Help Us Help You!
September 15, 2004
“Hey, what’s the story?” Our loyal readers have expressed their alarm at a wave of recent hacking attacks that have caused great consternation and a major slowdown in work for us here at Balkanalysis.com – a very unfortunate irritation, considering that the Balkans is once again heating up and the kind of informed and independent coverage we provide is becoming increasingly valuable.
Well, this is part of success – increased scrutiny from both well-wishers and malevolent forces. But why, one wonders, would Turkish and Iranian hackers care? What did we ever say against their countries? (Aha! It’s really a secret neocon plot to bring us onto the side of The Good in the war with the Muslim world, by sponsoring the internet equivalent of an act of terrorism).
All joking aside, the point is quite serious: if loyal readers want to continue to enjoy our unique coverage in the future – and not only that, but to witness an expansion of operations that will increase not only the quality but quantity of news stories and analyses to appear here – it’s time to help us help you, by donating today.First of all, as the recent unfortunate experience shows, we need a complete site redesign that will guarantee security as well as 24/7 dedicated support, which we currently lack. A site redesign will also improve the look of the site and increase the options for visitors, expand the archive, allow for more photos and graphic work, etc. This has been on our wish list for a long time, but there’s only one thing: it’s damn expensive. So without your support- it’s not going to happen.
Your donation will also help to defray costs associated with performing our duties. After all, we don’t merely regurgitate the news, but actively seek it out – an effort which requires a lot of travel, interviews, research, etc. Most readers don’t realize just how much time these things take and how expensive they are to do. By donating today, you can ensure that we are able to keep seeking out the exotic and unknown in Balkan events. If you don’t donate? Well…
In keeping with our hope that small and independent media bodies can be a viable source of alternative news, we have on several occasions passed up selling exclusive stories to bigger media groups- though it is definitely not profitable to do so. If readers don’t start donating today, it may be time to change this policy, sad to say.
The bottom line is this: do you belief in the possibility of a free and independent media existing in a world increasingly controlled by fewer and more powerful corporations, individuals and governments? Do you believe that a free and independent media can make a difference in a world increasingly wracked by war, devastation and ignorance? Do you believe that a free and independent media can play a role in guaranteeing a more peaceful, prosperous and democratic future for the Balkan region? If your answer to these questions is yes, then consider donating today to Balkanalysis.com. Here’s how to do it.
The trusted Amazon.com Honor Program involves only a quick credit card payment, and keeps the donator’s identity anonymous to us. Click here for the details. We also accept checks and bank wire transfers. For this option, write to us at contact@balkanalysis.com for more information.
Readers can also support the site by buying or commissioning a private report, article or analysis, or passing on this information to someone who would be interested in this. Click here for more info. Finally, patronizing our affiliate partners advertised on the site helps a little too.
Balkanalysis.com wants to continue fighting the good fight in the future- with your help. So, loyal readers… let’s make it happen!
Sincerely,
The Balkanalysis.com Team