[Summit] Pay it Forward Books for Billy Taylor Park

[Christopher Buecheler]

I think the issue is: your boss presumably makes money on a $15 book order.
Depending on the terms of his publishing contract, it could anywhere from a
few cents to several dollars. So while books are indeed being given away,
he is also inherently pocketing money from this project (whether he pays
taxes on that money or not is irrelevant). So while it's true that you are
spending time and effort, and that children are receiving free books, there
is still an aspect of profit-making going on that is making some people
uncomfortable.

I'm not condemning or disparaging. Just trying to explain the reactions
I've seen. If I'm wrong and the books are being purchased at author-cost
(from which your boss wouldn't make any profit), or if the profit is also
being funneled into the giveaway, then the campaign should definitely
mention that fact, as it turns the whole thing into much more of a standard
charitable enterprise.

Cheers,

-- 
-Christopher Buecheler - @cwbuecheler
-http://cwbuecheler.com | Web, Writing, Cocktails and More



On Sat, Jun 21, 2014 at 8:48 AM, Beth Hellman <beth at storyamonth.com> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I had replied to Kim off the list, not realizing that her reply went out
> to everyone. (I'm on the digest version)
>
> I'm a bit at a loss to understand how this project is disingenuous or not
> "giving."
>
> Are we non-profit 501c3? No, but we are partnering with one. Also, as I
> pointed out to Kim, we are paying taxes on any income received.
>
> We're trying to raise funds to donate copies of Cinderella Spinderella to
> young people in Mt. Hope.
> That's why I sent it to the Summit list.
> Are we going to be giving books? Yes? Are we using our time and resources
> to do so? Yes.
> Is this a Kickstarter? No. As  the contributions come in, the books will
> be given out.
> On his own, my boss frequently contributes time, money and books to local
> organizations.
> But we can't afford to give books to every child at an event.
>
> If you'd like to donate, please do so. If not, I'd appreciate it if you'd
> not disparage our project.
>
> If you have questions, please email me directly and I'll be glad to answer
> them.
>
> Beth Hellman
> beth at storyamonth.com
>
>
>


-- 
-Christopher Buecheler - @cwbuecheler
-http://cwbuecheler.com | Web, Writing, Cocktails and More
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