[meteorite-list] Re: Brenham Follow-on Effect

From: Notkin <geoking_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon Nov 14 21:56:44 2005
Message-ID: <de33235d20abec249c895aea4f91bb21_at_notkin.net>

Jeff K. posted:

> I have also found it quite amazing that this find seems to have
> generated
> such a vast interest across the US. Maybe even more than Park Forest.


Dear Jeff and List:

You've made a very interesting observation Jeff. I also believe the
press coverage on this is much greater than Park Forest. We know of
print/TV stories in Canada, England, Germany, and in your home country
of Australia too ("Melbourne Times") in addition to close to 100 news
stories here in the U.S.

I think the reasons for this are two-fold:

1) Park Forest was a random Act of God-type event. Once the story has
been written, there isn't a lot that can be done in terms of a
follow-up, except for those of us with specialized interest (i.e. "How
can I get a piece?"). The Brenham story has human interest: here is a
professional meteorite hunter and his partner who came up with a good
strategy -- after ten years of thinking about Brenham -- and were then
tremendously successful. Newspapers love big success stories, *and*
treasure hunts, *and* local interest -- Steve was born in Kansas, so we
have all three.

2) There was no sustained effort to promote the Park Forest story as
far as I know, and why should there be? Phil and I have written press
releases, sent emails, faxes, and photos all over the country. I hired
a P.R. expert as my media advisor; we also have a new website under
construction. Steve has done multiple interviews (even I did two
interviews) and has staged public events: the big pallasite was on
display at the Afton Observatory near Wichita on Saturday evening, and
local TV and papers were there to see it.

This is a great story, and a fun one, and we've worked really hard at
promoting it. These things don't happen by themselves. Glad to see it's
working!

What's really interesting to me is how a story like this galvanizes the
public, and suddenly people are finding "meteorites" under their beds
and scouring the internet for more information about them. I bet all
this media attention will generate more than one new meteorite hunter.
When people hear about a "Million Dollar Rock" being found in a
farmer's field, a lot of them want to get in on the action : )


> My website has been hammered with nearly 2000 hits this weekend (about
> 300%
> extra) with people searching for Pallasites, Brenham, etc, etc. I've
> also
> had a plethora of emails from people wanting to know how much their
> "meteorites" (aka Normal Rocks) are worth.

Same here. I've also had several crackpot phone calls from people who
have found "meteorites." One of the was really scary. The guy said he'd
found a 6 by 10 ft. "meteorite" that looked just like dolomite. "D'ya
know what dolomite lerks like?" he bellowed.

He then went on to tell me he'd like me to help him with his book on
"the other side of evolution" which shows "that feller Darwin's ideas
was based on a load 'o waffles." At that point I excused myself.


For our friends in Canada, Discovery Channel Canada will be airing a
new piece on Steve and the big Brenham either tonight or tomorrow night
on their "Daily Planet" segment. We believe that it will be shown in
the U.S. next week, and will try to get exact showtimes for you.

Steve is finally on his way home, so hopefully he'll be able to post to
the List soon. Thanks to everyone who sent emails of congratulations. I
have been keeping him up-to-date, and we've saved copies off all of
your posts.



Finally:

PLEASE don't forget to send your Joel Schiff gifts to our friend Maria
at: dragonsoup_at_msn.com

We've heard from a lot of people, but hope to hear from a lot more. If
you've enjoyed reading "Meteorite" magazine please send something to
the fund so we can acquire a really nice "thank you" for Joel during
his recovery. Also, write to me off-List if you'd like your remaining
subscription for "M" to be put towards our fund.


Thank you, best wishes, to all,

Geoff N.
Received on Mon 14 Nov 2005 09:56:34 PM PST