Web 2.0 sites became very handy during tragic Southern California wildfires as many victims and other residents turned to YouTube, Twitter, Google Maps, Flickr, and other mashups to get the most up to date reports.
According to newsfactor.com, several mobile networks were damaged during this heartbreaking incident, forcing authorities in San Diego to issue a ban on voice calls.
Additionally, the Internet is a massive channel to seek donations from concerned citizens even outside the U.S. borders.
One new website, SmartRaise.com, is giving net users everywhere an additional way to make an impact in California. It works with hundreds of leading online retailers to generate charitable donations whenever its members shop online. Membership is completely free.
Shoppers pay the same prices they always would and get to help make a difference with every purchase they make.
All funds raised for this cause will be donated to the American Red Cross and directed for use in the California wildfires disaster. SmartRaise has also pledged to donate an additional 20% on top of any amount that is raised for this cause through its program.
Let’s do our share as responsible Netizens by patronizing and sharing sites like SmartRaise.com to other people.
Photo by AP Photo/Denis Poroy
Originally posted on October 25, 2007 @ 6:39 am
it really is fascinating how we can recieve news about these types of events. all these chat rooms that have people close to the scene who are reporting on events as they see them. i remember last year when israel and lebanon had their little war and i had friends on social networks reporting real time on planes flying overhead and bombs that were dropping. it was unreal to get your information/news like that.