The Agitator

A few days ago, I posted some advice regarding creating online videos deserving of viral success. Here are two examples of such videos. The first comes from Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and deals with the Gulf oil spill. I think you’ll find this video moving … but I’ll let ...  Read more

As reported in the NY Times, OgilvyOne has launched an international contest on YouTube to identify the "world’s greatest salesperson." Contestants must submit a 1-2 minute video in which they sell a common red brick! The winner gets a three-month fellowship at Ogilvy, during which ...  Read more

I’m scratching my head as to why we haven’t looked into the availability of fundraising videos before. Not online pitches by nonprofits, but rather "how to" videos. But today in one of my various info feeds I was struck by an item describing this YouTube video — ...  Read more

“The most poorly written mail I get is from people who want my money.”                       –January 26 post signed by “Disgruntled Writer” The lesson I’ve ...  Read more

Here, from The FLA Group, is a superb paper on how to craft your fundraising case. I wish (for the sake of US readers) I had seen it before the Thanksgiving holiday. I would have insisted that you take it home and memorize it over your "off" days. The basic principles presented in ...  Read more

Now that most of my fellow copywriters are focusing on year-end and holiday efforts, I want to share an unconventional but extraordinary appeal I received from an unusual source. Margaret Battistelli is the energetic and skilled Editor-in-Chief of Fundraising Success magazine and, probably like ...  Read more

All of our postings to date regarding nonprofits’ use of social media have dealt with the possibilities of these platforms for empowering, engaging and "unleashing" your donors, members and activists. But there’s another side to this. What guidance should you give your staff ...  Read more

I’ve been thinking about this video ad from Medicins Sans Frontieres, which has stirred up quite a bit of controversy on the Chronicle’s Give & Take blog and elsewhere. Here are my observations. First, a piece of advertising needs to be assessed against its objectives. If the ...  Read more

Given that The Agitator often encourages fundraisers to experiment with online video, we’re pleased to help bring your attention to this fundraising video competition. It’s sponsored by Resource Alliance, who stages the International Fundraising Congress (IFC). Traditionally the ...  Read more

B.L. Ochman, for my money, is one of the better social media strategists around. In this post, she critiques two online contests, finding one a clear winner … the other a distinct loser. Or, as she puts it: One rocks, one sucks. Here’s an excerpt: "Two current contests involving ...  Read more