Viral Giving: Begging going to a new level in New Big Easy

A viral text message campaign is being conducted by New Orleans city officials to raise money for the cost of trash cleanup in New Orleans.

"I think this is going to be a very strong and contagious, viral campaign, especially among the people who have the technology and come to New Orleans and love it here," said Ernest Collins, the city marketing director. He added that he's not sure the city will reach the $1 million goal.

Sounds like their approach to the target audience is just about as well thought out as the spammers who flood my personal e-mail box with offers of viagra.