Hot Little Pony - A Gig Too FAR!

Today's the day!

2008-10-11T00:00:00.003+11:00

Hello friends!

Less than twelve hours ‘til I need to check in, apologies for the lack of updated these last few days – duty called at work. What a week it was! To bring you up to speed:

Couch Surfing
I ended up emailing 20 people in and around Los Angeles – received 15 replies from a bunch of nice people, but unfortunately no one could accommodate me due to the short notice. It’s still a really interesting concept that I would encourage you to check out - http://couchsurfing.org

I was however, propositioned on two occasions by some very forward guys who offered a place in their bed, not their couch. Kind of put me off the whole thing. I should point out these came via email, not through the monitored CS email system. No harm done.

Blog Visitors
We now have 306 unique visitors across 7 countries! I’ll do a full case study when I’m back and make available for download. Still, it a pretty surprising result! Hopefully we can hit 500 before this is out!

Far Update
I received a really nice email from one of the band’s associates, confirming guestlist and arrangements, etc. The first email came less than 24 hours after the propositions, so I was a little dubious at first. A quick verification and everything was set straight! Looking forward to catching up in LA!

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the Ginuwine cover, check it out here. Funny, funny shit that is apparently in reasonable rotation in Sacramento!

... and there’s a good article I stumbled across here. Worth a read!

Itinerary confirmed
A Gig Too Far! Is going to Vegas! Found a ripper deal for a return airfare from LA, inclusive of two nights at the Stratosphere – north of the strip but cheap as chips!

Saturday 11th - Santa Monica
Sunday 12th - Santa Monica
Monday 13th - Vegas baby! Vegas!
Tuesday 14th - Vegas baby! Vegas!
Wednesday 15th - West Hollywood – Pomona show
Thursday 16th - West Hollywood – Troubadour show
Friday 17th - Evening Flight back to Melbourne
Sunday 19th - Home to see my girl!

Thanks
Again, sincere thanks to those that helped raise the $2,004 need for the airfare – this is an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity!

Also, many thanks to Chris at MINI, who looked into the possibility of a loan MINI Cabrio in LA, but alas – too short notice. I appreciate the effort though mate, thanks! Will have to find another way for the mission to Malibu!

Thanks also to Tanya, who has hooked us up with some cab money for LAX! Each day it’s worth a little more – the gift that keeps on giving! Fucking US$0.66, can you believe it!!!

More later.

Giddy Up!

2008-10-07T13:50:00.002+11:00

Nice little article posted today at filter-mag.com

Hot Little Pony World Tour, Single, Video, Contestby Staff 10.06.2008

Storming in from rural Canada like Zeppelin to Valhalla, arch-rivals in the blood feud that is the Arcade Fire Mafia Turf War... Here comes Hot Little Pony. Their world tour starts on the 15th of October in Pomona, CA and ends on the 16th in Los Angeles, CA.

Their first single, 'Pony' is Feist-eats-Sufjan-pukes-Sabbath. It's available for exclusive download from Filter, just click here. Pitchfork loves 'em like they love Black Kids, Sarah Palin hates 'em likes she hates Black Kids, your head will simply explode.

They're also having a contest to make a video for the single. Extra points for manipulating pictures of toy horses in obscene ways or creative use of wildlife footage. The only requirement is promoting the shows. Just make an awesome video, post it up on YouTube and send the link as a comment at http://myspace.com/hotlittlepony. The winner gets HLP swag, tickets to a show and 4Lyfe membership in the HLP Fan Club.

Source: http://www.filter-mag.com/index.php?id=17617&c=1

In other news, Far's UK shows have been confirmed too via their MySpace:

Far UK Shows in November

Far will play several shows in the UK in November.

Monday, November 24- TJ'S Disco - Newport, South Wales
Tuesday, November 25- Carling Academy - Birmingham, England
Wednesday, November 26- King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - Glasgow, Scotland
Thursday, November 27- Manchester Academy - Manchester, England
Friday, November 28- The Mean Fiddler - London, England

thebandfar.com will go live for real on OCT 14. Visit now for a special message.

Rock.

Good times!

The world is about to end!

2008-10-07T01:38:00.003+11:00

Well not quite, but the Aussie dollar is taking an absolute hit right now.

It's currently trading below US$0.70! Not fucking ideal! That's over a 7% fall today!

Attention Californian Friends!

2008-10-06T22:25:00.002+11:00

Was looking of the site’s analytics and noticed that there are a few of you in the greater Los Angeles area who are following this quite closely. If you’re one of those from Glendale or Beverly Hills then please get in touch. Any SACTO folks who are heading sough for the gigs get in touch too! Would love to catch up and have a drink with you sometime next week.

I’ve also decided to hire a car to get to the Pomona show, so if you want to come along, there will be room for 4 more.

... and an update on the Couch Surfing. I sent out 20 requests to various fun looking peeps on the weekend. So far, I have heard from 6 – 5 negative and 1 possibility. I’ll give myself to Thursday, then I’ll have to sort accommodation for the first few days.

Couch Surfing!

2008-10-04T22:34:00.003+10:00

I was discussing accommodation options with a mate at work on Friday and he suggested i look into The Couch Surfing Project - couchsurfing.org. Founded in 2004, it's a community that connects travellers the world over, who offer their couches to fellow members! As of August 2008, it had more than 700,000 members in 232 countries!

What an amazing way to experience the world! You always strive to have a real local experience when you're abroad - what better way than through a massive homestay network!

So I’ve just registered and will spend the evening approaching some CS's in Los Angeles - hopefully I can find a few locals who have some availability! Certainly beats staying in a stale hotel room by myself!

So hello to anyone who’s stopped by from CS – if you don’t have any availability but want to catch up for a beer get in contact!

The Rumour Mill

2008-10-03T18:10:00.003+10:00

Rumours of a new Far single circulated today. Posted by Jonah on his blog:

hot little publicity

by jonah on Thu Oct 02, 2008 8:34 pm
just hangin with baby countdown. he played me HLPs new single, droppin oct6, it's fucking insane.

... then it broke in press:

Hot Little Pony Release New Single, Announce LA Tour Dates
by staff | 10.06.2008

Canadian bred Hot Little Pony has come galloping in at full force with their first single and will be making their way to Los Angeles for a couple of dates. They're also having a contest to make their video for the new track. For more information on the video contest and to hear the new single, click here.

http://filter-mag.com/index.php?id=17598&c=1

Interesting developments! Stay tuned.

A week for the ages!

2008-10-01T18:58:00.005+10:00

It’s official. A Gig Too Far is going to LA!

Flight Centre confined that I could still secure the cheap seats to LA, but would have to act immediately despite being about $180 off the pace. Last night I figured, my previous months work expenses would almost tip us over the line, so I threw them in. I have begged, borrowed, sold to get the $1,800 to date so having finance kick in the last little bit isn’t going to hurt!

So at lunch today, I bolted down to my local Flight Centre and booked! Upon my return to the office a kind stranger kicked in the rest and here we are, $2,005.59!!!

Many, many thanks to the last contributors! You guys are truly awesome!

Adrian R $20
Bec W $21.17
Ranil R $20
John M $50
George M $6.34
Mary McK $6.17 - Our first UK contributor! Welcome & thanks geezer!
Jordan K $12.35
Expenses $131.09 - My money yes, but had totally forgotten about it! Still considered free!
NAB $5.67 - Yes, this was the interest from the donations in the savings account!

I’ve had some enquires as to whether I’ll still take donations. The short answer is yes, but anything we raise from this point forward will be donated to Oxfam.

Also, stay tuned for a full report on where the contributions came from over the next day or so. Now the fun really begins – 10 days to go!

DC

We love our club and we play to win!

2008-09-29T20:10:00.006+10:00

I’m still speechless about the events that unfolded over the weekend and without rubbing it in to the Geelong fans, it was by far the best weekend in recent memory.

Pretty stoked that I had the full Grand Final experience too - Grand Final Parade, amazing Grand Final seats and the player presentation at Glenferrie Oval on Sunday. This win is far more important to the club than 1989 or 1991 and proves that bottoming out and rebuilding with top quality youth is beneficial. It took Clarkson just 4 years to turn around this side and we did it 'without' Buddy! Amazing!

Stewy Dew gives hope to big blokes all over the country! Has been a superstar all season, but the big fella really turned it on on Saturday!

If you missed the game (is that even possible?): http://bigpondvideo.com/AFL/79100

… and last time we met 17 years ago:

… and to keep the good times rolling we’re now at 86.5% and have only $271.17 to go! Tickets will be bought on Friday, so if you want to jump on, now’s the time!!

Massive thanks to the following

Paul S $20
Kendra T $50
Parklife $110

… and courtesy of the Hawthorn Football Club, these two gentlemen will kindly donate the winnings of our wager:

Adam F $100
Greg A $76

Again, that takes us to 86.5% and leaves $271.17! This is a seriously amazing result.

... and now a word from our sponsor

2008-09-24T20:02:00.004+10:00

This couldn't be possible without the help of a number of very, very generous individuals.

Huge kudos to:

Adrian R $20
Bec W $21.17
Ranil R $20
John M $50
George M $6.34
Mary McK $6.17
Jordan K $12.35
Expenses $131.09
NAB $5.67
Paul S $20
Kendra T $50
Parklife $110
Adam F $100
Jarrod K $20
Donnie R $5.96
Greg A $126
google $6.57
Sian W $20
Sarah L $15
James A $35
St. Kilda FC $650
Steve J $6.17
Ian L $5.99
Thomas B $12.35
James Z - $50
Mr. X - $50
Pat D - $0.69
Mark C - $15
Anon - $20
Matt A - $200
Rob L - $10
Google - $2.77
David B - $20
Anon - $23.10
James D - $50
Simon F - $6.40
Corey W - $20
Alex A - $20
Billy R - $11.20
Jonah M - Doorlist (Thanks mate!)
Tanya C - $5
Matt C - $5
Tim C - $5
James R -$20
Toby C - $18.40

Almost a certainty!

2008-09-24T19:11:00.007+10:00

With only $600 left to raise, we're looking highly, highly likely! I'd hazard a guess that we'll be able to book the tickets at some stage next week! Who would have thought!? There a few things in the pipeline which should get us over the line soonish!

Many thanks to the recent contributors:

Jarrod K $20 - KYS Elite reprazent! Awesome work mate!

Donnie R $5.96 - another US friend! Thankyou sir!

Greg A $50 - could be $100 + points if the Hawks get up on Saturday! Stay tuned!
google $6.57 - Thankyou AdSense! (but you're still a bunch of evil pricks!)

That brings the total up to $1376.83 or 69% of the airfare goal! This is seriously amazing and seriously unexpected! I'm looking at making a commemorative tee to wear - if anyone knows anyone who makes good one offs let me know!

For those sitting on the fence, jump on board now and know that we'll actually be able to donate something to charity!

I would love some advice on where to stay from those in the know!? I was thinking perhaps Santa Monica for a few nights first, then West Hollywood to finish the trip off. Please let me know!

... and advice on the best way to get to Pomona could be handy too! It looks like it's a mile out of town! Do i bus or train?

View Larger Map

In other news, the SEM campaign continues to bring the lols (click here), but i was punished from the lack of updates last week! Not ideal.

... and a 2nd teaser vid was recently posted on thebandfar.com:

9.22.08 from the band far on Vimeo

I'm getting excited now!

Big Brother is watching! Fun with Google

2008-09-23T01:40:00.000+10:00

So I put analytics on the blog a while back, thought I’d share the results to date:

131 unique visitors
365 Pageviews
02:29 average time on site

40% coming from referring sites like Facebook & various message boards
35% coming from direct referrals
25% coming from Search Engines
9% coming from CPC hahhaha

76% from Australia
19% from the United States (of which 77% are from California)
2% from the United Kingdom

I‘ve also been messing around with AdWords and have built a tiny SEM campaign around relevant band terms (such as Hot Little Pony, Far, etc) and brand terms (a gig too far, agigtoofar, etc). Why? On day 3, Google (in their wisdom) decided to remove me from their search results, despite indexing quite highly early on. You could type the url into google and not see anything!!! To overcome this, I had no other choice than to set up AdWords to ensure we weren’t missing out on lost traffic from brand searches. The band AdGroup just evolved from there and is outperforming everything else!

We’re only talking very, very small volumes but this has delivered 17 clicks from 655 impressions at an average CTR of 2.60% and CPC of $0.08!!! To date I’ve only spent $1.40. What’s most amusing is that the SEM has resulted in donations totalling $24.51 – a 16.5:1 ROI!!! AMAZING!

For a laugh, search for Hot Little Pony, Far Reunion, Troubadour, etc.

Cheers,
DC

Punting is a mugs game!

2008-09-23T00:57:00.001+10:00

What a weekend!

Went to the game on Saturday night to cheer on my boys into the grand final. It was by far their best performance of the season despite Buddy not involving himself in the game. Form has it, after Lance has a quiet one, he fires the following week, so let’s hope he kicks 8.2 next week!
I took great pleasure in watching the Hawks demolish the great pretenders!

Not only did I have 3 x $50 bets on with the work crew, I couldn’t resist laying a $500 head to head bet with a mate who’s a complete Saints nut. I didn’t really think where I’d scrounge the money from if we’d lost, but we were as close to a certainty as possible. So thank you St Kilda for chipping in $650 to the cause!!! So despite Geelong ruining any chance of the Free Bet paying off, we came out ok for the weekend! It’s a mugs game.

After making great progress each day, I’m surprised at the drop off since i introduced the services. Perhaps it’s being perceived as too desperate? It’s only in good fun, and I’m sure you find the humour in me cleaning your bathroom or car! hahah

Since our last update, the following contributors have shown their support – you guys are amazing, may thanks!:

Sian W $20
Sarah L $15
James A $35
Saint Kilda FC $650 I’m trying to be gracious in victory, but ahhahahahhahahahha!

Special thanks to our first US contributors. All found their way to the site from the Google AdWords campaign, more on that later!

Steve J $6.17
Ian L $5.99
Thomas B $12.35

In other exciting news, I made an exciting discovery on Saturday; when I stumbled on a much cheaper return airfare to LAX with QANTAS, almost $600 cheaper at AU$2,004. So given the recent contribution to the travel fund, we are now 65% of the way there with $1294.30 in the fund!!!! I know I’ve chipped in with Hawthorn winnings, but its still ‘free money’ nonetheless!!

We need to really step it up this week, so if you’re in need of a car wash or detail, or want to buy some Sweet FA – then please get involved and show your support!!!

DC

When in doubt, roll the dice!

2008-09-18T00:17:00.002+10:00

So a few weeks back Kendra & I went to a function at the football, where Kendra proceeded to win the door prize of $500 ‘free’ bet with Sportsbet. Score! I hear you say. Well it’s not a free as it may seem. Check these T&C’s:

- The Free Bet is valid for 30 days from the time that the Free Bet is credited to the Members account or the Prize Code has been entered.

- If the Free Bet has not been used within that time, it will become void and unable to be redeemed.

- The Free Bet must be used in its entirety and should the Free Bet be successful, only winnings as the result of the Free Bet will be credited into the Members account once the bet has been resulted.

- Prior to any withdrawal any winnings from a Free Bet must be turned over at least once by Australian residents living in Australia.

- Winnings from the Free Bet do not need to be turned-over in one single bet. Turnover of winnings can be made in small bets (eg. min $1 per bet internet or min $20 per bet phone), or in any amount over the minimum bet size.

So if I’m lucky enough to back something at reasonable odds, i only have access to the winnings, which I then have to turn over!!! Seems easy!

So after an evening of indecisiveness, I’ve put a multi on the footy over the weekend, backing Geelong to get up by 40+ points ($1.90) into the Hawks ($1.33) over St Kilda for a total of $2.53. If that pays, we'll have $763.50 to put on the Cats to win the flag at $1.30 - netting $992.55!

Now I just need to convince Kendra that she wants to donate the winnings! Ahahahhahah

Stay tuned!

Teaser vid posted on thebandfar.com

2008-09-15T19:40:00.002+10:00

Posted today on http://thebandfar.com

9.22.08? WTF!?

#1 from the band far on Vimeo.

Just how far will I go for Far?

2008-09-12T19:09:00.000+10:00

You asked for more value! You’ll get more value! We will shortly have an ebay store for all your service needs!

Services added on suggestion. Transaction is simple: You purchase the service that interests you, make your payment and we arrange a time before or after the trip.

Initial services will include:

Automotive
Hand Car Wash $30
Chauffer Service $50 p/hr
GTI Joy Rides $50 p/hr

Domestic Duties
Bathroom Clean $50
Gardening $50 p/hr
Ironing $5 per item

Freelance Professional Services
Marketing Advice $150 p/hr
Media Planning $150 p/hr

Will update more shortly & link to store, but just wanted to get you all across the idea! Feel free to post / email special requests!

Peace.

But if you want it, all right. I'll buy it.

2008-09-12T18:20:00.002+10:00

Hey peeps!

At the conclusion of the first week of the campaign, it gives me great please to report that together, we have raised $549.79 or 21.7% towards the goal!!!

Only two donations over the past few days, but both have been from absolute superstars!!! Many, many thanks to:

James Z - $50 (aka the hardest geezer known to man)
Mr. X - $50

To meet our target, and assuming we book the tickets 1 week prior to departure (a tough ask in itself), we need a rate per day of $81.25. We’re not that far off, but we’re just not going to get there.

To up the stakes I am planning on drawing up a shopping of just how far I will go for far!

I’ll set up an ebay store over the weekend to ease transaction and link from here. If you have any specific request, posts here or email and it can certainly be accommodated.

I think we’ll kick goals with this for a couple of reasons:

a) It adds value for everyone involved.
b) It completes the transaction and loses the stigma of internet begging!
c) Offers plenty of opportunity for laughs & creative thinking!
d) Will actually allow us to donate to charity!!!

So please, if you’ve sitting on the fence (you know who you are!) please have a think as to what I can help you with or what you might like to purchase from the store.

Stay tuned!

Keep on keeping on!

2008-09-11T00:37:00.003+10:00

What a difference a week makes!

This time last week I had no idea about the Far reunion, now we’re $449.79 closer to the goal. That’s right; we’re sitting at 17% and about a day off hitting AUD $500!!! I am truly amazed at the progress we have made in less than a week and the sort of comments this is generating.

The negative comments seem to have died off for now, but I found it fascinating to see an uplift in contributions & overall support at the same time. It seemed as though the community mobilised to offset the negativity. Appreciated guys really.. This is only meant to be a bit of fun!

There’s a stack of you who have donated who aren’t on Facebook, and even more on Facebook who haven’t! What’s going on people?!

Onto this week’s contributions, but first let me single out Matty A, for his enormously generous pledge of $200. The man is a superstar! If Kyuss ever reform I will personally lead the campaign to send him on his way!!

Pat D - $0.69
Mark C - $15
Anon - $20
Matt A - $200
Rob L - $10
Google - $2.77

You’ll notice that I’ve also put Google AdSense on the site, which in the last day, has delivered $2.77! Who would have thought?! I think I might start to use Facebook purely as a traffic driver. At least i can monetise on here! Ahhaha

To address the recent comments on my previous post:

Matty A – I am all over Kyuss for you! You just need to word up the Big Ranga because it doesn’t sound like he’s too keen:

The offers come in all the time. They're getting more and more expensive, and more and more elaborate. The money is crazy, but I've never been tempted – I don't really care about the money, I never have. That's not what KYUSS was about, so to punctuate the end of our sentence with that would be blasphemy. KYUSS fans are so fuckin' rad, they're fuckin' badass — but to me, reunions are just not necessary. It's not what it was, it's what it is, and KYUSS was a really magical thing — and if you weren't there, well, you weren't. That's just the luck of the draw. I don't feel the urge to do it for somebody who didn't have the opportunity to see us, or just didn't take the opportunity to see us. I'll let other bands alter their great legacies. KYUSS has such a great history that it would be a total error. I like that nobody saw KYUSS, and that it was largely misunderstood. That sounds like a legend forming to me. I'm too proud of it to rub my dick on it. –Josh Homme, May 2007

Shadow-Enigma – I hope they play more than 2 shows too, but the chances of a tour this way would be slim. Thanks so much for the encouragement, good to have a fellow fan on board!

Matt C – The mission statement can change. We’re all still creating something out of nothing! What did you have in mind? I don’t know what to do with myself this weekend without the footy!! Two games to go!

Please continue to spread the word. Good or bad, the more people on board the better!

Out.

Key Outtakes v1.0

2008-09-08T23:54:00.000+10:00

This is turning into a surprisingly polarising exercise. For every couple of contributions or positive comments there are a few who don’t share in the sentiment of the exercise. I would encourage discussion from both sides too, as long as it doesn’t turn into a shitfight! Here are some of today’s recent comments:

“You are the tightest git in the whole world. Why don't you actually PAY for your flight - yes PAY for something - because you can afford it - and then GIVE the $2,000 to charity. Yes, donate it to somebody that actually NEEDS it.”

“... and as for social experiments, nobody has mentioned it yet, but I see it as rather cheeky, there are many hundreds who would love to see Far play, myself included, but I’d never asked others to pay for my pleasure.”

“Chin up bud. Hope it helps. I just want to even up the karmic tables.”

“You are completely random! I love it!”

Please don’t approach this with your moral cap on. Ask yourself if it's possible to get a community of people to rally behind a trivial cause, for no gain beyond a sense of achievement, the satisfaction of helping a stranger or perhaps just being someway involved in something so completely random and absurd?!

... and onto today’s contributors for a total of $99.50, it’s greatly appreciated. To those that sent a msg, many thanks for your kind words, glad you can see the funny side.

David B - $20
Anon - $23.10
James D - $50 (wow mate seriously! Your generosity is frightening!)
Simon F - $6.40

So after 3 days the tally is sitting at $204.10 or 8%. Hopefully we can do 20% by week’s end! I’ve added a direct link to Oxfam’s donations page, so if you more inclined to donate to a far more serious cause, please do!

Soon, I will have something to exchange with you with every contribution. Will update you soon.

Until next time.

A Gig Too Far on Facebook

2008-09-07T23:29:00.000+10:00

Don't forget to joing the A Gig Too Far! Facebook Group at http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24694043970&ref=ts!

... and please invite others to join - mums, brothers, friends & lovers! There's fun for everyone!

48 hours in and we're at 4%

2008-09-07T22:35:00.000+10:00

Wow! What a weekend!

Who saw those Hawks get up with a massive win on Friday? What a game! Was also my birthday today, so many thanks for the birthday wishes! If you are short on ideas, I’ve got the perfect gift idea for you! ;)

On to business. Huge kudos to those who have pledged and those who have contributed. As of today we have raised 4% or $104.60 towards the goal. Our first contributors are:

Corey W - $20
Alex A - $20
Billy R - $11.20
Jonah M - Doorlist (Thanks mate!)
Tanya C - $5
Matt C - $5
Tim C - $5
James R -$20
Toby C - $18.40

Massive thanks to Jonah for wording up Hot Little Pony!

Onwards & upwards!

Here we go!

2008-09-05T14:55:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

Firstly, for those who don’t know me personally, my name’s Dave and I’m a 28 year old Digital Media Manager from Melbourne, Australia. I’m also a music tragic who needs your help!

In late 1998 one of the most underrated, yet influential bands of the time broke up. That band was Far from Sacramento, California. Led by Jonah Matranga & Shaun Lopez, they have been hailed as one of the most influential band of their era. In 2003, Kerrang magazine voted Water & Solutions (1998) 39th in the 50 Most Influential Albums of All Time, ahead of Helmet’s Meantime, Quicksand’s Manic Compression, Sepultura's Roots and Minor Threat’s self titled release. Some amazing company!

In early September 2008, Far announced that they will reform for two one off shows in LA under the name Hot Little Pony:

- October 15th Pomona, CA @ Glass House
- October 16th Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour

10 years ago I made a promise to myself that I would do anything in my power to see the band live if they ever reformed. The time to fulfil that promise has come! I am asking for your help & generosity in contributing to the airfare to get there. The current cost of a return flight to LAX with Qantas is AUD $2,569 inc surcharges, fees and taxes except local airport taxes collected at time of check-in.

The planned flight itinerary is as follows:

Monday 13 October
Flight QF93 Depart Melbourne 11:15 Arrive Los Angeles 07:30

Friday 17 October
Flight QF150 Depart Los Angeles 23:40

Sunday 19 October
Flight QF150 Arrive Sydney 08:30
Flight QF423 Depart Sydney 10:30 Arrive Melbourne 11:30

You can contribute via PayPal at http://www.paypal.com.au (A/C david.campbell AT live DOT com DOT au). All donations will be publicly listed, acknowledged and thanked. My travels will be documented via this blog and via the A Gig Too Far! Facebook group (http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24694043970). I’ll document all developments in the lead-up and whilst I’m there.

If in the event we do not make the target or no flights are available at the time of booking, I will refund you or alternatively, we can donate it to charity. Any money raised above and beyond the cost of the airfare will be donated to Oxfam Australia (www.oxfam.org.au), Australia's leading agency working with communities around the world for solutions to poverty and social injustice.

So, if you could spare a few minutes of your time to spread the word it would be greatly, greatly appreciated! I’m also open to any corporate sponsorship, so if you’re that way inclined or know anyone who might be, get in touch and we can discuss opportunities.

This is not a prank! It’s a serious attempt to raise the return airfare from Melbourne to Los Angeles and to demonstrate the power of community & viral efforts online. If you are in a position to help seed the campaign through the media, please do!

Let’s see how this goes,
David - http://agigtoofar.blogspot.com