Win $599 for Redesigning Begslist.org

Begslist.org is holding a design contest on 99Designs.com and is accepting submissions for the new look and feel for the Begslist website.

The contest ends soon so get your design submissions now!

http://99designs.com/web-design/contests/web-design-popular-charity-site-begslist-org-143861

The winning Begslist design prize is $599 US Dollars.

Enter now!! 

Update 6/20/2012: 2 more days for accepting entries

BEGSLIST.ORG SEEKS HELP FOR THE NEEDY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

With the holidays fast approaching, many people are doing their shopping online - but the Internet is also a very popular place for people in need asking for a handout on Begslist.org.

There are thousands of pleas for help on Begslist.org, an online donation website, which is dedicated to helping people in need through online begging via the Internet. Most of us this year will be enjoying a wonderful holiday dinner with our friends and family, but for millions of families across the country, Christmas will be like any other day; a struggle to make ends meet.

The stories from people asking for help are heartbreaking. A recently widowed dad who lost his job; a failed businessman with no money and no hope for a future. And, of course, stories of so many families who can't afford gifts for Christmas.

"We are a family of 9, and my husband lost his job, so we didn't have Christmas last year. This year we were lucky enough to find a place to live, but no money for Christmas..."

"I am a single mother of six and I am seeking help to have a Christmas with my family. I have been laid off from work and I experienced as a child not having many Christmases, but I don't want that for my kids..."

Others post stories asking for help, not for themselves but for others in need. Charities, organizations or everyday people just wanting online donations for various causes will try begging on Begslist.org to help others.

"Help the Children of Chicago - My deepest wishes for the spirit of Christ and Christmas. Can you help the needy children this season with a small donation, any amount.. because it the thought that counts. It's better to give than to receive as our children are the future and needy families need help."

"This is a Memorial to my brother who died of Cancer in 2006. We wish to aid in the support of Community Hospice groups everywhere. Hospice is currently undergoing a financial hard time and needs our help. Hospice does a job that really helps. Take it from one who knows what they do. During my brother's final time, they provided many services that we the family could not."

Begslist.org is an online donations website dedicated to helping people in need through the use of free cyber begging. Try something different this Holiday Season and take the time to send donations whether it be toys, food, clothing or financial support to those less fortunate. One of the most effective and timely ways to donate to people who desperately need help is to make monetary or holiday donations online by going to www.begslist.org.

For more information about Begslist.org , donations or cyber begging, please visit http://www.begslist.org/. And please show support for people in need this Holiday Season!

About Begslist.org

Cyber begging, Internet begging, or Internet panhandling is the online version of traditional begging or panhandling where people can ask strangers for money, food, clothing, or shelter. Begging online has a clear advantage to street begging or panhandling where it can be done with relative anonymity, thus eliminating or reducing the embarrassment, shame, or keeping one's dignity that associated with begging in public. Begslist.org is a free way to ask for donations online, maintain privacy, and protect one's pride when begging for help.

Since 2007, Begslist.org has tried to keep the reputation of establishing itself as free cyber begging website that allows access to anyone who needs help as compared to a paid cyber begging (pay-to-post) website by offering users FREE postings to ask for help.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/begslist

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Begslist/48221925633

SOURCE Begslist.org

Website reviews: Begslist.org

by Katerina Nikolas

Amidst the slew of online begging sites Begslist.org costs nothing for cyber beggars to sign up and post their pleas for donations. They hope to be found by one of the kind souls who scour the internet looking to give their cash away. Whilst other sites often charge a hefty sign up fee Begslist.org is still free, as its creator knows what hard times are.

Instead of the beggars paying to post, Begslist runs paid advertisements from businesses which include online gambling sites, pay day loan lenders and credit repair services. This could be convenient for one of the sites cyber beggars who pleads for money to fund his gambling trip, as he could save on the travel expenses and hit the online gambling instead.

Whilst the site is free it does promise to feature those that donate $9.95 when they post, that their begging post will be featured in the ‘Begslist Spotlight’. The site also gives advice to its online beggars on how to avoid being scammed by donors, though it doesn’t highlight the dangers of donors being scammed by beggars.

Common scams to look out for the typical email type which purport to come from Presidents and Doctors, and those who need your address to send you a check which will require a return check for the over donated amount once cashed. Beggars are also warned of the countries which most likely send scam mails, including Nigeria and the UK.

The site does not publish photographs or personal details of the beggars, though some do post their PayPal email address. Many choose to post their names though along with email addresses and place of work. Requests for cash are divided into various sections such as money for debts, students, medical bills, food, rent, toys and entertainment. The latter category includes requests for beer money, new computers and gaming consoles.

One cyber beggar who intends to run for public office soon seems to have misunderstood the nature of cyber begging and touchingly declares himself to be a “35 year okld mail” in need of a wife. Another poster has urgent need of $10000 “for breast augmentation. In return I will take naked pictures of myself, with my new breasts.” What voyeur could turn down an offer like that?

Cyber beggars have a varied international background with representatives of India, Canada, Bulgaria and the Philippines all featured. What they all have in common is a Pay Pal account and a sob story.

There is nothing to say that those who beg online will receive a cent from it but they are encouraged to click on the adverts to express their gratitude for the free service which Begslist provides. Donors on the other hand are more likely to avoid being scammed by giving directly to the poor, the needy, or a charity.

Keeping BegsList Free

From the words of the BegsList Creator:

"It has always been my wish that this site remain free for all to visit. I DO NOT want this site to be a Pay Per Cyberbegging or a subscription web site as most cyberbegging web sites are. Today's economy hit me hard where I too had the hardships of stuggling to make ends meet. I know where many of you are coming from and I had my share of 'ups and downs' in my life. I truly understand what it is like to go through tough times and I want to help others in need any way I can."

It costs money and time to keep this site up and running. Operating costs include domains (multiple domains are directing to this site), web hosting fees, forum hosting fees and donation distributions given by BegsList to cyberbeggers on the site. Advertising, as seen throughout the site, isn't really covering all these expenses.

How do I continue to keep this web site from becoming a pay per posting cyberbegging web site?

-  You can help support the site by visiting advertisements and getting financial help, such as clicking on FreeCreditReport.com from the Begslist site or other resources seen that would help pay for the site. Getting financial help not only helps you, it helps pay for BegsList as well.

- Spread the word about BegsList. Word of mouth goes a long way. If you know how to do other forms of advertising, please feel free to do so. Spreading the word about the site is like a domino effect where the more visitors the site receives, the greater the chance that you may receive donations and in turn, it may also help BegsList remain free.

- You can make a small donation to BegsList by using the donation box below. As seen in many cyber begging postings...."Any little bit helps! Even if it is just $1. It does add up!". Show you can not only take donations, but you can give as well.