what's the deal with the Amazon box?

While I know that you probably don't stalk my blog on a daily basis, I do know that some of you get my posts sent directly to your email. If this is the case, you probably haven't noticed the Amazon search box that suddenly appeared on the right sidebar of my blog. If you have been to my blog recently, you're probably wondering what the heck it's doing there and if I'm THAT obsessed with Amazon to advertise for them. While I'll admit that I love Amazon, allow me to explain.

I have started a fundraiser for Rwanda through Amazon by being approved to be an Amazon Associate. Basically, you buy things from Amazon and I get a portion of the proceeds via check, which I will put towards Rwanda. THE KICKER IS THAT YOU MUST START FROM MY BLOG! You must must MUST begin your item search from the search box on my blog; there isn't a way to "manually" apply your purchase to my profile/account. It doesn't matter what items you search, how many different searches you do, or how many items you add or remove from your cart, once you initiate your Amazon shopping from my search box it will automatically connect it to my account. For every purchase I receive a certain percentage, which is currently 4%, and that percentage increases as more products are purchased. The number of items is totaled and restarted each month. For example, right now I receive 4% for this month and a total of four items have been bought. If three more items are bought before the end of this month, that percentage will increase to 6%. When next month starts, the total number of items begins at zero and goes back down to 4%. I know some of you didn't necessarily need to know all those details, but I want you all to be informed as much as possible. So let's review:

1. Go to my blog and find the Amazon search box (on the right sidebar)

2. Type in what you're looking for on Amazon and click GO!

3. Go about your typical Amazon shopping business

4. VOILA! You have just helped me get closer to Rwanda

It is by far the easiest fundraiser on the face of the planet. Dollars and pennies add up, friends! The $3.21 that I've earned so far might not look like a lot, but I'm $3.21 closer to $20k! And tell your friends! Spread my blog site around! Advertise it on your Facebook page! Put a sticky note next to your computer reminding you to go to my blog first! That's a lot of exclamation points...for good reason.

If you have any questions about how this all works, feel free to leave a comment or ask me!