Linking current trends may reveal new ones
David Abel
David Abel of The Boston Globe found a new outlet for the needy in the wired world: digital panhandling. He quotes Neil J. Donovan, executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington:
“So in a bad economy, when you combine reduced giving through typical panhandling with computer training for homeless jobseekers, it’s surprising the practice didn’t start sooner. . . . Don’t blame them for coming up with creative ways to tread water.’’
Today’s Tip: Link current trends to see what other trends have emerged.
Internet use is up. The economy is down, and with that, more people are in need, and fewer able to donate to traditional charities. Add those trends up, and you find another trend story — people in need soliciting online. Al Tompkins writes more about the trend today on his Poynter.org blog, “Al’s Morning Meeting.”
Numerous writers featured in my blog have come up with great stories just by paying attention to what they see in their community. Keep your eyes peeled, too, when you’re online.
