ScottC-

GreatEscape2002 is meant to raise money for charity, so part (about 50%) of the registration fee is earmarked as such; the other 50% is to pay for travel-related expenses, which is not tax-deductible.

I'm not a lawyer or accountant, rather I'm giving you the info as best as I can relay it from the source.

PremEx- Since there are likely a number of FTers who might be interested in being 'sponsored', I figured that I might as well determine if there is a way to get a competitive edge in raising $$....which should be proof to prospective sponsors that I can be equally competitive on 'their dime' during the GreatEscape2002 event!

Beaubo, thanks for the explanation.

Glad to see this back in the buzz of FlyerTalkers. Here's the deal. I'm willing to put up $10,000 to get this going to create a two-person team representing FlyerTalk. Among the manynames suggested to me in addition to those volunteers are chexfan, PremEx, Vulcan, QuantumLeap, and Burkey.

I'm thinking of running this pastthe Talkboard on input of how to choose the Team FlyerTalk and also how to rasie the matching $10,000 which I don't think will be all that difficult even with the plan by beaubo though I'm willing to kickoff the fundraising of the other money by donating another $100.

While I'd jump at this in a second I'm very comfortable knowing that some of the best travelers in the world are on FlyerTalk and will put my support behind the team. There is little doubt of the ways we could leverage the knowledge this board has to finish well.

I would love to see thread stay active with support, comments and the formation of a real committee to put this all together. It's fun we can actually all share in..

Again, I'm in for $10,000 corporate sponsorship and another $100 in personal contribution toward funding Team FlyerTalk. We need team leaders and a rational and fair way to select the team.

I would be unable to be an actual flight participant. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Randy,

How about this idea for team selection? Using a two-tiered selection process:

1. Prospective candidates would list their qualifications, in a format similar to that posted by MikeFly, which would be a bit more detailed with respect to the information, of course. Example: Which languages do you speak fluently? Which countries have you visited?

This information would be listed on a Candidate Selection Form, that the TalkBoard could develop.

2. If this is the 2nd Annual Event, then there must be a synopsis of the first event accessible from somewhere. It should be obtained in order that a quiz could be created from it which would test the candidates on different scenarios related to the competition. Added to the quiz would be other questions such as, "Who among the FlyerTalkers would you contact if you needed assistance with this particular problem?"

The TalkBoard could devise and/or administer the quiz.

Input on the Candidate Selection Form and the quiz could be forwarded to the TalkBoard by people not wishing to participate in the event, but interested in helping with this process.

This proposed process would assure that the two most capable people would be fairly selected for the event.

Finally, several people would be needed to set up the Support Team. They would gather contact names and numbers of FlyerTalkers around the world interested in being on the Support Team that would help the participants solve the logistical problems and game questions in the real-time game conditions.

Just an idea. Hopefully you can use some of these concepts, if not all of them. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

Too bad PremEx, here's the book on you and why I thought you'd be a pretty good candidate:

PremEx: proven leader and respected as such, exceptional planner, been all
over the world, culture-savvy, extremely detail-oriented and terrific in a
crisis.

Maybe next year.....but hopefully wecan count on your skills back at the home office should we get this team to fly.

But PremEx won't go without Daisy. Daisy cannot go because she cannot get her shots. Needles scare her.

Thanks for posting; sounds like a pretty exciting adventure.

d

for those who like to plan ahead...here are some future dates to keep in mind...

their first trip was scheduled last Oct, but due to the events in Sep, it got rescheduled to earlier this Spring. it did give them a chance to work out some kinks. the 1st place winners were apparently two gals who were paired together and did not know each other before the trip.

their website is pretty extensive with
a travel questionaire , a FAQ and as well as a list of things to bring

one last note, i called today and they still have room for participants.

[This message has been edited by LAX Gambit (edited 08-14-2002).]

I see that names can be changes later on so i might just go ahead and register to hold our place for at least one FlyerTalker as we get organized. I'll give them a call to see if a placeholder is ok for Team FlyerTalk.

If we can't win this.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif

The question #12 about the El Camino Real shows they are not perfect either, as it was a series of roads, not just in CA. In Texas, the El Camino Real is the only highway not to have a number, it is designated OSR on all road signs (Old Spanish Road).

[This message has been edited by eMailman (edited 08-15-2002).]

Their website has a Media Page. Maybe one of our members in the media could ask a few questions for us?

Also listed there are numerous articles on the first event. With some research, maybe one of these articles has a synopsis of where the contestants went, what they had to do, etc.

That's where the bulk of the test questions should come from. I'm a bit wary about their "example" questions on the site, although most look legitimate.

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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

Isn't Randy considered a member of the media? The last time I looked, he runs a magazine.

. . . and I understand the circulation has really been growing the past few months! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Randy I would not be able to do this adventure this year... too much time to take off. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

But if you do it BIG BRUDDAR does it anytime... can I be your travel companion? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I can even carry the bags! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Yes, but I was thinking on the lines of dallasnewsman, so when there is a FlyerTalk entry, it avoids any potential conflict of interest.

That now brings up another question: Are the media allowed to enter this contest?



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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

Media, schmedia, we all put our frequent flyer number in the same way - one digit at a time.

As noted before, I am tempted to enter and think I'd do quite well, but think it'd be fun just to be on the pit crew. So, I'll pony up some money and let the miles fly. I think there's a lot of reward just being on a team. I only hope we can convince PremEx to assist in the design of the official Team FlyerTalk t-shirt....

Next week we start our earnest effort to organize and put forth our team. Hopefully there will be a lot more interest from members and we'll get ready for 'training' Let's devise a test mileage run for our team just to get them in shape.....

I haven't noticed a constant mention of Status, but shouldn't this be a big consideration? Maybe not, but in many situations, like changing itineraries, bumping others off a flight, just getting better service and consideration, isn't this very, very important?

I wonder how many are the highest tier in more than 2 or 3 airlines?

Anyway, when there is a link for the Talkboard Candidates, or whatever, I can't wait to see who makes the qualification list!

If you see the sample that MikeFly posted on the first page of the thread, he did mention status. And I agree, this is definitely one of the things that should be listed on the form the candidates would submit.



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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

My qualifications: I've visited nearly every major country in the world and a lot of the not-so-major ones. I speak a smattering of 25 languages. I'm a UA 1K, BA Gold, AA Plat, HP Plat, etc. Same for hotels and cars. I'm Amex Centurion which could be a real help on this trip. And I'm pretty good at Trivial Pursuit. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

But I'm not 100% sure I can make the trip yet.

Smattering - I love that word! Definitely a good qualification if you know that word. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

Randy-

What an extremely generous offer to fund an FT team.

Is there an age restriction? If not, I think my youth (and corresponding youthful but sexy looks) could come in handy for getting the airport reps. to release seats for us... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

minimum age 16.

Er . . . I don't. I "copy and paste". Guess I'm disqualified. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Oh I'm so sad I have to work and can't do this http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Quote by Studley:
Finally, several people would be needed to set up the Support Team. They would gather contact names and numbers of FlyerTalkers around the world interested in being on the Support Team that would help the participants solve the logistical problems and game questions in the real-time game conditions.


According to the website and having spoken to the head of the event, its precisely this kind of networking that GreatEscape2002 wants to avoid. They will be restricting usage of cell phones, computers/emails; they really want the spirit of the competition to be self-sufficiency. While I'm not sure how they'd enforce this restriction (unless they have 25 supervisors following each team!), but they seem to be counting on people to follow the rules.

So, it would seem that resourcefulness, crisis management, quick adaptability and your rudimentary survival skills will likely have more benefit to a team, than how many warm bodies you know around the world.

With 10 countries in 23 days, I suspect other criteria should be physical durabilility, iron stomachs and relative lack of susceptability to illness.

Also. I'm just curious how prospective FT candidates would feel about being paired up with (and rooming with!) a member of the opposite sex?

Hey. How did I miss this thread? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Sure. Definitely interested. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Resourcefulness would mean knowing when and to whom the E-Mails would be sent at the right times. With the flight schedules many of the top-tier elite FT'ers do every year, the physical issues may not be a factor.

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The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.

[This message has been edited by studley (edited 08-17-2002).]

My planning and organizational skills http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif tell me that if Team Flyertalk is to become a reality, WE must move fast to generate a short list of candidates, "train" and fundraise. To repeat my earlier posting, I would love to do this (mainly for the fame and glory that eluded me in high school http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif...just kidding http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif...I just love to travel and I'm pretty good at it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif), and I would be more than happy to empty out my piggy mileage bank and contribute/gift 4x25K miles and return/donate any prize winnings (tax-adjusted of course http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif) if I am fortunate enough to be sponsored.

Looking forward to submitting my qualifications to the Talkboard...

So who is going? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I have been extremly busy over the past few weeks and just wanted to say once again how interested in this I am. Can't wait to see how the talkboard is going to judge potential competitors...

Randy:

I would certainly like to throw my name in the hat. I have the mental dexterity, survival skills, fortitude, will power and coolness under pressure to win this event. I am also able to take the time necessary to compete without restrictions.

I spent over 20 years in the Navy and have traveled extensively throughout the world. My travel has been both for the Navy and for pleasure and has taken me to every continent except Antarctica. I have survived (escaped) terrorist bombings and been stranded in a couple countries due to immediate military operations. I can understand (I, too, love this word) a smattering of languages and have a knack for getting around anywhere without language difficulties.

I love a challenge and always rise to the top as the challenge gets tougher. I think clearly and with vision, calculating all possible outcomes, while still making decisive decisions. I have lived extensively overseas, both in Japan and in Italy. As a recent military retiree, I have a network of world-wide military bases and government agencies to contact if necessary.

Most importantly, I have such a strong desire to win this competition that I can taste it. No matter who I may be partnered with, we will prevail and Team FlyerTalk will have won (and garnered all the publicity that comes with the win)!

My application is sincere. The only reason I don't enter individually is the cost. Sponsorship makes a win-win situation for both of us.

Steve

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"A Mile here is an Upgrade there!"

[This message has been edited by JAX Flier (edited 08-21-2002).]

Some of those here who did the Star Alliance 5 carrier - 55,555 miles program recently - all SEVERAL times did so via some amazing schedules. Some tried and proven adventure nuts among those folks. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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~ Glen ~

I did the 55555 run so where do I sign up http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif?

oops

[This message has been edited by beaubo (edited 08-22-2002).]

[B]Excerpts of GreatEscape2002 INTRO letter received after sending $100 application fee:

'We will need to know who is confirmed on GreatEscape2002 by no later than 35 days prior to our October 18th scheduled departure date. So,we will need your full appproval and thumbs up acceptance by September 13.'

Yet the attached REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY letter says:

'Complete and final payment will be due 45 days prior to departure...Sept 3rd'

A bit puzzling, but nevertheless the clock is ticking...has Randy/Talkboard decided on FT participant criteria yet?

edited

Maybe it is only because I posted to this thread but I just got an email about it from [email protected], who I have never heard of before.

Might well be spam, but as it is a charity type deal I can live with that, but still do not feel it was appropriate to target direct anyone posting here. Mr Chalmers might surely instead sign up for FT and post here updates to all readers perhaps?

Anyway, as possible info for those doing/considering it, these little snippets were included - any bolding is mine:

"PS: You really won't need any shots but you will need single entry visas for India and China. Hint... "

also:

(price)"includes all international airfare (yes, you can collect miles on some segments)"

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~ Glen ~



[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 08-23-2002).]

Glen, me too...