Helping Internets Ppl
In conversation an idea for a site was fleshed out by Suren and myself based on the ‘agony aunt’ system: people writing in their thoughts and issues and having compassionate and helpful responses posted by a mediator.
We thought of the site like a therapist practice. People can send what they like, usually a detailed [...]
In conversation an idea for a site was fleshed out by Suren and myself based on the ‘agony aunt’ system: people writing in their thoughts and issues and having compassionate and helpful responses posted by a mediator.
We thought of the site like a therapist practice. People can send what they like, usually a detailed story outlining problems and circumstances, through an anonymous form on the site that goes to my email.
I read through it and write my two cents. I’m no psychologist nor do I have anything remotely like a degree or qualification in the field. I do, however, enjoy helping people with personal problems. I am no expert, but I have done some good in my time [not always].
Once a response is written, I post it publicly. None of the person’s details are posted. Hopefully the contact form can work without the need for a user to even enter their email.
Suren’s idea was to provide an automated code after someone posts so we can track their subsequent responses to my original reply. I don’t know how to do this and may just leave it out.
The site works on the premise that no harm can be done [other than bad advice] and there is no danger being that everything is anonymous. Pseudonyms can obviously be used, ala ‘Sleepless In Seattle’.
After a relationship is made between myself and any particular user, we can exchange emails and continue correspondence there. We can always have the option to have responses posted on the site or keep things purely email based.
I will provide the service purely on PayPal donations. If you truly help someone, they will want to repay you. I’m not greedy.
In posting some replies publicly, I can establish a running portfolio whereby people can judge whether it is worth writing to me.
Things are kept very open. I detail exactly my lack of professional experience, study and qualification and who I am, personally. Also what I’d like to gain from providing such a service and all the rules I’ll give myself and others.
I don’t know how to promote this sort of thing, other than just have people I know use it. Word of mouth may be all I have. It’s a small project, so no need for any marketing etc. Spare time kind of thing.
Why a website and not just help people I know?
- There’s a hell of a lot more people around the world that may want to use a service like this.
- It can be completely anonymous, albeit a little impersonal.
- Helping one person can result in others with similar circumstances finding advice and solace through the public posts.
- I can get paid for doing a little good.
Is this a bad idea? Am I kidding myself?
