When I wrote this diary back in August, I noted that money going to fund “think tanks” was a waste when “progressives” already had tools available to counter the vast no-brain conspiracy of the Right.
One of which was MovingIdeas. At a time when progressives chase data by “googling”, I found that keeping current on a variety of issues was as simple as opening a piece of e-mail. When it is difficult at best (vast understatement) to coordinate a message across issue-lines, they somehow managed to pull it off for their 185 member orgs.
I suppose the people at AmericanProspect felt there were better ways to spend their political and monetary capitol. In an era where every other e-mail is a solicitation for cash from some worthy organization, it is more than likely they simply could not compete.
||C-YAl||
Like CabinGirl wrote this morning:
I don’t know about all of you, but lately I find little bits of interesting news that don’t warrant a diary, and don’t really fit in as a comment anywhere else.
And my response was the same as it has been for a very long time now: “As someone who is a serial subscriber, I like it when the news comes to me. A good example of “if it ain’t broke”.” Subscription news is one of the most undervalued means of communication we have.
The analog to a newspaper is a news list. Not a blog, an RSS feed, or television talking-head. It is delivered, easy to browse, and totally recyclable. And as in the print media, another one bites the dust. Well, thank you, and good luck to the people already scattered.
January 18, 2006
Dear [Me]:
After more than a decade of improving the connections between public policy and activism, the Moving Ideas Network will cease operations at the end of this month.
Although Moving Ideas has achieved much success, including growth in our weekly e-newsletters, increased traffic to our websites and participation in Moving Ideas online and offline networking opportunities, we have been unable to build long-term funding into this mix.
The American Prospect, which has housed Moving Ideas since its inception, is no longer able to support the project and outside funding has not been forthcoming. Over the past several months, we have worked hard to find a new home for Moving Ideas, but have been unable to secure such placement. We have, therefore, had to make the difficult decision to cease activities. There will be no further e-newsletters or action alerts and the website will go offline by January 31, 2006.
Moving Ideas team members have moved on to other endeavors. Rebecca Wiegand, who left a few months ago, works at Choice USA. Diane Greenhalgh is the Director of Internet and Print Services for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Diana Onken will be the Deputy Organizing Director for NARAL Pro-Choice America. Melanie Alston-Akers will seek new employment after a few months of leave following the birth of her twins, due later this month.
The entire Moving Ideas team hopes that you will continue to connect with the member organizations that have provided you with ongoing policy analysis, commentary, action opportunities, events, jobs and so much more.
The Moving Ideas Team
——–
Moving Ideas Network
2000 L Street NW, Suite 717
Washington, DC 20036
newsletter@movingideas.org
www.movingideas.org
Note to the Dumbocracy Contrivance: By all means, please continue to reinvent the wheel. And by the way, real classy website.
