I wrote yesterday about a women named Anne who wrote me this message about our raising money for Maria’s trip to India, it said simply: “By any other name, it is still cyber-begging.”

As a result of my Civility Program, I did not tell Anne to piss off, she and I are having a spirited conversation about this – she is an intelligent person, a lawyer who does not believe people should undertake anything they cannot afford. I do not believe helping the poor and need is only a function of the wealthy, neither, happily does Maria.

Numerous groups seek money all the time for many good causes, crowdsourcing lets people know precisely where their money is going and what for. It is profoundly democratic, which is, perhaps, why some people jeer at it.

I also believe people can make up their own minds about what they wish to support, or not to support.

I think Anne has gotten past her nastiness, and my back is no longer up,  and we are actually having the beginnings of a civil conversation about this. This may be a small victory, we’ll see. Every time this happens, and we break through the anger,  I think there is hope, and I am committed to keep trying, even if she never agrees with me.

I don’t wish to give the impression that I am criticized and disagreed with all the time, that is not the truth.

My blog – and Maria’s –  has spawned a rich and diverse and profoundly loving community, as Maria is already seeing in regards to her trip. All kinds of people are popping out of the digital ether with offers of help and support.

What a good cause, helping victims of sexual trafficking to learn art as a way of getting to freedom and earning a living. The important thing for us is not where the money comes from but what it goes for.

I don’t want to leave the impression that I don’t get wonderful messages as well, and many of them, and every day, sometimes by e-mail, sometimes in my Post Office Box, Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

This one was from Dave Schoof, a life coach and lealdership counselor who works over much of the world. I wanted to reprint it, because Mr. Schoof speaks precisely to what it is I am seeking to do in my writing and on my  blog, and in my life:

“Hi, Jon, I want to thank you for your blog – I enjoy it immensely. I think your photos evoke a lot of feelings, some even mildly uncomfortable and I love that. Your writing sounds like you are speaking. Receiving the e-mail each morning has become something of a practice for me, like meditation or walking in nature.  I feel grounded and connected.

Simple words, simple reflections that are thoughtful and resonate. I enjoy your dry humor – very dry. So just wanted to let you know, your gift is appreciated and is making a difference for me. And then, I think it helps me make a difference to those in my world. Thanks, Dave.”

Thanks Dave, I enjoyed your message immensely and I thank you for it. I endeavor to write the way I speak, I want it to be authentic and spontaneous. And simple, if sometimes long. I try to spark thought, even uncomfortable thought, and I very much want to make a difference.

You have simply captured almost everything I try to do with my words and photos, and you words touched me and made a difference today. I get enormous support and encouragement every day, and I think it is important to share that as well as the complaints and criticisms.