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Re: Ask Mickey Mouse for a donation - nah, coax the mouse to ante up because he'll have more cheese


While this topic is interesting, I'd like to sideswipe it in a
completely different direction, but with a similar goal - public
education.

This summer there will be two major movies introduced about the perils
of a meteor strike upon the earth. One may use this opportunity in
many ways, but perhaps not since Comet Shoemaker-Levy will the public
be exposed to these ideas, in a way close to home.

I had this idea which was induced by observing side sales of material
at the local movies. At the major shows at my local chain there are
folks selling autographed copies of star photographs - Star Wars
memorabilia, James Bond souvenirs, English Patient signed photos, etc.

Since these are ongoing, the venues must be making a profit. The costs
are typically about $35 per photo.

I had considered making small micromounts of meteorites and selling
them on the opening nights of these movies. If people spend about $6
for tickets and another similar amount for popcorn and snacks, they
probably would spend a little on a meteorite specimen.

Small pieces of Gibeon or common meteorites like Hamada du Draa would
not cost the dealer much and might encourage a few to a greater
interest. A small sample and a note about the material will cost the 
preparer very little in time or money, but probably sell in the $10
range.

I'm puzzled by popular response - I work in Silicon Valley and am
surrounded by professionals, but I get two responses to meteorites -
some say: "Ho hum, how do you know that's a meteorite and not a lump of
slag", others are fascinated. The former have the inevitable next
question: how much did that cost, the latter ask more about the
subject.

I guess I'm encouraging dealers to make use of this opportunity. Make
a hundred small micromounts with a note card of information. Take
along a few larger more expensive samples for the more serious and to
attract attention and credibility. You might be able to get free access
to the movie theaters or you may have to give the managers a small
percentage, that might depend on your persuasiveness. You won't need
more than a small table to display things.

Everyone would win - you haven't spent much time or money, and the
public gets to go home with a precious, unforgettable souvenir.
With more interest in meteorites dealers get more customers,
scientists get more entrepeneurs looking for these things, and
collectors get more people to buy from and more traders to swap
material.

I'm not a dealer, I won't be doing this, but I offer the idea to
others. I think it will work.

-- 
          Jim Hurley
       Arachnaut's Lair
http://www.arachnaut.org/ >
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