I've been working to refine some principles for fundraising. For starters, I think there are two type of fund raising efforts that have value: single day money bombs and other "push" mini-drives that are a week or more. Both have a place in this campaign.
There are some obvious and much called-for pushes, such as the push for the FEC end of quarter deadlines. These drives are a must, others can be filled in too.
As we have seen, money bombs are still very important and can help raise big cash fast, however they must be timed properly.
Some people do not like money bombs and prefer to mini-drives, so this is why there is a need for both.
Money bombs should not be scheduled within about the first three weeks of a quarter. Why? Many will be arguing to "donate now" at the end of the quarter, and there will be good merit to that as the FEC numbers get pushed hard in the media as indicators of campaign strength.
Money bombs should also not be in the last few days of the quarter so if the bomb falls a little short of campaign goals for the quarter then those supporting the end-of-quarter push can take over and get us to the finish line.
Likewise, "push" mini-drives should end at least 7, 10 or 14 days before a money bomb so focus can shift, with a calm before the storm. So both techniques need to complement each other and not step on toes.
The second issue of money bombs is the interval. IMO, early in the campaign one every 6 weeks is a good timeframe. Later, once a month-- it will be hard to predict when that will happen, but it will for sure be no later than November.
The third issue on the money bombs is the themes. There are some obviously good dates that we did in 2007 that bear repeating, mainly:
November 11 -- For the Troops money bomb
December 16 -- Tea Party money bomb
One thing to keep in mind is that it is clear that the official campaign is going to use themes for the bombs, and with that, doing one on 11-5 will give them PR issues. Also, I do not think that a money bomb on Dr. Paul's birthday of August 20th is good for that reason as well, Dr. Paul is not a narcissist and the campaign would not want this, IMO. (How would their e-mail read? "Please donate on my birthday"?) As well, we need things with more emotional political appeal like the anti-Romneycare, or "No more bailouts". If we want to honor Dr. Paul we can do a money bomb on his and Carol's anniversary in 2012 like we did in 2008. I think he'd appreciate that more anyway and it is a very nice gesture to honor his family.
The July 4th bomb misses the mark by being too soon and just after the end of the quarter. People are on vacation with family too. It is also too close to the much better July 19th "Ready, Ames, Fire" money bomb.
The fourth issue is the day of the week for the money bomb. We're showing that Sundays can work, but I'd guess Saturday wouldn't be as good. Mondays have worked. Friday's might not be the best but both 11/11 and 12/16 are Fridays, but that still might not be enough to change them. Tu-Th are about the same. Considerations for day-after media impact are important too.
One final note, the campaign is going to have to anticipate how much money they are going to get, and spend appropriately. In other words, when they are spending for Ames in early July they should expect a good money bomb on the 19th and maybe spend as if they had 80% of what is projected.
So here is what I have:
June 7 - June 30 -- End of second quarter push (not a money bomb) This can focus to fund these
http://iowaforronpaul.com/projects.php
July 19 -- Ready, Ames, Fire money bomb
Aug 30 (approx) -- money bomb ("No More Bailouts" theme suggested)
Sept 15 - Sept 30 -- End of third quarter push (not a money bomb)
mid Oct (11-17) -- money bomb (theme TBD)
November 11 -- For the Troops money bomb
December 16 -- Tea Party money bomb
Dec 17 - 31 - End of year push (not a money bomb)
There's flexibility in this, particularly with the money bombs between July 19th and November 11th. The principles are important however.
