Get Curious! – Announcing the AOC Worldwide Tour

A short while back, I contacted the 103 authors of the Age of Conversation book about the possibility of a worldwide tour, by a famous figure who has “volunteered” (well, I found him at Wal-Mart…) to be our mascot.

The goal is for this mascot to visit every one of the authors on their “home turf,” completing a global circuit within one year’s time or less. At the end, he takes up permanent residence at the HQ of Variety, the Children’s Charity, to which the Age of Conversation book proceeds are being donated.

And who better to represent such a charitable effort than the favorite of children everywhere, Curious George??

So, if you are an AOC author, George is on the way! A number of you expressed a good bit of interest in this promotion, before the actual mascot was unveiled. I think you’ll enjoy George’s visit when he arrives at your doorstep!

The process is quite simple. The Get Curious Worldwide Tour package will arrive at your office or domicile after you have been contacted by a previous recipient, who will (via e-mail) request your mailing address. All that George asks is that you take a picture with him if you’re able (posting it on your blog, of course), and quickly send him on to someone else on the list (if you want to be prepared in advance, you’ll want to have a #5 padded shipping envelope, 10.5 x 15 in./26.67 x 38.1 cm).

Oh – and sign the author sheet, of course.

Full directions are included in the Get Curious packet, including all names and locations of authors (with e-mails), arranged in a roughly logical geographical pattern. George will begin his venture in New Jersey, wander across the United States and into Canada, leap across the pond to Europe and the Middle East, and end his adventure “down under” with our friends in Australia. Then on to Variety HQ for a much-deserved rest!

So, to begin, here is George at the starting point with Tour Director Steve Woodruff. This photo will also be uploaded into Flickr, at the AOC group started by Matt Dickman (you’re encouraged to do the same). There has also been a rumor that George may end up in a race with something else that is hankering for a tour…we’ll have to stay tuned for that. If there’s a contest, George knows all the tricks.

Here is a picture of the Get Curious packet. Be ready…George can’t wait to meet you!