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Facebook Announces Crowdfunding Service To Back Causes Such As Medical Needs (androidandme.com)

Facebook said today it is introducing a crowdfunding feature to help users back causes such as education, medical needs, pet medical, crisis relief, personal emergencies and funerals. The new tool, which appears to offer similar features as GoFundMe, allows users 18 or older to "raise money for themselves, a friend or someone or something not on Facebook." From a report: Personal Fundraisers are available in several specific categories, and require a 24-hour review process. Here are the covered categories for now:
Education: such as tuition, books or classroom supplies.
Medical: such as medical procedures, treatments or injuries.
Pet Medical: such as veterinary procedures, treatments or injuries.
Crisis Relief: such as public crises or natural disasters.
Personal Emergency: such as a house fire, theft or car accident.
Funeral and Loss: such as burial expenses or living costs after losing a loved one.

67 comments

  1. Please donate today by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 2, Funny

    I need money to buy Bitcoins.

    Please send funds to my Bitcoin wallet 18awryFxpSG2C1PRHWCteoak94HfdFbnfD

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    #DeleteFacebook
    1. Re: Please donate today by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sent

    2. Re: Please donate today by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1
      --
      #DeleteFacebook
  2. Other countries... by squiggleslash · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ...do it via universal healthcare systems, either directly funded by taxation, or via a strong, well regulated, health insurance system that covers everyone.

    But yeah, begging for money via the Internet works too, I guess.

    --
    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
    1. Re:Other countries... by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

      Even countries with universal healthcare systems don't always cover everything. In Canada, dental isn't covered by the governments.

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      #DeleteFacebook
    2. Re:Other countries... by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

      Most full time jobs cover it though. People just need good full time jobs with health coverage.

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
    3. Re: Other countries... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Right but that's exactly the same in America

    4. Re:Other countries... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Life threatening dental problems would be covered.

    5. Re:Other countries... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow. Slashdot is so full of insane libertarians that sensible policies are marked trolls.

    6. Re:Other countries... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Canada does not have universal healthcare. It has universal funding, of sorts, and the rules for spending those funds are largely dictated by a unique agreement between the provincial HMO and the federal government. There is no universal care. Period.

      As an austerity measure the HMO may decide to not recognize some ailments. This means you will get no diagnosis and no treatment. Your company plan may close the gap by sending you out of country to be diagnosed and treated. Probably not.

    7. Re:Other countries... by Frederic54 · · Score: 1

      And a lot of Canadian people seek cancer treatments in NY state or even Cuba. Same for dental, east Europe is cheap as well as south america. India too.

      Canada is not a panacea, especially Québec where you can wait 2 days in ER and die there waiting.

      --
      "Science will win because it works." - Stephen Hawking
    8. Re:Other countries... by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

      My wife was diagnosed with cancer and in treatment within a week. There is no real reason to go to another country for cancer treatment.

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
    9. Re:Other countries... by Frederic54 · · Score: 1
      --
      "Science will win because it works." - Stephen Hawking
  3. spare change? by fluffernutter · · Score: 2

    This used to be called BEGGING.

    --
    Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
  4. I have an addiction to social networks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Please send money to First National Bank of Nigeria.

    Thanks,
    Ombota RipoffYa

  5. Subject required now? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Are they taking a piece of the donation, you know processing fee or whatever?

    1. Re:Subject required now? by dysmal · · Score: 1

      Are they taking a piece of the donation, you know processing fee or whatever?

      You mean on top of the data they're harvesting from you and your donors?

    2. Re:Subject required now? by Gavagai80 · · Score: 1

      Really this can be profitable for Facebook simply by tracking who donates, and selling that info to advertisers. There's nothing more valuable to an advertisers than knowing that someone is easily manipulated into spending money.

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    3. Re:Subject required now? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      plus they can skim a transaction fees off the top

  6. Everone for themselves by jeffy210 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I think what really bothers me about this is we're happily tearing down any support nets in the US and instead relying on the goodwill of strangers. This really leans more towards "the rich get richer" because they continue to hoard their money as rather than their tax dollars working towards the welfare of all people for basic needs, people now have to rely on others' post tax dollars if they're lucky.

    This is the march towards a pure capitalist society which I think it's going to have it's own host of issues and really pushes the "I got mine, screw you" mentality, rather than trying to help all people in times of need.

    --
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    "And may your days be long upon the earth."
    1. Re:Everone for themselves by fluffernutter · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I feel the word you are looking for is BEGGING. We are allowing people to beg for money through apps. Furthermore, many people are guilted into it because you can see whether your 'friend' donated money or not.

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
    2. Re:Everone for themselves by Gavagai80 · · Score: 2

      What this kind of begging does is help people who come from rich backgrounds but are currently less rich. They have wealthy friends and family who will donate to their pet's surgery, whereas people from poor backgrounds are unlikely to have anyone on their friends list who can help out with that.

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    3. Re:Everone for themselves by shaksys · · Score: 1

      Or fake pets surgery.

    4. Re: Everone for themselves by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As a 1%er paying 32% effective tax rate how much more do I owe you? So you really think I care about the welfare for ALL when ALL involves overweight smokers on disability for back pain because they weight 400 lbs and have 6 kids, why would I want to help them more than I am already required too?

    5. Re:Everone for themselves by ProzacPatient · · Score: 1

      This really leans more towards "the rich get richer" because they continue to hoard their money as rather than their tax dollars working towards the welfare of all people for basic needs

      People say this yet they ignore, or even outright oppose, radical tax reform such as House Bill 25 where consumption is taxed rather than income, and since the rich obviously consume far more they'll be putting more much into the system than the working class.

      Regardless I don't ever expect any real tax reform in the US; the current system has been in place for over a hundred years now and it's a gold mine for special interests because of its absurd complexity.

    6. Re: Everone for themselves by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In most European countries employees pay well over 32% tax and social insurances even with minimum wage. So, apart from your attitude problem, your logic is less correct than you think it is.

    7. Re: Everone for themselves by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would gladly opt for a consumption tax

    8. Re:Everone for themselves by stabiesoft · · Score: 1

      I hope you posted that sarcastically. Consumption taxes are by their very nature highly regressive. The rich as a percentage of their income spend very little. Worse, as New York discovered, the rich buy things like expensive art from other places to avoid sales tax(consumption tax). That yacht/jet/island/Van Gogh will be purchased outside the realm of a US consumption tax. Meanwhile, the diapers from amazon are going to get taxed.

    9. Re:Everone for themselves by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      The rich actually don't consume all that much, especially compared to their earnings. That is why they are "rich" and not poor... they have kept at least some of their money and not spent it. Unless you consider "investing" consumption, which it is currently not considered consumption by any proposed or existing taxes. Wealthy, and even upper middle class, on average save a shit ton of money (that currently gets taxed because it is income). That money would no longer be taxed because it is save. This will also INCENTIVIZE SAVING and investing. Bad idea for tax revenues. Basically every dollar you earn goes into something like what is currently an IRA with all sort of rules - only there are no rules if it is a consumption tax.

      I am as conservative as they come so I am not biased (or I am biased in the opposite direction). A consumption tax will drastically hurt the lower classes as they spend a far greater % of their income. Also, by implementation, a consumption tax will need to be flat for common goods unless we ban cash and track all transactions so a increasing scale can be applied. This also hurts lower classes as the current system is not flat.

    10. Re:Everone for themselves by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would be ok for a somewhat higher sales tax for a reduced income tax but I looked at that bill and TWENTY-THREE PERCENT sales tax, are you g'damn kidding?! That would screw low-income earners tremendously and only make it harder for them to move up. Meanwhile those making decent money all the way to the very rich will just find ways to dodge it or simply stop buying as much, which will hurt the economy even more.

    11. Re: Everone for themselves by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No one is an island. If you benefit from the goods and services in a society, then it's in your best interest to ensure that the people who provided them can continue to do so.

  7. I see scammers lining up by ugen · · Score: 1

    That'll be a boon to the usual scam brigade. What better mix than Facebook instant gratification and follow the crowd culture mixed with low-information vain customer base. I guess FB will keep a small percentage ;)

  8. Hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I wonder how fast they this dies once a crownfund comes up that they don't agree with politically.

    1. Re:Hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If there's a steady paycheck in it, (say a 3% commission), I'll believe anything you like.

    2. Re:Hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Such as..."My Brother died from air strike in Syria, I need money to go there to his funeral[and take his place in holy jihad]." the stuff in brackets[] will be in a font size of 2.

  9. sign of the times by Presto+Vivace · · Score: 1

    Internet enabled feudalism is so cool. https://twitter.com/matthewsto...

    1. Re:sign of the times by Thud457 · · Score: 1

      are there no prisons?
      are there no workhouses?

      --

      the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  10. Inheritable HSA's make much more sense than this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why resort to charity when the capitalist system achieve such superior results?

  11. President Zuckerberg scares me by uCallHimDrJ0NES · · Score: 1

    You think things are scary now? Just let Zuckerberg follow his plan and watch what happens. Polarizing pundits like to call the other side (whichever side) "fascist", but this could be the real deal if we don't keep Facebook in check.

    --
    Cloudiot: A person who does not see offsite storage as a way to lose control over access to his or her own data.
  12. To all FB'rs that think this is a nice gesture... by Darth+Twon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Remember how selfish these types of services actually are. They exploit tragedies to make a % of the money donated.

    Every time I've had a friend or family member ask for money through similar means (and I actually cared enough to donate), I pull out the old checkbook and spend a few cents on a stamp or give them cash in person. Done, no tracking, no skimming 5% off the top, and its much more personal.

    --
    Take this sig and smoke it.
  13. yeah, because crowdfunding by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ... cancer care is the American way... It's either that or sell your house.

  14. I love the way companies get to profit by rsilvergun · · Score: 1

    from our world's completely lack of basic services and human decency. Fantastic.

    --
    Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
  15. UBI Now!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    With so many requests for donations that touch me so deeply, I need the extra income to donate to all of them. My budget is already maxed out by all my anti-Trump activity and buying anything sold by every progressist.

  16. 5-year-old broke his leg, this mom raised $0. by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    When her 5-year-old broke his leg, this mom raised $0. It's actually inspiring.

    Freddie Teer is a normal 7-year-old boy. He loves Legos, skateboarding, and horsing around with his older brother Ollie. But two years ago, his mother faced every parent's worst nightmare. ...

    While Freddie's injury required major treatment, none of Ashley's friends raised any money for him.

    No one from their town took up a collection or held a bake sale.

    No GoFundMe page was started to help cover his bills.

    Instead, Ashley and Freddie walked out of the hospital owing nothing. Because they live in Canada.

    1. Re:5-year-old broke his leg, this mom raised $0. by Frederic54 · · Score: 0

      yep, but in QC for instance, 50% of my taxes go to healthcare and service is so-so... hospital may be free but someone has to pay the exorbitant millionaires doctors we have here (and the PM is himself a millionaire doctor).

      But I agree it's like an insurance we have in case of.

      --
      "Science will win because it works." - Stephen Hawking
    2. Re:5-year-old broke his leg, this mom raised $0. by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · · Score: 1

      50% of my taxes go to healthcare and service is so-so... hospital may be free but someone has to pay the exorbitant millionaires doctors we have here

      50% of my taxes go to the military, but I suppose it's pretty effective at blowing up any given location. We have millionaire doctors.too, our bills are just highly variable.

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      Your ad here. Ask me how!
    3. Re:5-year-old broke his leg, this mom raised $0. by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

      A few hours wait is a very small price to pay for free care.

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
    4. Re:5-year-old broke his leg, this mom raised $0. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yep, but in QC for instance, 50% of my taxes go to healthcare and service is so-so... hospital may be free but someone has to pay the exorbitant millionaires doctors we have here (and the PM is himself a millionaire doctor).

      But I agree it's like an insurance we have in case of.

      Justin Trudeau is not a doctor. You might be referring to the Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard - who was a neurosurgeon.
      There are very few millionaire doctors anywhere in Canada, and until recently doctors in Quebec were underpaid compared to doctors elsewhere in Canada.
      Average salaries for doctors in Quebec are just over $305,000. Certainly they are not poor, but they do work that requires a lot of education, has very high stress levels, and has an incredible amount of responsibility.

  17. So in other words... by dargaud · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ...pretty extroverts and scammers will get money, ugly introverts will just rot. How about you implement a decent and universal medical care and education system instead ? Like everyone else, you know.

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    Non-Linux Penguins ?
  18. Facebook Question by digitallentz · · Score: 2

    Wasn't Facebook supposed to have supplied free wifi to third world countries by now?

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    http://digitallentz.com
  19. Translation by PoopJuggler · · Score: 2

    Facebook announces crowdfunding service to skim dollars off the backs of the needy.

    1. Re: Translation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Good call, it wasn't in TFA but another link to FB

      Personal fundraisers will have a 6.9% + $.30 fee, that will go to payment processing fees, fundraiser vetting, security and fraud protection. Facebookâ(TM)s goal is to create a platform for good thatâ(TM)s sustainable over the long-term, and not to make a profit from our charitable giving tools.

      So 7%, can anyone estimate how much of a profit that translates to ? Gofundme is 5% so at least 2% profit.

  20. Oh I see by tylersoze · · Score: 1

    This is the Republicans new healthcare plan right?

    1. Re:Oh I see by bmk67 · · Score: 1

      Of course not. The Republican plan makes begging a crime, duh.

  21. Thanks, Facebook by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I thought e-begging was on its way out. Sadly, I was wrong.

  22. The most millenial feature yet... by MrLogic17 · · Score: 1

    Wow, so Facebook really is serious about the millennial demographic!

    Seriously, do people have no shame? Freeloading used to have a stigma.

    1. Re:The most millenial feature yet... by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

      welfare=bad, begging on facebook=good

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
  23. Re:Inheritable HSA's make much more sense than thi by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yeah, HSA's make a ton of sense for people who can't afford insurance premiums.

    Oh, wait.

  24. Disgusting by sjukfan · · Score: 2

    I assume they'll charge a percentage for it. Great way to earn money from other people's misfortune.

  25. $5 Nudes by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This follows the tinder theme of girls offering nudes for money

  26. Re: cost of services needs to come down by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Else your donated money still makes the rich richer

  27. Re:To all FB'rs that think this is a nice gesture. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    5%?! I was under the impression charities took a hell of a lot more.

  28. Whoa, not so fast by jandersen · · Score: 1

    People seem to forget that euphemisms like 'raise money', invesment' and '...-funding' cover variations over the theme of borrowing money, which in the end is going to have to be paid back - and the expectation, when it comes to investment is the equivalent of significantly more than normal loan interest. This is like the infamous 'pay-day loans' that market themselves as your bestest pal ever, who will help you out - but at the cost of what may be equivalent to >100% pa. The normal term for this kind of pal (and now investor) is 'loan shark'.

  29. Nothing for my Music Donations So Far by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    look I sit here in my skimpy bikini waiting like forever for a few euro, I want to buy some STREAMING music before the night gets much more well, well I'll just, I'll might just sleep with my tits facing the moon, while I hump this bananna

    Come on don't make me lose my panties on the bus.
    send a few euros and make my day at the record store with a few cd's
    without me, the industry will die.

  30. Re:To all FB'rs that think this is a nice gesture. by Darth+Twon · · Score: 1
    --
    Take this sig and smoke it.
  31. Re:To all FB'rs that think this is a nice gesture. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's more than just making a percent, the entire business is basically just a scam to get people to advertise their service on facebook, so more people will get skimmed. I had a recent misfortune, and in desperation I tried looking into these services, every single one of them tells you to ask your friends for money on facebook. They do nothing themselves to actually get people who might have money to hear about your story. If you try to browse their site they only list campaigns by "most popular" or "most funded"... in other words, the ones who don't need any help. So anyone who actually needs help is unfindable. All of their suggestions on how to raise money all are just rewordings of "ask your friends on facebook", or more precisely, "advertise our platform on facebook"... I don't have a facebook account, nor friends with money (otherwise I would've just asked them directly), so these services have exactly 0% chance of helping me.

    So it makes sense that facebook would want to cut them out of it.