Dear rabble readers,
It is amazing to me that rabble.ca was founded 16 years ago when the Internet was still young. Not enough people know that rabble was one of the first independent journalism sites in the world. Did you know that babble, our discussion board, was the first example of interactive social media in Canada? rabble.ca launched as a non-profit operation designed to provide space for news and views that you couldn’t find elsewhere. There is no question that rabble.ca was a visionary publication and it still is.
Over the years, we have tried a variety of funding options. As a pioneer publication, we didn’t know what revenue streams would work for a online publication so like many social justice activists we experimented and found that the best and most reliable funders are you. For a monthly contribution at whatever you can afford, you can ensure that rabble continues to provide excellent news and opinion for years to come.
On January 14, 2002, as publisher of rabble, I sent out a fundraising letter that said:
“Are you worried about the extraordinary power of the corporate-controlled media in Canada? Do you get angry or frustrated when the media is not reflecting the diversity of views essential to a healthy democracy? Are the views and values you hold dear invisible to the editorial writers of the country’s dailies?”
Today corporate concentration is an even bigger issue coupled with the growing problem of fake news. (Of course at rabble we remember the phony weapons of mass destruction used to justify the Gulf War. rabble has a long history of calling out fake news.)
If someone had told me in 2001 that rabble would still be serving its readers 16 years later, I would have laughed — but thanks to the work of staff over the years and the interest of our readers and supporters, rabble is still providing great coverage, interesting discussion and diverse perspectives. Your support means so much for rabble and independent news.
In 2017, when more and more people are understanding the need for political activism to fight back the right, ensure a sustainable environment and continue the battle for social justice and equality, rabble is still needed. And rabble needs you to get to the next level. Will you join me in growing and strengthening news for the rest of us?
Help rabble take it to the next level with big editorial projects such as the Stop Hate series and their alternative take on Canada 150. Help rabble take it to next level with a continued upgrade to the website (the beta version is a big step up but we know more needs to happen). Help rabble take it to the next level in amplifying the voices of social movements such as Idle No More and the campaign for net neutrality.
rabble has given a couple of extra incentives too. Become a monthly supporter at $5/month or more and you get a copy of the upcoming special edition of the Best of rabble. Give $8/month or more and chose a copy of either The Reconciliation Manifesto, by Arthur Manuel, with Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson or No is Not Enough by Naomi Klein.
Thank you for caring about rabble and helping to build an alternative.
Support rabble today!
We’re so glad you stopped by! Thanks for consuming rabble content this year.
rabble.ca is 100% reader and donor funded, so as an avid reader of our content, we hope you will consider gifting rabble with a donation during our summer fundraiser today.
Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
Become a rabble rouser — donate to rabble.ca today.
Nick Seebruch, editor
