runningfool pressrelease
From zefrank
Would you give this man a ride in your car?
How about a meal and a place to sleep? That's exactly what nearly 300 people from cities in 42 states across America are doing as they participate in the Ze Fool Relay. Luke Vaughn, or RunningFool as he's known in the online community created by Ze Frank, will traverse the country as the Human Baton. His journey begins in Eugene, OR and will take him all the way to NY, NY and back again relying solely on other online community members for transportation and lodging.
Why?
Because they want to. Because, as Luke says, the internet is not as scary a place as most people think. “There are actual people behind those computer screens who are interacting,” he says, “and they’re forming complex communities that really aren’t understood yet.” So, is this a kind of proof-of-concept? “Yes, I think so. I think the internet is a hugely positive thing, and that people don’t give it enough credit. I’m hoping this is going to be something that will bring home to people that this kind of community is valid, and it’s useful, and that it can make a difference in people’s lives.”
The community Vaughn refers to was created by web pioneer, Ze Frank. Frank gained notoriety in 2001 for his "How to Dance Properly" viral video. He's been creating a loyal following ever since. His fans love his sense of humor, his intelligence, and his frenetic style, but most of all they love taking part in the projects he sets up for their collaboration. Evolving from simple request for pictures in the early days (play with your food, when office supplies attack) through flash drawtoys and galleries (drawtoy, flake maker, the scribbler). Now with the advent of The Show with Ze Frank 2 this community has really taken off.
Back in June of this year, Ze announced a project to create an Earth Sandwich by enlisting his fans, known as Sports Racers, to collaborate in laying two pieces of bread on the ground simultaneously on exact opposite sides of the planet. A mere month later, the Sports Racers had come through, and the challenge was complete. An audio clip of a song that a man named Ray had written for his daughter fell into the hands of the Sports Racers, and they not only remixed the song multiple times, but actually tracked down Ray (a man known only by his first name) to thank him for the inspiration.
Remember those bygone days when giving a lift to a hitchhiker was normal? Have you ever heard your grandparents tell stories about the depression and cooking meals for people they’d just met? In an effort to prove that that sort of openness and goodwill still survive in the world this holiday season, Luke Vaughn will become The Human Baton in the Ze Fool Relay.