GISHWHES! July 12, 2013 9:14 AM Subscribe
Registrations are now open for this year's Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen! Last year, mefites joined forces with people from around the world to do all kinds of silly, artistic, profound, and deeply troubling things. Our accomplishments were partially documented on Tumblr and will live forever in our hearts.
So, who's in this year?
Registration requires payment on a sliding scale with Kickstarter-style rewards. If you'd like to play but don't want to pay, that's cool too, just speak up in this thread. Since the tasks often require collaboration from international friends, I'm sure we can find something for everyone to do.
I've started a team just for us, so if you'd like to represent Mefi as you make a fool of yourself in public to be widely documented on the Internet, join team Quonsar!
Registration requires payment on a sliding scale with Kickstarter-style rewards. If you'd like to play but don't want to pay, that's cool too, just speak up in this thread. Since the tasks often require collaboration from international friends, I'm sure we can find something for everyone to do.
I've started a team just for us, so if you'd like to represent Mefi as you make a fool of yourself in public to be widely documented on the Internet, join team Quonsar!
I don't even....
OK, count me in at the "I'll help if I can" level contributor.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:16 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
OK, count me in at the "I'll help if I can" level contributor.
posted by RolandOfEld at 10:16 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
I just joined! It took me a minute to realize I needed to search for "Quonsar" and not "MetaFilter" on the team search.
posted by ocherdraco at 10:44 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by ocherdraco at 10:44 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm in!
Also for the first time only a Metafilter-related group is dominated by Canadians.
posted by Lemurrhea at 10:54 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Also for the first time only a Metafilter-related group is dominated by Canadians.
posted by Lemurrhea at 10:54 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm game
posted by Packed Lunch at 10:54 AM on July 12, 2013
posted by Packed Lunch at 10:54 AM on July 12, 2013
Wow, I missed that back then. So neat!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:45 AM on July 12, 2013
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:45 AM on July 12, 2013
I am pretty sure my girlfriend would kill me if I paid the $269 required to get Misha to read something. I am considering it.
posted by cjorgensen at 11:58 AM on July 12, 2013
posted by cjorgensen at 11:58 AM on July 12, 2013
I haven't registered yet, but I am so, so in. Especially if L.A. MeFites can get together and build a seagull out of sanitary napkins.
That would be AWESOME!
posted by Sophie1 at 12:12 PM on July 12, 2013
That would be AWESOME!
posted by Sophie1 at 12:12 PM on July 12, 2013
I'm Jessica!
posted by 1066 at 1:15 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by 1066 at 1:15 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Get a room.
posted by cjorgensen at 1:21 PM on July 12, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by cjorgensen at 1:21 PM on July 12, 2013 [5 favorites]
Only if you bring a camera. And snacks -- lots of snacks.
posted by 1066 at 1:26 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by 1066 at 1:26 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
We did this last round and had so much fun. This "contest" is also the reason that there exists photos of me in a cucumber kilt, popcorn wig, and dressed as a drunken '70s detective (which actually wasn't much of a stretch for me, costume-wise).
I strongly suspect that if nothing else I've ever done or said pushed me over the line, those would probably be the final straw that would keep me from public office.
posted by quin at 2:09 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
I strongly suspect that if nothing else I've ever done or said pushed me over the line, those would probably be the final straw that would keep me from public office.
posted by quin at 2:09 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
It sounds amazing, but I'm hesitant to register without knowing if there's anything on the list I can actually do. I poked around the site and didn't see a list for this year.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 2:13 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 2:13 PM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
I don't think they usually release the list until the last possible minute. And usually the list is upwards of two hundred items many of which are ungettable unless you happen to be in a specific location. (I believe last year had one which had a letter hidden under a park bench in Paris or something like that).
The fun is seeing how many resources and favors you didn't know you could pull from people you haven't talked to in ages to see if they can do stuff for you;
"Hi, yeah, it's quin, yeah, I know we haven't talked since grade school, but I heard you were in South Africa now; any chance you could go to the southern most tip and photograph yourself with a sign that says "Misha sez hi"
Some conversations are more confusing than others.
posted by quin at 2:23 PM on July 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
The fun is seeing how many resources and favors you didn't know you could pull from people you haven't talked to in ages to see if they can do stuff for you;
"Hi, yeah, it's quin, yeah, I know we haven't talked since grade school, but I heard you were in South Africa now; any chance you could go to the southern most tip and photograph yourself with a sign that says "Misha sez hi"
Some conversations are more confusing than others.
posted by quin at 2:23 PM on July 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
The list is provided only when the event starts, but you can see the list from last year on Tumblr. Some items are indeed tricky because they require you to be in a different country or have access to highly specific props/people/locations, but most just require a bit of creativity, time and friends, and a healthy lack of dignity.
And you'll be surprised what you can contribute! One of my biggest thrills last year was that there were TWO items requiring snakes. I was all "Me and my corn snake GOT THIS!"
posted by Freyja at 2:25 PM on July 12, 2013 [4 favorites]
And you'll be surprised what you can contribute! One of my biggest thrills last year was that there were TWO items requiring snakes. I was all "Me and my corn snake GOT THIS!"
posted by Freyja at 2:25 PM on July 12, 2013 [4 favorites]
I have a lot of downtime this summer...I'm in.
posted by cobaltnine at 4:34 PM on July 12, 2013
posted by cobaltnine at 4:34 PM on July 12, 2013
I would like to do this, mostly because I need something interesting and fun to do and if I join the MeFi team, I got your back in Quebec!
posted by Kitteh at 4:50 PM on July 12, 2013
posted by Kitteh at 4:50 PM on July 12, 2013
I AM SO DOING THIS
posted by mismatched at 7:03 PM on July 12, 2013
posted by mismatched at 7:03 PM on July 12, 2013
I want to help! I'm in Madison, WI, enjoy building and/or wearing ridiculous things, and am good at not getting arrested.
posted by teremala at 7:34 PM on July 12, 2013
posted by teremala at 7:34 PM on July 12, 2013
I'm not sure what a Viking surprise is. But I don't wanna be burned on a boat. :(
posted by asperity at 8:57 PM on July 12, 2013
posted by asperity at 8:57 PM on July 12, 2013
OK. So I just tried to join team Quonsar and was told it's closed.
**So I started a second MeFi team: PepsiBlue
posted by yellowcandy at 11:10 PM on July 12, 2013
**So I started a second MeFi team: PepsiBlue
posted by yellowcandy at 11:10 PM on July 12, 2013
Didn't realise there was a limit to group size. This could get messy.
posted by Packed Lunch at 11:18 PM on July 12, 2013
posted by Packed Lunch at 11:18 PM on July 12, 2013
Join the second team I just started! There are 14 places left--plenty of room for lots of people.
posted by yellowcandy at 11:28 PM on July 12, 2013
posted by yellowcandy at 11:28 PM on July 12, 2013
Looks like I'm the only Euro member of Team Quonsar. Uh oh. No pressure!
posted by Skybly at 1:47 AM on July 13, 2013
posted by Skybly at 1:47 AM on July 13, 2013
I'm in! I've joined Pepsiblue.
posted by bunderful at 7:21 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by bunderful at 7:21 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
And I really want to see the video of the church choir singing "whip my hair" that was mentioned in last year's thread.
posted by bunderful at 7:22 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by bunderful at 7:22 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
because "hilarribly weird ritualistic public humiliation hunt" doesn't have the same ring to it
posted by elizardbits at 8:42 AM on July 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by elizardbits at 8:42 AM on July 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
I want to play! But, it's likely that I'll be too busy that week to really be a good team member (sadly), so I'm not going to register.
However, if there is anything LA-specific you guys need help with, let me know!
posted by insectosaurus at 8:52 AM on July 13, 2013
However, if there is anything LA-specific you guys need help with, let me know!
posted by insectosaurus at 8:52 AM on July 13, 2013
"You are a member of PepsiBlue" woooo.
posted by RainyJay at 10:52 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by RainyJay at 10:52 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
We've got 4 members on the PepsiBlue team as of 2:00 p.m. EST--still lots of room for more members.
posted by yellowcandy at 11:08 AM on July 13, 2013
posted by yellowcandy at 11:08 AM on July 13, 2013
I am one of those 4 members!
posted by Ruki at 11:34 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Ruki at 11:34 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
That week is a tough one for me, so I can't join the team but I'll help in any way I can. For example, if anything requires a stormtrooper again, I got ya covered. Also have access to many bizarre tchotchkes and thingies as I'm back to working in the antiques biz!
posted by peagood at 11:37 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by peagood at 11:37 AM on July 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
I can't play this year but I am on hand to help with Australian things (although in a much less sexy location). I will get back to putting more of the fun stuff on the tumblr so all y'all can enjoy some choral goodness.
posted by Trivia Newton John at 5:19 PM on July 13, 2013
posted by Trivia Newton John at 5:19 PM on July 13, 2013
(I joined PepsiBlue as well.)
P.S. I'm the co-creator of the (omg crazy) church choir video. Your wish is my command... but please, don't make them do it two years in a row.
Behold.
posted by Madamina at 8:39 PM on July 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
P.S. I'm the co-creator of the (omg crazy) church choir video. Your wish is my command... but please, don't make them do it two years in a row.
Behold.
posted by Madamina at 8:39 PM on July 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
I'm in for Australian things (Sydney based ones anyway). Can I still join team Quonsar?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:14 AM on July 14, 2013
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:14 AM on July 14, 2013
I did it last year and had so much fun.
The timing isn't really good for me this year and I don't feel I can commit. :( It wouldn't be fair.
I will most definitely help if I can when it starts.
posted by Jalliah at 10:54 AM on July 14, 2013
I'm not sure what a Viking surprise is.
If it's not a me/Rollo/Ragnar 3way then I'm not really interested.
posted by elizardbits at 8:26 PM on July 14, 2013
If it's not a me/Rollo/Ragnar 3way then I'm not really interested.
posted by elizardbits at 8:26 PM on July 14, 2013
I feel like this is a theory of social capital and networks put into practice. Holler at me if there's something needed in Seoul (start of the hunt) or Honolulu (end of the hunt). The scavenger hunt period also includes my honeymoon in Jeju Island and an international flight, if either setting is requested.
posted by spamandkimchi at 1:01 AM on July 15, 2013
posted by spamandkimchi at 1:01 AM on July 15, 2013
I wanted to give a userid as the referer to enhance someone's opportunity to win a Viking Surprise, so I used freyja's email address, from her profile.
Team Quonsar is full, so I'll join Team PepsiBlue. Yay!
posted by theora55 at 6:34 AM on July 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
Team Quonsar is full, so I'll join Team PepsiBlue. Yay!
posted by theora55 at 6:34 AM on July 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
Count me in on PepsiBlue as well.
posted by allen.spaulding at 9:42 AM on July 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by allen.spaulding at 9:42 AM on July 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
Not that one's location precludes stuff happening in other locations around the world, but Team PepsiBlue currently consists of five people within a few hours of NYC and two people in the Midwest.
Come on, Seattleites! Let's go, San Diego! Lookin' swell, Sapporo!
posted by Madamina at 10:22 AM on July 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
Come on, Seattleites! Let's go, San Diego! Lookin' swell, Sapporo!
posted by Madamina at 10:22 AM on July 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
I don't know if there's much I can do in Seattle, but let me know if there is. (I'll only be around the first few days of it, so I'm not going to register, but I'll check in to see if there's things that need help with.)
posted by Margalo Epps at 9:54 PM on July 15, 2013
posted by Margalo Epps at 9:54 PM on July 15, 2013
I'm in to help for both teams for any London based assistance.
I might register for one later if there are spaces left, but I need to be at a different computer for that.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:55 AM on July 16, 2013
I might register for one later if there are spaces left, but I need to be at a different computer for that.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:55 AM on July 16, 2013
One more for Team PepsiBlue!
Theora55, I used your email address from your profile as my referrer.
Also, for anyone who's thinking about joining but isn't sure, I submit this GISHWHES rule for your consideration:
"4. Retribution. If you experience anger, frustration or hostility towards another during the Hunt, you must understand that these are natural, normal feelings. If you find yourself overwhelmed by these emotions, you are permitted to coordinate and attend a “dance-off” with the individual who has pissed you off. This dance off must be set to music, consist of no more than 20 seconds, involve two songs, and at least 2 recognizable dance moves. Please provide a video link of this event to missjeanlouis@gishwhes.com our rules enforcer. If all directions are followed, we shall take immediate action.**"
I for one hereby volunteer to piss off anyone from Team PepsiBlue or Team Quonsar for the sole purpose of coordinating a dance off. Should you wish to be pissed off and thereafter face me in a dance off, please MeMail me.
posted by pecanpies at 10:55 AM on July 16, 2013 [3 favorites]
Theora55, I used your email address from your profile as my referrer.
Also, for anyone who's thinking about joining but isn't sure, I submit this GISHWHES rule for your consideration:
"4. Retribution. If you experience anger, frustration or hostility towards another during the Hunt, you must understand that these are natural, normal feelings. If you find yourself overwhelmed by these emotions, you are permitted to coordinate and attend a “dance-off” with the individual who has pissed you off. This dance off must be set to music, consist of no more than 20 seconds, involve two songs, and at least 2 recognizable dance moves. Please provide a video link of this event to missjeanlouis@gishwhes.com our rules enforcer. If all directions are followed, we shall take immediate action.**"
I for one hereby volunteer to piss off anyone from Team PepsiBlue or Team Quonsar for the sole purpose of coordinating a dance off. Should you wish to be pissed off and thereafter face me in a dance off, please MeMail me.
posted by pecanpies at 10:55 AM on July 16, 2013 [3 favorites]
Kinetic #2 and I are PepsiBlue (go Red Sox Nation!)!!
posted by kinetic at 8:01 AM on July 17, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by kinetic at 8:01 AM on July 17, 2013 [3 favorites]
I keep reading this as GISH WISHES. Gish being a game I own.
posted by IndigoRain at 2:40 PM on July 17, 2013
posted by IndigoRain at 2:40 PM on July 17, 2013
I keep reading this as GISH WISHES. Gish being a game I own.
I keep screwing up and thinking of GESH. Which is a little terrifying.
posted by Lemurrhea at 6:15 AM on July 18, 2013
I keep screwing up and thinking of GESH. Which is a little terrifying.
posted by Lemurrhea at 6:15 AM on July 18, 2013
I'm in to help if I can!
posted by brilliantine at 7:50 PM on July 22, 2013
posted by brilliantine at 7:50 PM on July 22, 2013
Whoa...this...is...just...wow.
Here is a task list with respective point values from 2011. And here is the list incl. points for 2012. The linked tumblr does not have the info about points. But it might be helpful to get an idea about what kind of tasks are high value items. 'Cos MeFi ftw!
I am kind of busy in Euroland but tempted to go and camp out close to Skybly or Just this guy, y'know for the duration of GISHWHES so we can check off some Euro-items from the list together. ;-)
posted by travelwithcats at 3:48 AM on July 28, 2013
Here is a task list with respective point values from 2011. And here is the list incl. points for 2012. The linked tumblr does not have the info about points. But it might be helpful to get an idea about what kind of tasks are high value items. 'Cos MeFi ftw!
I am kind of busy in Euroland but tempted to go and camp out close to Skybly or Just this guy, y'know for the duration of GISHWHES so we can check off some Euro-items from the list together. ;-)
posted by travelwithcats at 3:48 AM on July 28, 2013
YES, MeFi GISHWHESMeetup for Euroland (as we are apparently calling it now)
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 1:55 AM on July 31, 2013
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 1:55 AM on July 31, 2013
OK, so I didn't sign up in time, but if anyone on the MeFi themes needs anything Australian based (particularly Sydney), do send me a memail.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 9:58 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 9:58 PM on August 5, 2013
Themes? Teams. I meant teams.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:14 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:14 PM on August 5, 2013
Hey, Team PepsiBlue, I have not been able to enter chat, not just today, but every time I've tried. Just so you know.
posted by Ruki at 1:30 PM on August 11, 2013
posted by Ruki at 1:30 PM on August 11, 2013
This is terrifying.
posted by asperity at 2:11 PM on August 11, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by asperity at 2:11 PM on August 11, 2013 [2 favorites]
This is FANTASTIC.
This is INCREDIBLE.
This is...just...abnosome!
posted by RainyJay at 11:10 PM on August 11, 2013
This is INCREDIBLE.
This is...just...abnosome!
posted by RainyJay at 11:10 PM on August 11, 2013
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posted by RainyJay at 9:32 AM on July 12, 2013 [1 favorite]