Entries For: July 2005
2005-07-15
Social Edge in Dallas News today!
In the article "Mind Over Magic: Let's nurture the Harry Potter creative spark", Dallas News illustrates how the energy behind the Harry Potter phenomenon can and should be harnessed for public good. The article states:Whether by accident or design, the books have become a vehicle for a worldwide outburst of collective storytelling. By virtue of extending the story across seven volumes, author J.K. Rowling has opened the door for fans to imagine for themselves how it will develop, and they've seized the opportunity.
So what? Well, in itself, so nothing. But think what might happen if someone marshaled that kind of creative energy to imagine answers to questions that do matter: say, ending terrorism or poverty.
The article goes on to say how story telling is being harnesses by marketers to employ a more effective message. The article closes as follows:
You'd have to call eBay founder Jeff Skoll a pretty smart marketer. Well, he's also a philanthropist, and among his ventures is a Web site designed to "connect social entrepreneurs, their partners and allies to discuss cutting-edge issues shaping the field."
It's fair to assume that, as of today, the Potter sites generate more traffic than Mr. Skoll's does. But who knows? Today, www.mugglenet.com ; tomorrow, www.socialedge.org.
To read the full article, click here (free registration required).
2005-07-12
Alex's Lemonade Stand For Pediatric Cancer
From alexslemonade.com: Alexandra "Alex" Scott was the 8 year old founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand For Pediatric Cancer Research. Two days before her first birthday she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. At the age of four, Alex decided to do something to make that cure more likely. She opened her first lemonade stand in July of 2000 with the idea of donating the proceeds to "her hospital." Each year since, Alex has held an annual lemonade stand in her front yard. As word has spread, donations have poured in from around the world, and she has raised over $2,500,000 for pediatric cancer.
Learn more about this couragous little girl at Alex's Lemonade Stand.
