thetopher
8 hours ago
This looks like a scam. They’re asking for $5k - 20k individual donations for a statue that (according to the supposed sculptor’s website) will only cost $6,000.
https://www.monumentallabs.co/commissions
Why are they asking for so much money?
Also, the website claims that donations are tax-deductible, but there’s no mention of a registered non-profit organization.
No transparency. So many questions.
pablopeniche
3 hours ago
Hey thetopher, I'm the guy building the statue. My name is Pablo Peniche (@pablopeniche on twitter). I'm happy to put my name on it and answer questions.
The cost of the bigger-than-life-size statue (about 1.3x) is ~$25,000 (I'm happy to show you the receipts) Shipping is ~$6,000 (it's "art" shipment so it's more expensive). + Installation at the park + Permits from city gov + Costs of the unveiling event
A 501c3 (not my own, but a tech-culture magazine "The Mars Review of Books") is sponsoring the project, so yea all donations are tax deductible.
I've personally paid ~$10,000 (again, I'm happy to show receipts) to get the design of the statue + website - and I made it all open-source so anyone can 3D print their own statue, for free.
Let me know if you have more questions.
ebcode
2 hours ago
Hi Pablo, I agree w/ thetopher that this needs more transparency. If you're happy to show your receipts to date, you should do so on the website. Also, offer a way to contact you (email, phone, something) that isn't twitter.