Hi! I'm Kit O'Connell, a "gonzo" journalist from Austin, Texas.
Gonzo means I don't try to be neutral -- I have strong opinions, and I put human rights and people power over corporate greed and mainstream party politics.
I've been a writer since my teens, but I started working seriously in journalism in 2011, when I began documenting the Occupy movement for my website and on Twitter. Since then, I've worked with websites like Firedoglake, MintPress News, Truthout and Shadowproof.
Until today (Feb 29) I thought I'd be covering South by Southwest, the annual film, music and interactive festival in Austin for Shadowproof. Sadly, they've had to cancel my coverage leaving me with a press badge and no assignments.
I'd like to cover SXSW, for you, my readers and fans old and new.
There are plenty of outlets covering the festival, but no one has my
perspective. And I'll seek out artists and events that are being
overlooked in the mainstream (and even alternative) press.
Thanks to the sudden change of plans, I'm making about $1000
less than I expected this month. Writing is my full time job, so I
need your help so that I can cover SXSW and still pay my bills and
feed myself. I'll also be using donations to help cover the expenses
of new equipment I purchased in anticipation of covering this event
for an independent media outlet.
I love all my readers, and I know many of us are struggling to make ends meet. Even small donations can add up quickly, but if you can't give, please share this campaign or my writing with your friends.
Thanks so much.
Read More: Help crowdfund my SXSW coverage!
(Photos of Kit by Erica Nix. SXSW swag photo by Rachel Clarke on
Flickr. Money cat photo by John on Flickr.)
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In addition to a shout-out on Twitter, I'll thank you by name, with others, in a post on my blog.
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In return for your support, I'll send your a piece of SXSW swag in the mail. This will be something small and silly -- a button, postcard, sticker, mix tape, etc -- randomly selected from the all the stuff shared at SXSW. It's you're chance to own a completely meaningless and worthless part of the event. PLUS, I'll give you a shoutout on Twitter, and my web page, kitoconnell.com.
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I'll let you sponsor an article on my website. You'll get to select from a list of planned or already published topics, and I'll add a thank you at the end and a link to the URL of your choice -- your homepage, business, or a charitable cause, subject to my approval. PLUS I'll give you a shout out on Twitter!