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Hey Chuck,
I just read the updated post too. We might not have solved the problem of junk mail single-handedly, but at least we made a pretty awesome statement.
Thanks for your support.
Joe
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Check is on the way! announced 7 months ago
- OBJECTIVE
- To pay Mailman Steve's fine
- TERMS
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If we reach at least $3,158, then We will give money to: Steven Padgett
- put this campaign on your site
- THE PITCH
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If you haven’t heard the story of Mailman Steve, here is the abbreviated version.
Steve was a good mailman, well-liked by the people on his route. As he aged, his health worsened while his route grew longer, and soon it became impossible for him to deliver all his mail. So he came up with a solution… a brilliant solution. He decided to stop delivering junk mail. Instead, he simply burned or buried it. People continued to receive their real mail, and everyone was happy.
Unfortunately, this is technically illegal, so Mailman Steve was fired, sentenced to 500 hours of community service, and fined $3,000.
We need to stand by Steve and show that his heroic act was not in vain. If we all chip in a bit, we can cover his fine.
Every dollar helps – show your support for squashing junk mail!
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Recent Discussion
Hey everyone,
A few updates. First is that Mailman Steve contacted me and wrote a very nice note. Here is what he said:
“I would like to thank you and all those who joined in to help me. Having the money to pay the fine helps my family greatly. I’m still in shock about the interest my story has created. Joe thank you for getting the ball rolling and maybe one day I will be able to return the favor. I am a firm believer in PAY IT FORWARD.”
Secondly, the check is on it’s way! Here is a picture of it right before it went out.
Again, good work everyone!
Post Reply
We blogged about Steve over at our blog last week.
Glad to see that the community has pulled together for him.
Last 2 replies
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Chuck Teller replied on Nov 26, 2008Joe:
Solving the problem of unsolicited mail is a two way street – consumers need to set their preferences and companies need to honor them.
Mailman Steve made a huge statement as the “delivery guy”, but unfortunately he was not following the rules. He is good to see that the community has stepped up for Steve so he does not have to bear the burden of the fine.
Our service is funded by Foundations who have given us a mandate to connect companies and consumers to stop unwanted mail. It is a huge problem that will take time to fix. We believe that our approach is sound and we know progress is being made.
It is a tipping point topic. With 1 million consumers and 350 companies, we are on our way. Thanks
Post Reply
This is amazing. This campaign tipped in no time. A special thanks goes out to MailChimp for making this happen.
I am going to close this campaign and mail the check to Steve Padgett (at his attorney’s office) on Monday. Currently, after transaction fees, the check will be for exactly $3000—the same amount Mailman Steve was fined. If anyone would like to add to this between now and Monday, he’ll get a little bonus amount to show our extra support. Get the word out, let the world know that justice was served today.
Today was a big day for the people against junkmail!
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