I like to imagine myself a rational creature. I know myself to be an idealist.

I'm a level-headed, if perhaps starry-eyed, futurist; a romantic, if slightly cynical, transhumanist; an intellectual altruist who also very much wants to be an immortal, star-faring, nanotech-blooded space-angel when he grows up.

I'm a professional comedy, horror, mystery & fantasy writer; I'm still an amateur rationalist. This site has helped me immensely, in my personal, professional and private life. I want to become stronger.

So here's my point:

I don't believe in the supernatural god of the Christian faith, or of the Buddhist faith ... yet I sure as hell would like to be more Christ-like, and more Buddha-like, as well. But smarter, and funnier, and a million times more knowledgeable, and a billion times more efficient.

I DO believe that the world can be made a better place, that tomorrow can be grander than yesterday, and that humans can be a force for genuine good. But - because of this site - I also understand (not believe) that there certain "less impractical" ways to improve the world.

At the suggestion of this fantastic article, I consulted GiveWell to find out if they recommend the Invisible Children charity after watching the KONY 2012 video currently going viral on Youtube and Facebook.

They do not. GiveWell does NOT consider them a top-rated or even stand-out charity. Last year, only of 32% contributions to Invisible Children went to direct services, with the rest going to staff salaries, travel and transport, film production and other expenses.

But hell with it ... I sent them some cash anyway. That donation was from the heart, and I do not regret it one damn bit. It made me feel good.

Then I made a matching donation to the Against Malaria Foundation - the #1 rated charity on GiveWell - because it "will accomplish the most good, per dollar contributed," and is "proven, cost-effective, underfunded, and outstanding."

If you're interested, write a check & send it here:

Against Malaria Foundation
Citibank NA
PO Box 7247-6370
Philadelphia
PA 19170-6370

Which made me feel good in a different way.

You see, they don't accept PayPal. That annoyed me, which was actually kind of a nice little buzz - it's sort of fun to feel righteously indignant that a charity can't even take my money properly, like Netflix does.

I wouldn't have understood why being indignant at AMF - and getting to be all huffy, for just a moment, about how I have to go to the trouble of writing them a check, those lazy bums - made me feel good before becoming part of this site.

And I wouldn't have sent them a dime if I hadn't read Yvain's article.

So ... thanks.