Who do we think we are?

In the media biz it's often considered a mark of success to get criticism from both left and right - as if that in itself were an expression of balance. At openDemocracy we don't strive for balance or even pretend to. Our goal is to present readers with a range of views and create an environment where people feel welcomed and challenged no matter what they opine. We still get our fair share of hate mail and negative blog posts from people who are ready to judge on individual articles, funders, or contributors. Well good luck trying to figure out  what the sinister plan is, because the only one I can think of involves a free exchange of ideas and defense of democracy and human rights. But the butterfly is freaky. If you move your mouse over it the wings flap. Chaos theory as editorial strategy? Thank you New Statesman for recognising openDemocracy as the best independent media of 2006. As for lavish funding, we should be so lucky. Please donate here, if you like the website. And do keep us on our toes. In the forums and in your blogs. We do listen.