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Also, truthout.org routinely hits up its readers for both general donations and contributions to its "legal defense fund" (I can't tell exactly what it is they're trying to fight, since they're so vague about the "fund's" purpose, but it sounds like they've had their domain blocked by some ISPs for spamming). Here are two example emails.

First, the "legal defense fund" email:

Monday 23 May 2003 [Ed. Note: The moron got the date wrong. It was sent on June 23.]
TO Fund-Raiser / Legal Defense
This fund-raiser is about our normal budget and additionally putting together a TO legal defense fund. As many of you may know we are battling with a number of large Internet Service Providers who are refusing to deliver the TO daily edition to the subscribers. We have retained a first amendment attorney and we need a legal fund. For those of you who can consider helping out please do so.
We have no banner ads, we have no pop-up windows, we have no commercial sponsors. TO is supported 100% by our readers. That's annoying -- but it's good, because that's who we answer to. For better or for worse our survival is dependent upon the public we serve. This fund-raiser will provide a war chest for the next 30 days -- let's get it off to a good start!
Please consider our monthly support plans. One low payment per month is easier on your pocket and provides us a budget we can plan around.
Just use this link to our Secure Server: https://www.truthout.org/[likei'mgivingthemalink].htm
(t r u t h o u t is a non-profit independent news source. Your contributions are completely Tax Deductible.)
FOR LOW INCOME READERS: Don't send cash just help by spreading the word!
REMINDER: The TO service is FREE to all. Donations are strictly voluntary. If you stop receiving the TO Newsletter please notify us at once.
Or if you prefer to donate by check :
Make payable to : truthout
P.O. Box xxxxx
Sherman Oaks, CA xxxxx-xxxx
To donate by Phone : (213) xxx-xxxx
Thank you!
Marc Ash
Executive Director | t r u t h o u t

Now, a regular fundraising letter:

Tuesday 27 May 2003
May-June Help Fund TO!
It's time to begin putting together our budget for the upcoming month. TO's presence in the media arena has become a constant thorn in the side of the FOX-CNN-MSNBC public relations machine. [Ed. Note: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!] We are going to stay in the fight. We could use your help.
As many of you know we have no banner ads, we have no pop windows, we have no commercial sponsors. TO is supported 100% by our readers. That's annoying -- but it's good, because that's who we answer to. For better or for worse our survival is dependent on the public we serve. This fund-raiser will provide a war chest for the next 30 days -- let's get it off to a good start!
Please consider our monthly support plans. One low payment per month is easier on your pocket and provides us a budget we can plan around.
Just use this link to our Secure Server: https://www.truthout.org/[notachance].htm
(t r u t h o u t is a non-profit independent news source. Your contributions are completely Tax Deductible.)
FOR LOW INCOME READERS: Don't send cash just help by spreading the word!
REMINDER: The TO service is FREE to all. Donations are strictly voluntary. If you stop receiving the TO Newsletter please notify us at once.
Or if you prefer to donate by check :
Make payable to : truthout
P.O. Box xxxxx
Sherman Oaks, CA xxxxx-xxxx
To donate by Phone : (213) xxx-xxxx
Thank you!
Marc Ash
Executive Director | t r u t h o u t