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This can go on the list of Things I Learned in 2009.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned a Web site where you can track the movements of dollars bills. Commonly known as simply Where’s George, www.wheresgeorge.com has a number of fans. I learned they refer to themselves as a “Georger” and they often have get togethers, “long before Tweet-ups came about,” a local Georger said (via e-mail, of course).
Georgers are quite internet savvy, of course, and apparently they often do a web search for what might be on the internet about their hobby. Since this column is posted on our Website, their searches led several to read it. They like to spread their gospel and are appreciative of any publicity their hobby can get. More than one mentioned that they wished more people would participate.
I particularly enjoyed an email from one enthusiast (he described it as an “obsession”) who has been at it now for five years, has “hits” (reports of bills) in all 50 states, in eight countries and about half the provinces in Canada.
He included an attachment from the site that tracked one particular George — a $1 bill — in the Bradenton, Florida area. It has been tracked now for three-and-a-half years and has yet to leave the area. It has attained what the Web site calls an “Average Speed” — how many miles it has traveled per day — of 0.04 miles.
Which of course fits right in with the theme of that essay, that dollars spent in your community tend to stick around, benefitting others, our tax base, and local charities. It’s one of those notions that is perfectly logical but it’s always nice to see some sort of research back it up.
And it has a little more teeth to it than Hizzonner declaring “If you can't find it in Bluffton, you don't need it!” (Just kidding, Ted.)
The theme popped up again in a couple of the Thanksgiving e-mails from which we built last week’s essay. I like the phrase used by one: “We are all connected in a delicate balancing act of life.” It was used in reference to an appreciation for life in a small community, where it is common to feel much more of an intention to support the business around the corner or down the street.
“If you succeed, we all succeed.”
So, we preach the gospel once again ... a timely lesson as you continue your Christmas shopping.
by MARK MILLER
miller@news-banner.com
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