July 5, 2008 2:14 PM
Blood donor blues
So I hear this frantic ad on the radio - that blood is urgently needed before July 4th - and all the potential accidents - that blood supplies are extremely low, that there is a critical need for O+.
I memorize the number and as soon as I can grab a phone, call breathlessly to donate my precious O+ blood.
They give me an appointment 17 days away.
I dunno. Somehow, I feel the drama and the drive drain away. I mean I want to rush over and stick out my arm and give them my blood NOW!
What about all those accident victims they said they were worried about on the 4th? I hope they did okay without me.
~~~~~~~~~
Facts About Blood
10 Reasons to Give Blood
And surprise!
The Incredible Health Benefits of Donating Blood
Posted in Opportunities to give | Permalink
Comments
lol. oh marketing!
Posted by: paigeu | July 5, 2008 3:06 PM
Hmm, how disappointing. I would hate for advertising like that to give people the impression that the need for blood donation is just hype. That could seriously backfire for them. :(
Posted by: Michelle Potter | July 5, 2008 4:24 PM
This was a PSA. That means that the station does not have to air it at a set time, and that other stations are using the exact same message.
In charity, you should probably think that so many other people heard it in other outlets that all of their slots filled before you heard the ad, and met the need. Instead, you are choosing to feel manipulated, because of your desire to feel virtuous and have everyone know about it. Will the recipient of your blood (assuming that you did take the appointment) be any less needy or grateful for your anonymous donation?
Posted by: Anon | July 5, 2008 8:30 PM
Dear Anon -
It was supposed to be funny :)
A lead in to encourage donations - hence the links I set up at the end.
I don't feel manipulated or virtuous - just a writer doing her thing.
Guess you can be an Anon doing yours too :)
Posted by: barbara | July 5, 2008 8:39 PM
I am reading a book right now which is specifically about this kind of thing. How people who market an idea----even a good idea--- do so through hype and exaggeration.
Barbara feels manipulated because she was. It doesn't mean she doesn't recognize the benefits of donating blood.
Posted by: paigeu | July 5, 2008 8:42 PM
Yes, Anon. We should all use charity when assessing the motives of others. Recognizing the problem is half the battle.
Posted by: Amy K. | July 6, 2008 6:35 AM
