faq

What is the millioncampaignhomepage?

The UK mch was created in August 2006. It was inspired by Alex Tew's Million Dollar Homepage. Our basic premise, however, was not to make money but to put together a site for people and organisations involved in furthering social and environmental harmony.

Who are you?

The Million Campaign Homepage was conceived by Matthew Edwards and created by Small Fish Online.

Why did you set up this US site - and how will it work in practice?

To be honest, it just seemed like logical progression. Since our aim is to spread the concept of the Million Campaign Homepage, we want to set up multiple websites by using SUB Domains* which can then be independently administered by an MCH Crew in a particular State or Location. However, we wanted the main US site (this one) to have its own identity and act as a central hub through which people could then access their State's individual MCH.

Eventually - if all goes to plan - each state's MCH will be accessible from a Jump Menu on this site's homepage. As each state sets up its own MCH, a link to its site will be added to this menu. Using the UK site as an example here, this is how it will look:


Please choose your location:

* At the risk of sounding patronizing, an example of a SUB Domain would be http://www.california.millioncampaignhomepage.us

Why have you changed the format for the US project?

The UK site is giving away 1,600 blocks of 25 x 25 pixxels. Instead, each US State's MCH will be divided into 400 blocks of 50 x 50 pixels.

We believe that replicating the UK approach and limiting the US project to 1,600 organisations on ONE website is rather short-sighted. After all, Uncle Sam's a pretty big place! On the other hand, we believe that asking MCH Crews to find 1,600 groups per state would present quite a challenge.

So we compromised. Basically.

I would like to set up an MCH site for my State. How does it work?

To cut a long story short, we will set up a MCH website for your State and give you the necessary administration details so that you can create and maintain the website independently of us. You will then need a Crew to run your State's site. How you design your State's site is entirely up to you - as long as it meets these basic criteria:

It contains a link to this site and It is based on the same core principles as the UK site. For example, pixels must be offered for FREE and you must follow MCH Press policy when dealing with enquiries from the mainstream media. Obviouslly, a good grasp of Haiku will help. The latter stipulation is for 2 main reasons; It keeps the mainstream press confused and it keeps us amused. You do not have to use our Logo and how you run your Blog is entirely up to you.



What is an MCH Crew?

We are looking for MCH Crews from Each State. A crew is a team of 2-3 dedicated individuals who, between them, should have the finely honed research skills of a highly-trained Sniffer Dog and some experience setting up and running a basic HTML/CSS web site. Experience & knowledge of Dreamweaver would be a distinct advantage. While we can provide some moral and logistical support - and even web templates if you really need them - we're really looking for Each Crew's MCH to be as Independent and Autonomous as possible. Please contact us if you are interested in running an MCH for your state.



Will it cost us anything?

The initial cost of setting up your State's MCH sub domain and providing you with hosting space for 2 years will be $80. Beyond that, we expect each State's MCH to become self-supporting and also expect it to be possible to recoup this initial $80 outlay through Donations once the US M.C.H. has become well established.

Can we ask for donations on our site?

Yes, of course you can. However, you will be responsible for setting up your site's Donation button. How you do this is up to you and your Crew. We use Paypal's Donation Button as it is fairly easy to set up and run.

What kind of organisations should my Crew be looking for?

The only basic rules are that you should look for co-operative organisations who are working for public and planetary service rather than private profit, who do not use violence, and who do not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender, age, class, or any other arbitrary hierarchical distinctions.   The US Million Campaign Homepage is dedicated to people operating from or inside the USA.

Beyond that we are particularly interested in providing space to organisations and individuals who are at an early stage in their careers, who operate on a small scale or on a local grass-roots community basis.  The oxygen of publicity to such nascent projects is imperative in allowing them to grow and develop, and mighty oaks grow from tiny acorns.  One of the greatest obstacles to positive change is that of a mainstream media too dominated by vested commercial interests, which often unconsciously as well as consciously prevents smaller entities having the right, opportunity and space to use their voices.

What is the point of the mch?

The guiding principle of MCH is synergy. When people co-operate and work together what they achieve is greater than the sum of the parts. By including a large variety of different campaigns, organisations and motivated individuals in one place, we hope to increase links between not only them but the wider public as a whole. Our planet and our society are in a crisis. When there is an emergency, you need as many ambulances - going in the same direction, at the same time - as possible.

Can I help you in any other ways?

Certainly. We rely on word-of-mouth and the kindness of strangers to spread the news about mch. Please Shout at people about this site. Go on. It will feel good. If you want to go really hog wild, hell, grab this here logo and stick it on your site for all to see. A link would be appreciated muchly. The Million Campaign Homepage is administered by 2 slightly deranged cyber-buccaneers whose planet-saving mission requires a constant supply of chocolate biscuits and Rum. Unfortunately that costs money. So in order to keep us alert and on the job, please donate generously. Remember, kids: "Pennies + Pounds = Rum" Thank you.