Looks like there are enough volunteers to start, but first I need to test this out with one of my alternate e-mail addresses.
Here’s the live-blog:
1) Although the invite was sent out quickly, it was snagged by my spam-filter. How appropriate.
2) The link shows up in the email as http://www.wecansolveit.org/join, but actually takes you to http://www.wecansolveit.org/page/ic/idol869ruxznor/Sg9ZXA0%253D, which shows up in my browser as http://wecansolveit.org/page/s/signupmain. So many sneaky re-directs from such a truth-oriented program.
3) Oops… had to clear my cookies because the sign-up page remembered my original sign-up info. Just a hint for you new folks who want to sign yourself up 50 times to become WeLeaders and get that sweet, sweet organic cotton T-shirt.
4) Ok, I submitted my e-mail & fake name… where’s my welcome e-mail?
5) ?
6) Profit
7) Ok… I guess they’re checking to see if that e-mail address has already signed up (“Once a new signup is received, Sponsor will compare names against the database to ensure each new sign-up is an Eligible New-Signup”).
8) While I’m waiting, I think I’ll check to see if that URL is consistent… invite another me… caught in spam filter… and now it’s http://www.wecansolveit.org/page/ic/wvwl8how5fscg1/ShVXUgZLFRsWWldbRBVeAApX. How delightfully random.
9) It’s been over over an hour… come ON guys! Put the bong down and welcome me to the collective, already!
10) Ok, bored now… I’ll update this post when something new happens…
By the way, this openly-discussed covert operation needs a cool nickname, like “ScreWE”, or something. Any suggestions?
UPDATE 3:30pm CDT: To answer a question: upon sign-up, they ask for e-mail, first name, last name, and ZIP. Only the e-mail is mandatory.
UPDATE 5PM CDT: Jimmy said, “Don’t know what you really expect to learn from those guys.” – I don’t either, but the site says that WeLeaders will have “access to behind-the-scenes information, events and tools from the We Campaign”, which implies that there will be things going on that they don’t want the general public to know about. I’m curious as to what the eviro-cultists are hiding. And if it’s juicy, I’ll share.
UPDATE 5-4-08 11:30AM CDT: I’m working my way through sending out invites. I still haven’t gotten my “welcome to the collective” email from #4. If you’ve signed up & got your welcome e-mail, let me know.
Ya know, my biggest fear in this whole project is that “behind-the-scenes information” will turn out to be “links to stuff that’s on the website”, and that being a WeLeader offers nothing that isn’t available to regular members.
Not that a group of hippies would ever lie to trick folks into helping pad their membership stats.
UPDATE 5-4-08 12:45PM CDT: From the WE site:
We prefer to receive your donation online to minimize environmental impact of postal mail. However, if you would prefer to send us a check or are not able to donate online, please email us and our development staff will follow up with you.
Slickest paper-trail-elimination technique I’ve ever seen. I’m TOTALLY using that one for my next online scam.
