Brand Boggler
I live my life on the system of random acts of kindness. It’s what makes my days/weeks/months/years just that little bit better. Sometimes it’s just a small thing. Sometimes it’s a financial investment.
For me, participating in a RAK is like having a random bit of Xmas spirit. Only you don’t have to wait until December for the WHOOSH.
Think about it.
Think about the excitement you feel when putting effort into ‘the’ item or sweetness that’d help a friend, relative, etc. Only, sometimes it could be a total stranger in need. That’s when it becomes really special. When there is nothing connecting you and the recipient of the RAK. When they get something they cannot afford. And you get that smile.
I’m of the opinion that the whole world would benefit if there was a spirit of RAK, and Guy proposes to bring design into the picture. In my way of thinking, RAK, in a way, is pro bono. Only, without an expected return (smiles are not counted).
For all the pro bono’s I’ve worked on, they’ve certainly got more out of it than I have business-wise. Sure, I get the publicity. But the truth is that when I’m heavy into the project, it’s all about giving, not receiving. It’s a half RAK. And it’s all good.
From Brand Boggler:
I’ve had an idea. Random Acts Of Designess (RADness). I’ll surf the internet, find a good cause that needs some help with it’s identity, or promotional material and offer my graphic design services for free. No better still, I’ll just do the work and send it to them, with an explanation of why and what I’ve done. So simple. Right, that’s it, I’m off to do my RADness. I’ll post back here when I’ve done the work and have some feedback from my Random Act of Designess
Guy, it’s an excellent idea and I hope the idea catches on (thank you for contacting me).
EDIT: Brand Blogger is no more …
Technorati Tags: act, design, Inspiration, random
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March 13th, 2007 at 1:35 am
I don’t know about RADness but RAK is a great way to live. Like leaving that poor waiter or waitress whom you see struggling a $100 tip or walking up to a poor mother of three on the street and giving her money. It does make the days more enjoyable but if someone where to send me a completely redesigned website for nothing I would always be wondering when the “catch” would come in, or I would wonder how their design is better than my own. It sounds like a great idea but I do not think the people who run the websites will respond with kindness as much as indignation that you don’t like their site or curiosity as to what you want from them in return. Of course I can be pretty snide and condescending sometimes so I am probably wrong ;)
March 14th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I believe it would have to be handled very carefully. Especially if they keep wanting changes. And, if they decided since that was free, this and that and this other thing over there should be free too!
But I do feel it could be done in a lovely manner.
I’m especially interested in those who try and go for the contest to select a ‘winner’ of their site design.