Ming the Mechanic:
Modest Needs
The NewsLog of Flemming Funch
 Modest Needs2002-06-28 01:20
8 comments
by Flemming Funch

Take a look at this rather new site: modestneeds.org. It is a one-man operation of a fellow who lets people submit requests for small amounts of money that would help them through something in life. A new pair of dentures, an electricity bill, clothes for a new baby, the train fare to get to a funeral, etc. And then others submit small amounts of funds. And the webmaster distributes them where they seem to do the most good. Rather remarkable. And it actually seems to be working out, and more than $15,000 were distributed this month already. And the project has gotten a LOT of good press.


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8 comments

28 Jun 2002 @ 04:34 by istvan : New civilisation projects
Yes projects like these are the cornerstones of any emerging new civilisations.
No arguments, no phantastic philosophical discourses, just doing it.
It would be intersting to devise a way to encourage businisses to support projects like these and provide cheap advertising for them in return.  

29 Jun 2002 @ 13:34 by scottj : Magical idea! Zendancer has said
what I would have said. Projects like this could have a really huge effect. Remininscent of small unsecured loans to help people do things in poorer countries. Redistribution is the antidote for Accumulation. OK Bill Gates are you there? Open your wallet and repeat after me "Help yourself."  

30 Jun 2002 @ 03:57 by maxtobin : Can't stop giggling
Scott the image of the Gate man doing such obscene thing with his wallet has me in heaps of mirth but I do admire the essense of such a communal caring, wouldn't it be neat to think we might just get on down and do it all as we are inspired and moved by individual need. Bill the Gate man opening his wallet and saying help your self Hee hee!! Its like thinking that his Daddy really does care about what they do with the billion dollar feel good fund, frightening thing is that he probably does believe that, on another planet really eh what?  

30 Jun 2002 @ 05:04 by scottj : Max, that is a classic line from
The Goon Show. . If it makes you laugh in print you should go carefully if you ever hear the original, talk about hilarious! If I remember right Captain Bloodnock (Harry Secombe) uses it to rip off Eckles (Spike Milligen).  

4 Jul 2002 @ 15:58 by magical_melody : Flemming
Thanks so much for this post. I really like it when you stay on top of the news pieces like this and network these kinds of projects and resources for us here in NCN. This project sounds very important, and I am really appreciating how easy it is becoming to not only connect with people via the net and NCN, yet how easy it is becoming to open to resources. Way COOL!  

4 Jul 2002 @ 19:52 by tdeane : Thank You, Ming
What I love most about this is that I incorporate this philosophy in my daily life, but it never occurred to me to reach out to others and simply say "I don't have the resources myself to fill the need, but does anyone else?" You have added one powerful tool to my toolbox for undoing the imbalance. Much love ~ Tricia  

6 Jul 2002 @ 11:32 by chaiyah : Opportunities for Sharing
Thank you for this bookmark. I shall refer to it often. There's not a whole lot I can give, but what I have is sufficient to help out occasionally; and that's fun.  

1 Oct 2009 @ 12:54 by lynda : Majorly Modest
Look how this site has grown! I have been a member for several years and I find it very exciting to see the support that this good work has gathered. It's a great idea and gives me a lot more faith in the good works that us "small" folk can do for each other; much faster than relying on the slow grind of the larger social service machine. Please visit and see for yourself!  

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