Maybe you noticed that I offered a panel idea titled 'No Vacation Nation, Is Vagabonding the Right Medicine' for South by Southwest Interactive (Mach 2010).
You might have even voted for us, if not Visit the Panel Picker and give us the Thumbs Up (a short registration is required), feel free to add your comments and suggestions.
Voting ends September 4.
So how can you help me Put Vagabonding to the Test?
For a while now, I have been toying with the idea of moving from writing about things from a distance to actually documenting them up close and personal.
Taking trips to different parts of the US and the globe and meeting the locals for an authentic take is what's been on my mind.
Of course, it means spending 1 to 3 weeks in various places and it costs money.
Since I am not independently wealthy and do not plan to do it on credit cards alone, I thought I would reach out to my community of readers and make a deal with them.
Using Microfinancing tools such as Kiva, I would rely on my community to raise funds for each trip.
Everyone willing to show their support would drop say $20 in the 'hat' and in return get an exclusive e-book which I would write after each trip.
In addition I might use some sponsors, if this is alright with you.
I would screen them carefully.
Getting back to putting Vagabonding to the Test, instead of flying from New Jersey to Austin for South by Southwest, I would take the train (the most carbon efficient way) or drive a fuel efficient vehicle.
To stay with the Green theme, I would stay in hotels or bed and breakfasts who think about their environmental footprint. Same principles would apply to what and where I eat.
Not flying would take more time but allow me to make a number of stops on the way, being able to meet local people who share my passion for authentic food, wine and travel.
I would write about what's happening along the way right here of course.
It should make for a lively diary.
To reduce the amount I need to raise, getting complimentary seats from Amtrak or a courtesy car from a car company, a dealer or a rental agency would help.
If a car was used, it would be fun to add some creative signage on it with the theme of the trip.
Eateries could invite me along the way.
It would help to have communication tools, computer and other necessities for Digital Nomads plus a video camera lent for the trip.
It would allow me to put them to the test and possibly generate some buzz and good will for the lenders.
Voila, thinking out loud about what's possible
Would you support it?