[ponrauil]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Money will help, awareness doesn't.

In order to decide to give money or not, you need to be aware of the problem.
Awareness is unsufficient yes, but necessary.

Ponrauil

[spunkywho]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Then why would resetting the debts do anything?

The cause is good, the way they do it is wrong. Money will help, awareness doesn't. Going there and helping people is doing something, playing for 20 minutes doesn't do a thing.

Ice

Obviously money will feed some mouths, but it is only a short-term solution. Money is needed, but it isn't going to solve the problem.

Awareness will hopefully cause people to take action beyond the relief of debts.

We've had this discussion just a little while ago...

[*ºÇåptäîn¤Çrä§hº*]

Originally Posted by StoneDeaf

In fact, event like this doesn't need any contribution from him to succeed. So he's there to polish his halo.

Whether you like it or not, the fact remains that one of music history's biggest events took place because HE initiated it. Whatever his individual reasons were or are, it is still a good thing over all.

[Becky]

I can be cynical, but I doubt it will do much good. People aren't going because they care about Africa or to make world leaders listen. They're going to see a free concert.

[rainsong]

Martin, I guess I just don't see what your angst with Geldolf is. You say he's in it for self-promotion and his own ego. Why? He, of all the artists participating has nothing to sell. the dude can rest on his laurels, he's forever going to be known as the man who spearheaded the biggest, most successful musical charity event ever. He's not performing, he's not trying to resurrect his musical career, I just don't see that he's getting anything out of it except the satisfaction of knowing that he tried to help what is a horrible situation. Will it accomplish anything?? Who knows? But I say it can;t hurt anything either, and if nothing else a whole bunch of people get to see a lot of really amazing artists and hear them play.
Ice, you are correct that the politicians can go back to ignoring the situation. However if this weekend brings it to the forefront, and people start asking questions and requesting answers from their politicians as to what's being done , even for a little while, some good things may come out of it.

[spunkywho]

Originally Posted by Becky

I can be cynical, but I doubt it will do much good. People aren't going because they care about Africa or to make world leaders listen. They're going to see a free concert.

No, people don't go because of their concern about Africa. However, the people that go, watch the show, hear about it... are more likely to think about the situation and thus, are more likely to get involved than people who have never even heard about the need. It's a promotional function - as with anything. If we have a new products show, people come for the free booze and goodies, not because they care about each and every new product we are going to put out, while they stuff their faces with pie and appetizers, they'll be inundated with our new stuff --- that is how marketing works

[Iceman]

Originally Posted by spunkywho

that is how marketing works

Marketing is trying to create a need for something. Raising awareness about Africa isn't really creating a need for the people coming to the concerts. They won't feel a need to donate money to Africa any more than they do now.

Money is the only thing that will help. It will allow the problems to be solved for so long that the countries can start solving them by themselves. Awareness doesn't feed anyone, it doesn't help anyone. Live 8 isn't gathering money = Live 8 doesn't help.

I know that's cynical, but it's probably very true. I would love Live 8 to help the people in Africa, but it won't. Awareness already exists, at least in developed countries it should, and look how far it has gotten us.

Ice

[*ºÇåptäîn¤Çrä§hº*]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Live 8 isn't gathering money = Live 8 doesn't help.

I think you are valuing too high that the concerts are free. Live8 for sure is gathering money through the one or the other donations account, CD/DVD release, merchandize etc.

[Iceman]

Originally Posted by *ºÇåptäîn¤Çrä§hº*

I think you are valuing too high that the concerts are free. Live8 for sure is gathering money through the one or the other donations account, CD/DVD release, merchandize etc.

Show me. Where does it say they're donating anything anywhere?

Ice

[*ºÇåptäîn¤Çrä§hº*]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Show me. Where does it say they're donating anything anywhere?

I can't cause it doesn't. But that is because they don't want money in the first place this time around. I think it is a good thing that they try to change something towards what was done in 85. It was a big charity event back then, but today it is addressing to the people that could really change something - G8. Live8 itself isn't gathering money but it is part of a huge movement around the globe to make poverty history and there for sure is financial help involved.

For example, similar to Lance Armstrong's Wear Yellow campaign there is a white wristband to show your support.

http://www.live8live.com/whattodo/ > Can't Make It > Wear A White Band

http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/wh...d/online.shtml

Another very small example comes to my mind. Swedish band Mando Diao collects autographs on a Live8 Guitar for later auctioning.



I know this won't satisfy you and I do get what you are saying, but just because money isn't the prime directive doesn't mean none is involved.