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Calling All Data Do-Gooders
theodp writes: We're entering a new era of data-for-good, writes SAS CEO Jim Goodnight, who explains how SAS and the International Organization for Migration are using analytics and data for disaster relief efforts, but issues a broader call-to-action: "These projects just scratch the surface of what's possible when new data, and those that know how to use it, are applied to humanitarian needs. Organizations such as DataKind and INFORMS, through its new Pro Bono Analytics program, are rallying data scientists to lend their time and expertise to helping people around the world. And there are many more data sets out there that could help with relief and other humanitarian efforts. It's an exciting time to be in the world of big data and analytics. We're just beginning to understand how technology can tackle society's grand challenges." Please share your ideas on what unlikely data sources might help with disaster relief. And, how can we bring the world's analytics talent to bear on these challenges.
If we supposedly live in a time when data is supposed to be so freely shared, why do we see so much censorship going on? I mean, just look at what happened recently at Reddit. Entire communities have been destroyed because their beliefs didn't correspond exactly to those of some ivory tower sociologists fighting for "justice". Even Slashdot isn't immune. We see all kinds of censorship here, with good comments being downmodded just because they don't toe the right line.
How the fuck can we talk about "data-for-good" when so much good data (aka conversation and expression) is destroyed by the rampant online censorship we see happening so frequently today?
This is just my thoughts(I could be wrong), but I think if you want more money for disaster relief: Document the change your nonprofit did. Show videos of before and after of housing built. Show happy faces getting food. Talk about how many people your doctors helped.
People who donate like two things. #1 They like to see you have a track record so their money will be used for good. #2 They like to meditate, dwell, and think about your charity daily if it is a positive attitude instead of a defeatist attitude.
Play up donators as people who are heroes, rather than defenders of the Alamo.
God spoke to me
Just a PR campaign for the evils perpetuated in the name of analytics.
Just because I give money to your cause, doesn't mean I want to give money to dozens of other organizations.
I could supply combustible materials for a village to cook over, with the unsolicited mail that is stuffed into my mailbox on a weekly basis.
Google "charity ratings" before you give, to make sure your donation is going toward the cause, and not to pay for marketing...
This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.
There are fat cats running some of these charities, especially the name brands that people have heard of. Maybe Mr. Goodnight should raise his voice about that - that alone could make an enormous difference.
Is this why people become CEO's of charities - so they can enrich themselves and fly private jets to exclusive country clubs, while millions are starving? There's a basic disconnect of values here. A charity CEO should be making $125,000/yr.