I promise you...

 

 

I wasn't an a4cwsn 'follower' or 'supporter' during this time. However, I have gone back to the absolute very beginning of a4cwsn being on facebook, and read every single post a4cwsn ever made. Well, minus the deleted ones, of course! (Yep, it took a while to read, don't worry though my kids are well taken care of - yep, I have that post from the 50/50/50 room too!) This however did make for interesting reading.

I came across a lot of what can only be considered empty and broken promises that a4cwsn made. What's most surprising to me is that this was all just forgotten.  This surprises me because I know these parents aren't stupid. These are smart folks we're talking about. 

I know that most of the current supporters didn't see these happen (or for that matter, not happen), or many other "promises" made. 

His biggest and loudest supporters are now gone. (We're the 'hatters').  At one time, when he'd ask for a show of who was on the page and reading, he would get well over 150 likes, closer to 200. 

It always baffles me that he gets away with this. When I stop and think about it though, it makes sense. 

It's a wash, rinse, repeat cycle. 

He gains followers, he makes promises, then he breaks them, just doesn't follow through on them, or changes the rules completely for them.  Followers leave, new ones replace them. 

If someone dares asks where something is/or at, depending on his mood and how he reads it, you'll get one of two answers:

1. I'm only one man and one computer.
2. How dare you question me!!

There never really seems to be a straight answer though.  

It's so frustrating to sit back and watch this happen from the outside now. 

Knowing that parents will get their hopes up. Only for the realization to strike.. it was all a lie. 

I was seriously considering posting links on this blog post to other pages where you can find love and support. Links to other avenues to get an iPad for your child.  But, I'm not going to.  Not because they aren't fantastic resources. I'm not going to post them because I don't want A4CWSN going to them and spewing crap. (It's been done before). 

You know, it absolutely drives me nuts that he gets away with it too.  I will be the first to raise my hand and take ownership for any and all actions I've done. Have I been in contact with developers? You're sure as shit I have been.  Have I explained to them how to file a complaint? Damn straight I have! Have I read their emails and cried because of the harsh words he's spewed at them for no other reason than they didn't agree with him? Yep. Done that too. 

So I'll end with this. 

If you're looking for some wonderful communities to join, to get honest reviews (ya know, the type that are honest and sincere, even if they were paid for- this means the good, the bad and the ugly), please contact me. At these pages you'll have a chance to win codes for your iPads, or just some resources to search and learn more about how to get an iPad. Contact me.  I will point you in the right direction.  No one begs for you to donate, everything is transparent and fair. None of this, let me pick the prettiest profile picture. No million hoops to jump through, no give me all your personal details, no post your story. No bullshit. Just honest, sincere people who want to help other special needs parents. That's it. That's all. 

Dear App Developers- An Update

First I'd like to take this opportunity to send a huge 

THANK YOU!!!!!!

To the Developers who took time to contact me. 

Secondly, to the update piece.  I had a member of the 50/50/50 iPad group get in touch with me. She wishes to remain anon and I need to respect that. 

She sent me screen shots of all the apps & app codes.  Far too many for me to edit and include in one post. It would be overwhelmingly pic heavy. 

So, what I did was crop out the name of the apps, and put them all together in one picture.  I will include several of the edited pics from the group with the codes as well just to back up what I'm saying is true.  

Please note the sections that are blacked out are done so for privacy reasons. 

  

Linky-do for previous post. 

Dear App Developers

Dear App Developers,

Recently a facebook page & website, A4CWSN, completed a 50/50/50 tour.  50 iPads, 50 children, 50 states. Well, this turned out to be 48 iPads, 48 children and 48 states (Utah & South Dakota do not have children who got iPads).

Before this tour started, you were approached.  You were asked to donate to the cause.  You were asked to donate money (and were urged to donate at least $100 if not more) and you were asked to donate codes for your apps so that these iPads could be "loaded" for these special children. Some of you went above and beyond and even donated iPad(s).

A4CWSN created a private group for the winners of these iPads, so that the codes could be given out.  If codes were not used within the group, they were quickly given out on the main A4CWSN facebook page.
Some people had children in hospital when codes were given out, and some just aren't online much. Some didn't check the group often enough.

The following photo, A4CWSN boasts about how awesome and amazing these iPads will be for our special children.

The following series of photos are of shout outs with thank you's from A4CWSN for donating codes to the campaign.

Here's a list of apps that actually went out and the number of codes that were given.
(It should be known, I have had this list confirmed by members still in the group. There is also a previous blog post about these app codes- Linky-do, she has since been removed from this group, because of the exchange that took place. I have listed the app, the # of codes and the value of the app if purchased, you will however find, that the value does not come close to what was promoted by A4CWSN)

• Smart Apps 4 Kids.com 
• Look in my Eyes Steam Train 2 or Restaurant or House 
• 2.99/app
• Ocean House Media
• The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game 
•  5 codes -- 3.99/app
• The Berenstain Bears Faithful Friends 
•  5 codes -- 3.99/app
• Just for You 
•  10 codes -- .99c/app
• If I Ran the Zoo 
•  9 codes -- 1.99/app
• When I Get Bigger 
•  10 codes -- .99c/app
• The Foot Book 
•  10 codes -- 1.99/app
• PictureBook 
•  46 codes -- .99c/app
• ChoiceWorks 
•  23 codes --  14.99/app
• Puzzingo 
•  10 codes -- 1.99/app
• ABC Shakedown Plus 
•  4 codes -- Free
• ABC on the Go 
•  4 codes -- 1.99/app
• Let's Bead Friends 
•  4 codes-- .99/app
• Tap Times Table 
•  8 codes -- 1.99/app
• Math Plus Minus 
•  8 codes -- 1.99/app
• iLiveMath Farm Fresh 
•  5 codes -- 4.99/app
• iLiveMath Animals of Asia 
•  5 codes -- 4.99/app
• iLiveMath Botany 
•  5 codes -- 4.99/app
• iLiveMath Winter 
•  5 codes -- 4.99/app
• iLiveMath Animals of Africa 
•  5 codes -- 4.99/app
• iLiveSpelling Mammal 
•  5 codes -- 4.99/app
• iLive Math Ford Cars 
•  5 codes -- 4.99/app
• My PlayHome 
•  46 codes -- 2.99/app
• Mary's Little Lamb or Jack & Jill 
•  23 codes of each -- 1.99/app
• PicPocket Books - Dinosaurs 
•  15 codes-- .99/app
• Sonoflex 
• 3 codes -- Was gifted when on sale for .99c
• iBaby Button
•  was made as a free app for one day
• Puzzingo 
•  was made as a free app for one day

Unfortunately, we have come to find out that all that has been promised has not happened. There is a long history of half truths and misrepresentation's that has taken place here. 

Not every single person of this 50/50/50 group would have gotten each app, as you can see, there were limited numbers of each app code. Let's pretend for a minute that they did though.  That would make a grand total of $82.76 in app value.  Add in the cost of the 16gb iPad2 (no 3G) ($499 + tax = approx $528) and you have a grand total of $82.76 + $528 = $610.78. (The total would be different if Sonoflex hadn't been bought on sale, the total app value would be $181.77, and the total iPad value would be $709.77, which is still a significant difference from the value given and quoted & promoted by A4CWSN)

I recently spoke with Lois Annette Smith. She very graciously donated 3 iPads for this tour.  This is what she had to say when we talked about the apps that were to go on the iPads.

"I remember when I donated those iPads, feeling good that they were getting all those apps, because if a family cannot afford the iPad, there is a good chance that they cannot afford the apps. It really breaks my heart."

I am urging you, the app developers, to make good on your word to those who missed out on being able to get these apps that were promised to these parents and children.

They are not greedy for seeking what was promised to them (as has been implied, and said by a4cwsn when people have asked about promised "prizes").
Also, I hope you understand, that no one is faulting the developers here. You are a bystander caught in the crossfires unfortunately.
You were told one thing, and sadly, something else altogether has taken place.

In future, it might be wise for developers, and organizers to create an email database and have developers contact winners directly with the codes for their wonderful apps, so that hopefully a situation like this can be avoided.

If you would like to right this wrong that has been done, please contact me, and I will put you in touch with those who did not get their promised apps. If you do contact me, please know that it will be done with 100% complete confidence. No one except you, myself and the iPad recipient will know.

UPDATE:

Earlier today I was contacted by a member in the 50/50/50 iPad group.  She sent me some really great screen shots.  Too many for me to post.  I have from those screen shots created one picture that lists all the apps that the 50/50/50 iPad recipients got.  Of course, the fact remains that not everyone got every app. There were limited number of codes available and only a few of the apps were there enough for everyone to get the app.  In this photo you will find the complete list.

Write my Name By Injini

Yay! Another App review!

Those who know me, know my obsession with Project Injini Child Development and their apps.  They have a reputation that is stellar, and they're known for high quality apps.

As soon as Injini started posting sneak peak photos on their facebook page wall, I knew I HAD to have this app. Heck, I even posted on their wall saying, I don't know what this is, but I want it!

Here's the Linky-Do for their facebook page.

Yesterday evening, I had to go out to buy new glasses (another story, for another day!), and I was checking out facebook on my iPhone while I waited. My newsfeed was being spammed, finally! Injini's new app had been released and was hitting iTunes Stores!  I was *frantic*.  First, it wasn't yet available in Canada (yes, this gave me a panic attack. I wanted this app bad!!!), then I realized, I didn't have enough in my iTunes account to get it! AHHH! These heart stopping issues were soon put to rest. The app became available in Canada, and a friend gifted me the app!

Let's get down to business though, let's talk about the app, Write my Name, by Injini.

Brilliant!

Really? Did you expect anything less from them?!

It's a simple, fantastic app.

There are three different activities within the app, Write my Name;

• Name Tags
• Word Cards
• The Alphabet Book

Within the Name tags setting you can customize 36 tags to any word or phrase you wish.  Phrases or names that are common to your child(ren), change them according to seasonal holidays, anything.  You can also add a photo and a voice recording.

Word Cards is just like it sounds.  You can change between upper and lower case letters. Its has a selection of over 100 sight/dolch words, that kids can practice spelling and printing.
Trace it the first time, the card comes to life with animation. Trace it a second time, and the child gets a star stamp in their word journal.  (Who doesn't love getting a stamp for work well done?!)

The Alphabet Book with ABCs is also just as it sounds, it focuses on tracing the ABCs.  Again having the ability to switch between upper and lower case letters.

In the Settings function, you can switch the app to have a "fingerpaint" mode. It will show a true reflection of what the child is writing.  You can also reset the the Alphabet book, and Word Cards. You can also turn the music on or off.

Of course, you can expect a clean user interface, that is very user friendly (Again, did you really expect anything less?).

Here's a video of my 5 year old, Nathan using the app.

It's currently in the iTunes store for a low intro price of $1.99 ! Get it before the price goes up!
Linky-do

In a future update, I would love to see the ability to have different users within the app.  We have four kids, and all of them will use this app. Tracking progress for each of them would be a wonderful option.

Bravo Project Injini Child Development!!! You've got what one can only expect to be another huge success of an app on your hands!