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09/11/2012 07:43:56 PM · #1 |
A dear friend, Katherine Loveless aka  RobotBanjo, is traveling to Iceland and needs your help!!
Discovering Iceland - A Year In Fire & Ice
Copied from the kickstarter campaign..
Earlier this summer my younger brother Alex passed away from a rare cancer at the age of 23. I had the humbling opportunity to document the final months of his life in what has surely become the hardest, yet most poignant, photographic work of my career. It changed everything about how I view the world and made me realize how vital documentary photography is. Life is such a fleeting gift, and I knew from then on that I needed to continue documenting life as much as I could. Then, just a week and a half later after his funeral, I was involved in a high speed head-on collision with a semi that should have killed me. Miraculously I walked away unharmed (though my car and camera equipment weren't so lucky). These two experience gave me a new perspective on the important things in life and what I want to pursue with my medium. When the opportunity to au pair in Iceland came up, I knew I had to take it.
The problem is, because of all the time I took off work to help take care of my brother this summer, and because of expenses related to the crash (the car at fault didn't stop), it's not the most opportune time financially to undertake such a project on my own. This is where you come in...
Discovering Iceland - A Year In Fire & Ice
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09/11/2012 09:08:28 PM · #2 |
no my darling,this is not where i come in
this is where i pass
some people |
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09/13/2012 04:26:08 PM · #3 |
I'm sorry,  cutout, I'm not sure I understand your reaction. I'm sorry if you were in some way offended by this. Can you explain what is so off putting?
Thank you IAmEliKatz! This was very kind of you to bring to the DPC table! |
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09/13/2012 04:54:27 PM · #4 |
I just read the project plan, and you seem to be doing something pretty cool here.
ETA: Two thoughts on offending people - the first is, yes I earn it, but if you can do this successfully, then people can donate if they want to, you're being up-front about what you're doing, so I have no issue with it. Second, there is a school of thought that if you're going to do something worth doing, it's pretty much guaranteed to offend someone.
Message edited by author 2012-09-13 19:19:21. |
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09/13/2012 04:59:26 PM · #5 |
A couple of questions.
1. Is the book going to be marketed and sold?
2. IF I donate and the book is for sale, do I get a percentage return on my investment? |
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09/13/2012 05:54:12 PM · #6 |
Thanks, Cory. I'm really excited to do this!
To answer your questions, kawesttex, the finished book will be sold on Amazon, but a return on pledging is against Kickstarter rules. They just have a donation-reward set up. For money you donate or pledge, you get a reward. |
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09/13/2012 05:57:37 PM · #7 |
Thank you for the reply. I wish I could afford to donate, but I had to quit my job in 2011 and move back to Abilene due to family illness and we went through all of our savings and lost my wifes mother in the process. Still unemployed and trying to get the photography business back again after the move and in this economy it's pretty tough.
eta: Even if cutout is not offended I am. I have not asked of anyone to assist me in my monetary troubles, they are my troubles and I will work them out. I would love to have a 5D( ), but I will get it at my expense. What happened to the insurance money after the accident and happy your were able to walk away. I am also happy that you are able to move to Iceland and already have a job lined up.
Message edited by author 2012-09-13 18:11:20. |
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09/13/2012 06:46:48 PM · #8 |
I am sad that this offends people. I'm sorry.
And just to clarify, insurance didn't cover any of my equipment because the car at fault didn't stop. I was also driving my moms car which didn't have collision, and my collision didn't carry over, so it was a total loss on top of my equipment. I've been working about 70 hours a week at various jobs to help fund my project, but it's not enough. I'm sorry this comes across as a handout. I felt like it was simply a way people could show their support for a project they believe in.
Again, I apologize this cause offense. It was not my intention. |
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09/13/2012 07:14:12 PM · #9 |
Bottom line is, if you can't afford it, then you can't have it.. Well, you can beg I guess, if you can blag free equipment then good for you.. I was brought up being taught about hard graft and working for the things you want - exactly the same values I instill in my kids.
70 hours a week - live at home, drive someone elses car.. Jeez, you probably have more diposable income left at the end of the month than I do.
Glad you walked away unscathed.
Message edited by author 2012-09-13 19:17:55. |
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09/13/2012 07:46:38 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Simms:
I was brought up being taught about hard graft and working for the things you want - exactly the same values I instill in my kids.
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I was also bought up with the thought, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all". Does anyone bother to notice RobotBanjo was not the one to bring it up here?
If you don't want to donate, then don't, but to berate her for what she's doing is just mean spirited at best. Do you stop to lecture everyone on the street who asks for a handout? Or every charity that you don't agree with? I doubt it, people are always much braver to say what they think behind a keyboard.
Katherine, don't let it bother you, and if I were you, I probably wouldn't apologize either. |
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09/13/2012 07:56:48 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
Originally posted by Simms:
I was brought up being taught about hard graft and working for the things you want - exactly the same values I instill in my kids.
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I was also bought up with the thought, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all". Does anyone bother to notice RobotBanjo was not the one to bring it up here?
If you don't want to donate, then don't, but to berate her for what she's doing is just mean spirited at best. Do you stop to lecture everyone on the street who asks for a handout? Or every charity that you don't agree with? I doubt it, people are always much braver to say what they think behind a keyboard.
Katherine, don't let it bother you, and if I were you, I probably wouldn't apologize either. |
I'm actually as outspoken in real life as I am behind the keyboard. Anyone who knows me can vouch for that - does it make me a likeable person? Not always - I certainly don't come on here to impress anyone or make any friends. If someone puts something out there and I have an opinion, I will voice that opinion - if someone doesn't want any negative responses to their comments then don't put them on the internet. Simple really.
Oh, and it wasn't directed at the original poster - it was directed at the person who is asking for the handouts. She's on here.
Actually - point in hand - on a DPC GTG, we ended up in Parliament Sqaure, there was a protest camp - most people just agreed with what they was doing, I asked them about it and didn't agree - it got heated.
FWIW - it was this guy here.
So no, I am not a mighty keyboard warrior, I am more than happy to front people out and say it to their faces.
So, as I said before, good luck with her handout. |
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09/13/2012 08:05:58 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Simms:
Oh, and it wasn't directed at the original poster - it was directed at the person who is asking for the handouts. |
So, you (those of you who seem offended) are opposed to venture capitalism?
There's a project, and a proposal. Invest/donate if you want/can afford to, and don't if you don't want/can't afford to. WTF difference does it make to you? Funding a project through Kickstarter is not begging, and there's no need to insult anyone for trying. |
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09/13/2012 08:14:57 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by Simms:
Oh, and it wasn't directed at the original poster - it was directed at the person who is asking for the handouts. |
So, you (those of you who seem offended) are opposed to venture capitalism?
There's a project, and a proposal. Invest/donate if you want/can afford to, and don't if you don't want/can't afford to. WTF difference does it make to you? Funding a project through Kickstarter is not begging, and there's no need to insult anyone for trying. |
+1 I am just grateful that she is not lobbying for federal grants for her project. And I wouldn't be surprised if there already are. |
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09/13/2012 08:19:13 PM · #14 |
Wow. I'm honestly in tears at this reaction.
Did you even watch the video or read the story? Do you know how kickstarter works? Do you guys understand that people do get something when they donate? And do you understand that I actually am doing a project that is going to take a lot of hard work? Most importantly, do you understand you don't have to bring people down who are just trying to do something to honor their loved one in a way they found meaningful?
 Simms I don't live at home and I was driving my moms extra car because my car was too unreliable to drive back and forth 6 hours to my house and my parents house to help take care of my dying brother. But don't worry, after I paid for that car with my savings, I'm back to driving my car which I bought straight out with cash that I saved up because I firmly believe people should live within their means.
Thank you so much smardaz for your civility. I usually have a thicker skin than this. I'm just deeply embarrassed this offended so many in a community I highly respected.
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09/13/2012 08:22:02 PM · #15 |
| Thank you all who are using kinder words than others. (I' wanted to throw that in there as my last response was a bit delayed in getting posted). |
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09/13/2012 08:29:00 PM · #16 |
For what it's worth RobotBanjo i fully support what you are doing. I'd donate if i had the money at the moment (i will try to in the near future though)
Good on you for doing it and all the best for your venture. You are doing good things. Don't let other people put you off or make you feel bad. |
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09/13/2012 08:39:21 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by rooum:
Good on you for doing it and all the best for your venture. You are doing good things. Don't let other people put you off or make you feel bad. |
Agreed. And also this:
Originally posted by Cory:
there is a school of thought that if you're going to do something worth doing, it's pretty much guaranteed to offend someone. |
I have no problem with people asking for help and as she pointed out, that is exactly what kickstarter's purpose is and as long as you're honest and you are not asking my government to just TAKE the money from me and give it to you, I support people helping people. Don't let it get you down, Katherine. I'm not in a position to donate either, but I would if I could.
I'd also donate to kawesttex if I could and I hope he doesn't get to the point where he needs to ask, but if he does, I hope he will, but I understand where he's coming from - except the part about being offended.
Peace. |
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09/13/2012 08:42:58 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
So, you (those of you who seem offended) are opposed to venture capitalism? |
That is why I asked the first 2 questions. Venture capitalism you actually get a return on your money if the venture is successful, it's a risk and I may have been interested if I could possibly get a return. A reward, copy of the book, song, activity, is not money returned on my investment. So in that light I am not interested. |
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09/13/2012 08:47:10 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
I'd also donate to kawesttex if I could and I hope he doesn't get to the point where he needs to ask, but if he does, I hope he will, but I understand where he's coming from - except the part about being offended. |
You'll never hear me ask. I will make it on my own, but if I do ask it would be as an outright investment with a possible return. (venture investment) and the idea will be good enough for me to ask and bring the investors some money back. Would it be a given, no, that's what venture capitalism is. |
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09/13/2012 08:48:25 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
Originally posted by Simms:
I was brought up being taught about hard graft and working for the things you want - exactly the same values I instill in my kids.
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I was also bought up with the thought, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all". Does anyone bother to notice RobotBanjo was not the one to bring it up here?
If you don't want to donate, then don't, but to berate her for what she's doing is just mean spirited at best. Do you stop to lecture everyone on the street who asks for a handout? Or every charity that you don't agree with? I doubt it, people are always much braver to say what they think behind a keyboard.
Katherine, don't let it bother you, and if I were you, I probably wouldn't apologize either. |
I've got to agree with Jason here 100%. |
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09/13/2012 08:50:02 PM · #21 |
I do wish her the best of luck though. I hope you all realize that, it's just something I would not
do. I asked the first 2 questions to see if I was possibly interested in helping.
Message edited by author 2012-09-13 20:50:24. |
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09/13/2012 08:54:18 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by kawesttex:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
So, you (those of you who seem offended) are opposed to venture capitalism? |
That is why I asked the first 2 questions. Venture capitalism you actually get a return on your money if the venture is successful, it's a risk and I may have been interested if I could possibly get a return. A reward, copy of the book, song, activity, is not money returned on my investment. So in that light I am not interested. |
Churches, food pantries, free clinics, and other such organizations don't offer a "return on investment" either, but they seem to be able to legitimately ask for money (don't tell Art but those ARE subsidized by the taxpayer).
I have no problem asking whether there would be a ROI, just felt some of the responses (not necessarily yours) were unnecessarily denigrating of what I see as a legitimate proposition to which no one had to respond. |
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09/13/2012 08:58:03 PM · #23 |
Well again a church is not a venture capitalist opportunity. (and all those other charities of which I contribute when I can)
I don't expect a return from those investments except the betterment of society and helping those that really need it. |
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09/13/2012 09:04:15 PM · #24 |
Thank you Art Roflmao, rooum,  GeneralE, and franktheyank for your understanding and kindness. I truly appreciate it.
Thank you to everyone who supports the project whether through words, facebook "likes", or donations. I couldn't do it without you guys. And thank you to those who don't support the project, but also don't feel the need to be rude, belittling, or mean spirited.
I'm sorry I offended some of you. This project wasn't meant to cause hurt feelings. It's meant to promote documentary photography-- something I personally find extremely important for the betterment of society.
Anyway, that's all from me. Signing off.
- Katherine |
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09/13/2012 09:07:22 PM · #25 |
Maybe it would make a difference if you think of it as contibuting to a scholarship fund, with the indirect benefit of helping someone else become a "more productive" member of society, and therefore making society (and your own life, if you believe in that trickle-down stuff) better in the long run.
In the old days, many artists had patrons, and churches have a history of commissioning art, at least partly to support artists so they could survive. |
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