Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

Russia Insider - Keep the Media Honest!

Help Russia Insider hire 8-10 investigative journalists and take this project to the next level...

You may also be interested in

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

Russia Insider - Keep the Media Honest!

Russia Insider - Keep the Media Honest!

Russia Insider - Keep the Media Honest!

Russia Insider - Keep the Media Honest!

Russia Insider - Keep the Media Honest!

Help Russia Insider hire 8-10 investigative journalists and take this project to the next level...

Help Russia Insider hire 8-10 investigative journalists and take this project to the next level...

Help Russia Insider hire 8-10 investigative journalists and take this project to the next level...

Help Russia Insider hire 8-10 investigative journalists and take this project to the next level...

Charles Bausman
Charles Bausman
Charles Bausman
Charles Bausman
2 Campaigns |
Greenwich, United States
$37,176 USD 658 backers
24% of $150,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Highlights
Mountain Filled 2 Projects Mountain Filled 2 Projects

TWO BRAND NEW REWARDS!

We've introduced 2 new watches to our campaign at fantastic prices starting as low as $169! 

***The price of ALL watches listed in this campaign includes shipping!

Help us reach our goal by purchasing these specialty watches before the campaign ends in just a few days and own a piece of history today!

Let's send the world a message! Let's push back!

After launching Russia Insider in September 2014, people have sent in over $100,000 in donations, propelling our once small media criticism blog in to a widely cited publication with over 60 million page views.

When we started this site a year ago, we were just a couple of Western expats, working and living in Russia, who didn’t agree with what we were hearing in the media about Russia - but it was only after we started reading Russia-themed headlines day-in and day-out over the last year, that we all started to realize how corrupt and crazy the media are. WE HAD NO IDEA HOW BAD IT WAS...

The media have become:

We want to take Russia Insider to the next level

Since our last crowdfunding campaign, we've quadrupled our readership and become a force of truth in the world - and it's all been crowdfunded by our readers. We want to raise another $100,000 and grow this into the largest citizen journalist/media criticism site ever. We want to hire 8-10 professional journalists to take down and investigate these so-called "Russia-bashers" and anyone else who carries water for the corrupt corporate media.

We're growing

We see great stories every single day, crying out to be written about, and if we had the resources to field a team of about 10 professional journalists to dig into this stuff, we could produce the most amazing investigative journalism.

There is so much to say about Russia, good positive stuff that isn't being written up, business, sports and culture, it is an extraordinary country, badly misrepresented by the media which, it is no exaggeration to say, seem to actually hate Russia, and seem willing to push any lie or slander they can - it is psychopathic hatred.

We’ve got an incredible team and we are in touch with a bunch of great people who would join us in a heartbeat, if we only had the money...

You get what you pay for - it is as true for the news as it is for a lot of other things in life.

There’s no free lunch in the media. If it’s free, it means someone else is paying for it, and they have an agenda, and they are probably selling you a bill of goods…

This isn't just about Russia

It's about our media failing us on many subjects. Our goal is to scrutinize, identify mistakes, check the facts, to keep them honest. We want to cover a lot more than Russia. This matters for everyone.

Take a look at our last crowdfunding video


Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

We study the corporate media  We are standing on the shoulders of people like Glenn Greenwald, Chris Hedges, Robert Parry, Ben Swann, and many others.

Same issue, different angle.  

We inform and educate on what the corporate media is not telling you.

How we got started A handful of us, all non-journalists, became concerned during the summer of 2014, when we saw that reporting about the Ukraine tragedy was riddled with errors and misrepresentation. We put up a small site at the end of August just to sound off, and were deluged by volunteers who wanted to contribute.

Since then our traffic has gone ballistic.

Who we are  We are a broad-based volunteer movement, not a top-down company.  90% of what we have achieved comes from volunteers around the world who care about this subject, mostly from the US, UK, and Canada. Bios of our team follow below, with more detail on the site.

Charles has spent his career in finance, specializing over the last 8 years in agriculture investments in Russia and Ukraine.  He comes from Greenwich, CT, USA.  He is based in Moscow, and also spends time in Berlin, Germany and Greenwich.   (More info)

Riley has written for The Huffington Post, CounterPunch, The Washington Times, True/Slant (the predecessor to Forbe's blogging platform) and ThinkProgress. He is a former editor of Wonkette.com.  He is from Santa Monica, CA.  He is 27.  (More info)

Alexander is a lawyer and publicist, formerly with the Royal Courts of Justice in London, and is a specialist in legal issues in international relations.  He grew up and resides in London and is originally from Greece, where his family is active in politics.  (More info)

Vlad grew up in Cleveland, OH, where he graduated from Cleveland State University, specializing in international business and marketing. He started and managed Cleveland's first and only successful Russian Festival. He is 27 and now lives in Moscow. (More info)

David is currently living in a small town outside Moscow.  He is a US army veteran, and served in operation Iraqi Freedom.  He comes from Los Angeles, CA, and grew up in upstate New York.  (More info)

We are non-profit  Well, of course, because we are just a bunch of volunteers!  We have partnered with a US 501 (c) (3) so if you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution, please contact our head of fundraising, Vlad Rodzianko at v.rodzianko@russia-insider.com

What we've achieved  Since launching in September of 2014, we've become one of the biggest sources of news and analysis on Russia.  We write about 60% original content and the rest is material we find on the web.

We've become required reading for people who want to be informed on this vital topic.

Your money will go only into great content  We'll only spend it on journalist salaries, nothing else. Period.


Even a very small donation makes a difference  Even just a couple $ make a difference, because the more of us engage, the stronger the message we send. It gets reported in the media. It convinces others to donate. It snowballs.

Can't give money? Like us on FB or Twitter! Our total tweets and FB likes get reported in the media. It shows the level of support out there.  It really helps!  It could trigger a contribution from someone else.

Can't give money? Volunteer! This site has been built by volunteers, its in our DNA!   We need:

  • Writers, journalists
  • Editors
  • Copy editors
  • Photo and image editors
  • Social media experts
  • Website design and function managers
  • Translators (Russian-English-German)
  • Business expertise: online ad revenue, other revenue sources, events
  • Video journalists, production
  • Video - help us make crowdfunding videos. We plan to do this on an ongoing basis on various platforms. Lots to do!
  • Audio journalists, production
  • Voice-over, dubbing
  • Manager of Youtube channel
  • Volunteer coordinator

Interested? Just send a message to our volunteer coordinator, David. davidcurry@russia-insider.com.  Visit our site for more detailed info.

Keep an eye on our fund-raising, if we raise enough money, these can turn into paid positions.

LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN!

____________________________________________________________________

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

Edmund Burke


In order to say thank you...

We are offering a one of a kind opportunity to own a true Russian icon - a Raketa watch! With the gracious help of Raketa, we are offering a variety of watches, ranging in styles and luxury. Raketa has been a huge supporter of Russia Insider - making this an ideal partnership.

Raketa watches have been manufactured since 1961 by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory in Saint Petersburg. The Petrodvorets Watch Factory is Russia's oldest factory and was founded by Peter the Great in 1721. Raketa watches were produced for the Red Army, the Soviet Navy, for North Pole expeditions, as well as for civilians. As of today, Raketa is one of the rare watch brands in the world producing its movements from A to Z. Recieve one as a gift or send it to a loved one!

Here are the watches we are offering as a gift in our campaign...

*please select the watch you would like in the rewards section on the right side of our campaign :)


Rodina 014 (Unisex) $300 (only 100 available)



Rodina 046 (Unisex) $300 (only 50 available)





Ballerina (Women's) $500 (only 15 available)





Academic (Unisex) $500 (only 40 available)





Polar (Unisex) $750 (only 15 available)






Petrodvorets Classic (Men's) $1,500 (only 20 available)






Zvezda (Women's) $1,500 (only 30 available)





Amphibia (Men's) $2,500 (only 10 available)




Oligarch $17,000 (limited edition - only 1 available!) 



Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

AD FREE Access

$10 USD
For just TEN dollars - enjoy reading our articles and surf our site without the hassle of being distracted by advertisements and annoying pop-ups for an ENTIRE YEAR! A major source of our revenue comes from ads, so we are willing to forgo the extra cash to ensure a better reading experience for our most loyal fans. Backers of this reward will receive an exclusive username and password.
32 out of 50 of claimed

Premium Content

$15 USD
Our eternal gratitude and access to premium content for life!
129 claimed

'Everyday Saints' E-Book

$75 USD
Russia's favorite book, the best we've read about Russia in years. By far the biggest selling book in Russia for the last 3 years, it has sold millions and has become a publishing sensation. A classic. Translated by Russia Insider's own, Julian Henry Lowenfeld. The English translation is brilliant, and the book is as good in English as it is in Russian. Reserve your copy here!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
9 out of 15 of claimed

'My Talisman" Hardcover Book

$100 USD
A remarkable book: a mirror-image edition, containing over 140 of Alexander Pushkin's most beloved poems, most of Eugene Onegin, and a brilliant biography of the great poet in both Russian and English. For the first time ever, Pushkin's verse sings out in English, lightly, harmoniously, with grace and wisdom, translated by Russia Insider's own, Julian Henry Lowenfeld, an American poet with a Russian soul. The perfect gift for both English and Russian speakers!
Estimated Shipping
February 2016
13 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Pobeda "First in Space"

$169 USD
This Pobeda model was the very first watch to reach the cosmos and return in working condition. It also celebrates Yuri Gagarin's accomplishment as being the first human in space. This watch has a beautifully elegant white face and comes with a blue genuine leather strap. Own a piece of history before this campaign ends!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
6 out of 50 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Pobeda "Crimea"

$189 USD
This Pobeda model celebrates Crimea's reunification with Russia, complete with St. George's ribbon - symbolizing 70 years since the victory (or "pobeda" in Russian) over fascism. Own this beautiful timepiece and show your pride before this campaign ends!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
6 out of 150 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Россия" (Unisex, 014)

$300 USD
With its 300 year history, the Petrodvorets Watch Factory is an integral part of the Russian history. "Rodina" (The Homeland) is a range of watches with inscriptions for those who are proud of their country. This watch is inspired by a 1971 vintage model. This model has "Россия" (Russia) adorned on the strap and watch face. Scroll down the page for photos and more information!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
7 out of 50 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Ракета" (Unisex, 046)

$300 USD
With its 300 year history, the Petrodvorets Watch Factory is an integral part of the Russian History. "Rodina" (The Homeland) is a range of watches with inscriptions for those who are proud of their country. This watch is inspired by a 1971 vintage model. This is an epitome of Raketa lifestyle. This model has "Ракета" (Rocket) adorned on the strap and watch face. Scroll down the page for photos and more information!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
4 out of 25 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Video Conference Call

$500 USD
1 hour video conference call with Russia Insider editors and contributors. Editor Charles Bausman will be on the line, and bring in anyone else you want to include from RI contributors and editors.
1 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Ballerina" (Women's)

$500 USD
Ballerina is one of a few lady watches made by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory. Raketa brand is linked to such brilliant names as the Empress Catherine the Great and the Russian top model Natalia Vodianova. Red stars on the dial refer to the Kremlin ruby stars produced at the factory in 1934. The Ballerina watch is the epitome of reliability in Russian watches, the beauty of Russian women and the glory of Russian ballet. Scroll down the page for photos and more information!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
2 out of 5 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Academic" (Unisex)

$500 USD
“Raketa Academic” — expresses simplicity of the historic design of the 1960s in modern design. Lines of the constructivism are drawn on the watch dial, as on the board of knowledge: straightforward and minimalistic. Scroll down the page for photos and more information!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
1 out of 15 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Polar" (Unisex)

$749 USD
The «Polyarnye» (Polar) model was designed for Soviet polar explorers. Following a 1969 Soviet State order, the Raketa 2623 H movement and its 24-hour dial were made for those who were braving long polar nights and extremely low temperatures. The «Polyarnye» watch was exclusively distributed by special order and was therefore not available to the public.
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
0 out of 4 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Dinner with Russia Insider

$1,000 USD
We'll invite you and a friend out for dinner with Russia Insider editors for an evening of political gabble. We're in various cities: London, New York, Berlin, Zurich, Moscow. We'll pull together as many of us as possible in one place.
1 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Petrodvorets" (Men's)

$1,449 USD
One of Raketa's best-sellers. It is the first time in 30 years that Russia has come up with a new automatic self-winding movement. The mechanism was improved with the help of ex-director of Rolex. *The price of ALL watches listed in this campaign includes shipping! Scroll down the page for photos and more information!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
0 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Zvezda" (Women's)

$1,500 USD
The “Raketa-Zvezda” represents the spirit of a modern woman. The unique combination of a large dial made with nacre and crystals and a small strap presents the jewelry work of art in watch industry. Natalia Vodianova made the design based on the “Cities” model of 1974. Scroll down the page for photos and more information!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
1 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Amphibia" (Men's)

$2,449 USD
“Amphibia” is based on the “Raketa-Avtomat” mechanism, one of the most reliable watch mechanisms in the world. It is the first in 30 years Russian automatic self-winding movement. By some criteria this new mechanism has advantage of the calibres by certain well-known Swiss companies. *The price of ALL watches listed in this campaign includes shipping! Scroll down the page for photos and more information!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
0 out of 3 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Moscow Trip

$5,000 USD
We'll fly you out to Moscow, and take you out to dinner with the team!
1 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

Raketa "Oligarch"

$16,449 USD
Since the Soviet collapse the «Raketa» Watch Factory did not produce gold watches. But in 2015, as a result of cooperation with the Ekaterinburg jewelry workshop, “Raketa” released a limited edition watches made of Siberian 585 rose gold. The price of gold has risen recently so these watches are not affordable for the factory workers. Jokingly they called them «oligarchs’ watches». *The price of ALL watches listed in this campaign includes shipping!
Estimated Shipping
January 2016
0 out of 1 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

You may also be interested in

Up Caret