World AIDS Day 2008

(December 1 is World AIDS Day 2008)

(AIDS.gov has challenged the internet to participate in World AIDS Day by using social networks to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and to promote HIV testing. And Kerblotto could not ignore the call, demonstrating great humility and even greater largesse, I have dedicated a whole blog post to take part.

Michelle Samplin-Salgado, New Media Strategist at AIDS.gov issued the challenge:

STEP 1: Take a photo of yourself wearing a red ribbon.
I don’t have a red ribbon. I made a ribbon stencil and spray-painted a piece of paper red.

STEP 2: Add the photo (or badge) to your social network profiles, Twitter, and/or blog in time for World AIDS Day. Leave it up for at least one week.

STEP 3: Add your photo to the “World AIDS Day 08” Flickr group!
I had to sign up for a yahoo email account to do this. I am not sure who yahoo's email interface is designed for. Children? Apple IIGS users? Maybe the criminally insane.

STEP 4: Use your wall, status, tweets or website to encourage HIV testing. To find an HIV testing site near you (in the U.S.), send a text message with your ZIP code to “KNOWIT” (566948) or visit: http://www.hivtest.org.



STEP 5: Encourage your friends to do the same and to promote HIV testing!
Dear friends and readers: do the same.)