Hidden Cash · @HiddenCash
2nd Jul 2014 from TwitLonger
About and to our imitators:
One of the interesting phenomenons, since we started Hidden Cash, is the vast number of accounts that have sprung up all over the US and internationally, with the words Hiddencash in their title, or with different words but a similar concept. First, we want to make it very clear that we are not affiliated with any of these. This is our only Twitter account (well, we have @travelfunder too, but that is a different effort, and hasn't launched yet). As for their activities, many of them seem to be legitimate, and if so, we support and encourage what they are doing. If it is in the same spirit as us, giving back with no agenda. Not promoting a business endeavor, no political or religious agenda. Just giving back in a fun way. We do not know any of the people behind our hundreds of imitators. We are very happy that this has become a worldwide movement. I recently saw a report of someone doing this in Russia, and we know it's taking place around the world. Doing scavenger hunts and activities to bring people together in a fun and safe way, and reminding people that there is a need for more kindness and generosity in the world - this is what we are about. Unfortunately, some people don't have such good intentions, and are only interested in generating publicity without giving back. I just finished an interview with a Spanish newspaper (we are doing a drop in Madrid tomorrow) and was informed we have a copycat there who is saying the event will not take place unless they get 5000 followers! I was told of someone who tried to start a Hidden Cash account in Florida and was asking for donations! We are strongly opposed to these kinds of things. They tarnish a movement that has been overwhelmingly positive and brought joy and smiles to so many, whether they found money themselves, participated in the activities without finding it, or just the many thousands who enjoy reading the stories and following us on the news and online.
To those who wish to be generous and give back as we are doing, whether in small or big ways, we salute you. To those organizations with significant resources, who may wish to work with us to grow our movement, we are happy to talk.
We have gotten a lot of attention since we started this movement just 6 weeks ago. For those who want to create a similar buzz and excitement, our advice is to find ways to use social media to bring people together in a real life and fun way. People crave connection, fun, and real interaction. In London, people were saying they never talk to strangers, but when they were out on the hunt, they did. This is not about the money. It never was. It's about bringing people together, in a fun and friendly way. We will keep exploring more ways to do that. Would be great to see more similar efforts around the world. Social media + real life connections = that's the real power of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, etc. Love.