Borrow a human at the Human Library

[Elliot]

This is simply too fabulous an idea not to share. This "needs" doing in BRC. I'm already suggesting it to the folks in our bicycle camp, but there are probably others who are better qualified to organize it.

Perhaps you read yesterday's BM Journal entry about pranks, and the prank that did not turn out quite right? This is the same idea, but deliberate and organized.

http://www.upworthy.com/check-out-a-hum ... oks?c=upw1

[lucky420]

Interesting

[Savannah]

That's amazing!

[Papa Bear]

That's an awesome idea!

[Elderberry]

Talk about not judging a book by its cover. The subject, at first, sounded WTF to me. After reading the article, I concur. What a great idea. And since these books are putting themselves out there, you could ask all of those politically incorrect questions you have been dying to know the answers too.

[some seeing eye]

Burning Man has had an emphasis on interactive art, where the "viewer" becomes a participant. Running in parallel has been the art world's "social practice art". Human Library is an example, and many recent BM art projects too. BM has the potential to be more a social practice art mecca.

[Rez]

Wow. now that would be something. I hope someone takes this and runs with it.

[Elliot]

... ...since these books are putting themselves out there, you could ask all of those politically incorrect questions you have been dying to know the answers too.

Yes, I reckon that's a key feature of the concept.

And I will certainly put myself on the bookshelf, to the extent time allows.

I'm thinking this could be done with some of the "books" physically present in the library building, and others represented by a "dust jacket" sort-of synopsis, so borrowers can reserve them for a time when they are available.

I'm plugging this within my camp, but we are only so many and we have bicycles to fix, and more. But we can surely provide a 10x20 shaded space as the library building.

[Sham]

What a great concept. It's like "borrow a friend". A new person to hang with for a few hours.
Pure brilliance.

[Elliot]

Utterly immune from taking offense over any question at all.
I need to read the article again and look for the name of the inventor. And commission a statue.

Say.... You doing much at TTITD this year, Sham?

[GrassCuttingSword]

I love this idea. If someone does run with it, I would be happy to participate and lend a hand.

[Elliot]

By golly, I'm starting a sign-up sheet right now.

[Dianosaurr]

This is such a great idea. I'd love to be involved.

"Borrow a socially anxious virgin burner with an invisible illness"

[Dianosaurr]

This is such a great idea. I'd love to be involved.

"Borrow a socially anxious virgin burner with an invisible illness who apparantly accidently double-posts when on her phone."

[Elliot]

You are in, both of you!

[SaritaSyrah]

OH MY GOSH how wonderful!

Where is the sign up sheet?

[C.f.M.]

I've done something similiar, "Adopt-A-," where we had a bench and a big white board so people could write in whatever. Adopt a virgin, DJ, vegan, cranky lady, BOD member, whatever. Is excellent idea and if I can figure out what my "subject" would be, I'm also in.

[Elliot]

All right....
This project kind'a failed to find a sponsor -- a camp member to take charge of it -- in our camp. Basically... we have too much going on already, I suppose.
And there are still only a handful of us "on the library shelves".

So I'm putting this on the back burner until next year.

There are other good programs we also have to set aside this year, such as our "Write A Letter To Your Future Self" feature. (We mailed the letters six months later.)

With such a positive consensus on this thread for Human Library... this must happen. I'll just have to dedicate "real time" to it next year.

Of course.... If somebody outside our camp wants to run with it this year, I'm in favor of that!