Free 'An Inconvenient Truth' DVD
04-13-07 | 12:37 PM
#127
DVD Talk Legend
I just received the following email:
Hello Brent,
I received your DVD request on Jan. 10th, and wanted to thank you for visiting ShareTheTruth, as well as expressing interest in the film!
Demand has been overwhelming: to date, we've received over 57,000 orders for free DVDs. I have been scrambling to keep up, and certainly did not intend for there to be such a delay in response.
There's no such thing as bad publicity, but one drawback, of being widely linked to, is that visitors frequently miss the chance to understand what the ShareTheTruth effort is all about!
Foremost, ShareTheTruth is about introducing An Inconvenient Truth to people who might not otherwise find out how--and, just how much--all this human activity is affecting our planet. Now that the movie has won two Academy Awards (Best Documentary, Best Song), it's clear that public consciousness of climate change, and its myriad side effects, is increasing.
But consider that 13% of Americans have never heard of "global warming" (1), and far more don't think we're in a position to do anything useful about it. This in a world where, actively suppressing scientific data no longer, both ExxonMobil and President Bush have turned 180 degrees, to publicly acknowledge the immense gravity of the climate crisis! (2)
As chronicled on the blog (3) when the sudden surge in site traffic began, the ShareTheTruth effort has from the outset managed itself quite nicely. Donations received from generous folks inspired by the movie had been enough to cover the cost of sending others to the theaters.
Once, however, the "free AIT DVD" offer began springing up on sites such as fatwallet.com, slickdeals.net, weeklyfreebie.com, and the like, a severe imbalance between requests and donations emerged.
This issue is fundamentally not a money problem--it is, in my view, an awareness problem.
Most visitors from deals sites are, due to the context of their particular online journeys at the given time, looking for free stuff. Here is a very small sample of commentary:
"Signed up. 1 less movie in my Netflix queue..." (4)
"Awesome! I can't wait to ebay my free copy." (5)
"If it does come, I'm just going to turn around and sell it on Half.com or something." (6)
Words such as these illustrate some potential misunderstandings.
First, our DVDs aren't funded by the movie studio, or Al Gore, or any corporation with dollars to spare; on the contrary, each dollar is asked for, from each donor having earned it herself, to the time, resources, and tremendous good will fueling its travel to ShareTheTruth's PayPal donation pool (of which PayPal takes a cut, and I reimburse using my personal savings).
Second, the majority of deals sites linking to ShareTheTruth link directly to the "free DVD" page, thus bypassing the home page (7) and essentially limiting the opportunity for potential donors to contribute.
Third, as a result of our limited resources, I prefer to gift DVDs to those without the means to see the movie, or those too reluctant to rent it for themselves but still receptive to watching it. While I would be unquestionably grateful to be in a situation where I could offer copies to everyone, including Netflix subscribers seeking to trim their queues, at this moment it is not possible.
So, as a ShareTheTruth participant you've got several options, all equally valid:
A) Rent or borrow the film. When you return it, it'll be available to others for viewing. If you hope to rent An Inconvenient Truth and cannot afford it, just write me back!
B) Buy the movie if you can afford it. Ultimately, the wonderful thing about owning a copy is that you can pass it along. And in fact, ShareTheTruth has copies of the movie floating around the world, and we're constantly finding out where (close by if possible) current DVD holders should send their copies next!
C) If you have bought the movie, please consider donating your copy to the ShareTheTruth effort: we can help that DVD reach as many people as possible, in your community and beyond!
D) It's perfectly fine if you still want a free DVD. The whole goal of this letter is to explain the ShareTheTruth cause, not to exclude or deny anyone whatsoever.
On April 10th, the movie studio contacted us expressing interest in online distribution of the movie. We are hoping it can be achieved at a low enough cost to ShareTheTruth, so that we can stream it to you online for free. You can let me know if that's an option you'd prefer.
In short, I hope to hear your thoughts. I am open to suggestions, criticisms, and aspire to be as flexible and generous and possible so please, don't hesitate to inform.
Warm Regards,
Eric Pan
http://sharethetruth.us
I received your DVD request on Jan. 10th, and wanted to thank you for visiting ShareTheTruth, as well as expressing interest in the film!
Demand has been overwhelming: to date, we've received over 57,000 orders for free DVDs. I have been scrambling to keep up, and certainly did not intend for there to be such a delay in response.
There's no such thing as bad publicity, but one drawback, of being widely linked to, is that visitors frequently miss the chance to understand what the ShareTheTruth effort is all about!
Foremost, ShareTheTruth is about introducing An Inconvenient Truth to people who might not otherwise find out how--and, just how much--all this human activity is affecting our planet. Now that the movie has won two Academy Awards (Best Documentary, Best Song), it's clear that public consciousness of climate change, and its myriad side effects, is increasing.
But consider that 13% of Americans have never heard of "global warming" (1), and far more don't think we're in a position to do anything useful about it. This in a world where, actively suppressing scientific data no longer, both ExxonMobil and President Bush have turned 180 degrees, to publicly acknowledge the immense gravity of the climate crisis! (2)
As chronicled on the blog (3) when the sudden surge in site traffic began, the ShareTheTruth effort has from the outset managed itself quite nicely. Donations received from generous folks inspired by the movie had been enough to cover the cost of sending others to the theaters.
Once, however, the "free AIT DVD" offer began springing up on sites such as fatwallet.com, slickdeals.net, weeklyfreebie.com, and the like, a severe imbalance between requests and donations emerged.
This issue is fundamentally not a money problem--it is, in my view, an awareness problem.
Most visitors from deals sites are, due to the context of their particular online journeys at the given time, looking for free stuff. Here is a very small sample of commentary:
"Signed up. 1 less movie in my Netflix queue..." (4)
"Awesome! I can't wait to ebay my free copy." (5)
"If it does come, I'm just going to turn around and sell it on Half.com or something." (6)
Words such as these illustrate some potential misunderstandings.
First, our DVDs aren't funded by the movie studio, or Al Gore, or any corporation with dollars to spare; on the contrary, each dollar is asked for, from each donor having earned it herself, to the time, resources, and tremendous good will fueling its travel to ShareTheTruth's PayPal donation pool (of which PayPal takes a cut, and I reimburse using my personal savings).
Second, the majority of deals sites linking to ShareTheTruth link directly to the "free DVD" page, thus bypassing the home page (7) and essentially limiting the opportunity for potential donors to contribute.
Third, as a result of our limited resources, I prefer to gift DVDs to those without the means to see the movie, or those too reluctant to rent it for themselves but still receptive to watching it. While I would be unquestionably grateful to be in a situation where I could offer copies to everyone, including Netflix subscribers seeking to trim their queues, at this moment it is not possible.
So, as a ShareTheTruth participant you've got several options, all equally valid:
A) Rent or borrow the film. When you return it, it'll be available to others for viewing. If you hope to rent An Inconvenient Truth and cannot afford it, just write me back!
B) Buy the movie if you can afford it. Ultimately, the wonderful thing about owning a copy is that you can pass it along. And in fact, ShareTheTruth has copies of the movie floating around the world, and we're constantly finding out where (close by if possible) current DVD holders should send their copies next!
C) If you have bought the movie, please consider donating your copy to the ShareTheTruth effort: we can help that DVD reach as many people as possible, in your community and beyond!
D) It's perfectly fine if you still want a free DVD. The whole goal of this letter is to explain the ShareTheTruth cause, not to exclude or deny anyone whatsoever.
On April 10th, the movie studio contacted us expressing interest in online distribution of the movie. We are hoping it can be achieved at a low enough cost to ShareTheTruth, so that we can stream it to you online for free. You can let me know if that's an option you'd prefer.
In short, I hope to hear your thoughts. I am open to suggestions, criticisms, and aspire to be as flexible and generous and possible so please, don't hesitate to inform.
Warm Regards,
Eric Pan
http://sharethetruth.us
04-13-07 | 12:42 PM
#128
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From: Twin Cities, MN.
I never got one, but watched a library copy. And while I agree with the sentiment it was structured to cast Gore in a wistful "gee, if only we'd voted for him" light. I'm sure he's crushed by my viewpoint.
04-13-07 | 01:23 PM
#130
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From: Tennessee
Originally Posted by speedyray
Not all scientist agree that global warming is even a problem.
Our understanding of science is constantly evolving, being based on hypotheses, proofs, and further questioning. When something becomes deemed “unchallengeable” due to a so so-called “consensus,” then you have left the realm of science and have entered the realm of religious faith.
04-13-07 | 01:51 PM
#131
DVD Talk Godfather
Once, however, the "free AIT DVD" offer began springing up on sites such as fatwallet.com, slickdeals.net, weeklyfreebie.com, and the like, a severe imbalance between requests and donations emerged.
04-13-07 | 02:08 PM
#133
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Yea, I knew it was too good to be true. I'll just find a copy some day. It's not like me watching the movie is going to lower the temperature outside or refreeze polar caps.
04-13-07 | 04:15 PM
#134
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From: Kansas City, MO
What the hell is to be "misunderstood" about A FREE DVD?! Was there some fine print I missed that stated we have to save the life of an endangered polar bear first in order to qualify?
04-13-07 | 10:07 PM
#138
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The gist of the letter is that if you really are too poor to be able to rent or buy it for yourself then you should probably respond back with an explanation of your situation and they'll eventually try to send you a copy but with no promise of success.
04-14-07 | 07:38 AM
#139
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Originally Posted by Michael Corvin
That is all well and good, but why would I donate to a cause I know nothing about? That's why I want the free DVD, numbnuts.
I don't see anything wrong with the letter. It explains everything clearly. It doesn't say that anyone would be taken off the list. The end of the letter also states the possibility of a free streaming of the movie on their site in the future, which would allow an option for many to see the movie free (and would provide an option for individuals who "gotta have something for free" to decide whether to donate to a cause or not.)
There are many ways (and many free ways) to learn about a cause. One could explore the resources on their website, on the internet, through books, through this movie, etc. I never saw anything about a guarantee of receiving this movie for free. To resort to namecalling towards the person and/or organization is ridiculous!
04-14-07 | 12:39 PM
#142
Senior Member
I was a little confused as well, so I just emailed him back and said thanks for the explanation, and since I'd rather watch it on DVD than online, please keep my name on the list for a free copy.
That said, I'm not any more optimistic that this thing will pan out than when I first signed up for it.
That said, I'm not any more optimistic that this thing will pan out than when I first signed up for it.
04-14-07 | 01:21 PM
#143
DVD Talk Limited Edition
I replied and here is what I received back:
Hi Ernest,
Thank you for your reply!
I wanted to clarify that I have no intention of "unoffering" the movie. The letter was written to communicate the nuances involved with the ShareTheTruth effort, since many visitors are not aware of the donation model. Mutual understanding and respect are, and have been, essential for this cause to propel forward.
Near the end of the letter are suggestions on what you can do, which includes still wanting a DVD. I do encourage that you re-read the email since it seems that the phrase "false offer" is not quite relevant to the situation at hand.
Sincerely,
Eric Pan
http://sharethetruth.us
Hi Ernest,
Thank you for your reply!
I wanted to clarify that I have no intention of "unoffering" the movie. The letter was written to communicate the nuances involved with the ShareTheTruth effort, since many visitors are not aware of the donation model. Mutual understanding and respect are, and have been, essential for this cause to propel forward.
Near the end of the letter are suggestions on what you can do, which includes still wanting a DVD. I do encourage that you re-read the email since it seems that the phrase "false offer" is not quite relevant to the situation at hand.
Sincerely,
Eric Pan
http://sharethetruth.us
04-14-07 | 01:49 PM
#144
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From: Los Angeles
i'm always troubled by the constant "calling the kettle black" towards people that are obviously all-too-easy targets. al gore, like every human being, is not perfect, and probably a hypocrite on some level. but why does that automatically INVALIDATE what he says in this film?
al gore works harder than you, is much richer than you, and much luckier than you. ergo, he has a big house, and he most likely "deserves" his big house. he is not a "snake oil salesman" despite his dubious political potentials.
this is not a kevin trudeau production. this is not even oprah peddling "the secret." this is a guy who knows more than you, and who has access to far more resources, trying to convey his point of view on a serious issue that until recently has been ignored by the public at large, supplying enough scientific basis that he sees as sufficient evidence of his claims. he is not trying to "pull one over" on anybody. i'm not sure why anyone could attack him for that...
you may not agree with what he is saying, and you may have your reasons for that, but that does not immediately invalidate what he is saying. believe it or not, what you personally think about al gore is irrelevant to what he is saying. al gore has done far more than you to spark discussion on this topic on a national level, no less. and that, in and of itself, is worth putting up with whatever "baggage" you might have with the guy.
as for the letter, i think it is a very well written explanation of, as someone else in this thread said, the spirit of the offer. this is not your usual price mistake or free 300 preview dvd from a multi-million corporation. rather, this is some dude trying to increase awareness on an issue he feels strongly about. if you're a teacher, or someone willing to help spread this awareness and/or spark this discussion, or even just someone who is sincerely interested in learning more about this issue, then by all means request the dvd. heck, if you want the dvd so that you can show it to people and then REFUTE each point, then i would say go ahead. anything that sparks discussion is worth having. but if you want it because it's (technically) free (to you), or because you want another title on your shelf, then perhaps this is a case where you might just want to just let it go. it just seems to be the right thing to do, in this case.
personally, i think i'm now just going to netflix the film. and make a "back-up" for my library
al gore works harder than you, is much richer than you, and much luckier than you. ergo, he has a big house, and he most likely "deserves" his big house. he is not a "snake oil salesman" despite his dubious political potentials.
this is not a kevin trudeau production. this is not even oprah peddling "the secret." this is a guy who knows more than you, and who has access to far more resources, trying to convey his point of view on a serious issue that until recently has been ignored by the public at large, supplying enough scientific basis that he sees as sufficient evidence of his claims. he is not trying to "pull one over" on anybody. i'm not sure why anyone could attack him for that...
you may not agree with what he is saying, and you may have your reasons for that, but that does not immediately invalidate what he is saying. believe it or not, what you personally think about al gore is irrelevant to what he is saying. al gore has done far more than you to spark discussion on this topic on a national level, no less. and that, in and of itself, is worth putting up with whatever "baggage" you might have with the guy.
as for the letter, i think it is a very well written explanation of, as someone else in this thread said, the spirit of the offer. this is not your usual price mistake or free 300 preview dvd from a multi-million corporation. rather, this is some dude trying to increase awareness on an issue he feels strongly about. if you're a teacher, or someone willing to help spread this awareness and/or spark this discussion, or even just someone who is sincerely interested in learning more about this issue, then by all means request the dvd. heck, if you want the dvd so that you can show it to people and then REFUTE each point, then i would say go ahead. anything that sparks discussion is worth having. but if you want it because it's (technically) free (to you), or because you want another title on your shelf, then perhaps this is a case where you might just want to just let it go. it just seems to be the right thing to do, in this case.
personally, i think i'm now just going to netflix the film. and make a "back-up" for my library
04-14-07 | 01:51 PM
#145
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
That's a fantastic email. I love how he called out the idiots that are trying to score the free DVD so they can flip it on eBay AND bragging about it on the bargain boards.
A shame so many that aren't in the teaching profession took advantage of this. I'm sure there's quite a few educators that are going to get stiffed because of the greedy and cheap.
A shame so many that aren't in the teaching profession took advantage of this. I'm sure there's quite a few educators that are going to get stiffed because of the greedy and cheap.
04-14-07 | 02:33 PM
#147
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Originally Posted by TimeandTide
That's a fantastic email. I love how he called out the idiots that are trying to score the free DVD so they can flip it on eBay AND bragging about it on the bargain boards.
A shame so many that aren't in the teaching profession took advantage of this. I'm sure there's quite a few educators that are going to get stiffed because of the greedy and cheap.
A shame so many that aren't in the teaching profession took advantage of this. I'm sure there's quite a few educators that are going to get stiffed because of the greedy and cheap.
04-14-07 | 02:59 PM
#148
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Originally Posted by TimeandTide
That's a fantastic email. I love how he called out the idiots that are trying to score the free DVD so they can flip it on eBay AND bragging about it on the bargain boards.
A shame so many that aren't in the teaching profession took advantage of this. I'm sure there's quite a few educators that are going to get stiffed because of the greedy and cheap.
A shame so many that aren't in the teaching profession took advantage of this. I'm sure there's quite a few educators that are going to get stiffed because of the greedy and cheap.
(That's not to say, of course, that I think that people should milk this for DVDs to sell on eBay of Half.com-- just that non-educators were just as entitled to put their names on this list as anyone else. Educators get paid just like everyone else. I know. I was one. If they really want to use "An Inconvenient Truth" to teach, they can buy or rent a copy, too-- and they probably already have. On the other hand, if they're just using it because it's free or because it's lesson planning for a couple less hours of class time, while there are worse things they could do/show, I'm not sure how it entitles them to this more than anyone else.)
Last edited by excom101; 04-14-07 at 04:39 PM. Reason: for clarity
04-14-07 | 05:16 PM
#149
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
I received my copy of the DVD just a few weeks after I received the e-mail from them saying that I was getting a copy.
It was sent to the school I work at. For those of you who didn't receive your copy, it probably helps if you are a teacher and have a school they can send it to.
I watched it (before showing it to my high school classes) and wasn't overly impressed with it. (I certainly wouldn't have awarded it the Oscar for best documentary for 2006.) When I showed it to my students, some found it interesting, but most were bored by it. I balanced out the documentary by presenting opposing views of critics I gathered from the Internet. Overall, it turned out to be a worthwhile, but not earth-shattering experience for my classes. Or so they told me.
It was sent to the school I work at. For those of you who didn't receive your copy, it probably helps if you are a teacher and have a school they can send it to.
I watched it (before showing it to my high school classes) and wasn't overly impressed with it. (I certainly wouldn't have awarded it the Oscar for best documentary for 2006.) When I showed it to my students, some found it interesting, but most were bored by it. I balanced out the documentary by presenting opposing views of critics I gathered from the Internet. Overall, it turned out to be a worthwhile, but not earth-shattering experience for my classes. Or so they told me.
04-14-07 | 05:39 PM
#150
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From: Sacramento
Originally Posted by Franchot
I received my copy of the DVD just a few weeks after I received the e-mail from them saying that I was getting a copy.
It was sent to the school I work at. For those of you who didn't receive your copy, it probably helps if you are a teacher and have a school they can send it to.
I watched it (before showing it to my high school classes) and wasn't overly impressed with it. (I certainly wouldn't have awarded it the Oscar for best documentary for 2006.) When I showed it to my students, some found it interesting, but most were bored by it. I balanced out the documentary by presenting opposing views of critics I gathered from the Internet. Overall, it turned out to be a worthwhile, but not earth-shattering experience for my classes. Or so they told me.
It was sent to the school I work at. For those of you who didn't receive your copy, it probably helps if you are a teacher and have a school they can send it to.
I watched it (before showing it to my high school classes) and wasn't overly impressed with it. (I certainly wouldn't have awarded it the Oscar for best documentary for 2006.) When I showed it to my students, some found it interesting, but most were bored by it. I balanced out the documentary by presenting opposing views of critics I gathered from the Internet. Overall, it turned out to be a worthwhile, but not earth-shattering experience for my classes. Or so they told me.