"What better way to become a good-looking samaritan?!"*

Um, I'm a bit conflicted and confused about the new (Product)RED business model.

In the RED model, consumers are rewarded for consuming. Instead of "points", the organization makes payment to organizations in Africa to fund AIDS medication. The other reward the organization seems to cultivate is a kind of "hip credibility"...if you see me using my red RAZR phone, you'll know about my donation.

It is completely righteous to help people in need. I lost an uncle to AIDS in the days before antiretrovirals, so I believe in the cause.

And we've been consuming for years to show our support for charities and causes -- things like tickets to benefit dinners, and pink ribbon lapel pins.

The title for today's entry comes right from the RED website, which also tags (Product)RED as a business model, rather than a charity. I wasn't able to tell if they are a for-profit business or not, but did write to ask.

I can't completely articulate why I'm not in love with this concept. I guess that I'm uncomfortable with the notion that "all you have to do is upgrade your choice". And that the choice I'm upgrading is not about where to send my check, but which credit card should I pull from my wallet.

On a separate note, I got a nice comment the other day from Beth. When I published it, it disappeared into blogger-land. I hope it turns up, but otherwise, Beth, thanks a lot!