This for that.

I am a pretty regular blood donor.  Somewhere early in my life, I came to understand that it was part of my civic duty.  Getting blood from people is an interesting study in motivation; I learned while reading Daniel Pink's Drive that people are more likely to give blood if they are doing it for altruistic reasons, rather than some sort of cash compensation.  This makes sense. [Quick reminder: donate if you can - if you recently have, THANKS!]

A recent blood drive did catch my attention and got me donating.  I got an email from the blood center that they were hosting a blood drive at Marin Brewing Company and that donors got a free lunch!  I signed up immediately.  By the way, I was WAY overdue - which is crazy since I should be doubly motivated now that Mary has had a transfusion. 

So, I gave this (I donate double red so this video shows as the red coming out and then turning pink then clear as they are giving me back the other bits):


For that (Mt. Tam burger w/ rings):


Why did this work so well for me?  After I give blood, one thing I'll be told is "Make sure your next meal is a hearty one."  I use this "rule" as an excuse to get something like a big burger.  Therefore, I dug this drive. I didn't feel like I was being compensated for my blood, as much as getting what I needed post blood donation. 

This is an interesting idea to consider now that more people are doing and making more things for the love of it (amateurs) and we are all just helping it along.  A little relevancy and consideration usually trumps additional compensation.

One thing that sucked: going to Marin Brewing and not being able to get a beer!  See you tomorrow MBCo.