The Making Differences :: Touching Lives FAQ page

What's the idea?

The main motivation for doing this is to promote awareness of Tuberous Sclerosis in Canada and worldwide and make a difference in the lives of those afflicted with this disease. As our son has Tuberous Sclerosis, we understand the stress that is put upon the entire family and the need for funding of special services and research. If a cure is found in his lifetime then perhaps other children will not have to face a personal fight with TS. I know that Canada's generosity is unmatched and I wanted to create a webspace that can aid in funding and research here in Canada! We plan on putting back A LOT to promote this web site, its features and resources. So, if you want to get noticed, you're welcome to buy our pixels, which are available in 400-pixel 'blocks' (each measuring 20x20 pixels). You will see the home page is divided into 2,500 of these 400-pixel blocks (hence there are 1,000,000 pixels in total). The reason for selling them in 400-pixel blocks is because any thing smaller would be too small to display. You can buy as many pixels as you like, as long as there are some available (see the live stats in the top right corner of the page). When you buy blocks of pixels, you can then display an image/ad/logo of your choice in the space you have purchased. You can also have the image click through to your own web site. However, no obscene or offensive images are allowed. The pixels you buy will be displayed on the homepage and all of the net proceeds raised from this site will be sent to Tuberous Sclerosis Canada. We want it to become a kind of internet time capsule for the funding and research of Tuberous Sclerosis. And time capsules are around a long, long time! So, in the long run, we believe the pixels will offer good value. You will have a piece of internet history!

Why should I buy your pixels?

Because you will have an image and a link to your site on the home page of a site that could potentially be seen by millions of people over the coming years. The site will be online for at least 5 years, that's guaranteed, but the idea is to keep it online forever.

This is a new type of advertising and once you pay for your pixels, you won't be billed again. Your space is there as long as the site is up and no one can take your space!

This is a great, inexpensive way to be potentially seen by millions!

If you own your own web site you must realize that your web site is only useful if people can find it on Google or other search engines. The way Google (and others) increase site rankings is to count links to relevant sites. Here is your opportunity to place a link on our site directly to your site and potentially increase your sites ranking on Google.

This site will provide an easy, quick and fun way for millions of people to access/bookmark your web site. We will be targeting businesses and the public to encourage them to come to 'MakingDifferences.ca'. This is an excellent opportunity to evolve and further your internet presence.

In the near future as the grid starts to fill up we will be offering further free publicity extras. It's all going to be happening right here, so be a part of it and don't miss out!

Why can't I buy one single pixel?

We decided that although it would probably be cool if individuals could buy a single pixel each, in practise, it wouldn't be so effective. The reason we believe this is because you can't display anything meaningful in one pixel - nor click it easily - so visually, it would be pointless. With thousands of random tiny coloured dots all over the place, the homepage would look ghastly. Therefore, the minimum purchase is $50 - a 20x20 block. However, if you really want to own a single pixel, there is always the option of getting together with your friends/family/colleagues and buying a 20x20 block or a few blocks with a bigger graphic.

How long will the site be active?

The site will be online for 5 years guaranteed (at least until November 15th, 2013). However the aim is to keep the site online forever (or as long as humanly possible).

The idea is to create something of an internet time capsule for the funding and research of Tuberous Sclerosis: a home page that is unique and permanent.

Everything on the internet keeps changing so fast, it will be nice to have something that stays solid and permanent for many years. You can be a part of that!

What position on the home page should I buy?

You can place your pixel block(s) any where on the home page you like. The home page represents a 'child in need', which could be your own child or someone close to you and you have the option to place your pixel blocks near that child. However, this is not a requirement.

This site will be eventually completely covered in pixels so the child will be less and less visible. So, you may want to choose a position on the page that you feel will get you more attention and clicks.

What if I don't have a website?

We can create a landing page for you. The cost of this landing page is $49.95 and it is a one-time fee. We guarantee that it will be available until November 15th, 2013, but perhaps much longer. You're allowed 2 pictures (or graphics) and two revisions annually. And there are no additional hosting fees or charges. Included with your purchase is 1 free email address @makingdifferences.ca

Can I pay using a personal cheque?

Yes you can. After you reserve your pixels thru our "BuyPixels" page then send us an email to admin@makingdifferences.ca and we'll provide you with the details. Your ad will not become active until your cheque has cleared the bank. We also accept payments through Paypal, Money Order and Interac Email Money Transfer.

So what's included?

You can buy space (pixels) on our home page for only 12.5 cents per pixel (minimum purchase is one 20x20 pixel block which equates to $50). This is a one-time fee. You get to advertise a graphic right on our home page and link back directly to your site. The most clicked web pages are listed in the top 10 rankings and will get additional clicks! Your pixels will be visible till at least November 15, 2013! Our goal is to have it up much longer. You are also entitled to 1 free email address @makingdifferences.ca. And we can offer a landing page for a reduced price of $49.95 (one-time fee).

Can I change my ad after it is posted?

Yes. You may change your ad quarterly. Just send us an email at csr@makingdifferences.ca with your image attached and the url link and we will make the changes for you. The url must remain the same as the one you originally applied with.

I Googled this site and it didn't turn up. How will anybody find it?

MakingDifferences.ca is brand new on the Internet. Our advertising campaign is scheduled to kick-in in stages (starting November15, 2008 Plus, we also rely upon YOUR help to tell your friends about us! Click on the "Traffic" link to watch the site grow as the word starts to spread.

How can I contact you if I have any questions?

Click on the Feedback link at the top of the page.

Customer service can be reached at: csr@makingdifferences.ca