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Here's a few things we learned while crossing the Canadian border twice in two days:

+ When they ask what you're going into Canada for, don't answer "to meet with a blogger."

+ Don't greet border patrol with a video camera. Taping.

+ When they ask if you captured their facilities on video, don't answer "no."

+ Don't smile, or be jovial if the guards are frowning.

What an experience getting into Canada. We happened to arrive at the border just as every Canadian on earth decided to return to their country. So there was a very entertaining 65 minute wait to get to the gate. And then the real fun began...keep in mind that the van is wired with cameras, equipment, powerpacks, laptops, plus loads of luggage and five gnarly guys.

"I have an idea. Renato, get in the back seat, and video tape the guard as we approach the gate!"

Guard: "Why are you visiting Canada?"
Plaid: "We're here to visit a blogger!"
Guard: (Grimace) "Are you video taping me??" Please pull the van over to bay one."
Guard 2: "Get out of the van."
Guard 2: "How much of our facility and guards did you video tape?
Plaid: "Not much, really."
Guard 2: "Why are you here?"
Plaid: "To meet with a blogger."
Guard 2: (Super grimace) "What's a blogger??"
Plaid: "Ummmm"
Guard 2: "Go wait inside while we search your van."

Renato was pulled aside and questioned further, and then reviewed all of our video tape with the guards. We erased any offending footage. The van was searched in detail. Luckily Matt left his firearm collection at home.

We're pretty sure that we're on watch lists, permanently now.

Labels: bloggers, van, vancouver

posted by darryl ohrt at 9:13 PM 0 Comments

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We just received the best email ever about the Plaid tour from Casey Paquet:

I just wanted to send an official letter of "you kick ass"ness to you and your colleagues for the Plaid Tour. You and I have spoken at length about how interactive agencies seem to be moving toward this dangerous cliff of non sequitur where they are burning through cash doing "new media" stunts and projects that have no real value. I must admit that upon first reading about the idea of a tour I was afraid you were about to embark on a slow trip over that cliff, but I have fortunately been proven completely wrong. Not only is watching the tour addictive, it is clear that you are out there proving to people that there are ways to use technology and the internets to entertain, build brand awareness and create real value. How can a potential client look at what you are doing and not think "holy shit, I'm part of a pitch right now, but I'm not watching a Yawnerpoint slideshow, I'm sticking my head in a van that is a hotspot, being filmed for later upload and experiencing what these guys (and gals) are capable of in real life."

Bravo to you all, I've been sharing the link with as many of the folks I know in the PR/Interactive/Marketing arena and they have all been floored (although in most instances I have to explain some portion of it to them - "no, no, they aren't a band... no, see... no, they aren't doing this for a client.") Your agency is a shining light in the overcrowded pile of suckitude that is modern branding. Don't let the world beat you down, stay golden!

Awesome, Casey. Tour t-shirt is on the way. And suckitude is now the official word of the day.

Labels: bloggers, Day 11

posted by darryl ohrt at 3:35 PM 0 Comments

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Blogger vortex changed forever! Or, how many bloggers does it take to drive a van?

Today we met the infamous Joseph Jaffe. We talked blogging. And social media. And twinkies. Mmmm. Twinkies.

Pictured above are MakeTheLogoBigger Bill, myself and Joseph Jaffe. Immediately following this photo, Joseph took the van over some sweet jumps.

Labels: bloggers, Day 5

posted by darryl ohrt at 1:05 AM 0 Comments

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Bloggers. Creatives. Plaid van. Three great things that go great together. Before leaving Boston, we stopped by the Digital Influence Group in Waltham to meet fellow creatives and bloggers. Got to see their sweet new digs, big enough to drive a van through actually.

There we met Andre Sugai, Rob Druyff, Scott Ludwig and Kevin Green who are also bloggers. It’s becoming obvious that everyone from here out will have a blog. So much so that we’ll start listing them here and add new ones as we come across them.

1) Andre Sugai: Ad’ing Value
2) Kevin Green: Socially Adept
3) Scott Ludwig: Blogger Says What?
4) Lori Magno: Moda di Magno
5) Tom Magno
6) Ryan Barrett: Cheap Thrills

Labels: bloggers, Day 4, lifeontheroad

posted by mtlb at 5:28 AM 1 Comments