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5/22/2008 - THE 2008 POST HUNT REVIEW!
Hi, everyone!
Sorry for the delay in posting the Hunt wrapup; I've learned a few lessons about trying to cover a remote Hunt, and will be better prepared in the future. Under usual circumstances (with a local Herald Hunt), I take the day off after the Hunt so that I can work on the site and get all the updates up. In this case, I didn't have everything I needed with me while I was in D.C., and when I came home, I had to go right back to work, so I didn't have all the time (and rest) that I needed to finish everything in a more timely manner. My apologies!
The first ever Washington Post Hunt, by all accounts, really, was a huge success. Despite the first Hunt ever that it rained at, the crowd still came out (and easily was the same size or larger than the average Herald Hunt), got into the spirit of things, and the locals even gave us "out-of-towners" a run for our money!
As a matter of fact, one of the reasons why the locals apparently did well, is, well, because of the Archives itself! From Todd Etter, captain of the 1st place team:
I think it's very safe to say that there's no way we would have won if it hadn't been for your site.
The recaps, photos, and the rest of the archive materials are fantastic. So, even though we were technically rookie hunters, I felt like a veteran having been through most of your accounts of previous events. It helped us know to study the maps, look for patterns in the clues, know what likely would or would not be an answer, and so on.
So, you see folks, it's like I always say: KNOW YOUR HISTORY BEFORE YOU HUNT! It can help you win!
I am estimating that we had around 200-300 from South Florida show up for the Hunt, based on the teams that came up to me. When I first arrived at "Hunt Central" near the stage, folks started coming up to me, and I recognized more of you (an amazing feat for me!). I also had lots of other "out-of-towners" that were not from SoFla come up to me, too, and it really was fun meeting you all. That, to me, is half of the experience of the Hunt. Some of you, when I was not rushed, even got an important question: "Are you smart?" If you answered "yes" I gave you Smartees, and if you answered "no", you got Dum Dums. :)
What had everyone at the Post the most worried was the weather for the Hunt. A front was pushing through, and the worst of it appeared to be timed for the Hunt itself (between 12pm and 4pm) with a 70% chance of rain. While it did drizzle every once in awhile, overall the rain didn't hamper things too much, and obviously didn't prevent a decent sizes Hunt turnout! By the time the end-game started, the weather cleared, and even got sunny during the explanation of the Hunt by Dave, Tom and Gene (This was a good thing, as boos don't carry as well on the rain).
The individual puzzles were not too bad, although one completely threw me and my team off (see below), another one had us stumped, but that was because of how the puzzle was 'launched' (see below), and the rest were fairly straight-forward. My team had three of the five main puzzles within the first hour. But I'll get to that in a bit.
1) The first set of Post Hunt photos are up. These photos are mine, and I'll be starting with some of yours next! Video is being touched up and will be available by this weekend. If you have your own photos or video, please LET ME KNOW!
2) I need to thank the following people from the Washington Post (in no particular order):
JULIE
GENE
AMANDA
TOM
AMY
NICOLE
DAVE (okay, he's from the Herald!)
OTIS (okay, he's from the Herald!)
JUDI (okay, she's from the Herald!)
AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO PUT ALL THE BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS INTO CREATING THIS FIRST POST HUNT!
AND A GREAT BIG THANK YOU, HUNT VOLUNTEERS!
4) CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL LOCAL WINNING TEAMS!
You did yourselves proud by not letting South Floridians (or those from Seattle) run all over you...
5) In my continuing tradition, I offer the following review/thoughts on this year's Hunt:
Penn Quarter/Chinatown: Heck, it was a first for me, and I loved the area. Safe, easy to get around, and spacious enough for a good Hunt!
Judging the difficulty of this Hunt...on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being hardest (2002's Hunt), and 1 being easiest (2004's Hunt), this Hunt seemed to be just a bit tougher than normal...so I give it a 8.5...mostly because of the end game.
My puzzle-by-puzzle analysis:
The Comics: Okay, I have a small beef with this puzzle. We watched it first, since we were at the Hunt stage when the Hunt began, and a KEY CLUE that made solving the puzzle much, much easier, was NOT THERE at that point in time, but was there when we returned for the final clue. We did get the answer, after talking with other Hunters...but I feel a bit cheated. It was an honest mistake, to be sure, but we wasted a lot of time on this as a result. However, this puzzle was one of the coolest ones in a long time, since it involved working with nationally syndicated cartoonists tailoring their panels for the Hunt!
The Arch: Overall, this puzzle wasn't bad. We initially thought that we needed to look for larger Chinese characters, before we understood what we needed to do. However, my teammates argued with me regarding the final answer (which I had right) because they thought it was too much of a cultural reference that someone would have to know. However, based on my Hunt knowledge, it wasn't the first time that this type of reference had been made by the Hunt creators.
Second Glance: We got the answer to this one quickly, but felt unsure about it because we didn't understand what the signs in front of the library meant. Once we did, we were fine with it. Probably the easiest puzzle in the Hunt.
The Presidents: This one was probably the second easiest of the Hunt, although many people argued about what the presidents represented exactly, coming up with different numbers as a result. We had the wrong answer (for the right reason) within a few minutes, but it didn't match the list of clues, so we adjusted our thinking and quickly got the answer.
The Cookies: Okay...I'm embarassed. We got our answer and felt very confident in it. Another South Florida team that I knew gave up during the Endgame, and agreed to help us out. The pointed out our answer and said, "Where'd you get that?" "Well, from the cookies puzzle!" "That's wrong!" "Huh?" Then they explained to us what we missed, and we, I'm sure, collectively slapped our foreheads. I can't really say for sure, because I hit myself too hard and knocked myself out.
Endgame: Ack...I'm sorry, did I meantion 'ACK!'? I think this was easily one of the most confusing end games yet...just in sheer number of steps that needed to be achieved...but then again, teams seemed to get it more quickly than some past Herald Hunts...so I won't be too harsh on it. However, the local reference...to throw out-of-towners off...well...grrrrr....
Now let's look at my ongoing recommendations from past Herald Hunts to see how relevant they are...
1) Can the Hunt be held in the spring (February/March time frame)?
2008 Post Hunt Update: Hey, it was nice out, despite the rain...it was a good time of year to have it in D.C.!
2) Can out-of-towners be banned from winning?
3) Please?
2008 Post Hunt Update: Errrr....
4) Can we have more 'original' content as part of the Hunt special section?
2008 Post Hunt Update: Having this done by the Washington Post Magazine brought back fond memories of Tropic Magazine...
5) On a marketing note: I'd love to be able to buy a small poster of Otis Sweat's great work with the Hunt maps!
2008 Post Hunt Update: Still no map for sale! I'm still lobbying for this to happen. We love his work!
6) Do another online puzzle next year, but work a bit more closely with Dave and Tom on it.
2008 Post Hunt Update: The Post did a lot of work to prepare everyone for their first Hunt, from radio and subway ads, to sample puzzles online...they did a fantastic job!
This was a great Hunt, and it wasn't just because of Dave, Tom and Gene, and the folks at the Post, but it was because of YOU, the people who came to the Hunt, under threat of having to take a shower getting poured on, because you knew overall you were going to have fun and make the best of it! The turnout was great, and everyone was well behaved...I can't say that I saw ANYONE complaining about the rain, or getting frustrated by the puzzles...you did a fantastic job, and keep up your enthusiasm for the Hunt by writing the Post editors and letting them know, buying your Hunt shirts, etc. This lets the people who keep the Hunt going that you're out there, and you'll be counted!
This weekend was one of the most enjoyable Hunt weekends I've had in a long time, and despite the fact that I wasn't prepared to do my Hunt coverage afterwards, the time up in D.C. was great, and I'm glad that y'all up in D.C. had the chance taste the Hunt for yourselves! And drop me a note if you have anything you want to contribute!
REMEMBER, KEEP CHECKING BACK OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS! MORE PHOTOS AS WELL AS VIDEO WILL BE GOING UP!
5/18/2008 - HUNT IS OVER! LOCALS MAKE GOOD! SO DOES SoFla!
Wow, whatta day! Overall, a great day. It was very different from the typical Herald Hunt because a) it rained (it's never rained at a Tropic/Herald Hunt!), and b) it was a first ever Hunt for a new crowd. There was lots of good representation from South Florida, which I estimate at somewhere around 250, out of a crowd I'm estimating at about 10,000. And that's WITH the rain! Now, I'm no expert at estimating crowd sizes, but it was atleast as large, if not larger, than a usual Herald Hunt!
Sadly, no, I didn't win. The first and third place teams were from the local area (great job, you all!) and the second place team was our own "Weapons of Mass Confusion" from South Florida! Well done to everyone!
I have a lot of work ahead of me, so the bulk of my updates will be later tomorrow and Tuesday, as I'm traveling home and won't be able to do much.
Before I leave, let me thank Dave, Tom and Gene for their wonderful (and..stressful...) creativity, as usual! Julie, Amanda, Amy, Nicole...and the many others I'm leaving out, thank you as well! And especially to all the Hunt volunteers, the genuine backbone of the Hunt who make all of this possible!
Photos and videos are coming, so stay tuned!
5/16/2008 - II DAYS TO GO! HELP ME! WEATHER OUTLOOK! STUFF TO BRING! TIPS! MORE!
Hey, everyone! Two days to go!
I'm safely in D.C., getting the “lay of the land” inpreparation for Sunday. I'm tellin' ya, I'm getting up on that Hunt stage one way or another. I promise ya. More than likely, it will NOT be as a winner, but...well...I'm crossing my fingers!
Let's get down to business!
I WANT YOUR PHOTOS! I WANT YOUR VIDEOS! I WANT YOUR HUNT STORIES!
Got pictures? Got video? Got stories about your Hunt experience? PLEASE email me if you'd like to contribute them to the Archives! I'd be eternally grateful, as well as the other visitors to the site! Because of your help, the archives now has over 860 items, including pictures, stories, audio AND video! Let's keep it growing!
How else can you help the Archives? IF you are inclined, you can click the donation button below. Choose your own amount...it would be much appreciated! (Doing so will not increase your chances of winning the Hunt, but may make you feel are warm and fuzzy inside like it does me!)
THE 2008 POST HUNT WEATHER UPDATE
ACK! Things have changed, and it's not looking as good weather-wise...but here's your hour-by-hour forecast for Hunt weather on Sunday:
12:00pm - 69 degrees - 70% chance of rain (The Hunt BEGINS!)
1:00pm - 70 degrees - 60% chance of rain
2:00pm - 71 degrees - 60% chance of rain
3:00pm - 71 degrees - 50% chance of rain (Should be the Final Clue time...)
3:05pm - 70 degrees - 50% chance of rain (When I win the Hunt, you all can relax and watch...)
4:00pm - 70 degrees - 50% chance of rain (The Hunt should be over by now.)
THE HUNT GOES ON, RAIN OR SHINE! BRING RAINGEAR, AND BRING YOUR SUNSCREEN, JUST IN CASE IT IS SUNNY!
GET PREPARED TODAY FOR THE HUNT! BUY YOUR "BULLDOG" EDITION THIS AFTERNOON!
Start looking for the "Bulldog" edition (first edition) of Sunday's paper where you normally get your Washington Post...convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores...etc...late Saturday afternoon.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU ON SUNDAY
Get the stuff below, and get to the Hunt:
- You
- Your Hunt team
- Cell phone, or other communication device(s) for your team (one per team member is best, five is better)
- Notepad
- Your mental instability (Instability rocks!)
- Pen and pencils
- A backpack
- A hat (Sun, folks, sun!)
- SUNSCREEN!
- A raincoat, poncho or other rain/water-deflecting device (JUST in case it rains)
- Money (for parking) or a ride to the area
- Money (for food) or bring your own food (NOTE: Lots of good restaurants are in the area! Take advantage of it!)
- Money (for drinks) or bring your own water
(NOTE: Lots of good bars are in the area! For “From-Towners” (see below), TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM DURING THE HUNT!)
HUNT STRATEGY TIPS
1) The Hunt starts promptly at noon...so get there early, find a nice, comfy place to sit/wait near the stage before the insanity begins.
2) Try to find me beforehand and say 'hi'. I just may have something for ya!
3) Do NOT be distracted by sports. There will be plenty of time to cheer your team(s) on after the Hunt.
ANNUAL OUT-OF FROM-TOWNER TIPS
- Do the OPPOSITE of everything above (except drink..please...drink heavily and get a ride home!).
- The Post Hunt is not in Washington D.C. this year, but Miami Beach. You are in the wrong area. Please turn around and head south.
- The Post Hunt special section can be found in Monday's Bloom County Picayune. Wait for it.
Repeating from past years: Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the requirement to share any prize you win with me! :) (Actually, if you are about to win, let me join your team to share in the glory...I don't need to share the prize!)
3/6/2008 - POST HUNT INFO: LOGOS, BARRY AND PRIZES! DAVE! OH MY!
Hello, everyone! It's been a long time since we last talked...and it's time to get you up to speed on the upcoming Post Hunt!
First off, I'm proud to unveil the 2008 Post Hunt logo!
Simple, elegant...nice! Well done!
Second off, one question that many of you have been asking me about: TRAVEL PACKAGES!
Sadly, these did not work out as had been anticipated. For those of you out of town, choose a hotel that meets your needs and just fly on up. Really, D.C. is a great town, and there's lot to see...so you probably can't make a wrong choice. Personally, I haven't been to D.C. since the mid-80s, so if any of you all want to make some recommendations for the group, let me know!
Next up...listen to Dave Barry promote the Post Hunt!
The Post Hunt radio partner, Mix 107.3FM will be interviewing Dave on March 19 at 8:20am. You and other Hunt enthusiasts can log on to www.mix1073fm.com (click the logo below to go to the website) and hear the interview streamed live!
PRIZE INFORMATION!
Here's your official prize information (subject to change, of course, but most likely not). Three teams of (4) will win:
(4) Grand prize winners will win a 5 night vacation to the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida including air fare, hotel, golf package and breakfast daily.
(4) Second place winners will win a 4 night vacation to the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida including air fare, hotel and a catamaran cruise for 4.
(4) Third place winners will win a 3 night vacation to the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida including air fare, hotel and catamaran cruise for 4.
The Westin is a fabulous hotel...but if I win...I think I'll make them fly me from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale...just 'cos...know what I'm sayin'?
SPONSORS!
As always, the Hunt (be it the Tropic, Herald or Post Hunt) would not be the Hunt without the help of its sponsors. Please make sure that you not only give them thanks AT the Hunt, but give them business whenever you can...that's why they help out this type of event, and so you're helping the cause of keeping this craziness up!
Thank you!
That's all I have for now...stay tuned, because in one week...I'll be announcing the launch of the official Post Hunt website!
