[railGUN]

Hey Seth. This is only my suggestion, but given that this adventure is becoming a financial burden... might it be better to take the rest of the donations and put them toward a charity or several charities? Would be easier on you guys in the long run.

I don't know if that would be a good idea, considering the money was collected for the explicit purpose of giving it away as $500 tips to waiters / waitresses. I would think doing anything else with the money (no matter how well intentioned) could be viewed as fraud.

I'd also think that not filming events could cause some suspicions as well, but I don't know if legally there would be any issues or repercussions.

[Seth C]

I don't know if that would be a good idea, considering the money was collected for the explicit purpose of giving it away as $500 tips to waiters / waitresses. I would think doing anything else with the money (no matter how well intentioned) could be viewed as fraud. I'd also think that not filming events could cause some suspicions as well, but I don't know if legally there would be any issues or repercussions.

It's not a financial burden for me. I can afford a dinner a week, whatever. For my sister's family? Perhaps more so. they have one salary and four mouths to feed. they wouldn't eat out much normally. We will work it out, and it will be fine. I'd have loved to pay for their meals with ad revenue, obviously. That would have been a great thing. Obviously I want as much of the family there with us as much as possible. If it becomes a true burden then we can go to dinner and give every waiter there $500. That should fulfill any requirement or obligation.

[Seda]

As long as you don't spend any gained money (donated or ad revenue) on anything but donations/tips I think this is a perfectly fine thing to continue doing as long as you want.

[NervousXtian]

I could care less how Seth spends the ad revenue... he's honoring his brother, his family, healing his soul, and inspiring others.

Hopefully Google relents and releases the money due, and you can afford to pay for the meals for your family and get the camera to help you do this.

You're doing great work Seth, and you have all my support.

[FyreWulff]

Yeah, when you start feeling snubbed because Google has a problem with you profiteering off your brother's death, it's not really about him anymore. I can't believe how openly admit that you were looking to buy new camera equipment with money earned from site hits. I'm with the "bitter" first cousin here. This is officially a farce.

Or maybe Google is just a bit known, just like Paypal, for suddenly deciding to not pay out money that they owe people due to their maze of a TOS agreement.

People want to see the videos, they donate towards the tips, cameras will be needed for the filming. There's no farce and there's no fraud. Nobody is running off to Cancun and partying or doing ANYTHING out of line with expectations.

[jb1234]

I love how virtually every waitress so far has said "are you serious?" at one point or another. Under different circumstances, you could make a drinking game. ;)

[Seth C]

Or maybe Google is just a bit known, just like Paypal, for suddenly deciding to not pay out money that they owe people due to their maze of a TOS agreement. People want to see the videos, they donate towards the tips, cameras will be needed for the filming. There's no farce and there's no fraud. Nobody is running off to Cancun and partying or doing ANYTHING out of line with expectations.

In any case, I heard back from Google. Appeal denied, all ad revenue revoked (even the ad revenue from previous videos from many months ago that was waiting to be paid out), no further appeal allowed, any further communication will be ignored, permanently disallowed from creating or using an AdSense account. They can give no specific reason.

Oh well. :) I'll just continue shooting with the camera body I have. I can afford a lens out of pocket to make things look better in dark restaurants, so I'll pick that up.

[argon]

Hmm, will take that into consideration. I included it because there was a loooot of footage of waiting and for me, it's the most intense part of all of it. It's a struggle.

Seth,
Great work... I think you're doing a good thing, and it's always uplifting to see the videos. I haven't read the entire thread so this may have already been mentioned, but I have a few suggestions:

- Choosing an outdoor patio location would be much better for imagery.

- It would be polite to ask the servers for permission putting their reactions on YouTube, especially since the story has gone to the national news outlets. Maybe give them the option to show a group photograph instead. Remember that the important thing is the act, not the reaction.

- It would be nice to invite your mom or other relatives give out some of the tips.

- Do you only choose female servers, or is it just random? Male servers are just as deserving of a mega-tip, and it would be nice to see their reaction. The same is true for elderly servers, but you may have to go to some restaurants for an older crowd in that case (e.g. IHOP).

- Have you had any discussions with publishers? This would make a great book once you finish all the tips. You could compile all the stories together with photographs and even invite the servers to write stories or include photographs about how the tip affected them. Proceeds could go to a charity in your brother's name (minus costs of course.)

[Naked Snake]

- Do you only choose female servers, or is it just random? Male servers are just as deserving of a mega-tip, and it would be nice to see their reaction.

I'll answer this for Seth since he answered it recently: it's random. I've never heard of a restaurant where you can "pick" a waiter/waitress to serve you.

[The Faceless Master]

In any case, I heard back from Google. Appeal denied, all ad revenue revoked (even the ad revenue from previous videos from many months ago that was waiting to be paid out), no further appeal allowed, any further communication will be ignored, permanently disallowed from creating or using an AdSense account. They can give no specific reason. Oh well. :) I'll just continue shooting with the camera body I have. I can afford a lens out of pocket to make things look better in dark restaurants, so I'll pick that up.

ouch... i'd fire off an email to the consumerist explaining the situation.

[jb1234]

ouch... i'd fire off an email to the consumerist explaining the situation.

Yup. That's absolute bullshit.

[DocX]

Even if Seth continued to receive the money from Google Ads, it would by no means make him rich. It's not like the site or the YouTube videos are pulling in as many unique visitors as CNN or Yahoo. Any ad revenue would pale in comparison to the total amount that's been donated to the cause. And THAT is what's supposed to go to the waiters and waitresses. He's not even using any funds coming directly from the donated money, such as interest, to pay for things like hosting the site. That's all being paid for by supplementary funds--which just happens to be his own pocket since the Google Ads are no more.

I don't think ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition puts all the money made from commercials directly back into building someone else a house, paying for all the production costs out of pocket. I wouldn't doubt that ABC makes a fairly handsome profit off having the show on the air. And, in this case and relatively speaking, any ad revenue that *would* have been gained is nowhere near that.

And, above all, the family expected nothing of this magnitude to happen. There are many out there who would have taken a turn for the selfish when the money started coming in as it has in this case, justifying all kinds of purchases with the money. "Well, I *do* have to drive to the restaurants. I think it'd be okay to buy a car with it." "I *do* have to wear clothes when I'm eating. It'd be okay to buy a new wardrobe."

I mean, come on, most charities out there take out 5 - 10%--AT BEST--of EVERY donation for administrative costs. Seth and his family aren't doing that. Those "administrative costs" have always been out of pocket, yet some people are complaining that AD REVENUE shouldn't be used for anything but tips? If the family wanted to use it that way, fine. But I don't believe honoring Aaron's wish includes giving money from an indirect source that has no heart and soul. The point of this is for people to give money from the heart to brighten a heart.

[CrankyJay]

I'll answer this for Seth since he answered it recently: it's random. I've never heard of a restaurant where you can "pick" a waiter/waitress to serve you.

At nicer restaurants you can request a certain waiter. A good waiter will remember regulars likes and dislikes and be able to recommend dishes. They are few and far between but when you get one you like and don't get them the next time you go back it dampens the experience.

[Seth C]

The newest video, and the first with a waiter rather than a waitress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLxvwdM2_84

[Khold]

Guy seems super nice. I hope it helps him out :)

[Seda]

Short but still neat

[riskVSreward]

Amazing stuff, as a person who works for tips I can't help but relate to all the happiness you and your family are spreading. Great job on keeping your brother's spirit alive, you guys are truly amazing.

[Volimar]

These videos remind me of last Christmas time. Someone went around to the local Kmart and other stores that offered layaway and paid off the layaway accounts that were past due and in danger of being canceled. Over $10,000 in all. I can't imagine how many Christmases that person saved. I'd like to think they called the people in under a pretense so that they didn't know till they got there that their layaway had been paid off. I'd have loved to see video of that.

[Prez]

Haven't been following this thead very closely, but how many waiters/waitresses have been given a $500 tip so far?

And why not just pay dinner with the donated money? I don't think anyone would mind. It's unfair to be forced to spend a lot of money on eating out anyway. If anything, you and your family deserve it. You lost a close family member ffs.

[The Faceless Master]

Haven't been following this thead very closely, but how many waiters/waitresses have been given a $500 tip so far? And why not just pay dinner with the donated money? I don't think anyone would mind. It's unfair to be forced to spend a lot of money on eating out anyway. If anything, you and your family deserve it. You lost a close family member ffs.

more than 6

and some people have principles!

[Clydefrog]

The newest video, and the first with a waiter rather than a waitress. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLxvwdM2_84

Ah cool, interesting to see the different reaction.

[Seth C]

Haven't been following this thead very closely, but how many waiters/waitresses have been given a $500 tip so far? And why not just pay dinner with the donated money? I don't think anyone would mind. It's unfair to be forced to spend a lot of money on eating out anyway. If anything, you and your family deserve it. You lost a close family member ffs.

I appreciate the sentiment and I am sure most people wouldn't mind, however when I put the statement up (not expecting we would get more than enough to do this 2 or 3 times...) I said that all donations would go to the waiters or waitresses. So, that's what will happen. If money truly becomes a problem I will just go for coffee or something. It will be slower, but it's fine

I am considering starting a separate Indiegogo campaign which will be open for use for business expenses like travel, food, web hosting, and a new camera. I still wouldn't take a salary and all excess proceeds would just go back toward tips. But the higher level perks would allow people to get to come with us to give the donations, which I think would be amazing.

[dude]

I like it better with waitresses. He's playing it too macho! I want some tears!

Still Awesome though :)

[The Faceless Master]

I like it better with waitresses. He's playing it too macho! I want some tears! Still Awesome though :)

it looked like he wanted to cry at one point, but pulled it together and held it it. that's that whole "men don't cry" philosophy in action.

[Acidote]

Hey Seth, your story just hit the Spanish media.

[hwalker84]

Whats awesome about these videos are the money always seems to go to someone who really needed it. The last guy just had a kid he damn sure needs all the money he can get.

[CrankyJay]

The newest video, and the first with a waiter rather than a waitress. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLxvwdM2_84

Who in the hell disliked this video?

[Jackben]

Who in the hell disliked this video?

The waiter that traded shifts that night.

[RangersFan]

The newest video, and the first with a waiter rather than a waitress. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLxvwdM2_84

love this one seth. can see the guy was genuinely touched, especially being a new father you could tell he was so grateful offering to pay for your meals. hope you continue to get some more waiters mixed in with the waitresses.

also if you ever do the entire wait staff thing, please choose a kick ass restaurant, where the service has always been great. or maybe go back to the first restaurant you did it at, or go to your regular spot where you a familiar with some of the staff.

[CrankyJay]

Just noticed the Dig Dug shirt. Awesome!

[Letters]

Nice, he gave you that "bro, pretend we're hugging hard right now" stare.

The waiter that traded shifts that night.

lmao

[ErasureAcer]

Saw the latest video and the guy from Garland, TX.

In the latest one...love how the waiter was about to brush you off as he was pointing to another table and about to say something like "I gotta go fill these people's water, can't talk" when you flashed the money...he then wasn't in a rush. haha.

I wonder when the Feds are gonna knock on your door and tell you to stop writing on bills.

The copycat in Texas copied your style pretty well, minus the hat.

[sharath_kumar]

this story is very inspirational. the joy you get personally from making others happy is definitely up there with the best.

do you go to expensive restaurants? waiters there would probably have less need of your money than waiters from other restaurants.

[Seth C]

this story is very inspirational. the joy you get personally from making others happy is definitely up there with the best. do you go to expensive restaurants? waiters there would probably have less need of your money than waiters from other restaurants.

We don't. So far the most expensive meal has been about $70, and that was for 11 people.

[Pandemic]

Oh wow, I've been watching your videos since you released your first one, and is really inspirational and great to see.

Little did I know you were a GAFfer... Wishing you and your family the best of luck with the future dude, and may your brother RIP.

Keep the videos coming, they cease to put a smile on my face mate.

[SquiddyCracker]

Setch, can you say "Pizza time!" on camera just before you hand over the tip to the next waitperson?

[Pandemic]

Just read through the whole thread, and was a great and interesting read. Sad at first, but inspirational near the end.

Sorry to be bringing up this question, but are their still questions as to how your brother died?

[Subitai]

We don't. So far the most expensive meal has been about $70, and that was for 11 people.

Even better to know, thx!

[Seth C]

Just so you all know, I will be on The Today Show tomorrow morning, with my mom and sister. We are scheduled to go on around 8:20am (or 20 minutes in to the second hour of the show, if it airs delayed wherever you are) if you want to watch.

[ErasureAcer]

Just so you all know, I will be on The Today Show tomorrow morning, with my mom and sister. We are scheduled to go on around 8:20am (or 20 minutes in to the second hour of the show, if it airs delayed wherever you are) if you want to watch.

Eastern time...so that's 7:20 central? I should be up then as I'm about to crash as I've been up since 3pm yesterday.

[Seth C]

Eastern time...so that's 7:20 central? I should be up then as I'm about to crash as I've been up since 3pm yesterday.

I would assume that's how it works for central time. Pacific it probably airs delayed so it would be 8:20. Either way, if you find out when The Today Show starts in your area, we will be in the second hour.

[Eric Walton]

hey seth,

I'm obviously a huge recipient of NeoGAF's charity, but I've checked with everyone that has donated, and they would rather not be paid back. I would like to make a donation to your charity (when I can, and it will be not be a lot), so if you could PM me in the info, that'd be great. The most I can offer (given my financial situation) would be ten dollars, but considering the forum gave me much more than that, I'd love to.

best,

scott

[ErasureAcer]

I would assume that's how it works for central time. Pacific it probably airs delayed so it would be 8:20. Either way, if you find out when The Today Show starts in your area, we will be in the second hour.

Well it starts at 7am here so I guess you're on at 8:20 then.

[IAmtheFMan]

Seth, I know you were up here a while back but if you make it up to Chicago again hit up Chicago-GAF; we'll do a meet up and if you want, we can do a dinner up here too.

[Seth C]

Seth, I know you were up here a while back but if you make it up to Chicago again hit up Chicago-GAF; we'll do a meet up and if you want, we can do a dinner up here too.

I used to make it up to Chicago fairly frequently but the friend I stayed with has moved to Louisville. Not sure how often I'll be able to visit Chicago now, sadly.

[Doncortez]

Just so you all know, I will be on The Today Show tomorrow morning, with my mom and sister. We are scheduled to go on around 8:20am (or 20 minutes in to the second hour of the show, if it airs delayed wherever you are) if you want to watch.

I just caught the story on the Today show and I said to myself "this story sounds a lot like the thread I saw on Neogaf"...the story is very Inspirational and it made my morning..

Keep up the Good Work!!

[CrankyJay]

LOL, I watch the Today Show every morning...this is going to be surreal. Any idea who is interviewing you?

Going to NYC or will it be via satellite?

[Seth C]

LOL, I watch the Today Show every morning...this is going to be surreal. Any idea who is interviewing you? Going to NYC or will it be via satellite?

We are in New York. Savannah interviewed us. It was a great experience.

[ErasureAcer]

On in a few minutes Central time. Just saw Seth in promo. =)

[ErasureAcer]

Yay!!!