HAPPY NEW YEARS! First time here? Make sure to watch the video to the right of this post. The small one right to the right. I'm going to pull myself away from the PC and go out and ring the New Year in. Enjoy my friends performance below:
Here is 8 things you can do below to help me get my wishes!:
Make sure to watch the video that started it all. All funds made from the video below will also be donated to DARC!
things are coming very fast i can almost not keep up... i made a video at youtube but it is stuck in the processing cue. things are going to take off like a rocket the next few days! just hold on and please be patient. my first wish will be granted on 1/3/07 !!!! I can not announce what it is but I will as soon as I get the green light! you guys are going to love what we are cooking up here. take care.
We will have some big announcements and a new episode coming in the next few hours, but for now you can watch Seth's Godin's Google video below. I have been reading your feed back and thanks for telling me what is broken on my website. We will be making the updates very soon. Seth video is very appropriate for the things we need to fix around here. I know its hard to navigate my site and it should all work better by tomorrow. Hope you all have a good weekend!
Another cool site that has to do with this video: itisbroken.com
Make your 8 wishes for next year and Submit them here! Be funny, serious, boring, passionate. I just want to see your wishes. We will post some of the videos here at 8wishes too!
From Mack: Ok if you are new to the game here's the deal: Simply cut and paste the ENTIRE list above to a post on your blog. That's it. You'll get a ton of happy bloggers suddenly coming to YOUR blog to thank you, you'll get a ton of great new blogs to read, you'll likely get a ton of links yourself, but most of all, you'll feel good about making a whole lot of other bloggers feel good about themselves.
Thanks Seth Godin! Check out the link on Seth Godin's Blog. Its a honor to be mentioned by Seth because he has one of the top marketing blogs on the net!
Message to Seth Godin below:
I was planning on leaving William's jingle bells post on for a few days but this is such an honor for me to be mentioned by Seth Godin that I had to make a post.
Nate has caught us up with the episodes! We should get 3 more out in the next 20 hours or so. This episode is when I met Shaun our web designer. Shaun has dyslexia himself.
ATTENTION BLOGGERS! Get Divx Pro software for FREE ($19.99 value) just for posting this 8 wishes video link. Simply email the URL of your blog posting to: Windows, or Mac and you will receive a free copy of DivX Pro software shortly thereafter.”
Ok today Nate is here and working on our footage. Also with Nate's magic touch on the episodes you will notice a huge difference in production. This will give me time to do what I do best, which is marketing. We have two posts coming and a few other things that we will be doing that should get us more views then the two digg links and the Fox News interview. For now enjoy the live feed and watch us unleash what the power of the Internet (that monitor you see in the live feed is a free monitor I picked up)!
removed live feed because it's in the post above :)
Also check out were the donations are coming from:
This is awesome-- watch our video here and DivX will donate a penny for every view (you do have to download the software, but it takes less than a minute)!!!
PLEASE send this link to everyone you know. Pennies add up quicker than you think, and this could be a big donation for us.
Speaking of donations, check out this sweet map that ChipIn created to show where our donations are coming from. I think we expected a little more from the West Coast, but it's still early...
I'm making a DVD today for Paul Orfela and it is going to be delivered to him this week! Remember he is the 4th wish!
I will be heading up to meet Nate in San Jose today! I'm glad we're meeting there because I have a lot of family in the area, and I really want to see my cousin Serina because she just went through a tough experience, and one that no mom should have to go through. I'm also going to try to see some other family, and I will make sure to post some video of our visit-- I can't believe I'm actually going to be able to make time for family! Since I've only been sleeping for a few hours a day, I didn't think it would be possible to see them during these 30 days.
Here is an episode of behind-the-scenes with Fox News (long version). From now on, I will have a long version and a short version of the daily updates, but right now I only have time to edit and post the long version:
In the next couple days, we'll have a lot more annouments to make, too!
Don't have much time to write, but I want to thank Liz for her nice post on The Successful Blog. We now have the offical 'successful and outstanding' seal of approval.
Also, Nate (from SpinningSouthward) will be coming up on Wednesday to shoot footage and edit video. I hope this will free me up to post and get you updates on what's going on this week. We'll definitely have more to share tomorrow...
As a dyslexic, writing is not my favorite, so I have to put together messages that are visual. We have a ton of great footage but can't edit it because we don't have enough room on the hard drive! We don't want to erase any of the footage either, so Chase Kidd bought us a new hard drive! Thanks Chase! We are installing that right now.
Updates
It looks like we will be on our first show on Thursday! We can get bumped so don't get too excited. Also, our first wish should be getting answered by mid week. Stay tuned for more.
Nate might be joining our team and I will hear back from him later tonight! Nate would be filming and editing the 8 Wishes show.
We will be laying out a new look for the blog and we want to know what you think of it. The main changes will be in the way we post. (Check out my new myspace layout by Siberus)
We're featured on Chipin! Remember, that's how you donate to D.A.R.C.
Ceasar, one of the children I met with will be hanging with us once in a while, too. We might end up putting him to work. No Ceasar, I'm kidding, but we won't say no if you want to help out.
Our next initiative (we need help getting it off the ground):
We would love to work with Webex to stream our live interviews from my apartment. Our idea is to never have to leave the computer because that's how we stay connected around the clock. I want to be blogging during the live interview, so people can see how we're using social media to accomplish 'the impossible' (as many have called our wishes). If you know anybody at Webex please have them give us a call.
Truth is, we were definitely not expecting to get national coverage so fast. In fact, we thought it wouldn't happen until next week. When Fox News hit we got overlaoded and blind sided. So I only slept a few hours a day, if any, but it was great. It was a lot of fun getting all the email from it.
My whole job on the team is to respond to emails and phone calls. So please feel free to call or email us. Steve will be filtering spam and then give me the real stuff. I would rather respond by phone so please leave your number when you email me.
Ok, I need to try to catch a couple hours of sleep since I pulled another all nighter. I'll be posting another epidose after I get a little rest. In the meantime, here are our first2episodes, and check out The World By Road to learn about our next adventure...
I am happy to announce that Kristen will be helping us with our PR needs. She's very passionate about making a difference and I am glad to have her helping us out. You can find out more about her at her blog All My Causes
DivX DivX is also offering thier services. Starting Monday they will be providing us with free banwidth and highdef video streams. DivX is a digital media format that puts the tools of digital expression directly into the hands of the people.
DivX will allow us to post our videos more consistantly and with better picture quality.
Until then we hope you enjoy are next vid post coming shortly. Paul
so much has happend in the last 12 hours. i will be posting soooon. its 3:31am and i have to hit the sack. i have been only getting around 3 hours of sleep a day. i can't wait to tell you guys what is going on. i can show you this...my new myspace is beyond what i could of dreamed of! look at it and thanks to Sirberus for doing such an awesome job. Shaun got both sites up in two days. i don't even know how he did it. he just went to bed a few mintues ago. Shaun is a very busy man too so please give him a thanks if you have time. i fell behind in the episodes. this won't happen again because i believe we are bring on a new full time editor. chase will still be with us but he has two jobs so a full time person will have more freedom to work on the episodes. talk to you soon
if i happen to make it to digg i just want to say welcome diggers. thanks for getting me on the fox news show! the digg effect! I have almost been up 24 hours so i'm going to finish the next episode of 8 wishes in a few hours. i have to go take a power nap. there is some episodes down below of the progress of 8 wishes so check them out. new episode coming...your going to like it trust me....lots of good stuff..
Have not slept because I'm trying to finish the episode about the FOX interview. Chase helped me until 4:00am but he has to work today so i will be editing it. I'm not as good as chase but he did most of the work so I should'nt miss it up that bad. For now you can watch the live feed. Thanks for all your support! WE GOT THIS please help me keep it hot. Call everybody you know and tell them to go to 8wishes.com tell them the story!
We have a good episode coming soon. The satilite feed went out at the end so I could not hear the last question. I just want to thank Shepard Smith for having me on! Sorry about not being able to hear you on the last question.
Hey everyone here is the post for Tue. 12/12/06. This will bring you up to date and what's planned for Wed. 12/13/06 (Fox Report with Shepard Smith @ 12:45pm pacific coast). Just in case the video's not clear, we call it the car shuffle. My car (a.k.a wedge) broke down a couple weeks ago and to avoid a ticket we move it from side to side until we can get it fixed. Your emails, comments and support for the donations are great!
I am in the process of fixing some errors on my blog too. How do you like the new site design?
WOW it is 4:24 AM as I write this. Need to get some sleep so I can string some sentences together for tomorrow. Hey, you know whats really cool? FOX is sending a car to come get us for the interview. If they didn't send the car we would have had to jump on bicycle and ride 55 miles to the Fox station. Check out the video Chase cut tonight, he really knows how to make me laugh...
I have been getting alot of emails asking how to donate. Please make donations using the "ChipIn" button to the right. Every amount helps. Thanks for tunning in to the 8 Wishes Channel!
Here is the new update video:
Please visit Nerdhelp.com they donated the new website!
Also if you're a blogger and you want to do an interview email me at soloride@gmail.com. I don't care if you only have 5 people following your blog or podcast. Email me. I don't bite unless no... I don't bite! Make the subject "MEDIA".
Ask a question and get an answer back. You can check to see if the question was answered already. If not I will try to answer it. I look forward to your questions. I will also try to post video responses here.
I only got 3 hours sleep so I hope I can write: MY ANSWERS IN CAPS #
t 4:57 PM, Anonymous said…
Here's a question, How can we help if we can't donate money? GO TO THE CHIPIN DONATE BUTTON ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY SITE :)
#
At 12:28 PM, Feras said…
I support everything that you are doing and think that this is simply amazing. Im a highschool student and I want to get involved. Is there anyway I can help? I have already spread the word about the video to all my friends. GO TO THE "10,000 MILES AND 8 WISHES" VIDEO ON YOUTUBE RATE, COMMENT AND MAKE IT YOUR FAV THAT WILL HELP OUT A LOT. TELL EVERY ONE TO GO SEE 8WISHES.COM TELL THEM ITS A COOL SHOW AND ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS WATCH IT TO HELP. THANKS FERAS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP ME OUT. IF YOU HAVE A MYSPACE ADD ME AND MY VIDEO TO YOUR MYSPACE. GET THE VIDEO FROM MY MYSPACE PROFILE. THANKS AGAIN.
The Ride After getting the much needed help (twelve years later) at Santa Barbara City College, I decided to do this ride to make sure kids would not have to struggle like I did. So with $750 in my pocket, my gear, my bike and a letter of support from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger The Governor's letter wasI started my trek. The letter helped me raise crucial support during my journey. I was able to procure lodging and meals by showing the letter and explaining my cause. It took me 7 months to ride a little over 10,000 miles, which took me through 34 different states. As I rode around the perimeter of the United States, I met with thirteen different kids with learning disabilities. After three days trying to get on the Today Show in New York, I finally got on. There was such a huge fan base on the spot they aired I was able to acquire enough funds to support my cause for the last leg of the trip (half way point). After the spot the donations totaled about $850 which was more than what I started with and much needed. I was ready to give up but was rejuvenated when the pledges started rolling in Thanks to “The Today Show”. I met Katie Couric who basically got me on the show. Matt Lauer helped video my interview with Al Roker, and Ann Curry was also very helpful. I started with this project because I suffer with dyslexia and want to help as many kids with learning disabilities as possible.
…a project raising awareness and funds for children with dyslexia and learning differences.
By Paul Sanchez
In 2004, I set out on a 10,000 mile bike ride around the perimeter of the United States to make a difference in the lives of children with dyslexia and learning differences. During my trip, I met 13 children around the country who are chasing their dreams despite their learning differences, and I want every child to have the same opportunity. I have suffered from dyslexia and ADD my entire life, and it held me back for too many years.
Now, with the ride and these children as my impetus, I made 8 Wishes to raise awareness and funds trough social media and the internet, as a prologue to my documentary, Solo Ride. Each wish serves a specific purpose toward creating this documentary and reaching my goal of giving hope and support to these children.
My 8 Wishes:
1) Raise $1 million dollars. All proceeds will be donated to the Dyslexia Awareness Resource Center (DARC) and the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA).
2) 100 million views of the 10,000 Miles and 8 Wishes video. Generate the greatest amount of visibility with minimal funding.
3) Be interviewed by Oprah. She has the power and the audience to make a real difference.
4) Interview Paul Orfelea, founder of Kinkos with dyslexia (GRANTED)
5) Interview Sir. Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin with dyslexia
6) Interview Charles Schwab, who also has dyslexia
7) Be on 88 blogs and websites. Together, we can prove the power of the internet and social media.
8) All in 88 days! I want to keep this fun and exciting, while creating a sense of urgency surrounding this issue.
In the spirit of this project and the internet, you will see us make changes quickly and move with the response of our readers. Our greatest advantage is our ability to be flexible and nimble. Aside from our mission, nothing is set in stone. If at times we appear unorganized or directionless, it’s because I’m letting you determine our direction— I want to create a fundraiser that’s fun for our supporters. Our promise is to always be transparent and keep our supporters engaged in granting my 8 Wishes.
About Paul Sanchez
Paul Sanchez, age 30, has suffered from dyslexia and ADD his entire life. In second grade, he tested positively for a learning disability but results were not strong enough to be placed in a special learning faciltity. Therefore, he was put in a regular schooling, where he “suffered through nearly 18 years at California public schools.
After attending numerous city colleges, Paul finally tested positive for dyslexia and ADD at Santa Barbara City College. Under a program that provided much needed assistance, Paul was able to earn his Associates Degree from the College in 2004 at age 28.
Following graduation, he set out on his mission to create a documentary about dyslexia and learning differences and the struggles of children around the country. From July 7, 2004 to February 2, 2005, Paul completed a 10,000 mile bike ride around the perimeter of the country. During this trip, he met 13 children with dyslexia or learning differences in 13 different major cities. He is now living in Santa Barbara, CA working to promote and raise funding for his documentary, Soloride, through the 8 Wishes initiative.
We would love to see your 8 wishes video. Submit them and we will post our favorites. Try to be as creative as possible. Let us know when one or all wishes have been granted or completed. They could be personal wishes, to help an individual, to help others, or for a cause of some sort. Please be respectful and tasteful in content when making submissions. SUBMIT TO THE LINK BELOW:
1) Raise $1 million dollars I want to raise $1 million dollars for children with learning disabilities and dyslexia. $10,000 scholarships will go to 100 kids to use at a college of their choice. $3000 will go towards testing if they choose or they could use the whole amount at the college of their choice.
2) 100 million views I want to get 100 million views of my 10,000 mile video! This should be a big enough crowd to reach our goal of raising 1 million dollars for kids with learning differences. Also, more people will know about SoloRide and hopefully sell at least 1% of those views, or 1,000,000 will buy the documentary.
3) Be interviewed by Oprah Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. The Oprah Winfrey Show has entertained, enlightened and uplifted millions of viewers for the past two decades. Her accomplishments as a television pioneer, producer, magazine founder, educator and philanthropist have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today. With her captive audience I could further accomplish my goals to help children with learning differences. Our dream would be to have one show dedicated to raising awareness of dyslexia and what these children can accomplish. Imagine a show that includes Paul Orfelea, Richard Branson, Charles Schawb, and the 13 children.
4) Interview Paul Orfelea (GRANTED!!!) Because he is a “hyperactive dyslexic." Ofrelea has a freethinking and creative style, he was able to start and build a very successful company, Kinko's, that was based on providing college students with products and services they need at a competitive price.
5) Interview Sir. Richard Branson Because of his “rebel” entrepreneur approach to his very flourishing company Virgin. He, like myself has dyslexia and with his fluid management style was able to build an empire of multiple products and services.
6) Interview Charles Schwab Schwab is well respected around the world because he started Charles Schwab & Corporation and has a brilliant finance mind. He also struggles with dyslexia and is an advocate of learning differences.
7) 88 websites This project is also meant to leverage and prove the power of social media and the internet. We believe that a viral and networking approach will be the surest way to create awareness of our cause.
8) All in 88 days (DEADLINE 3/08/07) The extended deadline (previously 30 days) still keeps the challenge exciting and stress the importance and urgency of learning differences, but gives us the time we need to achieve more of our goals.
100% of the proceeds from 8 Wishes will go to Dyslexia Awareness Resource Center (D.A.R.C). The funds from SoloRide the documentary will be split 50-50 between DARC and the Learning Disability Association of America (LDA).
Over a 5-year period of time, DARC will award $10,000 scholarships to 100 kids across the United States. Should less than $1Million be achieved, fewer kids will be chosen. $3000 will go towards testing or college funding, as chosen by individual winners. The remaining $7000 will go towards college funding and educational needs.
The application process will not open until the goal of $1 million dollars has been achieved or the program closes. (no later than January 1, 2008). At that time, links to the appropriate documents for application will be available at this site. Nominations for applicants will be accepted for a limited time. Applications will be reviewed. Finalists will be selected. Selections will be made based on need, interviews, and recommendations. No candidate information will be considered before the process opens or without a formal application.
For more information about the resource allocation of LDA, please visit www.ldaamerica.org.
Desperate measures for desperate times! Selling furniture to make rent:
I have to sell my stuff because Im running out of money. I thought the project would be done a month ago. Rent was due last week and I don't have enough to cover it. You can help me out and get some great stuff. Check out the video.
Paul Sanchez, age 30, has suffered from dyslexia and ADD his entire life. In second grade, he tested positively for a learning disability but results were not strong enough to be placed in a special learning faciltity. Therefore, he was put in a regular schooling, where he “suffered through nearly 18 years at California public schools.
After attending numerous city colleges, Paul finally tested positive for dyslexia and ADD at Santa Barbara City College. Under a program that provided much needed assistance, Paul was able to earn his Associates Degree from the College in 2004 at age 28.
Following graduation, he set out on his mission to create a documentary about dyslexia and learning differences and the struggles of children around the country. From July 7, 2004 to February 2, 2005, Paul completed a 10,000 mile bike ride around the perimeter of the country. During this trip, he met 13 children with dyslexia or learning differences in 13 different major cities. He is now living in Santa Barbara, CA working to promote and raise funding for his documentary, Soloride, through the 8 Wishes initiative.
The Team Steve Noh, Paul's right hand man Chase Kidd, we'll call him the creative inspiration Kristen Forbriger, PR and editor Shaun Sanders, Design, Marketing, Creative Director, Guru King Nerd of the Universe Nate Ajello, Partner and fellow 10,000-miler
