The forecast said light wind and so I took the chance, placing books in various towns north of Perth. Everything was calm until early evening when suddenly that light wind began to growl. I imagined all these poor books snatched from park benches and town centres and tossed into the maelstrom. Losing the books was not a concern but the thought of littering the streets and parks was. I hate litter and love that much of Scotland is thankfully free from it.
Early morning I drove into Blairgowrie, breathing easier after spot-checking the centre which was litter free and various copies were still in place. A close shave. Dancing the project through snow, ice, rain and sun (honest, sometimes!) is a challenge but, although I love stormy weather, I hope it stays calm until all five thousand books are in safe hands.
Onwards to Coupar Angus.
More intrepid actions from an authereal stalwart. Lang may yer lum reek. Here’s to a good 2012 whatever befalls. jx
Paul
Hi Paul
You certainly covered some ground beyond Coupar Angus … I had seen some of the books as I passed the Council buildings in central Forfar at lunchtime on Friday. I’ll be honest I didn’t look closely because I jumped to an assumption about who might have left books at this time of year.
After a long time at the supermarket and another bus journey I noticed more at the bus stop in the hamlet where I stay near Kirriemuir. Isn’t it interesting that finding two very neatly piled pairs of books propped on a bus stop in a rural area (definitely an unusual event here) should be less suspicious and more intriguing than similar objects left in a more populus area of a small town?. This time curiosity got the better of me and I am so thrilled it did! I want to read 5 more books before the end of the year to beat a previous books read target … so what could be a better present than an unexpected book?
…argghh … Comment part 2 (pressed submit by mistake) …
I am so glad I picked up a copy and am really enjoying it; have been honest and look forward to more of your writing.
Wishing you much success with this creative marketing approach – the marketers are right if it is an organisation marketing this way but you as an individual can make it work. With all best wishes.
lol…The tech gremlins got you, Cathy.
I know what you mean. The psychology of the honesty project is fascinating. Many honest people will not even look if there is only one pile because they assume it must belong to someone else. Often, our conditioning makes us wonder at the catch. The latter point led me to give up all control and put it anonymously in the hands of others. The idea and the wonder at the true nature of people is more important to me than the money. With luck, we will all learn something interesting and with a little more luck, the project will be successful.
Thanks for your honesty, Cathy and have a wonderful Christmas.
Paul
Hi Paul, have just this minute picked up your book on the bench at the Viewpoint in Westhaven, Carnoustie…what an inspired idea and a lovely way to start the day!I was walking my dog and thinking my own thoughts (I’m a writer too, so I have many!)and there it was.Like Cathy in the previous comment I thought, ‘Mmm, suspicious package…’ Why???! I blame the media! Anyway, I walked along the beach and picked it up on the way back, although I felt dishonest just taking it!! Anyway,I will send money to you asap…I haven’t started reading Dreamwords yet but thank you for the connection…all the best for 2012. Kind Regards, Sandra
Wow! That is astonishing, Sandra. We’ve had 100 mph winds and that little fella has clung to Earth. Yes; the curse and joy of writing – thoughts. Thanks for reconsidering on your way back.
Paul