I had an idea for a pretty decent ad campaign.  I sent the idea to Honda thinking they might want to use it and reimburse me in the process.  I was hoping to pay off my substantial college loans as a graduate student.  The idea was pretty singular so I bragged a little bit about it to family and friends.

I  got a cordial letter back saying thanks, but no unsolicited ideas please.  I figured that was all she wrote.  

Then about 4 months later I receive a call from my mom.  She had seen a commercial that had my idea in it.  Then scores of other people reported back as well from New York to California.   Shocked, I wrote to the ad agency and received no reply.  I wrote another letter back.

I got some pretty impressive looking letters from a law firm in Chicago telling me that my claim had no merit. It seemed pretty intimidating and surreal.

On this website, I have provided you with all of my potential legal fodder.  I have unrefutably proof of authorship with an acculmulation of paperwork. I also have a sealed envelope detailing the date of authorship that I sent to my folk's house to be filed unopened.

I really have no legal remedy without some serious cash.  I can't afford the legal fees to pursue this myself and I am asking for a little help.  I have set up a paypal account for donations.  I need to raise at least 3,000 dollars for the legal fees.  that's basically 150 20 dollar donations. 

You can break it down however you like, I've done it thousands of times in my head.  Money means access.  This is a chance to pitch in and help get an original idea rewarded instead of pilfered.  Thanks for your help.

-Ryan

UPDATE 4/30/05

I had to remove some contact info on two of the letters over concerns from a former roommate. I have also posted most of the correspondence and blogging that I have found on the internet so far. The dialogue and correspodence element of the project has really blossomed anew and provided me with valuable feedback. Thanks again.

-Ryan

UPDATE  4/27/05
 
We've had 1,000 visitors in the last 2 days and are 1/10th of the way to the goal.  Thanks for all of the support thus far.  I am going to continue to spread the word and am thankful and very encouaged.  There is something really great about this new populism.  Look for updates this friday afternoon, including new correspondence received via e-mail, telephone, and blog from project appreciators and critics.

-Ryan