John Scalzi is matching any donations to StrangeHorizons until midnight tonight — up to $500 total. He writes:
So, Strange Horizons is an online magazine of science fiction and fantasy that pays writers official pro rates (as defined by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America), publishes a wide range of fiction and non-fiction about science fiction and fantasy, and goes out of its way to publish new and emerging writers. They're also a non-profit organization (a real one, with tax-deductible status and everything), and do all that they do through donations from readers and others.
This August is its fund drive month, and its goal is to raise $7,000 by the end of the month. Here it is the 14th, and they're at $1,565 as I write this, which is a more than a little disconcerting to me. I know the people involved with Strange Horizons quite well, and I can assure you that these aren't people who are taking that donation money and spending it on frivolities. That money goes right out the door to the contributors of the site and to make the site a great place to visit on a daily basis. I'm not even sure the editors pay themselves for all their work, which is kind of insane, but a testament to their dedication to expanding the market for science fiction and fantasy. The site runs lean. So when the folks running it say they need the $7k to keep going, they're not plumping up their numbers; dude, they need that $7k.
I'm embarrassed I haven't donated to the magazine yet this time around, but excited that my donation can go a bit further today than it would on other days, thanks to Scalzi's generosity. There are still nine hours left in which you can take John Scalzi's money and put it to good use. [Strange Horizons and Whatever]