Trying to take the Spotlight

Yesterday a wonderful resourceful site and facebook page were headlined in a prominent manner.

(Full article can be found here)

Gary James and A4CWSN somehow think that by having the a4 page literally scrolled over, and shown for a grand total of about two seconds, that it's been featured or was in the spotlight as well.

Sorry James, you weren't featured, or in the spotlight.  Though I know you seem to think otherwise.

The a4cwsn website will never, ever come close to being that of the website that was featured. There's a big difference between helping special needs families and taking their last ten dollars. I'm pretty sure most can figure out which is which. 

He couldn't just let this wonderful site and owner bask in their glory for actually being featured in this. Nope, he knows himself that he's in a sinking ship. Grasping at straws to say he was featured and in the spotlight of this article.  

Technology in Education is an amazing, wonderful resource for parents, therapists, and well, everyone.  

Here's the link to their facebook page where the most amazing Appy Parties are hosted, and the link to their website. 

Don't worry Mr James, I'm sure you'll make headlines, someday soon too. Though I doubt they'll be similar in nature to this wonderful site that was featured!

Let's talk about money.

At the beginning of the year, a friend of mine created a PDF of all the a4cwsn status updates (minus the deleted ones of course) dating back to mid June.

I took four days and read the 900+ PDF and documented all tangible donations.

Here's pics (2 parts) of the PDF that was sent to the Attorney General- Consumer Protection Dept Investigator. Click on the pics to enlarge.

Keep in mind, recorded donations are those that are tangible. So, items not included would be:

• Paypal Donations
• Cash donations/Cheque Donations
• Percentage of sales from App Developers
• Affiliate links
• High value promo codes from Developers
• iTunes widget (5% of all sales)

The above post was made in August.  Imagine how much came through that iTunes widget as the page numbers grew.

Oh but hey, A4CWSN says only 43K...

Obviously, these aren't all the financials. This is just a small glimpse of the financials that we put together.

I have to ask, why would it be so difficult for A4cwsn to diclose the paypal donations records? Or the iTunes widget information, or the percentage received from sales from developers. Why is this considered such classified information to him? Why does he boast about everything else, but he won't show the community what wonderful things they accomplished? Why not give developers due credit?

He has said all financial information is public, to look it up on giveforward.com, but we know that isn't the only source of donations.

There is so much money that has gone unaccounted for. That a4cwsn refuses to acknowledge. The biggest question is why?

Yep, he went there, again.

The other day on twitter got interesting again.
A4CWSN decided to post more personal information. Albeit not all correct information, personal information that wasn't out there on the internet before, is now out there.

The following pictures are a series of tweets that A4CWSN sent out. I opened each tweet and you can see what he's replying too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, I have no problem if someone wants to use someone's name online when it's readily available.  Aside from one of these tweeters, their names are NOT public on twitter. Most likely for a reason. Probably a damn good reason.  For him to then turn it around and blame it on the "hatters" for having to do that? To think that it's perfectly a-ok to post personal information, it just baffles my mind.

What shocks me is that his 'supporters' see absolutely nothing wrong with these actions, and neither does he. In fact he excuses the actions easily. He says we pushed him to sink to this level? No.  Everyone has free will. What they personally decide to do is their own choice. No one is forcing him to do anything.

I also find it interesting that he's been thanking Twitter, Facebook, etc for their assistance but when he posted his 'proof' of information, he posted links for Spokeo.  Which in my opinion, isn't the most reliable source for information. Hey, whatever floats your boat though!
(Hey, did you know you can opt out of Spokeo creating a profile for you? Click on their privacy link at the bottom of the page and follow their easy directions!)

If he does have a lawyer, don't you think they would be telling him to stop typing? To step away from the keyboard? To let the legal system deal with these issues?

Of course, this isn't the first time that he's posted personal information. I  highly suspect it won't be the last.  I am always surprised at the new levels of low that he'll sink to, I know I shouldn't be, but I am.
All in the name of intimidation.

Knowledge is Power!

Charity fraud & scams happen on a daily basis. Here are some simple things to be mindful of before making a contribution or donation to any organization or charity.

The bottom line here is: Ask questions. Lots of them. If an organization/charity refuses to answer them, I feel confident in saying with almost 100% certainty that it's a scam. 

There are tons of organizations and charities that will willingly provide you with any and all information & documentation that you request.

Learn how to protect yourself & your hard earned money.

I'm going to post some links for Canadian side of things, and the American side of things.

I'm going to start with Canadian, because well, I'm Canadian, and quite frankly I think we rock, eh.  (I do love my igloo.)

Linky-do for above article

Canadian Linky-dos:
How to protect yourself from charity scams & fraud & warning signs to watch out for. 

• Linky-do
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American Linky-dos:
How to protect yourself from charity scams & fraud & warning signs to watch out for. 

• Linky-do
• Linky-do
• Linky-do
• Linky-do
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• Linky-do

Of course there are tons of other links on the web with information.

Again, the bottom line: Ask questions. Lots of them. If an organization/charity refuses to answer them, I feel confident in saying with almost 100% certainty that it's a scam. 

We are fortunate to have information at the tips of our fingers these days.  We can search for just about anything.  Don't be afraid to use this tool to your advantage.  Also don't be afraid to contact the organization/charity and ask them questions directly, or ask them to mail you information.  

Don't be afraid to donate. Just be educated on where and how your money is being spent. 

I'm so confused?!

Please, quick, someone, halp!!!!  I can't make sense of this!!!!

I also have this copy and pasted status.  At the time, no one grabbed a screen shot, and well, almost every single status update that A4CWSN posted on December 26th, 2011 has been deleted. (No joke, go look).

"A4CWSN  The sad part id I am struggling just like the rest of you, i can't make my mortgage, i can't keep up with my car payments, I'm in debt well past what my wife brings home, but you know that will take care of it's self because I am still going to help those who need it for as long as I can."

If the above three statements are true, that A4CWSN's Gary James' family is struggling every month to pay their bills, then why is this taking place? Or better yet, how is this taking place?

How can he afford to travel to Canada, and then deliver iPads in the US? How can he afford to give a away a cruise, paying for it out of his own pocket?

Another question, if this family is struggling so much every month, why would he give away $30K in iPads, spend all that money to travel and deliver iPads, etc over the last year? He easily could have had the iPads shipped for free (except the used ones, but I know he didn't pay shipping on the used iPad that my family got from another family). He has claimed that his family cannot pay their mortgage or make their car payments  (not that I believe this for a minute, but let's pretend).

If his followers and supporters really cared and supported him, then why is his family struggling so much? Why aren't they telling him to stop, and only to use the donations he's received? That greedy? So focused on getting an iPad at any means it doesn't matter?

For crying out the loud, that man says he can't afford his mortgage! He has *6* children to care for ! (Yes, I know only *4* actually live with him).

But hey, why not give away a cruise and take a vacation to threaten woman in Canada.  Sounds like a fantastic idea to me!

(Ya, that last line? It's called sarcasm).