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Last week Wings Over Scotland, a political website edited by Rev. Stuart Campbell, began its 2016 fund raising campaign on Indiegogo. Its strategic funding efforts were launched in an escalated effort to position itself to serve voters during Scotland’s anticipated upcoming political turbulence.

“We live in interesting times. The second Scottish independence referendum might happen a lot sooner than we were all expecting” says Campbell. “With the UK government rushing through an in-out vote on the European Union in June, the Yes movement in Scotland could find itself having to mobilise for an emergency second indyref within months if it looks like the country will be dragged out of Europe against its wishes by the rest of the UK.”

With a realistic goal of 30 days to reach a modest collection of £40,000, Campbell made a simple, brief announcement on Twitter last Monday:

Even if you don’t live in Scotland, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Wings Over Scotland if you follow global politics, especially if you paid attention during the 2014 Scottish Referendum. But, in case you haven’t heard, Wings is now the second most-read political blog in the UK. Its success has ruffled more than a few feathers and Wings is collecting some of the best reviews on its website:

“…snake oil salesman.” – Michael White, Guardian

“The vilest possible person.” - Susan Calman, BBC

“A highly controversial cyber organisation.” – Barbara Davie, Daily Mail

“A new and awful low in Scottish politics.” – Margaret Curran, former Labour MP

One review nearly claims Campbell is the 2nd most powerful person in Scotland:

“Campbell is the maverick blogger who has arguably done more than anybody, bar Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond, to break up Britain.” – Ben Bryant, VICE

Most of the things people say about Campbell are undeniably true. Campbell can be blunt, outspoken, confrontational and in-your-face. To his credit, he never allows feelings (yours or his) to get in the way of facts. And engaging him in a debate without doing your homework is like showing up to a gun fight with a cinnamon dolce frappuccino. Don’t be surprised if he hands you your ass on a platter, it’s your own fault. Even the most skilled debaters find themselves checking and double-checking sources before engaging Campbell in an online debate. Campbell’s Twitter showdowns are epic, to say the least.

But, all things aside, there’s one key reason Wings Over Scotland continues to expand and gain readers: Campbell is trustworthy.

Other Scottish publications may have more resources, journalists and advertisers — but they consistently spew out unreliable information. This incompetence is what’s driving Scots to flock to Wings Over Scotland, and other indy media sites such as Bella Caledonia, and Common Space. If information is power, Scotland is getting stronger by the day as readers learn to navigate toward facts and away from spin.

In under 24-hours, Wings met its funding goal.

This morning, just seven days into its fund raising efforts, Wings Over Scotland pulled in £63,815, making it 160% funded. If money talks, Scotland is screaming.

“I haven’t had a chance to give yet. I’m going to do it this week,” said a reader who wished to remain anonymous. “I’m blown away at how fast Wings blew past the target.”

“I’m not surprised,” replied a donor. “I gave as much as I could and so did my friends. We need Wings… We’re heading into another referendum.”

DONATE TO WINGS OVER SCOTLAND

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