[thetopher]

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]

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]

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.

[breck]

Aloha Pablo. Aaron was a mentor to me and one of my "heroes" (as much as one can have heros). My greatest regret in life is not being brave enough to stand up with him when he was under attack. I've cried about that often.

I'd love to help you out.

1-415-937-1984

[e-mail]

[morserer]

I'd like receipts publicly posted as well.

What is the purpose behind hiding the statue's location?

[NoahKAndrews]

The $6000 number is just for a bust