It’s true that I was one of the haters of the whole Twitter race for followers this summer between Chris Bosh and Charlie Villaneuva. So much so it caused me to unfollow both, which seems counter to their whole goal. Hourly reminders from them that they were desperate for attention made my stomach churn.

After a few months of not seeing “please RT to get me followers” from an NBAer, last night I saw something similar from Patrick O’Bryant. Now, full disclosure, I like Patrick. He’s that tweener NBA player that always gets my attention because he works hard, is great in the community, and is a team guy. He knows his role, accepts it, and doesn’t stir the pot. He is somebody I’ve followed on Twitter for months and his goal is to reach 2000 followers. Once he reaches it, he is going to give away some tickets…something simple, yet easy for him to do and they might go to someone who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go to a game. Great stuff.

His offer also got me thinking. Unlike the majority of NBA players on Twitter, Patrick replies to his followers, can actually carry a conversation, and is pretty damn funny. He replies and tweets himself, as opposed to having some marketing company or “online presence” type representative do it for him, and allows the common fan a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes life of a ballplayer. In a sense, he is well on his way to being a cult hero and is showing how Twitter can be used for good.

Using Twitter for good is something that I had been hoping to do, so I decided to piggyback on POB’s offer: if Patrick O’Bryant gets to 2500 followers by end of day October 31st, I will donate $500 to the Raptors Foundation. In addition, Patrick will match my donation, so a total of $1000 will be donated to the teams charity and used in the community.

How easy is it to help out a good cause in these trying times?  Well, it’s as simple as signing into Twitter, clicking here and clicking the follow button. Better still, if you want to follow Patrick, his teammates, and a bunch of other great Raptors fans and personnel on Twitter, you can click here and let your computer do the work for you. Once done, feel free to follow the directions on the site and add yourself to the list. No spam, just great conversation.

I am pretty picky as to who I throw my online support behind, but Patrick is, in my mind, worthy of a “follow” and the Raptors Foundation are certainly worthy of a donation in these trying times. So, go follow Patrick and do your good deed. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it, I will as well, but more importantly, some good will come of it.

Thanks.

** Update: Tom Liston (@liston) who has done fantastic guest blogs here and at Raptors Republic has added $100 to the pot if POB gets to 2500. So, $1100 to the Raptors Foundation.   Touching gesture, Tom…thanks so much.

**Update 2: Nat (@nat77) from Heels On Hardwood has put up $100 as well! Total donated to the Foundation will be $1200 if POB hits the target. Nat, truly deserving of all praise thrown your way. Thanks.

**Update 3: @fortressman has stepped up with $1000 !!!

** Update 4: @rapsfan is in for $100 !!

** Update 5: Bert’s Bar is in for $500 !!

As of 1pm, if we can get @13POB13 to 2500 followers, we will have $2800 in donations to the Raptors Foundation

You know what, let’s make it $3300…I’ll put in another $500 to match @fortressman.

Let’s keep this wave going!!!

** Update 6: Both @liston and @nat77 have added $100 to their previous donation, so we are at $3500

** Update 7: eastcoast rapsfan donates $25 and challenges RealGM and everybody else to give just a little.

$3525

Feel the vibe?

**Update 8: @romyaquino $50, @gagangandhi $50, Below The Rim $25, RaptorsForum.com $60.

$3710 as this machine rolls on.  This is sincerely amazing.

Related posts:

1. 8 Thousand Reasons to follow Patrick O’Bryant
2. Thank you.
3. The 13POB13 Wave Continues
4. Linkage – June 19
5. toronto raptors linkage – sept 17