WWdN: the fundraiser

ByWil

A few weeks ago, I observed that the vet bills for Felix and Sketch were well over $7,000.
A bunch of WWdN readers suggested that I put up a PayPal donation box, but I just don’t feel right taking something for nothing, so I thought I’d have a fundraising sale instead: I have about 100 copies of Just A Geek here in my house. Lots of people have asked me where they can get autographed copies of Just A Geek . . . so I figured I could accept donations, but you’d get something kind of cool in return.
Until Friday (May 6, 2005), I’ll be offering these signed copies at the “Fundraiser” price of $50, which will include a copy of the eulogy I wrote for The Bear, saddle-stitched with his stumpy little face on the cover. I realize that not everyone has the money or desire to dump $50 bucks on a book, so at the end of the week, if there are books left, I’ll reduce the price to $30, which is just five bucks over the cover price.
If there is enough interest, I’ll offer some copies of Dancing Barefoot, as well.
If you’re interested, you can visit the fundraiser page (dial-up warning: the images are big) (thank you to WWdN reader Paul, who sent in optimized images!) and place an order.
Update: Holy crap. I leave the house for three hours, and when I come back, I’m completely sold out. Wow. Thank you, so much, to everyone who supported the fundraiser. I am speechless.

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141 Comments

  1. “p.s. if the fundraising goes well (which it prob should) It’d be cool to donate anything over the

  2. I can’t believe that my first comment here is another vote for you putting out some copies of Dancing Barefoot !!
    But it is.
    I already have TWO copies of JaG (because I use it in a class I teach on assorted “leisure” subcultures), and can’t afford the cool copy :-(. But, I can probably justify such an expenditure for Barefoot! Look forward to it!
    Cheers,
    sunpony (the guy whose wife wrote to you late last summer about the fact that I was using your book for my class)

  3. Wil,
    Not sure how, but this comment seems to have caused quite a stir on the LiveJournal cross post. If you have a bored 2 minutes, you may like to have a look..

  4. Hey Wil,
    This was the perfect excuse to buy your book! I’m ever so glad to help out. I already own a copy of Dancing Barefoot, and had been trying to find JAG in stores without much success. I was going to wait until after this weekend which is my birthday to make sure it wasn’t one of my gifts, but with this incentive, even it is I’ll just give the extra copy to a friend.
    I left ‘special inscription’ blank, so I’m afraid you’ll just have to be creative. 😉
    Looking forward to it!
    Jason

  6. Wil, I’ve already got a copy of JaG, but not DB … If you do decide to put up copies of DB, you’ve got one confirmed sale right here … and in your LJ comments, Sarah’s a 2nd sale.

  7. Have put the bait out for my friends in my blog – hope they bite. I’d really like to help contribute in some small way. I was so touched by your stories – and so sorry for your loss.
    Re swiftblade – uh, yeah, but only people telling each other that they know Wil doesn’t read comment made to the syndicated feed on LJ. Again?

  8. I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, but this is the first comment I have left. I have 4 cats myself and I can’t imagine how painful this has been for you and your family. I just ordered a copy, and I hope it helps with the bills.

  9. Gah.
    That is so lame when they do it, which is why I posted what I did on the entry before it.
    (at least that was entertaining to some of us…)

  10. I’ve been lurking here for quite a while (actually posted a couple comments a long time ago). The autographed copies are a great idea. I actually got DB for Christmas from my fiance, but I still didn’t have a copy of JAG.
    I’m so sorry about all the loss you’ve had to cope with in the last few weeks. I just (a year ago) lost the cat I grew up with. I had her for 20 years, and I still miss her.
    You’ll be in my thoughts. And a donation box wouldn’t have been out of line either. 🙂

  11. I’ve been lurking here for quite a while (actually posted a couple comments a long time ago). The autographed copies are a great idea. I actually got DB for Christmas from my fiance, but I still didn’t have a copy of JAG.
    I’m so sorry about all the loss you’ve had to cope with in the last few weeks. I just (a year ago) lost the cat I grew up with. I had her for 20 years, and I still miss her.
    You’ll be in my thoughts. And a donation box wouldn’t have been out of line either. 🙂

  12. I agree with Jason. I would certainly toss a virtual fiver into the box, just for all the writing you’ve done! But I understand and applaud you wanting to give something in return.

  13. Sold to the theatre geek in NJ!!
    Thanks…glad to help in even a small way. I have 2 dogs and a cat, so I know about vet bills. Hope it goes well for ya, and I look forward to getting the book!
    ~Susan

  14. Wil,
    I put a post on my blog asking people to donate too. (Tried to use trackback with haloscan for first time ever but Didnt seem to work and i dont know what i did wrong)
    Click here for my blog

  16. Hi Wil,
    Just put in my order – hope us Canadians can get in on the action here!
    This is a great idea and I hope you’re very successful with it. I’ve got my fingers crossed that DB becomes available!
    Many thanks,
    Colleen

  17. Awesome idea, IMHO…I snagged 2 copies, ’cause I’m greedy that way…and I knew someone who reallllllly wanted a signed copy. She’s going to pee herself when she sees it.
    Wil, thanks for the opportunity to get these signed copies. You’re going to help me make someone’s entire summer, I think.
    Yay.
    Now…when ya gonna write a novel? Inquiring minds want to know.

  18. Posted link over on my site, too. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to order one before you run out! Waiting ’til my husband gets home–you do take money earned at Microsoft, don’t you? 😉

  20. Alas, car bills have done my book fund in!
    However, I totally support this venture, and if payday is kind to me I’ll try to snag a copy of WHATEVER you’re offering if you still have anything at that point. Looks like you’re gonna sell out before I get a chance to contribute, but that’s great for you!
    I’m pimping this too all my friends, too. Just in case.

  21. Those vet bills can skyrocket out of hand in an instant. A $1200 surgery on my beloved Mr. Adventure turned into $2700 once they saw what was really going on — at a time when every dollar counted for us. But I’ve never regretted taking that step; otherwise I would have always wondered whether he might have been saved if only I’d paid for the surgery.I hope that you and your family have the same peace of mind that comes from knowing that you did everything that you could do.
    Dancing Barefoot: Yes, please.

  22. If this has been covered and my rapid reading has caused me to miss it, I apoligize in advance.
    Would it be possible to send my copy of JAG to you to be signed for a fee? I’m thrilled that you have sold out, told you that we love you, but but, I would like signy-goodness too! *sniffle*
    Ok, I’m over it, mostly. But really, please consider it unless there is something too complicated about doing that sort of thing. I would include a SASE and everything. Honestly, I would.
    Just a thought.

  23. as I was reading this & thinking, ‘rats! I can’t afford $50 right now (or even $30 on Friday)!’, I got to the part that said you were all sold out after 3 hours. while I’m disappointed I missed/had to pass on the opportunity either way, I’m glad your fundraiser was so successful! one of my cats a number of years back had huge vet bills too, so I can sympathize for the need. meanwhile, I’ll pick up your books another time :).
    l.
    x

  24. i would like something with Dancing Barefoot because i already have JAG… and then you would really know that i love you because you KNOW i can get it on discount…

  25. Wil, how cool that your books sold out so quickly – except for the sake of those people who didn’t get there fast enough to order one.
    So, count me in for a copy of DB, which I would be buying as a gift for a friend. I’ll be checking in for info on how to order that.

  27. I was going to say “It took three hours?” but then I realized Wil hadn’t checked in during that time. Heh. I wish I could get such a response for the charity walk I’m doing, but then… I don’t have any copies of cool books I’ve written to offer. Someday I will get myself a copy of Dancing Barefoot and Just a Geek. Someday. Eh, I’m rambling.
    Best wishes to you, Wil. Hang in there. There is no more powerful force in this world than friends, and most of us who read your blog consider you a friend.

  28. Crap man, I could have HAD one if I didn’t have to work for a living! Damn this mortal coil! 🙂 Anyway Wil, I *still* cherish my signed copy of ‘Dancing Barefoot’ I received from you while you visited us here in Tulsa and hope that I can get a copy of JaG, signed of course, to join it one day. Peace bro. 🙂

  29. Wil,
    I just don’t know what to say, I just started getting caught up reading your blog and so much has happened…I lost “my” kitty about two years ago and his brother is still with us, but I am not sure for how long. He is very old…
    I have grown up with my cats, I watched their birth when I was still very young and now I am 23 and still have one of them with me. And I still can’t help but think of Michael…
    I have read many sad stories and many blogs from many people… I have heard stories that would make most people break down in tears and I have always kept it inside…But to listen/read your events without knowing it I had been moved to tears.
    What I am trying to say is I can relate to your pain, I believe that pain is an individual thing to each person and different for each so we can’t truly know it, but we can relate to it… And while this is a bit late I know, and I will post it to something more recent because I want you to know how much my heart goes out to you, because I know even a year later I still miss Michael and it makes me sad when I remember I wont see him peak around the corner and meow at me and try to startle the heck outa me.. and that he wont be waking me up anymore by nuzzling me gently first and stronger and stronger till I get the message.
    I want to express just how much my heart goes out to you. I like so many people remembered you from TNG, but until I saw you on The Screen Savers one day I never really realized what a wonderful person you are. Intelligent, Caring, Fun, Creative, and above all….Real. I would be ordering copies of your books but I just read the post a bit ago and already you were sold out. I do however look forward to more than ever reading your works.
    So please accept my digital hug and know that you are indeed a special person in this universe. BTW I know I have referred exclusively to you, but this is also meant for your lovely wife and family as well.
    A/G

  31. I just read this and you’re sold out already???
    Drat the luck!
    🙂
    See, Wil? I told you that in your time of need we’d be right by your side supporting you! I was SO right!
    Way to go!
    Scott

  32. Great idea! It shows how much both Felix and Sketch means to WWdN readers.
    And man! I’m way late and $50 too poor to get a copy. 🙁 Although I own signed copies (during your San Francisco’s Borders reading) of DB and JAG, sharing custody of them with my boyfriend Tim is hard! :p

  33. Damn I missed them! I would definitely like a signed Dancing Barefoot though. I love this site and I would quite happily subscribe to read the brilliant writing on here. More fundraisers!!!

  34. I ordered your two books from Overstock.com a few days ago, so I’m happy enough that they are on their way. CAN’T WAIT TO READ THEM WIL!!!
    Now WAY OFF TOPIC:
    I just watched Nemesis…. and did you know that on the new Star Trek Nemesis DVD, under special features “A Star Trek Family’s Final Journey”…. that they didn’t edit you out completely. I saw you in several frames sitting next to Gates at the wedding table and I was so happy! You have to look very closely, but there you are! So dashing in your white dress uniform. However, I’m still really upset they cut you out of the damn movie. Now we are left to wonder what the hell happened to Wesley.
    Hollywood … (as i’m shaking my head)
    -Kel

  36. I already own Just A Geek, but I would DEFINITELY want a signed copy of Dancing Barefoot. I’ve been putting off buying that for a while even though I loved Just A Geek. Now’s the chance(hopefully) for me to hop on that opportunity.

  37. Awww, see what happens when I don’t read this blog everyday. 🙁
    If you decide to sell some copies of DB, you can count on me.
    Good idea and well wishes Wil.

  38. I’ve never posted before, but I’m a regular lurker, and I was just waiting for payday to order a book. I had hoped only one little day wouldn’t be too late, but it seems when I first read the message was too late. 🙂 It’s pretty amazing that they sold out so fast, but I completely understand.
    I’d like to add myself to the list of people that would like Dancing Barefoot as well. I check every bookstore I visit, even sections I don’t expect them to be in, and never find these two books.

  39. i saw this entry yesterday before i left work — sadly my 6 year old powerbook conked out over the weekend and there’s no more WWdN for me if i’m not at work — and i thought, good for wil. having just finished JAG over the weekend, i now know how hard it is for him to do something like this.
    i am stunned at the response and how quickly the books sold out. (and wil, please, please please put up dancing barefoot!!) shoot, i’d buy a sketch or felix t-shirt, wil, i’m just that much of a geek. (of course the “profit” margin on those wouldn’t help you raise quite as much money as quickly!)
    dude, people respond to honesty and especially to a “celebrity” who’s really just a regular guy. you’ve got to find a way to get over this idea that people don’t like you cuz it’s just not true anymore. you are seriously smart, seriously witty, wickedly funny and totally real. screw hollywood and whether or not they *think* they like you enough to give you a job. how many times has hollywood been wrong with casting? puh-leaz. (i know that doesn’t help when they keep saying you’re second choice — i just went thru that job-hunting — you’re right, it’s even worse when you keep hearing that than just knowing you don’t have the job!)
    dude, you’re awesome. i’ve been a huge fan since what, 86? when did that movie come out? *shiver* doesn’t matter. the only reason i even started watching ST:tNG was because of you.
    as far as i’m concerned, you got a raw deal. you haven’t let it keep you down. you keep trying. you went to frickin’ drama school, made all the right moves and some idjits couldn’t see it just made you better than ever.
    let us do something for you now. you deserve it. and you deserve it a lot more than you know.
    you’re not taking handouts; you’re not begging; you’re not selling yourself when you put something like this up or when you put stuff up on ebay. you’re not selling out. look at how fast you sold those books yesterday, man. think about that.
    dude, you keep doing what you’re doing. and fer cryin’ out loud, keep writing. listen to your mom and your english teacher, and to that ghost of chris chambers, too. you’re a writer. and stuff like this fundraiser is just us readers finally getting around to paying you for our daily dose of reading.
    peace, man.
    enderFP
    ps what’s up the ibook?

  40. That you are surprised to have sold out quickly surprises me. You have a bunch of us reading about your life on a regular basis because, on whatever level it is for each of us, we feel like we all have stuff in common with you. In a strange way, getting to know someone even through a blog feels suspiciously like making friends, if that makes sense. So, you’ve got a group of invisible friends who really aren’t so invisible, and we care. Doesn’t surprise me at all.
    ~Susan

  41. I just read this and you’re sold out already???
    Drat the luck!
    🙂
    See, Wil? I told you that in your time of need we’d be right by your side supporting you! I was SO right!
    Way to go!
    Scott

  42. I just read this and you’re sold out already???
    Drat the luck!
    🙂
    See, Wil? I told you that in your time of need we’d be right by your side supporting you! I was SO right!
    Way to go!
    Scott

  43. I just read this and you’re sold out already???
    Drat the luck!
    🙂
    See, Wil? I told you that in your time of need we’d be right by your side supporting you! I was SO right!
    Way to go!
    Scott

  44. I’m all for the buying a copy of your book and sending it in for an autograph. I know that other, less talented, people than yourself charge a nominal sum for this, so why not a swell guy like yourself? I promise not to send anything like a “Wesley” figure or anything TOO geeky (now a custom CSI “Walter” figure or WSoP Wil Wheaton figure would be cool, right?)
    Mostly, as a guy who has cats too, I know the double-whammy of having to deal with the loss emotionally and financially. The least I could do is help out a fellow strong, white, adopted father of Feline-Americans.
    By the way, your column in The Onion kicks booty, repeatedly. You’ve passed Dan Savage’s column as things I look forward to on Wednesday and reached the same plateau as “Red Meat”. (And not the crappy dual land portait of plateau as was in Revised edition: The original art last seen in Unlimited edition.)

  45. Hi Wil
    I’m adding my voice to the chorus of “I don’t have $50 right now, but I do have $5″… Since you are making up the The Bear eulogy booklets anyway, would you consider offering just those, signed or not, at $5 or $10 to help make up the other $2000 (and give those of us who don’t have money or missed out on the 100 JAGs a way to help?) That might mitigate the something-for-nothing-ness…

  46. Blast!
    I was reading this post, smiling and planning to order a signed copy immediately and thinking that this was a brilliant solution to the quandry of a need for funds coupled with strong and admirable principles… but then I get to the end of the post and realize that I was too late.
    Me sad.
    Congratz Wil, on the idea and the support it generated. Condolences on the reasoning and need for the effort.
    Thanks for sharing your life and words with everyone.

  47. well crap!!!
    I took the wife to the book store last night and I ALMOST bought Just a Geek but somthing kept me from doing it. And then this morn I see this and said HELL YEAA!! THAT is why I did not get it last night….
    and then I saw they were already gone! ;-(
    if you can work somthing out and get some more… count me in

  48. Wow! Looks like I should have ordered mine at work yesterday, instead of waiting until I went home. ; )
    I’m sad that I won’t have my very own autographed copy of JAG, but at the same time I’m so happy that it all worked out! 7k is a big chunk-o-change.

  49. $7,000 for a vet bill??? Holy Shit, is EVERYTHING in So Cal expensive now? I’m glad I escaped when I did.
    Glad to hear the ‘fundraiser’ went well for you, Wil. Maybe next time you can get yourself a cheaper pet? Not that your cats were cheap, or to cheapen the memory of them.
    You know what I mean.

  50. warcrygirl You know what I mean.
    No, I don’t know what you mean. Because cheapen the memory of them is exactly what you just did.

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