That Will Never Work

A big thanks to everyone.

2006-05-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the last day of May.

I would like to thank everyone who helped make this project a success.

The warm weather is here and things are very busy. I am working at a local paper as well as a 10 week contract at the college.

Thanks to everyone who helped out.

A big thank you once again to givemeaning.com, here's hoping we can work together in the future.

In the meanwhile the PO Box has been closed down, if you would like to reach me you can e-mail me at, thatwillneverwork@gmail.com

Thanks again to everyone. Have a great summer.

Microsoft

2006-05-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Update: It's May.

2006-05-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

I will have a chance to check the mail tomorrow, I will be sure to update with anything I find.

School is done for the year. I'm sure September will be here before I know it. In the meantime we shall see what the summer has in store. I had 6 classes this past semester. I should have all of my marks by May 15th. In the meantime one of the final marks is in, 97.99%, I wonder if they will give me the 98%?

Someone just e-mailed me offereing words of encouragement and feeling pretty confident that 'Harpo' will help out. I think the hardest thing is just bringing it to their attention, one can only imagine how much mail Oprah gets in a week?

If you happen to know how much mail Oprah gets in a week e-mail me and let me know, better yet, If you have any tips on how to get Oprah's attention, those could be helpful as well. Finally, if you just want to e-mail me to tell me that Ellen is better than Oprah, that's fine too. (I have actually had four folks send me e-mails along that line so far.)

I won't hold my breath for Oprah or Ellen, however my friends over at givemeaning.com, and I are working on something new and exciting. Keep an eye open later this month for more details.

Thank You Devin.

2006-04-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Two more days to go. Tomorrow I have two exams and a major assignment due, Friday isn't much better. After that we are done for the year. I am hoping to land a summer internship within the industry somewhere, I should have an answer to this, hopefully by the end of Friday.

I have only been able to check the mail once this week, there was another rejection from Apple, this is the third time they have told me, thanks, but no thanks. I am wondering if my letter is stuck in their system or something?

In the meantime Thank You Devin. I found the follwoing in my inbox this afternoon,

"This idea is fascinating to me. Not only are you doing
something innovative, it's also compelling to hear
your story, and to see all the mundane corporate
responses you're getting. Essentially it's true what
was said... "That will never work." That is, without
your website. With the kind of attention that your
website is attracting, I'm willing to bet that
companies will begin to sponsor you just for the
relatively inexpensive advertising that they'll get by
being a focal point on your blog.

Keep it up Shawn, I'm a college student too. I work
full time and go to school full time. It's hard, thats
for sure! I believe there's nothing more valuable than
to be well educated. You're working toward something
more important than any monetary restraint.

Also, I sent you $10. Not much but I'm sure every
little bit counts... Good Luck!"

Thanks again Devin.

In the meantime, if you (yes,you!) could mention my site to your boss / on any message boards or myspace pages you post on it would be greatly appreciated.

Busy, busy.

2006-04-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I have had an update. Well a week or two at least.

Things have been very crazy around here lately. After the teachers strike work has been piled on. The year has not been extended and we are running around crazy trying to get everything done. We are done on the 28th. I am looking forward to it.

I am in year one of the Journalism-Print program at Niagara College and our first paper is out tomorrow, not only was I part of the editing team for our first issue, but I was also featured in an article as well. There is an article appearing that explains my quest and how I am doing so far. I am looking forward to seeing it in print tomorrow. I saw a part of the story written about me and it seems to focus on the fact that the major corporations have all turned me down and how givemeaning.com has stepped up to the plate.

Current events class was interesting today. Our professor led a lecture on 'the new media' she took us through the history of the Internet and explained through various examples the power of the Internet. Before I knew it she had quotes from this very blog on the screen. The next slide - a massive blown out picture of yours truly. She asked me to speak to the class, It was a little intimidating being in front of the largest room on campus, but the faster I was up there the faster I could get my MASSIVE picture off the screen.

I talked a bit about how I set things up and how I wouldn't have been able to do this 10 years ago without the Internet. I rather enjoyed talking about Billionaire Nike CEO Phil Knight, the same man who pays Tiger Woods $20 million a year turning me down, and comparing him to Tom and the folks at givemeaning.com and their naming me their good will ambassador and the $2500 that came along with it.

When you say Nike turned me down, everyone knows who you are talking about and isn't really surprised, when you say that's okay though because givemeaning.com has come through in a big way, people are surprised and tend to say give who? and want to know more. I am more than happy to explain the idea behind the 'power of plenty.'

Things have died down, however I have yet to be able to check the PO box this week due to all the late nights at school and the post office closing at 5 p.m.

I have a few ideas I am working on as it would be nice to reach my goal by September, but I'm not holding my breath, I will do the best I can do, don't expect anything crazy anytime soon, I refuse to accept money from the "extreme" sites out there, like the 'fetish' website that contacted me. A random voice in the crowd today said I should just take the money. It will never happen, I would rather the project end today.

Here's hoping some of my ideas will pan out over the summer.

In the meantime, if anyone has Oprah or Ellen's cell phone numbers maybe you can give them a call and point their attention this way.

Some Numbers: Day 43

2006-04-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Number of days since I started this project: 43

Number of hits on site: 12,000 plus

Number of Radio Stations I have been a guest on: 15

Number of TV Newscasts I have been on: 1

Number of companies yet to reply: 150
(Click here to see who has yet to reply)

Number of print interviews this week: 2

Number of newspapers my story has appeared in:

Many in Canada, Including the Globe and Mail, The Toronto Sun and The Hamilton Spectator plus many more Thanks to the CP wire picking up my story.

Number of major Companies that have taken me up on my offer: 0

Number of companies to refer to me as "Ms.": 5

Number of Billionaires to hand sign a letter saying they can't help me out at this time: 1 (I love this and I hope it's his real signature)

Number of Adult websites to offer cash that I have turned down: 1

Number of dollars raised: Thanks to, givemeaning.com , the little guys and companies contacting me, $3289.75

This project has been more successful than I could have imagined just a few short weeks ago. I am almost a third of the way towards my initial goal, and who knows -I keep my fingers crossed- maybe The Donald, Oprah or Bill Gates will still drop me a line.

Thanks again to everyone who has stepped up and helped me out so far.

Dupont Response

2006-04-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

I mailed Dupont in the USA, the return address is in the USA, but somehow this letter was post marked from Sweden? Go figure.

I believe Dupont is now the fifth company to refer to me as "Ms."

Burger King Response

2006-04-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Not only is this the most colourful response to date, but it also contains my favourite sentence - I can't help but chuckle when I read it.

"Although this opportunity displays vast advantages for our supporters and their respective organizations, we are unable to provide financial support at this time."

Visa Response

2006-04-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

I give VISA credit, they treat this as the sponsorship request it was and not a donation.

The post office needs better hours.

2006-04-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

By the time I was done school today the post office was closed.

Expect an update tomorrow.

The next few weeks are going to be fun, cramming everything in thanks to the strike.

Comcast Response

2006-04-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

BFS Response

2006-04-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Sprint Response

2006-04-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Chrysler Response

2006-03-29T16:56:00.001-08:00

Best Buy Response

2006-03-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks Joshua Hamilton!

2006-03-28T03:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Joshua Hamilton for his words of encouragement and his $35 donation.

"I just finished school myself, took 10 years working full time and I still owe ~$15K US. This is a great idea, so keep working hard and you will make it! -JWH"

Barnes & Noble / Sparknotes Package

2006-03-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

So you can see an article about my quest over at sparknotes.com.

Those same folks sent me out a pretty neat package that arrived this morning via FedEx.

It included 15 brand new books and 5 binder foldout cards that retail at a total of $266.00. The grammar, photoshop and philosophy materials will be most helpful.

Thank you Esther and all the folks at Barnes & Noble and sparknotes!

Nike Response

2006-03-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

Heard from Nike today.

The letter actually seems to be hand signed. It's very fancy paper, it almost feels like cotton, it even has the Nike logo embossed. Alas the company that pays Tiger Woods $20 million a year cannot help me either.

It seems to be the first response to actually come from the head of a company.

Sparknotes.com

2006-03-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

You can check out a feature article about my quest over at sparknotes.com.

I will have an update a little later this evening detailing the package I received FedEx this morning, and a scan of the rejection letter from Nike CEO Phil Knight, that looks like it may actually have his signature on it.

Rejection letters with real signatures, opposed to standard auto replies, are almost becoming mini successes.

Stay Tuned.

Thank-You Francois Legault...Again :)

2006-03-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

Artist Francois Legault has donated again.

Yesterday he was pushed down to the final spot on the top ten donations list.

He made another donation last night that put him back up there.

Thanks again Francois!

Strike Update:

2006-03-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

Word has come in late tonight - the three week province wide teachers strike is over. We can expect to return to class early next week.

The next few weeks should be busy.

Interesting e-mail.

2006-03-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

So I found this in my inbox today via a comment left on the site.

"Seems you're making quite a name for yourself...It's a bit unorthodox, I admit, but originality and resourcefulness are qualities I admire -- "adapt, improvise, and overcome," as the saying goes. Good luck, kid. There are those of us quietly floating around who're rooting for you, supporters you don't even know you have yet.
-Brad, LCPL USMC"

Encouraging and mysterious all wrapped up into one. If Brad or anyone else out there could shed some light on this I would appreciate it.

I'm guessing that Brad is a Lieutenant Corporal in the US Marine Corps?

As a side note I just recieved a donation of $25 from Brad with no real info attached to it.

Thanks Brad!

Sounds interesting...

2006-03-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

I look forward to receiving the "package full of goodies" from the company that e-mailed me today.

As usual expect pictures and a full update when it arrives - I would expect sometime next week if customs doesn't delay it.

158 to go.

2006-03-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the one month mark since the letters went out. You can find links to the replies on the right hand side of the page.

For anyone who may be counting, 158 companies have yet to reply.

Is there one in that 158 that will step up and sign me to an endorsement contract?

I have had many folks e-mailing me suggestions on how to reach my goal. Everything from writing another 100 companies, but this time writing to smaller ones, to writing TV personalities, to getting more visitors by using sex to sell....

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please leave a comment or email me at, thatwillneverwork@gmail.com

Apple Response

2006-03-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is the second reply from Apple. For some reason or another it appears that it was mailed from Germany, go figure? I sent them three letters total - I also wrote Steve Jobs directly. Kind of hard to tell which letter generated this response. All three addresses were American.

Canwest Response

2006-03-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

I sent a letter to Canwest as a whole, and the Aspers individually.

Received this today. As always click to enlarge.

Gillette Response

2006-03-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

Thank You 137clothing.com

2006-03-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to 137clothing.com for their donation.

Check out their t-shirts here.

My favourite:

One Month.

2006-03-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

It is one month today since I sent out the letters.

I have raised about $3200 to date. Amazing.

I have not been surprised by the responses from the big guys, I still hold out that one will come along and see the value in me signing an endorsement contract, however it seems it is easier to send out a form letter and deny my "charitable request." In all fairness I am still waiting to hear from about 175 companies.

The IRS may not let the big companies make a charitable donation to an individual, but surely marketing departments can step up if they want to? Marketing is the focus. Remember the goal is to make what Tiger makes in an hour, every hour, every day.

For more on the goal and Tiger Woods click here.

No surprise so far from the big guys, but support from the public has been astounding. The "little guys" have stepped up and have made a difference.

To all of those who have helped out so far, once again, Thank You!

In other news, I replied to two interesting e-mails today, we will see what comes of them. One involves writing a freelance piece for a magazine / website and the other is an enquiry from a large US based website, catering to the college crowd, that is looking to do a piece on my quest.

I can't wait to see what the next month brings.

Here's hoping it will bring teachers off the picket line and back into the classroom at the very least.

Thank You Felton Brushes

2006-03-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

Tony, the president of Felton Brushes, saw my story in the Hamilton Spectator.

I received a neat little package from them today, which included a cheque for $150 along with a sample of brushes and the following letter.

Most of the letters I have been posting have been pretty standard responses from the big guys, this is my favourite letter to date, click on it to make it larger.

Thank You Felton Brushes!

Weekend e-mail review.

2006-03-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

I received some interesting e-mails this weekend, two stand out.

1, A Hamilton company saw my story in the Spectator and contacted me. They told me they would be sending out a cheque courier. I look forward to updating in more detail about that when it arrives.

2, A "fetish" website asked about "partially sponsoring my education." Whether it was a legit request or someone just testing the waters to see how I would reply, I don't know.

Money is not the be all and end all to things around here.
I politely declined.

Borders Response

2006-03-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Borders replied via e-mail with this:

"Dear Shawn Taylor,

Thank you for contacting Borders as part of your fundraising efforts.

I'm very sorry that we were unable to answer you more quickly. Although we strive to answer customers within 24 hours, we sometimes receive more inquiries than we anticipate. If you need or prefer immediate assistance in the future, you may wish to contact our Customer Contact Center at 1-888-81-BOOKS....."

MLB Response

2006-03-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Major League Baseball. I was hoping to at least get something back from the comissioner himself. I did receive this letter stating that they are forwarding my request to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Pizza PIzza Response

2006-03-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Pizza-Pizza sent some "buy one slice, get one slice free" coupons along with their regrets.

We have Pizza-Pizza slices in our school cafeteria. $20 says these won't even work there. I'll let ya know, you know, that is if this teachers strike ever ends.

Ford Response

2006-03-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ford sent an unsigned post card.

I just met the most amazing fourth grader.

2006-03-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

Here I am at work today.

This project has been so interesting. The response from the companies has been expected, the response from the public - anything but.

First there was Maria who heard me on the radio and tracked me down.

Now there is Ty.

I am amazed. Ty and his mom are regular customers at the store I work at. His mom told him about my quest.

He just came in and donated $5 of his own money.

I am speechless, not only has he donated five dollars to me, he is also growing his hair long so he can cut it and donate it to be made into a wig for children who have cancer.

Nine years old and growing his hair for kids with cancer. What do you say about that.

Incredible.

Thanks Ty!

Thank You Francois Legault

2006-03-17T07:43:00.001-08:00

Thank you Francois Legault.

Francois is a lighting designer who saw my story on the CBC evening news and has made a donation.

Check out his website here.

Bridgestone Response

2006-03-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

Merrill Lynch Response

2006-03-17T07:27:00.000-08:00

Another company to address me as "Ms." I believe that is four of them now, possibly five. I wonder sometimes if anyone has actually read my letter.

Today's Spectator Article

2006-03-16T04:57:00.000-08:00

That's the picture in today's Hamilton Spectator article. You can find it here, or you can check it out on page A4.

Wow

2006-03-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

I am moved by this.

Maria heard about my quest on a portuguese radio station.

She contacted the radio show host, who then contacted me.

I spoke to Maria last week -there was a slight language barrier- and this note showed up in the mail with a cheque for $100.

I will be sending her a thank you card this week.

I am amazed at the length she went to find me, and her generosity towards a total stranger.

This is truly something I will never forget.

Thank you, Maria!

Circuit City Response

2006-03-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

This is the third company to refer to me as "Ms." However Circuit City has taken it to a new level and given me a new first name....Sharon Taylor.....

GiveMeaning

2006-03-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

GIVEMEANING LAUNCHES COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Vancouver, BC – March 14, 2006 – GiveMeaning is pleased to announce the launch of its College and Community Ambassador Program.

The first GiveMeaning College Ambassador is Shawn Taylor, 27, a full-time journalism student at Niagara College in Welland, Ontario, who will receive $2,500 towards his college education.

Media reports about Taylor’s quest caught the attention of GiveMeaning’s CEO, Tom Williams. "Shawn’s story shows what one passionate individual can do to raise awareness for a cause – in this case, personal education, which he made a family commitment to complete."

Under the College and Community Ambassador Program, GiveMeaning will sponsor one post-secondary student and one member from the GiveMeaning community every year. Ambassadors can be from anywhere in North America. Sponsorship fees come out of GiveMeaning’s marketing budget, not donor funds. 100% of all GiveMeaning’s donations go to charity.

About GiveMeaning.com

GiveMeaning.com is an award-winning online community where people come together to raise funds and awareness for charitable projects about which they’re passionate. Individuals connect around a common goal or project, and GiveMeaning provides them with online tools to donate money, respond to requests for supplies, volunteer or just spread the word. GiveMeaning works on the premise that each person’s small contribution can become part of a powerful way to create plenty and make a real difference. GiveMeaning is the only donor service in North America where 100% of each donation is given to charity.

For more information please call 604.633.1180 or visit www.givemeaning.com

Thank You Lext.net

2006-03-14T07:06:00.000-08:00

Thank You Lext.net for your $25 donation!

You can check them out here.

Announcement delay...

2006-03-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

So today has become Tuesday...I apologize to those who have been e-mailing me looking to find out more about the $2500 donation.

They are finishing up the press release this afternoon and are releasing it tomorrow.

They have asked that I wait until tomorrow as well before saying anything…

In the meantime their cheque showed up from the west coast via courier this morning…tomorrow I promise…

UPS Response

2006-03-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

Progressive Response

2006-03-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

They have very plain stationary.

Marks Response

2006-03-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Exxonmobil Response

2006-03-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

Apple Response

2006-03-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

Monday's Announcement

2006-03-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to the people who have been e-mailing me asking who has come forward with the $2500.00.

A few of you have suggested it is a online casino. It is not.

I will be sure to update with all the details once their communications director has prepared the press release and given me the green light

Pepsi Response

2006-03-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

Click for larger versions.

What's this?

What's inside?

Some Pepsi swag. Two t-shirts, Two hats, what appears to be two pedometers and a letter:

Thanks Pepsi.

Costco Response

2006-03-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Click for larger version.

Major Update Coming Monday:

2006-03-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

I am just off the phone with the CEO of a fantastic socially responsible organization that is making a significant donation to my project.

I am unable to say much right now as I am waiting for their Communications Director to prepare a press release.

Details will be jointly announced on Monday.

Morning Update:

2006-03-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who is e-mailing me with well wishes and support.

From some of last nights e-mail:

"Concerning money and talent. The lack of one is temporary, the other permanent.
This is doable. Keep plugging. You are going to make it."
- Susan Flemming

"Good Luck man, I hope you get all the financial support you need."
- Taj N

You can hear me today around 2:30 EST on the Corus Radio Network show Adler Online.

The show is available on various stations. Check out their website here for one near you.

You can also listen live here.

Not only will I have a mail update this afternoon, but I have also had some folks contact me, some more serious than others, that are interested in taking me up on my offer, stay tuned for details.

Tuition Hike / College Strike

2006-03-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

It was announced today a tuition freeze is being lifted in Ontario. Tuition this fall is expected to increase five per cent. You can find more here.

College teachers in Ontario are on strike. The two sides are not even speaking at this time. You can read more about the strike and tuition increase here.

Just back from shooting the CBC Radio-Canada story.

2006-03-08T12:14:00.000-08:00

Just back from Welland where the teachers are still on strike.

I will be on the French CBC TV station in Ontario tonight during the six o'clock news.

You can find their website here.

I have been told that you will be able to download the episode from the website after it airs if you miss it.

Continental Airlines Response

2006-03-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Click picture for larger version.

CBC TV is on the way....

2006-03-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Quick update as I clean :)

CBC television is on the way to my apartment as I type this.
I'll update again this afternoon as to how it went.

Thank You Robert McGinley

2006-03-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you Robert for your donation and e-mail.

"I sincerely hope this works for you. I have no high-powered advertising or any of that to offer, but I have $8 I can spare and I hope it goes to good use...here's to you man. Get that degree, if not for your uncle or yourself, do it for me."

Thanks again Robert.

Thank You Maria from Mississauga.

2006-03-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

I just got off the phone with Maria from Mississauga.

Maria heard about my story on CIRV FM today.
She contacted me and is donating $100 through the mail.

Thanks Again Maria!

Kroger Response

2006-03-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Click to enlarge.

IBM Response

2006-03-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

Click to make larger.

CFRB 1010

2006-03-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

I will be on CFRB AM 1010 Toronto Radio, Canada's largest newstalk station, tonight around 10:35.

Can anyone translate this for me?

2006-03-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

I made a Chinese newspaper, I assume it is the same article that went out on the CP wire.

Thank-You Neural Communications.

2006-03-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

"I've just read the article about your idea in a Toronto newspaper. Smart move! I've just donated US$10.01 to your tuition. Hope to see you raise the amount you need. If tons of company donate a small amount, you'll raise a lot of money. Good luck on your endeavour. I'll try to check your blog often to see how you are doing."

You can check out Neural Communications here.

Thanks Again.

Have you seen me somewhere?

2006-03-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

If you have seen / heard about this site somewhere that is not listed in the sidebar, please send me an e-mail or leave a comment.

thatwillneverwork@gmail.com

Thanks.

Halifax Chronicle Hearld

2006-03-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

You can check out the story in the Halifax Chronicle Hearld.

Globe and Mail

2006-03-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

Looks like it has gone out on the CP wire judging by the article over at the Globe and Mail.

Feedback

2006-03-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

"I love seeing students come up with interesting and new ideas. I admire your drive and creativity. I hope this becomes a huge success for you!"

- Joe Speiser Co-Founder AzoogleAds

"I think that you have came up with a fabulous idea and I hope that you reach your goal in receiving enough money to continue to stay in college and finish your course...I wish you the best of luck and hopefully you can keep in touch or keep updating your blog so I can see how you are doing."

-Stacey L

"I love proving people wrong. I hope you prove people wrong and that it does work. Good luck with your school, and with your fundraising, I'm very impressed and you'll go far."

-Ann Hughes

"I sincerely hope this works for you. I have no high-powered advertising or any of that to offer, but I have $8 I can spare and I hope it goes to good use...here's to you man. Get that degree, if not for your uncle or yourself, do it for me."

-Robert McGinley

“I hope and believe you can make it.. I will visit your website a couple of times a day…”

-Victor Guo

Gap Replies

2006-03-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

The Gap replied through the mail today.
Click on the picture to make it larger.

March 6: Updates.

2006-03-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

I was on CKNX AM 920 with Bill Townsend this afternoon.

I wll be on CKTB AM 610 with Larry Fedoruk at 5:10 this afternoon.

Bill Townsend has informed me that the CP wire has picked up the story.

I received my first through the mail response today.
I am scanning it as we speak and will have it up later this afternoon.

In the meantime the college teachers may strike this evening.
Here's hoping the two sides can get together and work things out.

The Hamilton Spectator

2006-03-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

That's the picture from the article in today's Hamilton Spectator. You can check it out here.

Thank-You Gen-X Designs.

2006-03-06T04:44:00.000-08:00

Thank-You Gen-X Designs for your donation.

You can check out gen-x and their designer pepper mills here

Thank-You Doug Oros

2006-03-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

Doug, thanks for your donation.

So far there is one company on the donation list - Azoogle Ads.

Mike Strobel from the Toronto Sun almost qualifies as a company.

The remainder of the top-ten is made up of visitors just like you.

Thanks again Doug!

The Goal

2006-03-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

Lately people have been saying, “Shawn this just might work, maybe you’ll get a free car or a million dollars?”

I’m not looking for a free car. I’m not looking for a million dollars. I’m looking for my education - besides, I love my old Buick.

Then they say, “yeah but what do you really want?”

I want to be Tiger Woods – for an hour or so.

According to Golf Digest Tiger made $75 million last year in endorsements. That works out to about $8561.00 an hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

My goal is what Tiger makes in 1.1 hours -$10,000.

Not only will that allow me to return to school this fall, but it will also allow me to pay off last year.

I know what you're saying, “but Shawn you're not Tiger Woods?”

This is true, however we have some similarities.

We both eat, breathe, and sleep even.

The main difference seems to be Tiger makes $70,000 sleeping every night.

“Okay Shawn, let's say this takes off and you end up making what Tiger makes in a day -$205,479.00- what are you going to do then?”

If I happen to make anything more than what Tiger makes in 1.1 hours -$10,000- I will be donating it to Niagara College so they can help others fund their education.

Amazon.com Response.

2006-03-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

The latest company to reply via e-mail is Amazon:

“Thank you for contacting Amazon.com about your tuition endorsement plan and letting us know about this unique opportunity to participate in your fundraising efforts….At this time, we are not able to support your tuition endorsement deal as part of our 2006 program.

Again, thanks for taking the time to contact us and best of luck with the program.”

I am interested to see if I get any replies this upcoming week through the mail.

I met up with the folks from the Hamilton Spectator today, I am being told to keep an eye on Monday's paper.

Toronto Sun Article

2006-03-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to the article in The Toronto Sun.

You can also check it out, along with a picture, on page six in today's paper.

Friday March 3.

2006-03-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Busy, busy.

Just back from an interview with Mike Strobel from the Toronto Sun. Being a Journalism student it was an interesting experience.

Keep an eye on tomorrow's page six column.

Many people have been saying stuff like, "Shawn maybe this will take off and you will get a car or something?" I explain to them, I'm not looking for a car, or a million dollars, I am looking for my education, plain and simple - besides I love my old Buick.

Speaking of cars, GM replied today:

"Thank you for your recent communication to General Motors of Canada Limited. Your request has been thoroughly reviewed for compatibility with our current contribution focus...On behalf of General Motors of Canada Limited, thank you for taking the time to approach us with your request, but upon review of your proposal, we feel we must decline support."

The Sun however, took me up on my offer, $20 to wear some Sun gear and mug for the camera.

It remains to be seen, what is it worth -if anything- to have a college student wear your logo around campus for the entire year.

Thanks AzoogleAds

2006-03-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

AzoogleAds was one of the companies that I wrote.

They are the first company to reply with a donation of $125.

"I love seeing students come up with interesting and new ideas. I admire your drive and creativity.

I hope this becomes a huge success for you!"

- Joe Speiser Co-Founder AzoogleAds

Thanks Azoogle!

Origins

2006-03-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

I was out a few months ago and came across someone wearing a jacket covered in the Viagra logo.

I was amused. I took a picture with my cell phone.

I wondered if maybe he worked for them?, maybe he was being paid to wear it?

It turns out he had bought this jacket. He spent hundreds of dollars to wear this giant Nascar advertisement for erectile dysfunction.

I thought - you couldn’t pay me to wear that.

Then I thought - no - I would wear that. If someone paid me.

The squirrel started running on the wheel in my brain and here we are.

March 1st.

2006-03-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

It has been one week since I mailied the letters.

I have had three replies and a few thousand hits so far. Replies should really start coming in, in a week or two.

Yesterday's happenings:

General Mills replied stating:
"Due to tax restrictions, General Mills is unable to support individuals directly for any purposes...I regret that we are unable help." I think I will see more replies along these lines.

AzoogleAds donated $125, and top the leader board.

Three replies down, 240 or so to go.

Thank-You Roger Nesbitt and Laura Teasley for your donations.

My Transcript.

2006-02-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

I was linked over at the anchoress today. She suggested I add a copy of my transcript.

Thank-You E.SteCroix.

2006-02-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

We have a new leader with a $100 donation. Thank-You.

No real mail yet today. Still too soon.

Thank-You Ann Hughes & Gordon Wilkinson

2006-02-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your donations.

It's early but I figure any "return-to-senders" or standard form responses may start coming in by the end of the week.

New Leader: Aaron Reese

2006-02-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Thank-You Aaron Reese.

Aaron takes the lead with a $20 donation.
Thanks again Aaron.

Thank you also to Hannah Zimorino for her $1 donation.
Every donation helps and is appreciated.

If you would like me to link to your site / a site of your choice please make a note with your donation.

Thanks.

New Leader: Gavin Stone

2006-02-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Thank-you Gavin Stone. Who now tops the list by a penny.

If you are donating and you want me to link to your site please include a link.

And the first company to reply is....

2006-02-24T13:08:00.000-08:00

Wow. The postal system moves fast.

The letters were sent less than 48 hours ago. I received my first reply via e-mail. Sorta.

The winner is: Domino's Pizza.
The reply:

"Dear Mr. Taylor,
Your question has been forwarded to a team member in our International Division at our World Resource Center.

Sincerely,
Heather
Domino's Pizza Customer Care T.E.A.M."

What that means, I don't know. However "International Divison" at the "World Resource Center" sounds somewhat official.

New Leader. Josh Inifer

2006-02-24T05:50:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Josh Inifer.

He now tops the list at $5.00

Josh (If I can call you that) Feel free to send me a link to a site of your choice if you like.

Thanks.

Mail Day.

2006-02-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

The letters, all 250 of them, go out today.

Horray for a shiny nickle.

2006-02-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

Thank-You to Nancy VanDerLeenden.

Now imagine if everyone who came here donated a nickle. (Well .36 cents before paypal fees) I could go back to school in no time. This is Canada afterall.

It actually took longer for my thread over at Something Awful to get gassed than I expected.

First Donation.

2006-02-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

How exciting, my first donation, Microsoft? Nike? Wal-Mart?

Nope.

A myspace user by the name Planet Untouchable tops the list, and goes down in Internet history with a $1 donation. Enjoy your space at the top.

Every cent counts. Thanks.

Replies To Date.

2006-02-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

03/14/06 Givemeaning.com "Vancouver, BC – March 14, 2006 – GiveMeaning is pleased to announce the launch of its College and Community Ambassador Program.

The first GiveMeaning College Ambassador is Shawn Taylor, 27, a full-time journalism student at Niagara College in Welland, Ontario, who will receive $2,500 toward his college education."

03/14/06 Circuit City

03/14/06 Dell: An e-mail stating: "Thank you for your inquiry, referred to the Dell Foundation. We are extremely sympathetic to your situation, however by law, Dell is unable to assist individuals. Rather, through the Dell Foundation, we offer financial grants to US non-profit organizations that equip youth for the digital world."

03/13/06 Apple

03/13/06 ExxonMobil

03/13/06 Mark's Work Wearhouse

03/13/06 Progressive

03/13/06 UPS

3/10/06: Pepsi Letter and pics of swag here.

3/9/06: Costco Letter Here

3/9/06: Googlereplied via e-mail stating

"Thank you for your interest in Google. We apologize for our delayed response. Currently, we are focused entirely on developing the web's best search engine, and we have consequently dedicated all of our resources to that end. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer the kind of financial assistance you request. We offer you our best wishes, and thanks again for contacting Google."

3/8/06: Continental Airlines: Letter Here

3/7/06: Kroger: Letter here

3/7/06: IBM Letter here

3/6/06: The Gap replied with this Letter Here.

3/4/06: Amazon.com: “Thank you for contacting Amazon.com about your tuition endorsement plan and letting us know about this unique opportunity to participate in your fundraising efforts….At this time, we are not able to support your tuition endorsement deal as part of our 2006 program.

Again, thanks for taking the time to contact us and best of luck with the program.”

3/3/06: General Motors: "Thank you for your recent communication to General Motors of Canada Limited. Your request has been thoroughly reviewed for compatibility with our current contribution focus...On behalf of General Motors of Canada Limited, thank you for taking the time to approach us with your request, but upon review of your proposal, we feel we must decline support."

2/28/06: General Mills: "Due to tax restrictions, General Mills is unable to support individuals directly for any purposes."

2/28/06: AzoogleAds donated $125

2/24/06:Domino's Pizza: An e-mail stating: "Your question has been forwarded to a team member in our International Division at our World Resource Center."

Thirty pages of addresses & a pyramid of envelopes.

2006-02-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished tracking down addresses and contact info. I spent four or five hours a day doing this over the last few weeks. (Yeah I have nothing better to do.)

Here’s hoping that the information I have come up with is correct.

I have 30 pages of addresses, and a pyramid of envelopes.

Now I get put them all together. This should only take a day or three.

I have always wondered what kind of response you get when you write people such as, Bill Gates, Phil Knight, Oprah, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, The Commissioner of Baseball and Donald Trump...not to mention the 200 or so other company presidents, CEOs and marketing departments.

Contact Info / Who Am I

2006-02-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

My name is Shawn Taylor. I'm a full-time Journalism-Print student at Niagara College in Welland, Ontario.

In the hospital, before he died from cancer, my uncle made me hold his hand and promise I would go to school.

He told me come my graduation he would be there with me "one way or another."

He inspired me. He asked me to do whatever I had to do to stay in school. So here I am, begging for an education.

The good news is I manage to hold down a 89% average, while working seven days a week.(See my transcript)

The bad news is, while work allows me to eat and keep the electricity on, there has been no room to save money for September's tuition.

I started thinking; if a grilled-cheese sandwich on eBay can generate boatloads of water cooler conversation - heck it was mentioned on last week's episode of CSI - imagine the buzz surrounding a college student signing an exclusive endorsement deal.

It is implied I’m a little crazy for attempting this, however there is a fine line between genius and crazy.

This is where I turn to the Internet, the corporate world, and people just like you.

Maybe you can tell your friends or your boss about this site?
Maybe your company can sponsor me?
Maybe you can donate your spare Paypal change?

Every little bit helps and is appreciated.

Contact me at:

thatwillneverwork@gmail.com

Shawn Taylor
P.O Box 131
Thorold,Ontario.
L2V 3Y7

The Companies.

2006-02-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

Green = Made a Donation.
Red = Thanks, but no thanks.
White = Waiting for a response.

3m
A&W
Air Canada
Alliance Atlantis
Allstate
Amazon
America Online
American Airlines
American Express
Anheuser Busch
Apple
Arbys
AT&T
Azoogle
Bank of Nova Scotia
BCE
Bellsouth
Best Buy
BMG
BMO
Boeing
Borders
Brother
Buick
Burger King
Canadian Tire
Canon
Capital One
Casino Niagara
Chapters / Indigo
Chevy
Chrysler
Chum Limited
CIBC
Cineplex Odeon
Cingular
Circuit City
Cisco Systems
Citigroup
Clear Channel
Cogeco
Coke
Comcast
Compaq
Continental Airlines
Coors
Costco
Cox
CTV
Dell
Delta
Disney
Dodge
Dominos
Dow Chemical
Dreamworks
Dupont
Easyhome
EB Games
eBay
Edward Jones
Exxon
Fairmont
Famous Players
Fedex
Firestone
Ford
Four Seasons
Fox
Gap
Gateway
General Electric
General Mills
General Motors
Gillette
Go Daddy
Google
Harpo
HBC
Heinz
Hewlett Packard
Hilton
Home Depot
Home Hardware
Honeywell
HSBC
IBM
Ikea
ING Direct
Ingram Micro
Intel
Intertan
JC Penny
Johnson & Johnson
JP Morgan Chase
Kelloggs
K-Mart
Krispy Kreme
Kroger
Labatt
Lockheed Martin
Marks Work Warehouse
Marriott
Mastercard
Maytag
MBNA
McCain’s
McDonald’s
Merril Lynch
Microsoft
Midas
Miramax
MLB
Modern
Molson
Morgan Stanley
Motorola
Nabisco
NBA
NBC
Nestle
Nextel
NFL
NHL
Nike
Nikon
Nintendo
Noco
Nokia
Northwest Airlines
Old Navy
Oracle
Oral-b
Paramount
Pepsi
Petsmart
pfizer
Pixar
Pizza Pizza
Pizza-hut
Procter & Gamble
Progressive
Providian
Prudential
Quiznos
Qwest
Radio Shack
Reebok
Re-max
Rogers
Royal Bank
Royal Lepage
Samsung
Sears
Shaw
Sheraton
Sirius
Smuckers
Snapple
Sony
Southwest Airlines
Sprint
Subway
Target
TD Canadatrust
Texas Instruments
Tim Horton’s
Time Warner
T-Mobile
Touchstone
Toyota
Trump
United Airlines
Universal
UPS
Verizon
Viacom
Visa
Walgreens
Wal-Mart
Warner Brothers
Westjet
Winners
WWE
XM Radio
Yahoo
Zenon

The Idea

2006-02-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Is there a company willing to sponsor my education?

On Feb. 22, 2006 I sent a letter to about 200 companies seeking an endorsement contract.

I will track the responses on this blog.
Maybe, just maybe, someone will pay for my final year in exchange for me endorsing / using / wearing their product?

I will mention every response, big or small.
I will maintain a list linking to the top 10 donators.
The larger the donation, the higher up the list they go.

If a grilled-cheese sandwich on eBay can generate boatloads of advertising and water cooler conversation, imagine the buzz surrounding a college student signing an exclusive endorsement deal.

While at work one night I explained the idea to a customer, his response, "that will never work."

Eight dollars later, thatwillneverwork.com was born.

Worse case scenario I spend some money on stamps and have a story to tell, best case scenario I am back in school come September - with a story to tell.

For more on the origins of the idea click here.