Are you sure that would get fewer donations than: "Things are looking good, but the election is still close. Be part of a winning team! Donate and volunteer today!"?
Are you sure that would get fewer donations than: "Things are looking good, but the election is still close. Be part of a winning team! Donate and volunteer today!"?
Am I sure? No, but I suspect for most people donating comes from a sense of need rather than a desire to fit in. I am sure there has been research on the motivations but can’t say I’ve ever read it. But if a feeling of inclusivity was more effective than fear I suspect we wouldn’t see as many “I need your help” emails / texts. You do raise a valid point though, people are willing to spend a lot of money in order to feel included. But there is usually something tangible they get in return so it’s not quite the same. The SPCA could have used happy puppies in the Sarah McLachlan commercial to fund raise, instead they went for heartbreakingly depressive.
There have been comments before that the typical constant drumbeat of "WE'RE GONNA LOSE UNLESS YOU DONATE RIGHT NOW!" from many candidates depresses donations and votes, but I haven't studied the psychology of it.
Yeah, I definitely agree with that. There’s several different messages one can send. From everything is sunshine and ponies to the world is gonna end unless you send me $20 right now. Trump uses the latter pretty effectively, but I think that plays to his target audience. Again, no evidence but I would hypothesize that feeling like you’re needed is going to spur more Dem leaning people to donate than “everything is awesome”, especially for folks with less discretionary income. But you’ve got me curious, will try to find some literature about it.
Are you sure that would get fewer donations than: "Things are looking good, but the election is still close. Be part of a winning team! Donate and volunteer today!"?
Am I sure? No, but I suspect for most people donating comes from a sense of need rather than a desire to fit in. I am sure there has been research on the motivations but can’t say I’ve ever read it. But if a feeling of inclusivity was more effective than fear I suspect we wouldn’t see as many “I need your help” emails / texts. You do raise a valid point though, people are willing to spend a lot of money in order to feel included. But there is usually something tangible they get in return so it’s not quite the same. The SPCA could have used happy puppies in the Sarah McLachlan commercial to fund raise, instead they went for heartbreakingly depressive.
There have been comments before that the typical constant drumbeat of "WE'RE GONNA LOSE UNLESS YOU DONATE RIGHT NOW!" from many candidates depresses donations and votes, but I haven't studied the psychology of it.
Yeah, I definitely agree with that. There’s several different messages one can send. From everything is sunshine and ponies to the world is gonna end unless you send me $20 right now. Trump uses the latter pretty effectively, but I think that plays to his target audience. Again, no evidence but I would hypothesize that feeling like you’re needed is going to spur more Dem leaning people to donate than “everything is awesome”, especially for folks with less discretionary income. But you’ve got me curious, will try to find some literature about it.
It would be great and fascinating to see any studies of the effects of different donation solicitation messages.