I’m doing some work for a non-profit who will currently remain nameless. One of the fundraising ideas I had for them for this year was to produce a 16-month calendar centered around their organization. I created a poll on their web site, then sent the link out to their email list.
Holy crap – you’d think I insulted a major religious figure!
“I use 12 month calendars, NOT 16 month calendars!”
“There are 12 months in a year, not sixteen.”
“Unless it has pockets for stuff, I will not be buying any of your calendars – 12 or 16 month.”
“Why do you people have so much trouble with 16 month calendars? As long as the money is for the charity, I don’t have a problem with either.”
“I don’t want to have to buy a calendar. Can’t I just make a donation?”
“You know, people don’t want to just donate money. If I donate something else, can I get a 12 month calendar?”
Who knew people had such strong feelings about calendars? And it really seems to hit a nerve if you ask them to use one that has a different number of months than they’re used to. The poll itself has been neck and neck, equally divided over the question, “Would you be interested in purchasing a 16 month calendar?” Literally almost 50/50. Few of the comments are sticking up for 12 month calendars, but those who don’t hate them are supporting the charity’s right to sell whatever the hell it wants to make money.
Wait ’til the list finds out about the dining fundraiser I set up! I was just gonna tell them, but now I HAVE to post a poll asking if they’ll be attending. Can’t wait to see the fireworks on that one.