The Geekonomy and the Japanese Earthquake.

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I really hate writing this post, yet I should.

This is the inevitable "Steve Comments on The Geekonomic Impact of the Japanese Disaster" post.  I don't want to write it because, as I create it, the crisis is still going on and people are suffering.  I don't want to write it because I don't want to get cold and detached and analytic.

I do write it because it is what I do, because the impact is important, because it is what I do for you, our reader.

I'm just noting right now I'm uncomfortable with this.

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I Have a Job, They Don’t: Pro-Active Networking

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Introduction:
I have kicked around this idea for ages – writing something about how we progeeks with jobs can help those without.  I finally figured I'd do it as a series of blog posts and see how it goes.  Yeah, you know me, sometimes I need to just try an idea out and not dither so much.

We've been there before.  We know people out of work and we want to help, yet it's frustrating at the same time.  There seems to be an infinite amount we can do, yet we're not sure where to start – and what will work.

I've been in your position.  I've had many friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and so on have issues with unemployment.  So I'm going to be writing up individual things you can try, bite-sized morsels of advice to help your friends and family out in their job search.

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A message from Anime Aid

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Something worth looking into.

The Tsunami and Earthquake which has devastated Japan resulting in tremendous damage and heartbreaking losses felt around the world has compelled local conventions and fan based organizations to find ways to help those affected by this tragedy.  Recognizing that a united effort will achieve more good for all we have joined in a cooperative effort called AnimeAid that will help us to coordinate our energy and resources to ensure that the action born of our compassion can be transformed into effective results for the victims of this disaster.  AnimeAid is committed to the task of assisting fan based support initiatives throughout the area to maximize the impact  in assisting the people of Japan as they weather the continuing trials of this situation and move toward rebuilding their lives, their communities, and their nation.  Through AnimeAid organizations can share their plans with others, consolidate activities to allow for effective outreach, and mitigate the costs that are involved in getting support to those who need it most.

The fan community has a long tradition of supporting charities and causes as part of events that we hold.  This has included support for disaster relief efforts, funding for ongoing medical research, and donations to international service organizations.  Our community crosses cultural, societal and racial lines.  We are brought together by our common interests and  have proven a consistent resource for the causes that unite us.  AnimeAid is dedicated to cultivating this spirit and providing assistance for any who wish to take part.

AnimeAid is spearheaded by Washington, DC's two main anime conventions, Anime USA and Katsucon. More Information about the effort can be found at animeaid.org If you have further questions, please contact Tom Stidman at tom.stidman@animeusa.org or Christine Larson at Christine@katsucon.org.