Mossback is the designated hitter in the Crosscut spring Membership drive today, and I'd like to talk a bit about why I greatly enjoy writing for this site. Before that, a few housekeeping details.
Yesterday, Crosscut had a $1,000 match, which was easily met and surpassed, which meant the first $1,000 of Membership donations was doubled. In the midst of that flurry, good friends of mine and Crosscut's, Gordon and Celia Bowker, called to make a $1,000 matching gift for today, on the same dollar-for-dollar terms. Donate today and you'll become a new or renewing annual Member, and your gift will be doubled by the Bowker match. It's easy to donate on the site, including monthly installments if you prefer. Donations are tax-deductible.
We also had a drawing for yesterday's prize, two tickets to Seattle Art Museum and its current hot show by Nick Cave. Our winner is Edie Lackland of Seattle, who just happens to be a culture maven herself. Today's drawing, and all who donate are eligible, is a $50 gift certificate to Cafe Paloma, Crosscut staff's favorite hangout restaurant in Pioneer Square, with delicious Turkish food.
All new and renewing Members are eligible for a drawing at the end of the campaign for an iPad2; and those who donate at the $100 level will get a new Crosscut t-shirt, in stylish black or Navy blue. And new Members (as well as current ones) are invited to our next free-to-Members party, April 28. More on the Member page.
There are lots of benefits for Membership, plus knowing you are helping to make Crosscut thrive and endure. Now let me, if you please, talk about what benefits I get out of writing for this site. Here are six things I've learned in four years of writing for Crosscut.
1. Be on your toes. Readers often know more than you do.
2. That's okay since they're not shy about sharing their opinions. Hint: Some even turn into excellent sources. Thankfully, Crosscut has a minimum of trolls.
3. Crosscut allows both depth and immediacy. Speedier than a daily, as thoughtful as a news weekly.
4. I love writing from wherever I happen to be.
5. Independent writers are multi-platform these days — radio, magazines, Facebook. It's Crosscut that keeps me anchored.
6. Anyone can say anything anytime online. But context still matters. On Crosscut, I'm surrounded by smart writers, editors, and readers. It lets me cover what moves me about the city I love, and have the pleasure of reading other free spirits doing the same.
Remember, "free spirits" can't write for free. That's another reason I hope you'll join the club and donate today. Thanks, everyone.
