Hi,

I’m Michael, and I have had the worst month ever. So, I’m going to swallow my pride and use this platform to raise some money.

For the past 18 months, while in the time of COVID-19, I travelled throughout the Western US, photographing everything that I could. I was going to use it as a basis of a photo-essay of visiting the sites of the West while there were no crowds.

I was using a Canon 90D camera, a drone, and my iPhone. I had taken thousands of photos, but they are all lost.

But right now, I want to explain why I need to raise some cash:

I had relied upon my website and retirement money to support myself over this. Unfortunately, Google, because of some arbitrary bots, has killed my income by over 75%. Someday it will come back, I’m sure, but for now, it’s killing me. Much of this will help me keep SkepticalRaptor going full speed ahead, because I might have to shut down the website to pay for other stuff.
Also in August, my Pirelli A/T tires wore out after about 30,000 miles on a 50,000 warranty. And of course, the Tire Store and Pirelli make excuses and won’t compensate. That’s $1300 for new tires and all the associated labor and stuff.
Also in August, my car was broken into while I was staying at a hotel. I had stupidly left all of my camping equipment, tripod, camera equipment, and drone in the car, because I thought the parking lot was safe. About $3000 plus $300 for two broken windows.
Also in August, my insurance company is refusing to pay for my broken foot. Why, because I went to an ER out of my plan area, and the insurance company claims it wasn’t an emergency (no surgery was required, just X-rays, cane, and walking boot). I don’t know what this will cost, but the deductibles will be around $500 if my appeal to the insurance company works out, or about $2500-5000 if I have to pay the non-plan hospital. OUCH.

I want to shoot for $5000, but if I can cover the tires, at least I’ll be safe. Seriously, cord is showing up on one of the tires. I’m trying not to drive much until I can figure out how to replace these things.

I know people have it much worse. I mean, for most people a camera is a luxury, but the camera, drone, and tripod were a part of my income for the next few years.

Well, that’s my August 2021.

Replace my terrible August 2021

$6,395 raised of $12,000 goal ● donor