Comments on: New RNC Download: A Fundraising Web Browser Toolbar

By: Karen Graham

Karen Graham — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:12:48 +0000

What I’m curious about is this: What, besides the opportunity to effortlessly raise a little money for an organization you support, would motivate someone to download this and keep it? Is it the RSS links? The messages?

The value proposition to the organization is clear, but what do folks think about the value to the end user?

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:07:16 +0000

This is not a new technique… Rock the Vote had a browser toolbar back in 2006. See e.g. http://web.archive.org/web/20070104210719/www.rockthevote.com/buzzbar/index.php

By: Riche Zamor

Riche Zamor — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:14:05 +0000

I just downloaded this to take a peak, and it is pretty interesting. It is not intrusive in any way, it provides basic functionality I would want from a toolbar (search, basic updates, links to news, weather updates, management of RSS feeds). It also directed me to sign up on the GOP page once installed. I will give them a pat on the back for this one…but just this once. .

Now to remove it before the GOP starts to think I support them in any way whatsoever….

By: Jasmine Sante

Jasmine Sante — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:53:49 +0000

Clever! And in addition to fundraising, looks like they can also push out easy calls to action. With the right certifications, I’d download one for the Dems.

By: Kevin Bondelli

Kevin Bondelli — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:27:04 +0000

Whoa, never mind, I looked again and this is actually a toolbar for your current browser. Interesting….

By: Kevin Bondelli

Kevin Bondelli — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:26:02 +0000

I’ve seen a couple of orgs and causes try something like this, but they never ended up being successful. The problem is that people get comfortable with the functionality of their web browser, especially Firefox users. There is no way I would use a DNC browser without the features I need even if they would get some money in return.

Then again, since Republicans seem to be so far behind on the internet stuff, maybe their users won’t notice the difference and it will be a success. Who knows.