As most of you know (especially those who read The nth Word) , I write a monthly article for the GLAHW newsletter about interesting things I have found while searching the internets.  Most of these deal with writing, horror, or both.  Sometimes I find something really interesting.  Sometimes I find something amazing.

This is one of those times.

writerjenn has what I think is a brilliant idea.  On the surface the idea is deceptively simple.  Bloggers blog (it’s what we do) and pledge to donate money to their local library for every commenter who comments within a certain timeframe.

So, here’s the challenge, folks:

For every commenter* who posts between 12:01am 23 March and 12:00 p,27 March (That’s one minute after midnight Tuesdays to midnight Friday, all times EST) I will donate $2.  I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I’m hoping to get at least 25 commenters here.  I’m going to have to put a cap at $150, but I will be ecstatic if we hit that mark.

*You did see the “*” right?  That word is commenters, not comments.  Yes, I will applaud your dedication if you comment 1,200 times in four days, but that still only counts as one person.  Remember, your humble Webmaster gets your IPs so don’t play the slippery eel with me.

What you can do is spread the word.  Post about this on Twitter, Facebook, wherever.  Tomorrow I will put up a link to others who are participating.  Link to that too.

I do have a confession, the Ferndale library will not be getting the money.  I spent a lot of time last year trying to get out the votes to update and expand the library.  I know you are all sick of hearing about that.  Instead the money will be donated to the Dominican and Siena literacy organizations.  You GLAHW folk are familiar with them.  The do great work.

So, that’s the score, my loyal Minions.  Comment below, anything you want (although something about libraries, books, or reading would be nice).  Share the links.  Let the word go forth.

Just Added!  When posting my link with the others I saw that some people are offering prizes as an added incentive.  Why not?  One lucky commenter (chosen at random) will receive her or his choice of ONE of the books I am published in (see the Shameless Self-Promotion page for your choices) OR you can hold off for the yet-to-be-released third GLAHW anthology (because I know you already have the other books, right?).  Sure, I’ll sign it, personalize it, make rude comments.  Whatever.

So, not only are you helping people learn to read, you are getting a chance to win something for practically nothing.  All you have to do is comment below.  What are you waiting for?