How much would it cost to lose the beard? ;-)

That could be part of the deal - in real time as well as the cartoon!

I'll kick in, but only if you promise to spend the money on something useful, like beer.

This is just a front for IRA money laundering from 'provo' Mick.

Em,

Beer might be better spent on my interviewees. I don't blog so well after the fifth pint!

Mick

Crat,

I'd suggest that cheques and paypal are not the most efficient means of cleaning illgotten cash! :-) If any dodgy notes turn, rest assured it will quickly become a 'scoop' on Slugger!!

Asking for cash from strangers like this leads me to believe before the internet you would have been an excellent story telling tramp.

Hmmm. There's only one way to do this kind of blog reporting properly. That's to spend time on the ground and talk to people: both the ordinary and the experts.

That costs time and money. If people don't think it's worth it, they won't donate. And it won't happen!

I hope it does. It was enormously popular last time out. And, apart from nearly freezing to death outside various polling stations till 10 on the Thursday night. I enjoyed the experience hugely.

If you don't want to see it happen, then don't donate. But I would point out that if you keep hammering away at me in a purely personal capacity, it is against Slugger's single imperative to play the ball and not the man!

Even the ref is entitled a robust form of self defence!

Jim (Doris Day) Gray says he's good for a few quid,just don't tell anyone from the east.

Mick - good luck. I've sent a donation via PayPal.

C'mon the rest of ya. You want to get a reputation for throwing quarters around like they are man-hole covers? ;-)

Many thanks EBB! I think we're doing okay for this early on. I'm pleased too that the people who've given so far come from around the political spectrum. The gif will change slightly when we get to £250.

I checked the stats for yesterday and we had over 4000 visitors. Come on, there's got to be more of you who want to see Slugger hit the ground running in for a decent length of time before polling day!

Mick for £1000 you can come stay at my house for the week bout 20 minutes from Belfast. I'll take the week of work and personally chauffeur you where ever you want to go.

Offer includes en suite room with stunning view, a cooked breakfast, packed lunch, evening meal, PC access with broadband. I'll even book your flights.

Marty, you're too kind! I'll let you know!! ;-)

There is a cheque winding itself very slowly towards Slugger HQ from the Central European contingent.

"Paypal" doesn't work in the Wild East-
I hope it's not discrimination against us new(European)Unionists!

Many thanks Paul!

I'm very pleased with the steady trickle in of funds from all over. From the kind words and strong support we've had so far, I'm confident we can make the target - and maybe a bit more.

Remember Bloggers, if you want to help cost, you can always host our appeal code and help spread the word!

Mick,
I'm a student and a bit skint at the mo but I tried to donate a few quid anyway through my debit card.

It's credit cards only though so it denied my request...is there any other way to donate?

CL,

A cheque to Slugger Central will do the trick. Setting up a paypal account is probably more hassle than you could do with.

If we do get this appeal up to the minimum, we hope to kick the Slugger coverage with a panel discussion in Belfast. If you're local and can get along, a few quid in the bucket would also help!

I'll try and remember to write a cheque then.

Where and when is this panel discusion? I'm from just outside Coleraine, but go to university in Londonderry so I don't know if I'll be able to make it.

CL,

Every little bit is much appreciated. It's likely to be in Belfast. We've just had a substantial pledge for money that will move us considerably towards the target, so I'm hopeful we can bring you details in the next few days!

any more news on the panel situation??
or have i missed another thread?

Working on it as we speak!