Internet begging

Internet Begging is a cyber or e-version of traditional panhandling, asking strangers for money to meet immediate and other needs (money, Food, and shelter). It is also referred to as cyber begging and internet panhandling .

A cause website is the newest and more politically correct (PC) name for a cyber begging site that presents a personal appeal for funds or help.

During the early days of the Internet, cyber begging was evident in the form of personal advertisements for help on local bulletin board systems (BBS). As personal Websites became more popular, individuals began advertising their needs using the features available through website authoring. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) offered a free Homepage along with the basic dial-up connection service to the Internet. For many people, this was an opportunity to create an inexpensive website to host and share their personal experience and need.

As non-profit organizations began moving their fundraising efforts from snail mail (postal mail) to the World Wide Web (WWW), individuals began to create more elaborate forms of personal fundraising by utilizing many of the same Internet techniques.

During the late 1990s, as the Internet became more sophisticated, resources became available allowing any individual to create an attractive website without requiring the knowledge of HTML or other web authoring systems. These free to inexpensive web hosting services remain a constant on the Internet making it easy for the public to access, create and advertise an Internet begging website.

Internet Begging gained notoriety and momentum after June of 2002 when Karyn Bosnak started SaveKaryn.com as an attempt to have the Internet public help pay her credit card debt. For Bosnak, the results led to traditional media attention, appearances on popular television programs and a book. Her website was the probably the first Internet begging site to gain wide exposure and it became the example for many to follow. Most would not argue that her website was the first successful begging site and gives the history of cyber begging an official beginning.

With hundreds of Internet begging sites on-line, it has become common practice for web beggars to register and own the domain name of their websites. Using free to inexpensive hosting services, Internet begging websites ask the public for help with many needs including; breast implantation surgery, cancer treatments, new cars, preventing personal homelessness, and medical bills to suggest a few. Websites with names reflecting their needs directly or indirectly are panhandling for help with a variety of human needs and conditions, from deeply personal to very humorous.

Utilizing the full potential of the Internet, many cause websites accept contributions via clickable hyperlinks. Internet services like Paypal and the Amazon.com Honor system offer free to inexpensive credit card and payment acceptance services making it easy for cyber beggars to collect donations directly from their websites.

Many of the Internet begging websites appear to be the result of an individuals legitimate desire for attention and help. However, a new trend is emerging. Mega begging sites are appearing and are ostensibly offering would be Internet beggars help with the details of website design, hosting and advertising. Of the few available and reviewed, most required a fee for services and appeared to be taking advantage of new cyber beggars who are less educated regarding the Internet.

Internet begging websites are essentially as transient as traditional off-line panhandlers with respect to territory and accessibility. Many Internet begging websites are not long lived. Having more longevity than many and for esthetic reasons, the following examples are representative of the differing styles of Internet begging websites; from personal appeals for donations, to the mega begging sites offering help to the new Cyber beggar.

= Examples =

*[http://www.helpmebuild.net/ Help Me Build.net] - Donate a dollar to help a couple finish building their concrete house. *[http://www.savekaryn.com Save Karyn] - The first Internet begging website to gain media notoriety. *[http://www.makemeateacher.com Make Matt a Teacher] - A student hoping to have his education paid for by donations. *[http://www.mycarfund.com My Car Fund] - Help a New Zealand polytechnic student buy a car. *[http://www.millionpennyhomepage.com The Million Penny Homepage] - Selling a million pixels with the hopes to raise $10,000