and the amount you donated. If your contribution is over $250 but less than $500 don't walk away without a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity. In other words, GET A DETAILED RECEIPT!! For taxpayers who can give more than $500 but not more than $5000 you must follow the same rules, but you must file Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions.

And for you blessed taxpayers who give more than $5000 the same rule applies but you must obtain a qualified appraisal. Contributions larger than $500,000 require you to attach a copy of an appraisal to your return.

If you'll follow the practice of obtaining detailed receipts and keep good records every time you give to a charity, you'll be able to calmly stand up to any inquiry by the Internal Revenue Service.

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