My name is Matthew “LookNoHands” Fink, I am a 23 year old political science major from Minnesota, I am a quad amputee (meaning I have lost all four of my limbs), and I am also a Starcraft 2 player.
I was born with all of my limbs intact but I was missing a spleen. Because I don't have a spleen I am unable to fight certain types of infections. At 18 months, I ended up with an infection that my body couldn't handle, a pneumococcal sepsis. My mother found her baby boy blue in his crib. I was immediately rushed to the emergency room in an ambulance and a few days later, the doctors had to amputate all four of my limbs in order to save my life. I now take daily medication to prevent something like this from ever happening again and I use a power wheelchair for mobility.
It is important to me to stay positive in my outlook on life and to strive for independence. The three things that keep me going when things get tough are my friends, my family, and my faith. The way I see it, when bad things happen to you, you have two choices: you can either harden your heart or you can persevere and become a stronger person.
The Adventure
In June of 2011 I graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota and I received a Watson Fellowship (http://www.watsonfellowship.org).
“The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship offers college graduates of 'unusual promise' a year of independent, purposeful exploration and travel -- in international settings new to them -- to enhance their capacity for resourcefulness, imagination, openness, and leadership and to foster their humane and effective participation in the world community.”
My Watson project is to travel Europe and Asia, to learn, first hand, what it means to be competitive as a person with a physical disability by training Starcraft 2 with the hope of someday reaching a professional level of play, and to connect with other disabled gamers worldwide in order to find out how technology and gaming are changing their lives.
There are plenty of opportunities for people with disabilities to compete against other disabled people. However, because they are more about how fast your mind works than how fast your fingers move, games like Starcraft 2 provide a unique opportunity for people with physical disabilities to compete against able bodied players by creating a level field of play. My trip has been an extraordinary journey of self-exploration because Starcraft is the first time I have ever been able to compete equally with able bodied individuals without the need for major physical adaptations.
During the last 7 months of my fellowship, I've spent time in Sweden, Korea, Germany, France, Spain, UK, and I am currently in Japan. I have been training Starcraft 2, attending E-sports events, and trying to seek out people with disabilities who game in other cultures. I've had so many absolutely incredible experiences along the way. I've been to Gamescom, Dreamhack, and WCG and I've attended a number of Proleague matches live and numerous GSL and GSTL games. I've had the privilege of getting to know Mr. Bitter, RotterdaM, Moletrap, Tasteless, and Artosis as close personal friends. I've lived with an Israeli pro named Adam “Plato” Zippor in Korea for an extended period of time. I've gotten to meet numerous disabled gamers and referees and investigate first hand what the wheelchair accessibility of at least 20 different cities is like. I've done interviews with everyone from TeamLiquid.net to MBC, I got to meet and spend a bit of time with my idol BoxeR, and I've even been to the IM house to practice with MVP and Nestea.
I have learned that there are other disabled gamers out there. The community at large just hasn't managed to tap into them yet. By networking with some of these people I am laying the groundwork for future efforts to bring these two incredible communities (the disabled gaming community an d the mainstream Starcraft community) closer together. I am meeting these people face to face in order to learn more about what its like for someone with a disability to be a gamer in all of the different cultures I've visited, how gaming and technology has changed their lives, and the unique challenges that people with disabilities all over the world face. I have searched three different continents, countless LAN centers and E-sports events, and even schools to find these people and hear their stories. I have even started my own Starcraft 2 team called TiltGaming which is dedicated to advancing the cause of people with disabilities in the E-sports industry.
The key to making Starcraft 2 successful in the long term is engaging personal story-lines and I believe that disabled gamers provide a largely untapped source of unique knowledge and valuable stories of perseverance. These stories are what I seek with my project and there is no substitute for on the ground, in the trenches, work to find them. No one would argue that the community doesn't need more members who are passionate about Starcraft and, disabled gamers, because of their relationship with game, are in a unique position to provide that support. I hope that sometime in the future the E-sports community might even be particularly known for including an especially large contingent of people with disabilities. This adventure has been more stressful and more work but also way more fun than I could ever have imagined. I only hope that I can set an example for future disabled gamers. Even if I never become a pro-gamer, if even one person with a disability decides to compete in the world of e-sports as a result of what I am doing here, I will consider my project a roaring success.
The Challenge
Because of my disability I require the help of an aid known as a personal care attendant or “PCA” while I am traveling. However, the Watson Fellowship only provides enough money for a single individual's normal travel expenses. In addition to paying for a personal care attendant I also have all kinds of other expenses related to my disability.
Up until now, I've been paying for these extra disability related expenses and for my PCAs out of my own pocket. Unfortunately though, I have now run out of money. So, with the help of some wonderful Starcraft personalities and top pros from all over the world, I have put together a 3 day fundraiser, tournament and streaming marathon. The Watson Fellowship usually lasts 12 months and I am just entering my 7th month. In order to reset my Korean visa, I am staying in Japan until the fundraiser is over. If we raise enough money for me to return to Korea I will head to Seoul again on March 26th but if we do not make our goal I will instead have to return to the United States.
Check out the spoiler for more details on my personal care attendants and some the unique expenses I face as a result of traveling with a disability:
Because of the magnitude of the commitment I have had four different personal care attendants over the course of my trip who have traded places roughly every 2 and a 1/2 months so that I have one PCA with me at all times. These personal care attendants have sacrificed a lot in order to help support me in my e-sports community building adventure. Some of them have taken time off of school or even delayed their education plans entirely and all of them have had to take a leave of absence from their job.
Under normal circumstances, the state of Minnesota pays for my personal care attendants and each aid makes about $12.00 US an hour and I normally have a PCA with me between 12 and 16 hours a day. However, when I left the United States for my fellowship, the Minnesota state government cut my personal care attendant funding because they do not cover PCA's for people who have left the country. Caring for someone with a disability round the clock is a very demanding job but because they believe in what I'm doing here they have agreed to take a substantial reduction pay and are currently only making about $500 dollars per week. (Assuming a 12 hour work day, that comes out to about $6.00 US an hour!)
For example, I have to pay for new wheelchair batteries and tires to be replaced. Korea is already an expensive place to live but I need a room that is large enough for my wheelchair to maneuver in, an accessible bathroom, and the building has to have an elevator so that I reach the room. I've also incurred many smaller expenses because public transportation is often, not wheelchair friendly and so I must find other more creative solutions.
Here's what some of these expenses typically look like:
- 1 Month's Pay for a Personal Care Attendant: $2,000.00 US x12 Months = $24,000 US - Plane Ticket For Personal Care Attendant From United States to Korea: $1,200.00 US x4 =- $4,800.00 US - Replacement Set of Wheelchair Batteries: $250.00 US - Set of New Wheelchair Tires: $125.00 US x3 = $375.00 US
That's a lot of money and that's all without flights/trains between countries for my PCAs, rent, food, or wheelchair access.
The Goal
These are the fundraising goals for the event:
- Our baseline goal is to raise $15,000. This would allow me me to pay my personal care attendants and return home to the United States safely.
- If we can raise between $25,000 and $30,000 I will be able to return to Korea and continue work on my project. This is what really hope for.
- Our top goal is to raise $40,000 as this would allow me to finish out the entire rest of my 12 months in Korea and pay for my PCAs.
General Information What: Streaming Marathon Dates: March 20-22, 2012 Time: All Day/Round the Clock Location: World Wide http://www.twitch.tv/tiltgaming
The Main Event
The main event is an online 16 man single-elimination invitational tournament with some of the top korean and foreign players.
Players: 16 total players, 12 invited and 4 spots earnable through a the open bracket. Prize Pool: $500 Prize Pool Breakdown: $250 and 1st place trophy / $125 and second place trophy / $75 and third place trophy / $50 (subject to increase pending additional sponsors) Tournament Bracket: Single Elimination, RO16 and RO8 are Best of 3, RO4 and 3rd/4th Place Match is Best of 5, and Finals Are Best of 7
Special Episode of StarCast: The Starcraft Podcast
Patrick "OctanePro" Jester, Garrett Weinzierl, and the guys over StarCast have decided to do a one time special live episode of the podcast on Wednesday night following the tournament broadcast featuring Matthew "LookNoHands" Fink with guest appearances by Ben "Mr.Bitter" Nichol and many others as part of the LookNoHands Fundraiser event.
And other great players!
Open Bracket Info: General: There will be 2 separate open brackets. Players may attempt to qualify through one or both. Players: Players who wish to qualify must have a North American account and be rated as Diamond of higher in their 1v1. Prize: Each bracket will award 2 spots into the LookNoHands Tournament. Bracket: Single Elimination, Best of 3 matches Registration: We will be running the open bracket through http://www.z33k.com/ , register here! or Here for March 18th
To donate visit the official LookNoHands Fundraiser donations page at: http://www.anniefink.com/collections/matthew-look-no-hands-fink and choose your level of donation. Or, you can send donations through paypal to finkm@carleton.edu. Donate $5, $10, $50, or more. Even small donations are a big help!
im sorry i really mean no offence but what I understood by. " Even if I never really become good enough to compete at the highest levels." Is that you do play starcraft but how do you do so as a quad amputee?
Yessir, I do kevint! I just use a normal mouse and keyboard like everyone else. You can check me out on EG.iNcontroL's stream tomorrow at 8pm central if you're curious and want to see me play. I'm doing another lesson then.
On March 08 2012 05:31 kevint wrote: im sorry i really mean no offence but what I understood by. " Even if I never really become good enough to compete at the highest levels." Is that you do play starcraft but how do you do so as a quad amputee?
On March 08 2012 05:31 kevint wrote: im sorry i really mean no offence but what I understood by. " Even if I never really become good enough to compete at the highest levels." Is that you do play starcraft but how do you do so as a quad amputee?
if i remember correctly he's like gold league or so, a guy with no hands is better at sc2 than me
i've never felt so worthless in my life
also great initiative, will definitely donate when i'm back home this weekend and have worked out just how little money i have
If anyone is interested Matt Fink will actually be on the StarCast Podcast tonight! In like 10 minutes so go check him out. Help this guy out, he is a key asset to the Starcraft 2 Community!
One of the most positive guys you will ever meet. I wont ruin the surprise, but this event is going to be absolutely amazing. Support this guy! Attend this event! Don't let his fellowship end!
Really cool A few questions from myself, hope this doesn't get misinterpreted and if you don't want to talk about it don't have to. The questions are rather personal in nature.
Are there any videos of how you play or your ingame mechanics, I know VVV also had a disabled gamer watched some of his play. How did you become Disabled? Have you played other games with any success? What league are you currently? What was the best part of your travels?
On March 08 2012 12:59 Blackfoger wrote: Really cool A few questions from myself, hope this doesn't get misinterpreted and if you don't want to talk about it don't have to. The questions are rather personal in nature.
Are there any videos of how you play or your ingame mechanics, I know VVV also had a disabled gamer watched some of his play. How did you become Disabled? Have you played other games with any success? What league are you currently? What was the best part of your travels?
This answers a lot of your questions. He's a pretty awesome dude I must say.
Talk about an inspiration. Good luck on your travels and goals, I'll definitely be trying to tune in and support. We should be proud that SC2 is such a good platform for disability individuals to enjoy. It truly is a game of the mind and not the body.
Hey dude, my name is vVv Spectral, we should have a friendly show match! Im glad to see you pushing your skill cap, and i would love to get mine pushed as well.
I ALSOKNOW THE KOREAN INSIDE THE IRST PHOTO WITH YOU!! i wint to the IeSMoD in korea
On March 09 2012 06:16 Spectralx wrote: Hey dude, my name is vVv Spectral, we should have a friendly show match! Im glad to see you pushing your skill cap, and i would love to get mine pushed as well.
I ALSOKNOW THE KOREAN INSIDE THE IRST PHOTO WITH YOU!! i wint to the IeSMoD in korea
On March 09 2012 06:16 Spectralx wrote: Hey dude, my name is vVv Spectral, we should have a friendly show match! Im glad to see you pushing your skill cap, and i would love to get mine pushed as well.
I ALSOKNOW THE KOREAN INSIDE THE IRST PHOTO WITH YOU!! i wint to the IeSMoD in korea
I would absolutely love to do a showmatch! Maybe it could even be part of the fundraiser.
On March 09 2012 06:16 Spectralx wrote: Hey dude, my name is vVv Spectral, we should have a friendly show match! Im glad to see you pushing your skill cap, and i would love to get mine pushed as well.
I ALSOKNOW THE KOREAN INSIDE THE IRST PHOTO WITH YOU!! i wint to the IeSMoD in korea
I would absolutely love to do a showmatch! Maybe it could even be part of the fundraiser.
!!!!!!!!!!!!yaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!! skyped you! (ithink) ill pm you mine
On March 09 2012 06:16 Spectralx wrote: Hey dude, my name is vVv Spectral, we should have a friendly show match! Im glad to see you pushing your skill cap, and i would love to get mine pushed as well.
I ALSOKNOW THE KOREAN INSIDE THE IRST PHOTO WITH YOU!! i wint to the IeSMoD in korea
I would absolutely love to do a showmatch! Maybe it could even be part of the fundraiser.
!!!!!!!!!!!!yaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!! skyped you! (ithink) ill pm you mine
On March 09 2012 06:16 Spectralx wrote: Hey dude, my name is vVv Spectral, we should have a friendly show match! Im glad to see you pushing your skill cap, and i would love to get mine pushed as well.
I ALSOKNOW THE KOREAN INSIDE THE IRST PHOTO WITH YOU!! i wint to the IeSMoD in korea
I would absolutely love to do a showmatch! Maybe it could even be part of the fundraiser.
!!!!!!!!!!!!yaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!! skyped you! (ithink) ill pm you mine
lets make it part of it id love too!
Do the showmatch the day before as like a preview to it or something! It'd be awesome if you guys could both set up webcams and have POV streams while the match is being cast by someone else (so 3 separate streams). I would watch the hell out of that.
I'd love to donate but I'm broke as hell right now. I'll tune in and do my best to get more viewers for you. If I can scrape some money, I'd love to send it your way. You're an inspiring fellow, and seem like a good dude.
This is one of the moments where I hate it that im only 14 and cant have a paypal account I will tune in 100% i hope that this will be succesfull, because this is guy is really an inpirement for manking. He has no hands but still he wants to play sc 2 and he does it because its his dream! (i watched it when he met esl, i think he is masters league)
On March 11 2012 08:23 Ballbreaker wrote: I have a question about the final 16 player tournament. Is it an online or offline even?
Because of logistical challenges and the short time frame involved, the entirety of the final 16 player tournament will be an online event. The players who will be playing cross server know this and have agreed to participate despite those challenges.
this is gonna be a great event, sadly i dont qualify bc im only silver, but ill definitely donate and watch. its great to see more disabled gamers in starcraft.
On March 11 2012 22:11 Jetaap wrote: I tried to donate 10$ on your site, however it doesn't accept my credit card. Do you have a Paypall so that I can donate?
Hey thee. My paypal is finkm@carleton.edu Its actually in the tournament announcment right next to the donations site. Thank you so much for your support.
On March 11 2012 22:11 Jetaap wrote: I tried to donate 10$ on your site, however it doesn't accept my credit card. Do you have a Paypall so that I can donate?
Hey thee. My paypal is finkm@carleton.edu Its actually in the tournament announcment right next to the donations site. Thank you so much for your support.
I saw it right after making this post, just sent 10€, I hope it will help you to continue your project!
I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
Then don't donate anything. He's being completely upfront about what he's doing with the money. He's also providing content for us to watch. You can watch for free like most people will.
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
Then don't donate anything. He's being completely upfront about what he's doing with the money. He's also providing content for us to watch. You can watch for free like most people will.
Pretty much. Also the original Watson Fellowship was earned, it's not for disabled people specifically, at least that's my impression of it.
I'll be watching man and donating. Pretty awesome overall experience!
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
It hasn't been much of a vacation. Its been a lot of fun and very enjoyable but it has also been an immense amount of work. It'd be nice to have a vacation once my project is finished though. Maybe we could have a different fundraiser for that?
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
It hasn't been much of a vacation. Its been a lot of fun and very enjoyable but it has also been an immense amount of work. It'd be nice to have a vacation once my project is finished though. Maybe we could have a different fundraiser for that?
''My Watson project is to learn, for the first time, what it means to be truly competetive as a person with a disability by training Starcraft and experiencing global e-sports culture first hand, and to connect with other disabled gamers to see how technology is actively changing their lives''
I dont mean to be offensive either, but this sounds more like a vacation for you. Theres no reason why you cannot train to be a competitive player by playing at home, and i dont see how you can connect with other disabled gamers by being in Korea. IMO, theres alot of other sad, pitiful things going round in this world that nobody cares enough. Do u know that i can feed an african kid by donating 30USD a month online? Or that the Red Cross helps millions of ppl yearly but are still desperately short in funds? Compare that with sending you and your AID to korea to learn Starcraft. It just feels weird how ppl appears to be so charitable to causes on TL when im sure there are alot of other MUCH MORE important issues out there that we can help with.
I really appreciate your courage, but like IronMonocle said, this doesnt sound right.
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
It hasn't been much of a vacation. Its been a lot of fun and very enjoyable but it has also been an immense amount of work. It'd be nice to have a vacation once my project is finished though. Maybe we could have a different fundraiser for that?
''My Watson project is to learn, for the first time, what it means to be truly competetive as a person with a disability by training Starcraft and experiencing global e-sports culture first hand, and to connect with other disabled gamers to see how technology is actively changing their lives''
I dont mean to be offensive either, but this sounds more like a vacation for you. Theres no reason why you cannot train to be a competitive player by playing at home, and i dont see how you can connect with other disabled gamers by being in Korea. IMO, theres alot of other sad, pitiful things going round in this world that nobody cares enough. Do u know that i can feed an african kid by donating 30USD a month online? Or that the Red Cross helps millions of ppl yearly but are still desperately short in funds? Compare that with sending you and your AID to korea to learn Starcraft. It just feels weird how ppl appears to be so charitable to causes on TL when im sure there are alot of other MUCH MORE important issues out there that we can help with.
I really appreciate your courage, but like IronMonocle said, this doesnt sound right.
Dude, first of all I wish you luck when a moderator reads what you just posted. Its not ONLY to learn to be a competitive gamer in Korea, I have met this man and his mission is more or less to learn how technology impacts disabled people's lives, not just esports. While yes its a big component of it, its not the sole reason why he is in Korea to watch video games. If you take a look at the post I did, he met disabled referee's and I believee he would have talked to them about how it affected there lives and how technology is improving it. http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=319796
Yes there are more important issues in the world, but this is something that gamers can relate and appreciate, helping out a fellow member of TeamLiquid is something teamliquid members are prized for, not beating down others and raining on there parade's. You sir, should be more polite.
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
It hasn't been much of a vacation. Its been a lot of fun and very enjoyable but it has also been an immense amount of work. It'd be nice to have a vacation once my project is finished though. Maybe we could have a different fundraiser for that?
''My Watson project is to learn, for the first time, what it means to be truly competetive as a person with a disability by training Starcraft and experiencing global e-sports culture first hand, and to connect with other disabled gamers to see how technology is actively changing their lives''
I dont mean to be offensive either, but this sounds more like a vacation for you. Theres no reason why you cannot train to be a competitive player by playing at home, and i dont see how you can connect with other disabled gamers by being in Korea. IMO, theres alot of other sad, pitiful things going round in this world that nobody cares enough. Do u know that i can feed an african kid by donating 30USD a month online? Or that the Red Cross helps millions of ppl yearly but are still desperately short in funds? Compare that with sending you and your AID to korea to learn Starcraft. It just feels weird how ppl appears to be so charitable to causes on TL when im sure there are alot of other MUCH MORE important issues out there that we can help with.
I really appreciate your courage, but like IronMonocle said, this doesnt sound right.
You're right, there are many more serious problems in the world that people could donate money to. This is not an effort to save lives or to help people who live in extremely poor conditions. I don't think the people who donated for this fundraiser would say they are charitable in that sense. They do, however, contribute what they can to further the journy of an unusual character in the sc2 community. maybe some of them admire matt for what he's doing, maybe some of them just think it's neat how he plays with no hands and want to see more of it. Matt explained the purpose of his journy without too much ambiguity, it's not fraudulent or dishonest. He just put his story out there, and said that whoever wants to support him would be appreciated. Apparently, there are a lot of people who do want to support him. Many people might not want to, and they don't have to. People have different motives.
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
judging from your signature you're an unhappy person but you dont have to bring other people down with you. and whats the point of apologizing and saying stuff like "i dont mean to be offensive" when the intent of your post is so clear.
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
judging from your signature you're an unhappy person but you dont have to bring other people down with you. and whats the point of apologizing and saying stuff like "i dont mean to be offensive" when the intent of your post is so clear.
It's a reasonable thing to say, you seem more unhappy and angry than he does.
Charity is, by definition, is "giving to those in need." What this charity is accomplishing is "giving to one person because they want it." If it's some kind of donation drive to get someone a vital surgery, that's one thing, but this is practically just paying for his vacation.
I realize that the solution to my train of thought is simply "don't donate and move on," and that's what I'm going to do, but I still have an opinion on the matter and am entitled to protest.
On March 13 2012 20:47 Mitchlew wrote: I am really glad this guy has a sense of humor. That name is so great.
He is a great guy, he was in the ESL studio with Mr. Bitter and Rotterdam once, they did on of their shows with/on him. He actually is a pretty good SC2 player(!), i think he plays (or at least played) in platinum league.
EDIT: Someone already posted the video link in a previous post. My bad.
Oh my god you got to sit with MVP and watch him play. Did you try to make out with him? Cause I would have, I love him more then any player in the world, and I'm not even a Terra
Oh my god you got to sit with MVP and watch him play. Did you try to make out with him? Cause I would have, I love him more then any player in the world, and I'm not even a Terran.
On March 13 2012 22:56 Goblinoid wrote: Will there be a viewing party at Maverick's again? We might be able to rile some mnbarcrafters to get out of their hibernation dens and come on down!
Hey there Ed, Unfortunately, there isn't a barcraft at Mavericks planned this time around. We'd love it though if you might be willing to organize something. Its probably a little late in the planning stages though for that.
I hope this guy can get good enough to cast games at a high level. Then, he wouldn't need to rely on anyone for the rest of his life. It's hard to secure employment as a disabled person, but I would definately support Matt as a high level caster if that's what he decides to focus on professionally. Let's take a look at his competition <sheesh>
Found out about this event from @MrNerdSwagger and @MNBarcraft. Thanks to them for that.
I'm also from Minnesota (and a U of M alumnus!). I'll try to watch this tournament and support Matthew.
Between the prior "Twin Cities Open" tournaments at LAN World Gaming, MN barcraft, Teh Pwn Gaming club at the U, the recent Collegiate Starleague midwest regional (and Teh Pwn open tourney!), it's been fun to be following esports around here! Maybe it isn't the most happenin' location ever, but it's pretty good
Hi Matthew, I'm a journalist for The Korea Herald newspaper interested in writing about your fund-raiser and planned trip to Korea. Would you please email me at kirstyt@heraldm.com so we can talk about it further? Thanks! Kirsty Taylor
soo.. how exactly does you staying in korea promote gamers with disablity? i fail to see the connection. if you want to "inspire" disabled gamers how about you become as good as possible.. not vacation in korea.. doing nothing.
i have schziophrena and major depression. can i hold one of these events and vacation to korea to encourage players with similar mental disabilities in the scene?
before i get called a hater can instead explain how this is a valuable project? until then this is a pity charity because i can't fathom how everyone is so willing to donate when he hasn't even explained himself.
Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
Don't worry about the douchers. There's always someone who wants to hate on your ambition; They may characterize it as wanting a free lunch but honestly you're giving back to the community of SC2 and the disabled community as well, it's commendable.
And, it's also capitalism. So haters: if you don't like this, fuck off and don't watch, don't donate, don't pay attention. If his venture is really unsustainable, then there will not be anyone sustaining it. But if people find value in it, then they will pay back that value with their eyes and wallets. If you're disabled and don't see why this guy gets to do stuff you don't, it's because he's more ambitious than you.
Let the free market decide if this is a good idea or not.
Hi this is TGdocspec, a teammate of Matt's. I'll be travelling from Chicago to Japan (and then hopefully Korea) with Matt as a PCA later today. Thanks for all the positive feedback and to all the people who don't want to donate for whatever reason, that's totally fine! One of the most important parts of a charity is the right not to donate; that's part of what makes it so special to donate in the first place. But I will request that you not use this thread to try to convince other people not to donate as well, since that's also their prerogative. We'll have tons more details coming out within the next few weeks, and as that happens, I hope that you can see this project stands on its own merits. If not, at least get excited about some awesome Starcraft matches coming up.
If you have any questions about the project or being a PCA, I'll do my best to answer them or get one of my teammates to help out.
On March 14 2012 19:32 gniketan wrote: Hi this is TGdocspec, a teammate of Matt's. I'll be travelling from Chicago to Japan (and then hopefully Korea) with Matt as a PCA later today. Thanks for all the positive feedback and to all the people who don't want to donate for whatever reason, that's totally fine! One of the most important parts of a charity is the right not to donate; that's part of what makes it so special to donate in the first place. But I will request that you not use this thread to try to convince other people not to donate as well, since that's also their prerogative. We'll have tons more details coming out within the next few weeks, and as that happens, I hope that you can see this project stands on its own merits. If not, at least get excited about some awesome Starcraft matches coming up.
If you have any questions about the project or being a PCA, I'll do my best to answer them or get one of my teammates to help out.
On March 14 2012 16:37 Superiorwolf wrote: Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
no when people donate to africa it is for a clear cause, whether it actually happens or not. THIS is a pity charity. if hes going to make a public post asking for donations then i'm allowed to pubically call him out, asking why i should donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a disabled person.
On March 14 2012 17:26 darkscream wrote: Don't worry about the douchers. There's always someone who wants to hate on your ambition; They may characterize it as wanting a free lunch but honestly you're giving back to the community of SC2 and the disabled community as well, it's commendable.
And, it's also capitalism. So haters: if you don't like this, fuck off and don't watch, don't donate, don't pay attention. If his venture is really unsustainable, then there will not be anyone sustaining it. But if people find value in it, then they will pay back that value with their eyes and wallets. If you're disabled and don't see why this guy gets to do stuff you don't, it's because he's more ambitious than you.
Let the free market decide if this is a good idea or not.
On March 14 2012 19:32 gniketan wrote: Hi this is TGdocspec, a teammate of Matt's. I'll be travelling from Chicago to Japan (and then hopefully Korea) with Matt as a PCA later today. Thanks for all the positive feedback and to all the people who don't want to donate for whatever reason, that's totally fine! One of the most important parts of a charity is the right not to donate; that's part of what makes it so special to donate in the first place. But I will request that you not use this thread to try to convince other people not to donate as well, since that's also their prerogative. We'll have tons more details coming out within the next few weeks, and as that happens, I hope that you can see this project stands on its own merits. If not, at least get excited about some awesome Starcraft matches coming up.
If you have any questions about the project or being a PCA, I'll do my best to answer them or get one of my teammates to help out.
What is a PCA?
From the original post, Personal Care Attendant. To provide needed assistance to Matt.
As long as I'm posting again, may I just say: although my personal opinion is to support this event, I wanted to thank those who have posted with relatively negative opinions on this for keeping the discussion civil. Of course their posts detract from this to a degree, but to me they are not being overly offensive.
I view this in the spirit of what the thread title says, a "fundraising" event. Obviously LookNoHands is not some one-man charitable organization (like the aforementioned Make-A-Wish Foundation, etc.). Perhaps it would be more acceptable to everyone if he continues to use the 'fundraiser' terminology as opposed to 'charity'. Maybe people are looking for their donations to be going to an actual U.S. 501(c) organization before they'll accept the term 'charity' -- I don't know for certain.
I do not believe it's correct to term Matt's travels as merely a vacation either. People take holidays to get a leave from work and the like, not for personal enrichment. He has been on this journey for a long time now too, far longer than people spend on vacation. Plus I highly doubt that the Watson Fellowship would allow their funds to be spent on a frivolous trip. I'm sure they jealously guard their money with the same care that those unwilling to donate to Matt seem to exercise with theirs.
The only thing I would ask of Matthew Fink is to continue publicizing your travels. Get more time in front of cameras -- not just from esports entities, but mainstream media as well. Perhaps write about your experiences, and get that posted. That has a potential to do a lot for esports and the SC2 community, if the world sees ways in which we try to support disabled members of our brood. And hopefully we won't be too shamed by comments from anyone who thinks you are just looking out for #1, trying to syphon money from us so you can have a "dream vacation" in Korea. Since (from what I can tell) you've set off to do more than that, make sure you do indeed accomplish much more than that. You will have done so much more than most community members by then!
On a personal note, as a Minnesotan I'm glad to know that (hopefully!) some of my tax dollars have gone to things such as providing PCAs for Matt! It's too bad funding gets cut when he's out of the state, maybe it would be too open to exploitation otherwise, or something. I don't know, it's not like the disability doesn't go with him though! Anyway, when Matt's back home, he should definitely come to a barcraft or something! It would be great to meet him.
On March 14 2012 16:37 Superiorwolf wrote: Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
no when people donate to africa it is for a clear cause, whether it actually happens or not. THIS is a pity charity. if hes going to make a public post asking for donations then i'm allowed to pubically call him out, asking why i should donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a disabled person.
Why should you donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a starving person. You attempt to make a distinction between charities but charities are all the same. If you feel like it is a cause you connect with, whether it be someone following his dream in eSports, or helping starving children in Africa, or giving a dying child his last wish, it's the same.
On March 14 2012 16:37 Superiorwolf wrote: Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
no when people donate to africa it is for a clear cause, whether it actually happens or not. THIS is a pity charity. if hes going to make a public post asking for donations then i'm allowed to pubically call him out, asking why i should donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a disabled person.
Why should you donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a starving person. You attempt to make a distinction between charities but charities are all the same. If you feel like it is a cause you connect with, whether it be someone following his dream in eSports, or helping starving children in Africa, or giving a dying child his last wish, it's the same.
Lol? I would be donating to make someone's life better and give to them when they are in NEED.
This is a VACATION. The fact that you think somebody's vacation is comparable to children starving to death is beyond my comprehension. If this was a normal person asking for donations it would be ignored. Even if it was an up and coming pro player who wanted to move to Korea to set an example that other foreigners can make it, it would be ignored. But no, this is someone who wants a vacation who happens to be disabled.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Shoutout to Looknohands though, he is smart for realizing he can sucker people into feeling sorry for him so he can get free money. However, it is a very pathetic and low thing to do and takes a great lack of character to pull off. Anyone with self-respect would see themselves as equals in society and not expect people to feel sorry for them, but Looknohands has none (not only assumed from this event, but from looking at his past and what he has been doing in the community).
The ironic part is I'm going to be attacked for "attacking a disabled person". Because that's immoral right? We should always have endless amounts of pity!
It is upmost pathetic that I have to sit here and defend my viewpoint from people attacking me. All I wanted was an actual "reason" as to why this is beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation. Instead, I'm attacked without any attempt for people to answer my question.
I would argue that he is in need, and he clearly states his reasons he is in need - he needs money for his personal care attendants. Perhaps it is not "survival need" but that does not mean it is not worthy of support. He doesn't try and hide anything, he sets it out and if you don't like it then ignore it. Your posts are just upsetting people who are supportive of him.
My reason for bringing up children starving is because you used the term "pity charity." That term is meaningless. But I personally feel connected and find this story moving, so I decide to support it. Rather with starving children, I feel disconnected and as I mentioned before, how aid actually might be hurting them. Just as you think there's no reason to support this, I personally find that supporting starving children with food for a day is not beneficial at all either, since in the end it slows development. Regardless, I don't attack people for supporting starving children, just as you shouldn't be attacking people for supporting something they believe in either.
You brought up the point that he's disabled, and no one can argue that it adds sympathy points to his cause, but if someone wrote an extremely compelling story about their dream to live eSports, I believe that people would support him. And fyi, MarineKingPrime was supported by donations and "charity." Was that so wrong? Was that something we should deplore as immoral since he wasn't in need of it to survive? People support things they like, and there's your reason.
How is Make-A-Wish Foundation "beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation?" It's not, and yet it is a widely supported charity. The reason people support both that, Looknohands, and other charities, is because people feel a connection and want to support something they believe in. He's not lying about the reasons he needs money, he's laying it all out there, and some people like you don't necessarily agree with it, that's fine.
On March 14 2012 16:37 Superiorwolf wrote: Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
no when people donate to africa it is for a clear cause, whether it actually happens or not. THIS is a pity charity. if hes going to make a public post asking for donations then i'm allowed to pubically call him out, asking why i should donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a disabled person.
Why should you donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a starving person. You attempt to make a distinction between charities but charities are all the same. If you feel like it is a cause you connect with, whether it be someone following his dream in eSports, or helping starving children in Africa, or giving a dying child his last wish, it's the same.
Lol? I would be donating to make someone's life better and give to them when they are in NEED.
This is a VACATION. The fact that you think somebody's vacation is comparable to children starving to death is beyond my comprehension. If this was a normal person asking for donations it would be ignored. Even if it was an up and coming pro player who wanted to move to Korea to set an example that other foreigners can make it, it would be ignored. But no, this is someone who wants a vacation who happens to be disabled.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Shoutout to Looknohands though, he is smart for realizing he can sucker people into feeling sorry for him so he can get free money. However, it is a very pathetic and low thing to do and takes a great lack of character to pull off. Anyone with self-respect would see themselves as equals in society and not expect people to feel sorry for them, but Looknohands has none (not only assumed from this event, but from looking at his past and what he has been doing in the community).
The ironic part is I'm going to be attacked for "attacking a disabled person". Because that's immoral right? We should always have endless amounts of pity!
It is upmost pathetic that I have to sit here and defend my viewpoint from people attacking me. All I wanted was an actual "reason" as to why this is beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation. Instead, I'm attacked without any attempt for people to answer my question.
Yes, he's not in dire need of the trip to Korea, but neither are the recipients of many other charities. If you don't think it's worth donating to his cause, then don't donate. If you have nothing constructive to say, then just don't say anything. You don't have to shit on his parade though, cause that's just being a dick.
On March 15 2012 08:30 Superiorwolf wrote: I would argue that he is in need, and he clearly states his reasons he is in need - he needs money for his personal care attendants. Perhaps it is not "survival need" but that does not mean it is not worthy of support. He doesn't try and hide anything, he sets it out and if you don't like it then ignore it. Your posts are just upsetting people who are supportive of him.
My reason for bringing up children starving is because you used the term "pity charity." That term is meaningless. But I personally feel connected and find this story moving, so I decide to support it. Rather with starving children, I feel disconnected and as I mentioned before, how aid actually might be hurting them. Just as you think there's no reason to support this, I personally find that supporting starving children with food for a day is not beneficial at all either, since in the end it slows development. Regardless, I don't attack people for supporting starving children, just as you shouldn't be attacking people for supporting something they believe in either.
You brought up the point that he's disabled, and no one can argue that it adds sympathy points to his cause, but if someone wrote an extremely compelling story about their dream to live eSports, I believe that people would support him. And fyi, MarineKingPrime was supported by donations and "charity." Was that so wrong? Was that something we should deplore as immoral since he wasn't in need of it to survive? People support things they like, and there's your reason.
How is Make-A-Wish Foundation "beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation?" It's not, and yet it is a widely supported charity. The reason people support both that, Looknohands, and other charities, is because people feel a connection and want to support something they believe in. He's not lying about the reasons he needs money, he's laying it all out there, and some people like you don't necessarily agree with it, that's fine.
@Superiorwolf "Hey guys, I'm in need. I want to vacation in Korea but I need money for the plane ticket". That's the exact same as needing money for personal assistants. He doesn't have to be in Korea. If he wasn't, having money for personal assistants would be no problem. Just like how needing money for a plane ticket wouldn't be a problem if someone didn't want to go to Korea.
MKP did not ask for money under the guise of trying to "help the community". It also wasn't a vacation, it was so he could play in a tournament for fans. Correct me if I'm wrong though, but I don't recall MKP outright asking for donations at first. I thought it was the community that initiated the support after hearing he didn't have the money to come over.
Make-a-wish foundatin is for people who are dying and it is our way of giving them a death-bed wish come true. Again, not comparable to somebody who already had his tripped paid for by an organization, and is now requesting it again by the community. He is using the fact that he is disabled to sap money from the community, nothing else. He tries to give vague reasonings as to why it is beneficial, but they are just that--vague. Maybe if he didn't try to make baseless claims as to why the community should back him up it would be a different story, but then people wouldn't be fooled into thinking this is a "good cause", so it just comes full circle back to him being selfish.
This is still no different from any average Joe asking for money.
On March 14 2012 16:37 Superiorwolf wrote: Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
no when people donate to africa it is for a clear cause, whether it actually happens or not. THIS is a pity charity. if hes going to make a public post asking for donations then i'm allowed to pubically call him out, asking why i should donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a disabled person.
Why should you donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a starving person. You attempt to make a distinction between charities but charities are all the same. If you feel like it is a cause you connect with, whether it be someone following his dream in eSports, or helping starving children in Africa, or giving a dying child his last wish, it's the same.
Lol? I would be donating to make someone's life better and give to them when they are in NEED.
This is a VACATION. The fact that you think somebody's vacation is comparable to children starving to death is beyond my comprehension. If this was a normal person asking for donations it would be ignored. Even if it was an up and coming pro player who wanted to move to Korea to set an example that other foreigners can make it, it would be ignored. But no, this is someone who wants a vacation who happens to be disabled.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Shoutout to Looknohands though, he is smart for realizing he can sucker people into feeling sorry for him so he can get free money. However, it is a very pathetic and low thing to do and takes a great lack of character to pull off. Anyone with self-respect would see themselves as equals in society and not expect people to feel sorry for them, but Looknohands has none (not only assumed from this event, but from looking at his past and what he has been doing in the community).
The ironic part is I'm going to be attacked for "attacking a disabled person". Because that's immoral right? We should always have endless amounts of pity!
It is upmost pathetic that I have to sit here and defend my viewpoint from people attacking me. All I wanted was an actual "reason" as to why this is beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation. Instead, I'm attacked without any attempt for people to answer my question.
Yes, he's not in dire need of the trip to Korea, but neither are the recipients of many other charities. If you don't think it's worth donating to his cause, then don't donate. If you have nothing constructive to say, then just don't say anything. You don't have to shit on his parade though, cause that's just being a dick.
@teamspoiler Once again, no reason can be brought up as to why this actually helps the disabled gamers community or benefit the community as a whole in any way. If he wants to promote his "charity" publically, then he should be willing to justify it. I don't think I'm being the dick here. If anything, Looknohands is being the dick but people are just failing to realize it. All I'm doing is challenging him. Then if he proves that isn't just being a dick, then so be it, but he should update the OP to reflect this.
On March 15 2012 08:40 Legion710 wrote: I STRONGLY agree with Sov. I think there's a certain perverse side to raising a charity for YOURSELF.
So that you both know, the term charity is actually being removed from the announcement. It is not a charity, it is a fundraiser for a project. We are asking people who think that what we are doing is worthwhile and worthy of their contribution to please contribute. I am, simply giving the people who think my project is cool the chance to help out and make donation.
I'm not here to garner anyone's "pity" or sympathy, I am not here to collect money for the disabled community, I am not here to tell you that if you give me money that I will bring disabled gamers into the community or send them to tournaments, I am not here to say you have some moral obligation to donate, and I am certainly not here to force anyone to donate to a cause they do not want to. Although I do actually think my project benefits the disability community, I am not really asking for you donate for that reason.
I am simply here because I have personal project which is to find out what the disabled gaming community is like and explore it in the hopes that one day I might be able to help some of those people become an integral part of the community at large. A large part of any Watson project is self discovery and as such, I am learning what it means to be competetitive as a person with a disability myself for the first time on this trip. Many people feel that the personal enrichment I and the other people with disabilities who I am meeting throughout my travels receive as a result of this exploration is worthy of their time and hard earned resources. I have demonstrated the value of the project to myself and others and I have demonstrated my need for help from the community if my project is to continue.
If you like it, donate. If you don't think its worth your time or your money, don't donate. If you don't like us using the term charity, we'll get rid of it. But, regardless of what your opinion is, this thread is not the appropriate place to argue about it.
On another note, you can expect a major update to the OP in thext day or so that reveals the first few invites and personalities as well as some clarification about what my Watson project is, who the Thomas J. Watson foundation is, and about the what the rough schedule for the event looks like.
Thank you to the people who have pointed out the fact that the OP lacks clarity and detail when it comes to describing what a Watson fellowship is, and what my project entails as well as to the people who have been tirelessly defending me and my cause in this thread.
On March 15 2012 08:40 Legion710 wrote: I STRONGLY agree with Sov. I think there's a certain perverse side to raising a charity for YOURSELF.
Ahh, there's the problem. So this just isn't true. Matt set out in August knowing that the money he had was going to run out early and he was fine with that. It was at the urging of his friends, family, teammates and the Watson foundation that a fundraiser came about. By no means is he raising a charity for himself (also, that word is getting removed because you're right, there is a difference between fundraiser and charity event). If anything I am the one running a fundraiser to support his travels. Matt's friends back home, his friends he's made along the way and I are ALL running this fundraiser for him. Do you know how much work is involved, do you think he could even type all the words that need to be typed in the emails alone in the amount of time we've organized this in?
Geez guys, what planet do you live on? People are constantly raising funds to follow personal dreams. Artists making films and albums, athletes trying to qualify for competitions, kids going to camp. This is the StarCraft Community. This is a StarCraft Tournament put on with huge effort and creativity. Get off you holier than thou soap box and make something beautiful happen today.
On March 14 2012 16:37 Superiorwolf wrote: Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
no when people donate to africa it is for a clear cause, whether it actually happens or not. THIS is a pity charity. if hes going to make a public post asking for donations then i'm allowed to pubically call him out, asking why i should donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a disabled person.
Why should you donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a starving person. You attempt to make a distinction between charities but charities are all the same. If you feel like it is a cause you connect with, whether it be someone following his dream in eSports, or helping starving children in Africa, or giving a dying child his last wish, it's the same.
Lol? I would be donating to make someone's life better and give to them when they are in NEED.
This is a VACATION. The fact that you think somebody's vacation is comparable to children starving to death is beyond my comprehension. If this was a normal person asking for donations it would be ignored. Even if it was an up and coming pro player who wanted to move to Korea to set an example that other foreigners can make it, it would be ignored. But no, this is someone who wants a vacation who happens to be disabled.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Shoutout to Looknohands though, he is smart for realizing he can sucker people into feeling sorry for him so he can get free money. However, it is a very pathetic and low thing to do and takes a great lack of character to pull off. Anyone with self-respect would see themselves as equals in society and not expect people to feel sorry for them, but Looknohands has none (not only assumed from this event, but from looking at his past and what he has been doing in the community).
The ironic part is I'm going to be attacked for "attacking a disabled person". Because that's immoral right? We should always have endless amounts of pity!
It is upmost pathetic that I have to sit here and defend my viewpoint from people attacking me. All I wanted was an actual "reason" as to why this is beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation. Instead, I'm attacked without any attempt for people to answer my question.
On March 15 2012 08:30 Superiorwolf wrote: I would argue that he is in need, and he clearly states his reasons he is in need - he needs money for his personal care attendants. Perhaps it is not "survival need" but that does not mean it is not worthy of support. He doesn't try and hide anything, he sets it out and if you don't like it then ignore it. Your posts are just upsetting people who are supportive of him.
My reason for bringing up children starving is because you used the term "pity charity." That term is meaningless. But I personally feel connected and find this story moving, so I decide to support it. Rather with starving children, I feel disconnected and as I mentioned before, how aid actually might be hurting them. Just as you think there's no reason to support this, I personally find that supporting starving children with food for a day is not beneficial at all either, since in the end it slows development. Regardless, I don't attack people for supporting starving children, just as you shouldn't be attacking people for supporting something they believe in either.
You brought up the point that he's disabled, and no one can argue that it adds sympathy points to his cause, but if someone wrote an extremely compelling story about their dream to live eSports, I believe that people would support him. And fyi, MarineKingPrime was supported by donations and "charity." Was that so wrong? Was that something we should deplore as immoral since he wasn't in need of it to survive? People support things they like, and there's your reason.
How is Make-A-Wish Foundation "beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation?" It's not, and yet it is a widely supported charity. The reason people support both that, Looknohands, and other charities, is because people feel a connection and want to support something they believe in. He's not lying about the reasons he needs money, he's laying it all out there, and some people like you don't necessarily agree with it, that's fine.
@Superiorwolf "Hey guys, I'm in need. I want to vacation in Korea but I need money for the plane ticket". That's the exact same as needing money for personal assistants. He doesn't have to be in Korea. If he wasn't, having money for personal assistants would be no problem. Just like how needing money for a plane ticket wouldn't be a problem if someone didn't want to go to Korea.
MKP did not ask for money under the guise of trying to "help the community". It also wasn't a vacation, it was so he could play in a tournament for fans. Correct me if I'm wrong though, but I don't recall MKP outright asking for donations at first. I thought it was the community that initiated the support after hearing he didn't have the money to come over.
Make-a-wish foundatin is for people who are dying and it is our way of giving them a death-bed wish come true. Again, not comparable to somebody who already had his tripped paid for by an organization, and is now requesting it again by the community. He is using the fact that he is disabled to sap money from the community, nothing else. He tries to give vague reasonings as to why it is beneficial, but they are just that--vague. Maybe if he didn't try to make baseless claims as to why the community should back him up it would be a different story, but then people wouldn't be fooled into thinking this is a "good cause", so it just comes full circle back to him being selfish.
This is still no different from any average Joe asking for money.
On March 14 2012 16:37 Superiorwolf wrote: Oh my god, you guys are so terrible. Do you really have no empathy for someone's dream at all? Would you have preferred him to say, "I am running this tournament with high-level games for your entertainment, I'm taking the profits and I actually don't care about this game at all."? I don't know, but I personally find his story motivating and touching, and want him to be able to continue following his dream. I never ever donate to anything but this is something I can really connect with and empathize with, so I highly support it.
If you don't want to donate, or don't have anything positive to say, then don't post. Ignore it. Don't watch the games. There's no reason to start outraging about a request someone has made if it doesn't affect you at all.
And what do you mean by pity charity? Is donating to children in Africa "pity charity?" How is that a valuable project? There are actually documentaries on how the aid given to Africa is actually IMPEDING their progress in development.
Maybe you should go protest the Make-A-Wish Foundation too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_a_wish_foundation Hell, why don't you protest every single charity out there, since by your terms, they are all pity charities.
If you took your negative outlook on life, turned it around and instead traveled to Korea to encourage players with mental disabilities, I would support it too. Would you do such a thing though? I highly doubt it.
By the way, perhaps you should look up the definition of the word charity. It will probably help you to see the clear misunderstanding you have of the word.
no when people donate to africa it is for a clear cause, whether it actually happens or not. THIS is a pity charity. if hes going to make a public post asking for donations then i'm allowed to pubically call him out, asking why i should donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a disabled person.
Why should you donate for any reason other than feeling sorry for a starving person. You attempt to make a distinction between charities but charities are all the same. If you feel like it is a cause you connect with, whether it be someone following his dream in eSports, or helping starving children in Africa, or giving a dying child his last wish, it's the same.
Lol? I would be donating to make someone's life better and give to them when they are in NEED.
This is a VACATION. The fact that you think somebody's vacation is comparable to children starving to death is beyond my comprehension. If this was a normal person asking for donations it would be ignored. Even if it was an up and coming pro player who wanted to move to Korea to set an example that other foreigners can make it, it would be ignored. But no, this is someone who wants a vacation who happens to be disabled.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Shoutout to Looknohands though, he is smart for realizing he can sucker people into feeling sorry for him so he can get free money. However, it is a very pathetic and low thing to do and takes a great lack of character to pull off. Anyone with self-respect would see themselves as equals in society and not expect people to feel sorry for them, but Looknohands has none (not only assumed from this event, but from looking at his past and what he has been doing in the community).
The ironic part is I'm going to be attacked for "attacking a disabled person". Because that's immoral right? We should always have endless amounts of pity!
It is upmost pathetic that I have to sit here and defend my viewpoint from people attacking me. All I wanted was an actual "reason" as to why this is beneficial outside of making some person happy with a vacation. Instead, I'm attacked without any attempt for people to answer my question.
Yes, he's not in dire need of the trip to Korea, but neither are the recipients of many other charities. If you don't think it's worth donating to his cause, then don't donate. If you have nothing constructive to say, then just don't say anything. You don't have to shit on his parade though, cause that's just being a dick.
@teamspoiler Once again, no reason can be brought up as to why this actually helps the disabled gamers community or benefit the community as a whole in any way. If he wants to promote his "charity" publically, then he should be willing to justify it. I don't think I'm being the dick here. If anything, Looknohands is being the dick but people are just failing to realize it. All I'm doing is challenging him. Then if he proves that isn't just being a dick, then so be it, but he should update the OP to reflect this.
It's easy to spew this kind of bullshit when you are a white heterosexual male with no disabilities whatsoever. You can't even begin to fathom the reality out of your fucking bubble.
On March 15 2012 08:40 Legion710 wrote: I STRONGLY agree with Sov. I think there's a certain perverse side to raising a charity for YOURSELF.
So that you both know, the term charity is actually being removed from the announcement. It is not a charity, it is a fundraiser for a project. We are asking people who think that what we are doing is worthwhile and worthy of their contribution to please contribute. I am, simply giving the people who think my project is cool the chance to help out and make donation.
I'm not here to garner anyone's "pity" or sympathy, I am not here to collect money for the disabled community, I am not here to tell you that if you give me money that I will bring disabled gamers into the community or send them to tournaments, I am not here to say you have some moral obligation to donate, and I am certainly not here to force anyone to donate to a cause they do not want to. Although I do actually think my project benefits the disability community, I am not really asking for you donate for that reason.
I am simply here because I have personal project which is to find out what the disabled gaming community is like and explore it in the hopes that one day I might be able to help some of those people become an integral part of the community at large. A large part of any Watson project is self discovery and as such, I am learning what it means to be competetitive as a person with a disability myself for the first time on this trip. Many people feel that the personal enrichment I and the other people with disabilities who I am meeting throughout my travels receive as a result of this exploration is worthy of their time and hard earned resources. I have demonstrated the value of the project to myself and others and I have demonstrated my need for help from the community if my project is to continue.
If you like it, donate. If you don't think its worth your time or your money, don't donate. If you don't like us using the term charity, we'll get rid of it. But, regardless of what your opinion is, this thread is not the appropriate place to argue about it.
On another note, you can expect a major update to the OP in thext day or so that reveals the first few invites and personalities as well as some clarification about what my Watson project is, who the Thomas J. Watson foundation is, and about the what the rough schedule for the event looks like.
Thank you to the people who have pointed out the fact that the OP lacks clarity and detail when it comes to describing what a Watson fellowship is, and what my project entails as well as to the people who have been tirelessly defending me and my cause in this thread.
I want to make it clear that I feel a great deal of empathy for anyone with any kind of disability. Some of them are my friends. This has nothing to do with hating on disabled people. I just thought the idea was a little weird. I will still donate, because I think the money will benefit you more than me, and that alone is a great reason.
I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
He's not just fundraising, but he's putting on an awesome tournament for the community, and that is definitely some hard work to get such players to play in it and organize everything. Girl scouts fundraise to increase their funds to do fun activities by selling cookies - they provide a product and take the profits to do something with it, which is essentially the same thing here.
On March 20 2012 03:48 Superiorwolf wrote: He's not just fundraising, but he's putting on an awesome tournament for the community, and that is definitely some hard work to get such players to play in it and organize everything. Girl scouts fundraise to increase their funds to do fun activities by selling cookies - they provide a product and take the profits to do something with it, which is essentially the same thing here.
I have no idea why this is such a difficult concept to grasp for many people...
Always inspiring to see disabled people make the best out of their lives despite their handicap, I will gladly watch this and donate. Also, fuck the cynics.
Now thats a tournament I think everyone in this community will support. You've got my eyes and ears for sure! Good luck in your adventure and look forward to seeing you reach your goals.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Seriously, what's wrong with you, guys??? Do you REALLY feel the need to shit on every guy's parade?
Is Matt being deceptive about his goals or where the money will go? NO Is he somehow draining money from more consensual charities? NO Could he stay at home watching Day[9] and GSL all day long feeling sorry for himself? Absolutely!
But he's not. He has decided to take the matter into his own hands (pun intended. Or is it pushing it too far?) and not let his disability get in the way of his dream.
This at least deserves respect, if not sympathy.
And he is actually giving back to the community, so I don't see anything wrong with his initiative. And yes, this can probably inspire other disabled people and make them think "I can do it!" (whatever it is).
I am not going to give because I pity him, even though I am happy I am not in his situation. I am going to support him with money because he is showing immense willpower and determination, and this is something I really admire. I do admire people who will struggle to make the most of their situation and help themselves, instead of wallowing in self pity.
It is everyone's right to not sympathize and all, but arguing that he is actually scamming us is pretty shameful. If you think you are somehow challenged and deserve money to get a "vacation" in Korea, well, go ahead! Set a goal, plan your trip, make us dream with you! But I guess pepole calling him out are just bitter and jealous because they lack the willpower to do it.
I think this thread should be to discuss the tournament, give support, give your ideas, ask questions, etc etc.
If you want to discuss what you think is a charity, or what your personal opinion of where donating money is more important than others. I suggest you open up a thread in General about it.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Seriously, what's wrong with you, guys??? Do you REALLY feel the need to shit on every guy's parade?
Is Matt being deceptive about his goals or where the money will go? NO Is he somehow draining money from more consensual charities? NO Could he stay at home watching Day[9] and GSL all day long feeling sorry for himself? Absolutely!
But he's not. He has decided to take the matter into his own hands (pun intended. Or is it pushing it too far?) and not let his disability get in the way of his dream.
This at least deserves respect, if not sympathy.
And he is actually giving back to the community, so I don't see anything wrong with his initiative. And yes, this can probably inspire other disabled people and make them think "I can do it!" (whatever it is).
I am not going to give because I pity him, even though I am happy I am not in his situation. I am going to support him with money because he is showing immense willpower and determination, and this is something I really admire. I do admire people who will struggle to make the most of their situation and help themselves, instead of wallowing in self pity.
It is everyone's right to not sympathize and all, but arguing that he is actually scamming us is pretty shameful. If you think you are somehow challenged and deserve money to get a "vacation" in Korea, well, go ahead! Set a goal, plan your trip, make us dream with you! But I guess pepole calling him out are just bitter and jealous because they lack the willpower to do it.
Brb, going to donate via paypal.
^ TL;DR: Stop bitching in jealousy you idiots. Just cause this guy has power and will you don't have to try to shit all over him you covetous bastards
On March 20 2012 03:48 Superiorwolf wrote: He's not just fundraising, but he's putting on an awesome tournament for the community, and that is definitely some hard work to get such players to play in it and organize everything. Girl scouts fundraise to increase their funds to do fun activities by selling cookies - they provide a product and take the profits to do something with it, which is essentially the same thing here.
Loved you on the show with Mr. Bitter. I'd definitely like to watch this tournament, you really got some big names coming! There is a slight gap of skill in some of these players, but I like that, it allows for the chance of some really big upsets!
Often times I feel like my life is utter shit, I wallow in self loathing due to my own issues. It's selfish really, I never take the time to consider that there are people who have much larger challenges than I. What do these people like yourself do? They get tough, they realize the world isn't fair and they enjoy it to the best of their abilities. You're a much stronger man than I, LookNoHands. I'll be tuning in, take my money sir.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
lolwut?! If you had any bit of dignity, you would show support for a disabled person.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
lolwut?! If you had any bit of dignity, you would show support for a disabled person.
I get, that he is disabled, but rly does this means that i need to help him and if dont want to do it i dont have dignity? No, it's not.
I would help, but not to disabled person that want to play games, travels around the world and spanding time with pros. If he would need cash to creat somthing like: cup for disabled people; inventing thing that would help people on wheelcharis or without hand to play games, espacially sc2; then yes, it would be AWSOME IDEA. But giving him cash for traveling and having fun just becous he is disabled doesn't sound ok for me. But it's your cash, so it's not my problem. Just don't say, that others, that think this idea isn't right dont have dignity.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
lolwut?! If you had any bit of dignity, you would show support for a disabled person.
I get, that he is disabled, but rly does this means that i need to help him and if dont want to do it i dont have dignity? No, it's not.
I would help, but not to disabled person that want to play games, travels around the world and spanding time with pros. If he would need cash to creat somthing like: cup for disabled people; inventing thing that would help people on wheelcharis or without hand to play games, espacially sc2; then yes, it would be AWSOME IDEA. But giving him cash for traveling and having fun just becous he is disabled doesn't sound ok for me. But it's your cash, so it's not my problem. Just don't say, that others, that think this idea isn't right dont have dignity.
Can't help but feel the exact same way, he's essentially begging for money to stay in Korea because it's super-duper expensive because of his disability but that doesn't mean in any way that we should feel obligated to fund his almost luxurious stay in Korea. I just think it's an incredibly egoistic event with no goal or purpose other than those of his own, I for one won't be spending any time nor money on this event, what everyone else decides to do is up to them of course.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
lolwut?! If you had any bit of dignity, you would show support for a disabled person.
I get, that he is disabled, but rly does this means that i need to help him and if dont want to do it i dont have dignity? No, it's not.
I would help, but not to disabled person that want to play games, travels around the world and spanding time with pros. If he would need cash to creat somthing like: cup for disabled people; inventing thing that would help people on wheelcharis or without hand to play games, espacially sc2; then yes, it would be AWSOME IDEA. But giving him cash for traveling and having fun just becous he is disabled doesn't sound ok for me. But it's your cash, so it's not my problem. Just don't say, that others, that think this idea isn't right dont have dignity.
Can't help but feel the exact same way, he's essentially begging for money to stay in Korea because it's super-duper expensive because of his disability but that doesn't mean in any way that we should feel obligated to fund his almost luxurious stay in Korea. I just think it's an incredibly egoistic event with no goal or purpose other than those of his own, I for one won't be spending any time nor money on this event, what everyone else decides to do is up to them of course.
In what way are you obligated? Its a fundraiser, if you dont like it just dont support it. It is not like people who supported him does not know what the money is going to
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
lolwut?! If you had any bit of dignity, you would show support for a disabled person.
I get, that he is disabled, but rly does this means that i need to help him and if dont want to do it i dont have dignity? No, it's not.
I would help, but not to disabled person that want to play games, travels around the world and spanding time with pros. If he would need cash to creat somthing like: cup for disabled people; inventing thing that would help people on wheelcharis or without hand to play games, espacially sc2; then yes, it would be AWSOME IDEA. But giving him cash for traveling and having fun just becous he is disabled doesn't sound ok for me. But it's your cash, so it's not my problem. Just don't say, that others, that think this idea isn't right dont have dignity.
Can't help but feel the exact same way, he's essentially begging for money to stay in Korea because it's super-duper expensive because of his disability but that doesn't mean in any way that we should feel obligated to fund his almost luxurious stay in Korea. I just think it's an incredibly egoistic event with no goal or purpose other than those of his own, I for one won't be spending any time nor money on this event, what everyone else decides to do is up to them of course.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
lolwut?! If you had any bit of dignity, you would show support for a disabled person.
I get, that he is disabled, but rly does this means that i need to help him and if dont want to do it i dont have dignity? No, it's not.
I would help, but not to disabled person that want to play games, travels around the world and spanding time with pros. If he would need cash to creat somthing like: cup for disabled people; inventing thing that would help people on wheelcharis or without hand to play games, espacially sc2; then yes, it would be AWSOME IDEA. But giving him cash for traveling and having fun just becous he is disabled doesn't sound ok for me. But it's your cash, so it's not my problem. Just don't say, that others, that think this idea isn't right dont have dignity.
Life isn't always about making the most pragmatic decisions. Sometimes, you just gotta do what your heart tells you to do, i.e chipping in for a handicapped person, donating money to the poor, etc.
I'm sorry, but i think that if for anything, we should be donating those kinds of sums for people needing basic help with their disabilities, and not for travel expenses of 1 disabled person. i mean, asking for 40,000$ because you want to travel and play games in korea? :/
And i also don't understand what justifies this thread being spotlighted & sponsored by TL.
Nonetheless, i wish looknohands good luck with his endeavours.
And i also don't understand what justifies this thread being spotlighted & sponsored by TL.
You may have an argument with the spotlighting, but the sponsor thing afaik is him paying for this to TL. TL does nothing other than allow it. (and my guess is they wouldn't if not for the sponsor thing)
On March 20 2012 19:17 cygnus-AT wrote: I'm sorry, but i think that if for anything, we should be donating those kinds of sums for people needing basic help with their disabilities, and not for travel expenses of 1 disabled person. i mean, asking for 40,000$ because you want to travel and play games in korea? :/
And i also don't understand what justifies this thread being spotlighted & sponsored by TL.
Nonetheless, i wish looknohands good luck with his endeavours.
I definitely agree with this, he doesn't seem to be in the need at all, I would much rather donate to help people that are privated of their basic human rights and needs (homeless people, famine in Somalia etc...).
Plus he already traveled so much why would he want to come back to korea for another 5 months instead of helping other disabled people to get the chance to travel too ? That's a pretty selfish goal, it would be different if he wanted to help other disabled with the money he gets, but that's not the case.
That being said I hope he will get the money he wishes but I won't participate.
If I can help the OP by just tuning in, then YES I will do so.
But this begging for money to continue to travel and stay in ( quite expensive ) foreign countries is very weird and I agree with the people criticizing this event and the egocentric behavior. Most of us people here would like to travel and not pay for it, too, but we cannot. Even though I think human beings need to help the ones that are in need, I don't see how the OP is in need of going to Korea again, staying there for several months etc.
I mean I often see handicapped people living on the streets, I cannot and would not give each of them money. So what exactly is the difference? These people often beg for money to buy food. the OP needs money to travel. Something is wrong with this.
I am pretty sure, the OP does not have bad intentions and maybe he wasnt or isnt aware of the issues, but I think his paypal should be excluded from these forums.
Just forget that he's disabled for a second. Watch the games, if you enjoy them and think they are worth the money to watch then pay up what you think it's worth othewise don't.
On March 20 2012 21:20 Lip the Pencilboy wrote: yo boy, hope u still wearing that shirt we gave ya at dreamhack, was a blast meeting you! good luck for the things to come
Hey there Lip! Yup, of course I'm still wearing it. It'll hopefully make a few appearances during the fundraiser too. ^^
On March 20 2012 23:03 fizzink wrote: I see the self-appointed hecklers are busy typing! So much time tearing down - so little building...
Cheers to everyone making dreams happen!
Life isn't fair and there's no reason people should be giving someone money to go have fun in Korea just because he's handicapped. Everyone has dreams which are hindered by something but instead of working hard this guy is using his disability as a crutch to squeeze money out of a people. The only reason people will give money is because it will bring them a false sense of selflessness. I'm too intelligent to be fooled by such. If you're going to be condescending then at least provide more reasons to why people SHOULD give him money.
On March 20 2012 23:03 fizzink wrote: I see the self-appointed hecklers are busy typing! So much time tearing down - so little building...
Cheers to everyone making dreams happen!
why people SHOULD give him money.
uhh because it's the right thing to do? Help support a fellow human being realize his dream? Wouldn't you want somebody helping you realize your dream?!
I watched this guy playing on ESL TV with mr. bitter, and he's incredible. The best part about him is his positive outlook on life, it's super impressive to me, since if i had the same disability I would never be as happy about my life as he is.
The one who is majorly condescending is you, my friend. If you are "too intelligent to be fooled by such", then you should also be intelligent enough to see when to let it go.
People support him, because THEY see a cause in it, they see that it's nice to help him fulfill his dreams and maybe end it on a nicer note then going back after 7 months when he had 12 planned and looked forward to it. We have all seen that you don't agree with this. You have stated your reasons and that should be enough, let it go and don't trash this thread.
I don't think that it's easy for him to ask us to help him, but he provides you with something in return. He doesn't just ask for your money. You get entertainment for it. No different from other events that you find here, which also bring money into different pockets. It is also a form of support for esports.
See great matches -> send some money Want to support the cause -> send some money Just cheap or can't afford -> don't send money Don't like what this stands for -> voice your opinion and then try to be polite and don't ruin the day of ppl who like this idea.
I like this idea and I'm def. supporting it but for you out there that says that its "the right thing to do" to give him money should reconsider. there's tons of other stuff out there that are "better" if you want to do the so called right thing.
But nonetheless, great idea, great event, def gonna give you a few bucks! ))
I support this in no uncertain terms. As a roboticist training specifically in exoskeleton and prothetic programming, I hope that one day something I contribute will give people like you who have lost so much regain some measure of independence. In the mean time hell ya I'll donate.
YES. YES. YES and hundred time yes. What you are doing here is of the utmost important for esports. I can't believe somebody like you actually exists and has been on such a past for the path month with so few coverage.
I really hope be able to raise enough money, and i truly hope to see you one day on stage competing at a very high level. This is what esports needs, far more than money.
On March 20 2012 03:36 Ventor wrote: I don't really agree with this fund raiser. It's great that you're trying to do what makes you happy but I don't see why you're asking people for money to do it. A lot of people are put into situations in their life where money becomes an issue and they can't get what they want at the moment and have to work for it. This just seems counter intuitive to that and you're skipping the 'working hard' bit.
The fact that this is only happening because he is disabled is an INSULT if anything.
"Hey, you're not like us! So you're going to get special treatment!" You're ignoring the fact that is a regular person. If you truly thought of physically disabled people as equals you would have the same attitude as me, but you don't, because you put them in a different category from your own and feel the need to donate and defend them.
Seriously, what's wrong with you, guys??? Do you REALLY feel the need to shit on every guy's parade?
Is Matt being deceptive about his goals or where the money will go? NO Is he somehow draining money from more consensual charities? NO Could he stay at home watching Day[9] and GSL all day long feeling sorry for himself? Absolutely!
But he's not. He has decided to take the matter into his own hands (pun intended. Or is it pushing it too far?) and not let his disability get in the way of his dream.
This at least deserves respect, if not sympathy.
And he is actually giving back to the community, so I don't see anything wrong with his initiative. And yes, this can probably inspire other disabled people and make them think "I can do it!" (whatever it is).
I am not going to give because I pity him, even though I am happy I am not in his situation. I am going to support him with money because he is showing immense willpower and determination, and this is something I really admire. I do admire people who will struggle to make the most of their situation and help themselves, instead of wallowing in self pity.
It is everyone's right to not sympathize and all, but arguing that he is actually scamming us is pretty shameful. If you think you are somehow challenged and deserve money to get a "vacation" in Korea, well, go ahead! Set a goal, plan your trip, make us dream with you! But I guess pepole calling him out are just bitter and jealous because they lack the willpower to do it.
Brb, going to donate via paypal.
^ TL;DR: Stop bitching in jealousy you idiots. Just cause this guy has power and will you don't have to try to shit all over him you covetous bastards
Nobody is shitting over or insulting anyone here apart from you.
Wow i didn't even read all of it...about half way through I was like "how to i help!" I will definately be watching this... and hopefully donateing...good luck man, hope you make your goal: )
Keep it up Matthew! I look up to your positive attitude. You are glowing from energy, which is astonishing considering the circumstances. Thanks for keep showing that despite disabilities you can go for your dreams if you really want to. I hope my donation helps you a little on the way.
- You like StarCraft - You can't afford to go to another country for your hobby - You want people to pay for it - You're disabled ???
Everyone has problems and struggles, just because someone is handicapped doesn't make their problem any more important than the many problems others have. You think everyone can just up and move to Korea for a year? Of course not, people have responsiblities and obligations and can't just up and go travel for a year - not to mention the cost it would take for an average person.
I donate to charities every year, give money to the poor, and do volunteer work because there are people less fortunate than me and are living without the basic things needed to survive. I don't feel comfortable giving someone money just for their hobby - I don't see the point. Me giving you money for you to stay in Korea because you like StarCraft doesn't help anyone, it doesn't even help you beyond the few months of entertainment that you will get. You aren't trying to use the money to help people or give back, you're literally just asking for money because you wanna hang out with progamers in Korea. This seems like a homeless person asking for money outside of a liquir store, I'm obviously not going to give him money to buy beer because that's not helping him. If I'm going to give money to someone it's going to be because they need it or if it will help them, not because they simply want it.
I don't understand the whole "he's not letting his disablity get in the way of his dreams". What does his disablity have to do with it? What's the difference in him or someone else asking a community to fund his trip to Korea? I feel for the guy, like he was dealt a really tough life - I get that and if he were asking for something that would help him in his life I would gladly give it but he's not. He's asking for a paid vacation for his hobby, that doesn't help him past the 4-5 months extra he's going to get to stay in korea. He's already been there longer than most people, I mean most people will never get the chance to go in the first place. This just seems really weird..
On March 21 2012 06:19 shinyA wrote: - You like StarCraft - You can't afford to go to another country for your hobby - You want people to pay for it - You're disabled ???
Everyone has problems and struggles, just because someone is handicapped doesn't make their problem any more important than the many problems others have. You think everyone can just up and move to Korea for a year? Of course not, people have responsiblities and obligations and can't just up and go travel for a year - not to mention the cost it would take for an average person.
I donate to charities every year, give money to the poor, and do volunteer work because there are people less fortunate than me and are living without the basic things needed to survive. I don't feel comfortable giving someone money just for their hobby - I don't see the point. Me giving you money for you to stay in Korea because you like StarCraft doesn't help anyone, it doesn't even help you beyond the few months of entertainment that you will get. You aren't trying to use the money to help people or give back, you're literally just asking for money because you wanna hang out with progamers in Korea. This seems like a homeless person asking for money outside of a liquir store, I'm obviously not going to give him money to buy beer because that's not helping him. If I'm going to give money to someone it's going to be because they need it or if it will help them, not because they simply want it.
I'm sorry but I don't agree with this at all...
If you do not want to donate, don't. If you do, do.
He is providing us with entertainment in order to bring attention to his plight, just like any and every other tournament (except others are focused on the plight of their sponsors and/or themselves). If you do not see it this way, I don't care, but it is the truth. He is not forcing you to do anything, but is providing you with entertainment. If you want to reward him for that, he would appreciate it.
On March 21 2012 06:19 shinyA wrote: - You like StarCraft - You can't afford to go to another country for your hobby - You want people to pay for it - You're disabled ???
Everyone has problems and struggles, just because someone is handicapped doesn't make their problem any more important than the many problems others have. You think everyone can just up and move to Korea for a year? Of course not, people have responsiblities and obligations and can't just up and go travel for a year - not to mention the cost it would take for an average person.
I donate to charities every year, give money to the poor, and do volunteer work because there are people less fortunate than me and are living without the basic things needed to survive. I don't feel comfortable giving someone money just for their hobby - I don't see the point. Me giving you money for you to stay in Korea because you like StarCraft doesn't help anyone, it doesn't even help you beyond the few months of entertainment that you will get. You aren't trying to use the money to help people or give back, you're literally just asking for money because you wanna hang out with progamers in Korea. This seems like a homeless person asking for money outside of a liquir store, I'm obviously not going to give him money to buy beer because that's not helping him. If I'm going to give money to someone it's going to be because they need it or if it will help them, not because they simply want it.
I don't understand the whole "he's not letting his disablity get in the way of his dreams". What does his disablity have to do with it? What's the difference in him or someone else asking a community to fund his trip to Korea? I feel for the guy, like he was dealt a really tough life - I get that and if he were asking for something that would help him in his life I would gladly give it but he's not. He's asking for a paid vacation for his hobby, that doesn't help him past the 4-5 months extra he's going to get to stay in korea. He's already been there longer than most people, I mean most people will never get the chance to go in the first place. This just seems really weird..
I'm sorry but I don't agree with this at all...
I seem to remember someone without a disability having a trip to a foreign country funded by fans who wanted to see the entertainment he provided. Remember MKP at MLG. Yeah people paid for him to go to another country so that he could provide content that would be entertaining for them. This guy isn't out there boozing it up and doing nothing but have a good time on other peoples dime. He is providing content for people like you and others to enjoy. If you don't want to compensate him for that then don't but don't make it sound like asking for help is in any way begging or leeching off of others. He is using the opportunity in a very unselfish way in order to entertain people who want to watch and to inspire folks with or without disabilities.
Remember nobody ever got anywhere without the help of other people.
On March 21 2012 06:19 shinyA wrote: - You like StarCraft - You can't afford to go to another country for your hobby - You want people to pay for it - You're disabled ???
Everyone has problems and struggles, just because someone is handicapped doesn't make their problem any more important than the many problems others have. You think everyone can just up and move to Korea for a year? Of course not, people have responsiblities and obligations and can't just up and go travel for a year - not to mention the cost it would take for an average person.
I donate to charities every year, give money to the poor, and do volunteer work because there are people less fortunate than me and are living without the basic things needed to survive. I don't feel comfortable giving someone money just for their hobby - I don't see the point. Me giving you money for you to stay in Korea because you like StarCraft doesn't help anyone, it doesn't even help you beyond the few months of entertainment that you will get. You aren't trying to use the money to help people or give back, you're literally just asking for money because you wanna hang out with progamers in Korea. This seems like a homeless person asking for money outside of a liquir store, I'm obviously not going to give him money to buy beer because that's not helping him. If I'm going to give money to someone it's going to be because they need it or if it will help them, not because they simply want it.
I don't understand the whole "he's not letting his disablity get in the way of his dreams". What does his disablity have to do with it? What's the difference in him or someone else asking a community to fund his trip to Korea? I feel for the guy, like he was dealt a really tough life - I get that and if he were asking for something that would help him in his life I would gladly give it but he's not. He's asking for a paid vacation for his hobby, that doesn't help him past the 4-5 months extra he's going to get to stay in korea. He's already been there longer than most people, I mean most people will never get the chance to go in the first place. This just seems really weird..
I'm sorry but I don't agree with this at all...
I seem to remember someone without a disability having a trip to a foreign country funded by fans who wanted to see the entertainment he provided. Remember MKP at MLG. Yeah people paid for him to go to another country so that he could provide content that would be entertaining for them. This guy isn't out there boozing it up and doing nothing but have a good time on other peoples dime. He is providing content for people like you and others to enjoy. If you don't want to compensate him for that then don't but don't make it sound like asking for help is in any way begging or leeching off of others. He is using the opportunity in a very unselfish way in order to entertain people who want to watch and to inspire folks with or without disabilities.
Remember nobody ever got anywhere without the help of other people.
Another example would be the polish community raising 18k to pay for Yayba's/Draco's wvg in 2009.
On March 21 2012 06:19 shinyA wrote: [...]I don't feel comfortable giving someone money just for their hobby[...]
Me giving you money for you to stay in Korea[...]
[...]asking a community to fund his trip to Korea?[...]
[...]He's asking for a paid vacation[...]
Any/all of his travels have already been paid for. He can travel as much as he wants to for this project. His Watson funding covers any legitimate travel expenses.
I'm not sure how many times that has to be stated before people acknowledge it.
He only needs to raise money for his Personal Care Attendants.
Not that this will probably affect peoples' opinions too much. I feel it is an important distinction though.
No, I probably wouldn't buy a complete stranger a plane ticket to Korea. But this man has been granted a once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity, but due to his disability, his travel must be contingent upon funding a PCA as well.
It's a horse of a different color. Apples and oranges. High templar and dark templar. Whathaveyou.
On March 21 2012 06:19 shinyA wrote: Me giving you money for you to stay in Korea because you like StarCraft doesn't help anyone, it doesn't even help you beyond the few months of entertainment that you will get. You aren't trying to use the money to help people or give back, you're literally just asking for money because you wanna hang out with progamers in Korea. [...] He's asking for a paid vacation for his hobby, that doesn't help him past the 4-5 months extra he's going to get to stay in korea. He's already been there longer than most people, I mean most people will never get the chance to go in the first place. This just seems really weird..
OP wrote: I have learned that there are other disabled gamers out there. The community at large just hasn't managed to tap into them yet. By networking with some of these people I am laying the groundwork for future efforts to bring these two incredible communities (the disabled gaming community an d the mainstream Starcraft community) closer together. I am meeting these people face to face in order to learn more about what its like for someone with a disability to be a gamer in all of the different cultures I've visited, how gaming and technology has changed their lives, and the unique challenges that people with disabilities all over the world face. I have searched three different continents, countless LAN centers and E-sports events, and even schools to find these people and hear their stories. I have even started my own Starcraft 2 team called TiltGaming which is dedicated to advancing the cause of people with disabilities in the E-sports industry.
About 30 minutes until the showmatch between Matt (LookNoHands) and vVvSpectral. I'm going to be casting it with 'Ultravisitor'. Check it out and hope you enjoy.
On March 21 2012 06:19 shinyA wrote: - You like StarCraft - You can't afford to go to another country for your hobby - You want people to pay for it - You're disabled ???
Everyone has problems and struggles, just because someone is handicapped doesn't make their problem any more important than the many problems others have. You think everyone can just up and move to Korea for a year? Of course not, people have responsiblities and obligations and can't just up and go travel for a year - not to mention the cost it would take for an average person.
I donate to charities every year, give money to the poor, and do volunteer work because there are people less fortunate than me and are living without the basic things needed to survive. I don't feel comfortable giving someone money just for their hobby - I don't see the point. Me giving you money for you to stay in Korea because you like StarCraft doesn't help anyone, it doesn't even help you beyond the few months of entertainment that you will get. You aren't trying to use the money to help people or give back, you're literally just asking for money because you wanna hang out with progamers in Korea. This seems like a homeless person asking for money outside of a liquir store, I'm obviously not going to give him money to buy beer because that's not helping him. If I'm going to give money to someone it's going to be because they need it or if it will help them, not because they simply want it.
I don't understand the whole "he's not letting his disablity get in the way of his dreams". What does his disablity have to do with it? What's the difference in him or someone else asking a community to fund his trip to Korea? I feel for the guy, like he was dealt a really tough life - I get that and if he were asking for something that would help him in his life I would gladly give it but he's not. He's asking for a paid vacation for his hobby, that doesn't help him past the 4-5 months extra he's going to get to stay in korea. He's already been there longer than most people, I mean most people will never get the chance to go in the first place. This just seems really weird..
I'm sorry but I don't agree with this at all...
I seem to remember someone without a disability having a trip to a foreign country funded by fans who wanted to see the entertainment he provided. Remember MKP at MLG. Yeah people paid for him to go to another country so that he could provide content that would be entertaining for them. This guy isn't out there boozing it up and doing nothing but have a good time on other peoples dime. He is providing content for people like you and others to enjoy. If you don't want to compensate him for that then don't but don't make it sound like asking for help is in any way begging or leeching off of others. He is using the opportunity in a very unselfish way in order to entertain people who want to watch and to inspire folks with or without disabilities.
Remember nobody ever got anywhere without the help of other people.
Another example would be the polish community raising 18k to pay for Yayba's/Draco's wvg in 2009.
Yes, because helping a player who couldn't otherwise attend a tournament and help his career + benefit your country in representing itself at a national setting is completely comparable to sending a fan who has already been in Korea for some time more money so he can continue to stay there.
Why don't you try to raise some funds through Kickstarter as well? Set up a stream or blog or somethign that pple who pay can view or get behind the scenes videos or info if they've donated. Just an idea fyi...
I had the opportunity to meet you and a few friends of yours at Dreamhack when you arrived, you sat around in our stand playing SC2 for a while and then I saw you all over the place.
You're such a nice guy, and I really hope that you make it. I'll definitely make sure to chip in and keep my fingers crossed for you. Best of luck!
This is really, really, really lacking a bracket and a schedule so people know when to watch. Yesterday there was a interview with Mr.Bitter about LookNoHands with a mere 170 people watching because nobody knows when the games start, when there is a interview, etc. Please add one!
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
It hasn't been much of a vacation. Its been a lot of fun and very enjoyable but it has also been an immense amount of work. It'd be nice to have a vacation once my project is finished though. Maybe we could have a different fundraiser for that?
Sorry but this just doesnt sound right at all.... First you want a fundraiser to cover your expensives and stay in korea, and after that you want to maybe have another fundraiser for a different vacation? when you allready have one right now?
Sorry for being so straight forward... but that just doesnt sound right to me
On March 12 2012 05:08 IronMonocle wrote: I don't mean to be offensive, but I am not convinced that i should donate money to help you prolong your vacation. I too would like to go to korea and i too have a disability however i do not use it for personal gain. I apologize for my bluntness but this is how it is.
It hasn't been much of a vacation. Its been a lot of fun and very enjoyable but it has also been an immense amount of work. It'd be nice to have a vacation once my project is finished though. Maybe we could have a different fundraiser for that?
Sorry but this just doesnt sound right at all.... First you want a fundraiser to cover your expensives and stay in korea, and after that you want to maybe have another fundraiser for a different vacation? when you allready have one right now?
Sorry for being so straight forward... but that just doesnt sound right to me
Thank goodness you have so much time to police quadriplegics trying to find a way to cope with their unique overhead during their hard-earned fellowship. Matt chose, out of any possibility, to use his fellowship to dive deep into the StarCraft community because of any community he has encountered in his life, this community is unique in its willingness and capacity to connect individuals from all walks of life, from all over the world without a thought to differences. It was the openness of this community that inspired Matthew to try to understand how e-sports could enrich the lives of other people with disabilities.
Life is so much more incredible when you look for the good in people. - Matt taught me that!
can't really comment on the sound as I'm at my school library and forgot my headphones but...
are you working on a schedule or anything?? when are the games? I thought this was going to be 24/7 starcraft but all I see is some older women working and it's kinda choppy.
it doesn't bother me that you're doing this nor that people are choosing to help you out.
however in the case of personal fundraisers, sensible ways to separate causes of selfish reasoning and reasons of genuine need or utilitaristic benefit are few and far between, especially on an online forum. it does not even bother me that team liquid has officially chosen to support your cause, that isn't even close to my call or business, but it is somewhat bothering to consider what could be a sensible way to draw the line on what's kosher and not in terms of advertising a purely personal fundraiser. on a website (something awful) which has probably donated more money on grounds of internet altruism to various causes than the next couple online communities on the list combined, the line is drawn to pretty much "none, anywhere" zero tolerance sans specific moderator approval/initiative for it.
-- vv below: quickly opened up a tab of fifteen random posts of yours. five no-text image macros, seven one sentence posts, three posts with about as much text as right here on these two lines.
On March 22 2012 05:17 ikh wrote: it doesn't bother me that you're doing this nor that people are choosing to help you out.
however in the case of personal fundraisers, sensible ways to separate causes of selfish reasoning and reasons of genuine need or utilitaristic benefit are few and far between, especially on an online forum. it does not even bother me that team liquid has officially chosen to support your cause, that isn't even close to my call or business, but it is somewhat bothering to consider what could be a sensible way to draw the line on what's kosher and not in terms of advertising a purely personal fundraiser. on a website (something awful) which has probably donated more money on grounds of internet altruism to various causes than the next couple online communities on the list combined, the line is drawn to pretty much "none, anywhere" zero tolerance sans specific moderator approval/initiative for it.
On March 22 2012 05:17 ikh wrote: it doesn't bother me that you're doing this nor that people are choosing to help you out.
however in the case of personal fundraisers, sensible ways to separate causes of selfish reasoning and reasons of genuine need or utilitaristic benefit are few and far between, especially on an online forum. it does not even bother me that team liquid has officially chosen to support your cause, that isn't even close to my call or business, but it is somewhat bothering to consider what could be a sensible way to draw the line on what's kosher and not in terms of advertising a purely personal fundraiser. on a website (something awful) which has probably donated more money on grounds of internet altruism to various causes than the next couple online communities on the list combined, the line is drawn to pretty much "none, anywhere" zero tolerance sans specific moderator approval/initiative for it.
EDIT for content with substance: I fully support Matt's dreams and endeavors to make this all happen for himself. But I can't support such an endeavor financially. I wish I was that wealthy where I could just throw money at any deserving person for their happiness, but I have to limit myself to only contributing to causes that are in desperate need of my money, not using it for (mostly) personal pleasure. I don't buy the whole "I'm supporting his 'work' for the community as a showman". argument. He's living the esports dream, my scarce charity dollars have to go to something more valuable than that. But by all means if you have the extra income to be able to help him go for it. Good luck Matt in your travels.
On March 23 2012 00:42 pwnopotamus wrote: Link to brackets?
http://challonge.com/looknohands Not fully updated but afaik Kas, Slavik, Inori & Revival made it into the semi-finals which will start in about 1 hour from now, followed by 3rd place match and final.
On March 23 2012 04:10 SchOOl_VicTIm wrote: The paypal donation route is NOT advertised enough =/
I postponed sending the donation yesterday and almost gave up today, then thought about checking the thread again.
On March 20 2012 05:35 looknohands119 wrote: To donate visit the official LookNoHands Fundraiser donations page at: http://www.anniefink.com/collections/matthew-look-no-hands-fink and choose your level of donation. Or, you can send donations through paypal to finkm@carleton.edu. Donate $5, $10, $50, or more. Even small donations are a big help!
On March 20 2012 05:35 looknohands119 wrote: To donate visit the official LookNoHands Fundraiser donations page at: http://www.anniefink.com/collections/matthew-look-no-hands-fink and choose your level of donation. Or, you can send donations through paypal to finkm@carleton.edu. Donate $5, $10, $50, or more. Even small donations are a big help!
Is this what you are looking for(Its in the OP)
I have already found out, I'm just saying it's not advertised as it should. There's a clicky link for the other site which requires you to put all sorts of personal info and credit card number, and the stream's tinyurl also leads to that one.
Bold it out, add a "paypal" image or something. It's the most important info and it's buried in an otherwise great looking thread
p.s. fuck the extra 0,55 euros paypal makes me pay, wtf is that? never remember getting it before...
they should really give an update on how it went... we all know it wasnt that good organized... and there were better streams and events going at the same time... but they cant just go away, without giving an update on how it went.... people actually donated money. and are curious to know...
On March 26 2012 19:46 looknohands119 wrote: Hey guys! Thank you so much to everyone who helped, watched, and donated. You guys can expect an update on how well it went in the next day or two.
I'm fairly certain Matt is pretty busy with organizing and traveling but dont worry, once it has settled down again there will be updates from him i'm sure!
I hope I'm wrong but it seems like 2 weeks without updates would be perceived as shady in every other circumstance. I already voiced my concerns and criticisms for this whole thing prior to the fundraising itself, I would hate to hear that he spent the money on an IPL weekend instead of extended living in Korea like he advertised.
There's no proof of any kind yet, but color me concerned.
Yes he's back in the US but please do not just assume stuff like that guys, that's really not needed. I've missed Matt on skype just now, but i'm sure he will inform you guys as soon as possible. Just have a little bit more patience please!
wow , a little bit more patience. Hearing from the man himself, that he would post results in the next few days. and that was 26 march... still no update on whatever is happening.
this whole fundraiser thing is just looking like a scam in my opinion... give us an update on what happend and dont make empty promises...
EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/lrScH.png)
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But, the player whose face was blurred is (probably) not a player that has been announced yet. :D
will be interesting to watch!
