**Blimp launch information** (and new banner photo)

[alieas007]

http://weather.boston.com/extended.html
http://www.weatherpages.com/MA/Boston.html
http://weather.msn.com/tenday.aspx?wealocations=wc:USMA0046

Here's some Boston, MA extended forecast links. Looks like 50% of snow w/ light accumulation. 20mph winds.

EDIT: I'm a blimp supporter, so I'm sure whenever it flies it will be grand!!

 

[hillertexas]

FYI Johnhowe, I wanted that tracking number merely to validate that something was being shipped. For my own peace of mind.

 

[BeFranklin]

+1

And FYI Johnhowe, I wanted that tracking number merely to validate that something was being shipped. For my own peace of mind.

+1 2

 

[Menthol Patch]

Menthol, not sure I always agree with your methods but I agree that there are likely some paid or unpaid trolls around here. I have been in discussions with Ron Paul supporters in which we agreed that other campaigns would be stupid not to have trolls in here. A lot more rests on Ron Paul's defeat than the presidency. Millions, perhaps billions of dollars could be lost in certain industries if his policies are put into place.

First of all let me say that I appreciate all the hard work all of you are doing on the blimp. However, I am a very blunt person. I say what I mean.

The first thing I thought about when I heard about the blimp (I was in the original thread I think where it was brought up) was how it could be a HUGE boost for the Tea Party. I think the Tea Party and the blimp are SYNERGISTIC. The Tea Party boosts the blimp and the blimp boosts the Tea Party. If they are not together then both are less meaningful.

In my opinion, for the blimp to be successful I think the media need to talk like crazy about it so that people know it exists. The best way for this to happen is for the blimp to be in Boston on the Tea Party. If it is not there on the Tea Party I don't think that the blimp is likely to have another opportunity to get a massive amount of publicity. It would get publicity, but not nearly as much.

If we can get a ton of AWARENESS about the blimp from the start at the Tea Party then I think people across the nation will be LOOKING for the blimp!

I totally support all the efforts of all of you. Unlike some of the naysayers on here I think all of you DESERVE TO BE PAID.

However, it's my personal opinion that if the blimp can't make it to Boston then both the blimp project and the Tea Party will suffer. I think a better investment would be to refund as much of the money as possible and allow Ron Paul supporters who are not maxed out to use the money towards the Tea Party or other projects.

 

[Lacrosseus]

Sorry for being snippy. I just think we deserve a little more slack considering that we are attempting to make grassroots dreams a reality in the business world. I am not an expert on money saved so would a $400,000 blimp advertising campaign generating millions of dollars in publicity be considered a cost saving project?

I agree that problems make a task seem larger. It was hard to anticipate all the problems we could encounter as we were doing many unprecidented things at once. Next time I get involved with a blimp I'll be better informed.

I do not blame you for any of the problems and I know that all of you are working hard to make this happen.

 

[Menthol Patch]

Menthol, not sure I always agree with your methods but I agree that there are likely some paid or unpaid trolls around here. I have been in discussions with Ron Paul supporters in which we agreed that other campaigns would be stupid not to have trolls in here. A lot more rests on Ron Paul's defeat than the presidency. Millions, perhaps billions of dollars could be lost in certain industries if his policies are put into place.

I'm also certain there are both paid and unpaid trolls in here. I also think there may be a couple in the official campaign. However, the problem is that the "professional" trolls try VERY hard to disguise themselves. They will only risk exposure at critical moments when they can do something to really hurt the campaign. At other times they will simply try to steer the campaign in directions they know are not beneficial.

The trolls who are NOT professional are the ones that come in and suddenly show they are a troll after only a few posts.

 

[BeFranklin]

First of all let me say that I appreciate all the hard work all of you are doing on the blimp. However, I am a very blunt person. I say what I mean.

The first thing I thought about when I heard about the blimp (I was in the original thread I think where it was brought up) was how it could be a HUGE boost for the Tea Party. I think the Tea Party and the blimp are SYNERGISTIC. The Tea Party boosts the blimp and the blimp boosts the Tea Party. If they are not together then both are less meaningful.

Yes me too, I was there in that thread connecting the blimp with the teaparty. That is what the donate by Friday meant on the blimp site, and that was also what was on one of the original flyers for the blimp project.

 

[Tarzan]

BTW, was there any talk of flying the blimp to Boston and having the second side of the banner meet the blimp there?

Attaching the banners CAN be done in the open but it is a touchy procedure. Wind is a major concern when attempting this process. Because of the anticipated winds along the route and other delays it was decided to wait and have the completed Ron Paul Blimp take flight when the process was completed. Note that there are only two hangers on the east coast capable of housing the Blimp. The Airship company owns one and the other is in Lakehurst, NJ. We could not get permission to use the facility unless there was an in flight emergency.

Our goal is to get to and support the TeaParty07 events. The trip CAN be made in two days and would put the Blimp in position in MA on December 15th. This comes from the senior captain of the Blimp... one of three scheduled to make the trip. We are watching the weather very closely. The current system approaching NE was discussed at the end of November. We knew it was coming but did not know what final consequences it would have. We are hoping it will do what we anticipated... be drawn slightly north and hit Boston with a snow showers, but not a full blown blizzard others have suggested. Unfortunately, only time will tell for sure.

Our goal has been to get to the TeaParty07 events, Gain the most media exposure possible, then visit key states with early primaries. We have not given up in that quest and have continually adapted the plans to make these goals happen. The media has already taken note of this effort. Here is one upcoming story which is set to air on PBS on Friday, December 14... the day of the launch. The Ron Paul Phenomenon
Look through the forum... there are many other stories the Blimp has sparked and many of the mention TeaParty07.

We are working as fast as we can. I regret that information has not been forthcoming as quickly as you and we would like but the process has been very dynamic. We have given the best information available at the time. We did not want to post information that would change and start yet another firestorm on the forums. Quite often we were too focused on the tasks required to accomplish the launch and did not have time to read and respond to all the posts... which have often turned hateful.

It is my understanding that most of the sponsorship money has gone to the Airship Company... and rightly so. You should know that the efforts by a small and dedicated staff are being done without any payment. I know that NO money has been used from the sponsorships by Trevor, Elijah, Katherine, the meteorologist or myself during this period of time (fyi, I am strictly a volunteer as is the meteorologist). I also know that Trevor and Elijah have paid for their travel to the launch site out of their own pockets... that the plane ticket for the videographer was paid out of pocket... and that all three of them will be making the trip and paying their own expenses. Then there is the additional sacrifice of their personal lives. I am not trying to give you a sob story here... just the truth of the matter. They deserve a lot more credit than they are being given.

It is disheartening to see all the negative posts regarding this venture and I must resist my darker side to not respond to them in kind. There is real dedication to the goal... getting Ron Paul elected. The tasks which need to be accomplished are daunting and those who have never started and run a business do not appear to be aware of all the issues. They tasks require more than an idea.. they require lots of time and hard work. When considering the time it normally takes... and the time which was available... the progress has been remarkable.

We truly appreciate those who are being supportive and understand some of what we are facing. Your support and comments really do help keep us going. Our goal is to get out the Ron Paul message. The Blimp is only one aspect of that process. With the Ron Paul Army and the Ron Paul Air Force working together we can achieve the goal... getting Ron Paul elected President!
.

 

[Mckarnin]

First of all let me say that I appreciate all the hard work all of you are doing on the blimp. However, I am a very blunt person. I say what I mean.

The first thing I thought about when I heard about the blimp (I was in the original thread I think where it was brought up) was how it could be a HUGE boost for the Tea Party. I think the Tea Party and the blimp are SYNERGISTIC. The Tea Party boosts the blimp and the blimp boosts the Tea Party. If they are not together then both are less meaningful.

In my opinion, for the blimp to be successful I think the media need to talk like crazy about it so that people know it exists. The best way for this to happen is for the blimp to be in Boston on the Tea Party. If it is not there on the Tea Party I don't think that the blimp is likely to have another opportunity to get a massive amount of publicity. It would get publicity, but not nearly as much.

If we can get a ton of AWARENESS about the blimp from the start at the Tea Party then I think people across the nation will be LOOKING for the blimp!

I totally support all the efforts of all of you. Unlike some of the naysayers on here I think all of you DESERVE TO BE PAID.

However, it's my personal opinion that if the blimp can't make it to Boston then both the blimp project and the Tea Party will suffer. I think a better investment would be to refund as much of the money as possible and allow Ron Paul supporters who are not maxed out to use the money towards the Tea Party or other projects.

The blimp is already getting major publicity and will continue to do so. I forward requests to interview and video the blimp from ABC, Fox and other MSM networks to our media guy daily. We have the possibility of celebrities flying on the blimp as well as the media members and Blimp sponsors. The blimp plans to visit multiple states within a week or so of their primaries, thus getting the buzz going for RP. The tea party is great but if it's Ron Paul you want to promote the blimp will do well regardless. That said Trevor, Elijah, another forum member who may or may not want ot remain anonymous and I have been working very hard on the schedules and I was on the phone with the blimp pilot for almost an hour today going through different scenarios and having him check his weather maps to see what we can and cannot do. Believe me, he KNOWS that the tea priority is THE top priority and he said he will do everything he can to get us there without risking the blimp and its crew.

 

[jonhowe]

I standby my statements, but just to prove I'm no troll:

Here's a story I dugg earlier today for Ron Paul:

http://www.digg.com/2008_us_elections/Ron_Paul_and_ABC_s_John_Stossel

Here's what used to be my facebook picture (yea, I'm a college student; Go Hofstra!) for several weeks:

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v125/185/30/1242270498/n1242270498_116171_8148.jpg
Note the name. My name. That was my first political donation, of $20. I gave another $30 on November 5th, and another $20 a few weeks ago after Ron sent out that mass email. Also, on Friday I ordered 3 Lawn Sign and 3 stickers (the latter to cover my Dad's Mitt Romney stickers when I go home). The lawn signs will go in my dorm window, which is on the corner of a 14 story tower here at Hofstra (on the 6th floor).

Im a member of Hofstra for Ron Paul, a supporter of the tea party, and I WAS planning on going to meet the blimp in Brooklyn, well, today. But I realize that REALITY has caused my meeting the blimp to b either delayed or cancelled.

It's life guys, I don't know what else to say. We just need to calm down and stay positive, thats the only way people are going to take us seriously.

 

[amistybleu]

I'm also certain there are both paid and unpaid trolls in here. I also think there may be a couple in the official campaign. However, the problem is that the "professional" trolls try VERY hard to disguise themselves. They will only risk exposure at critical moments when they can do something to really hurt the campaign. At other times they will simply try to steer the campaign in directions they know are not beneficial.

The trolls who are NOT professional are the ones that come in and suddenly show they are a troll after only a few posts.

Your troll theory is most likely true and that being said, the only way they can affect us is through division (divide and conquer) so we can all agree that Trewvor ans his team are on our side so lets back them 100%.

 

[patrick123]

I standby my statements, but just to prove I'm no troll:
...

I haven't been here long, but I don't think anyone will take Menthol Patch's accusation seriously. I'm sure he cries wolf every time someone disagrees with him.

 

[Menthol Patch]

Yes me too, I was there in that thread connecting the blimp with the teaparty. That is what the donate by Friday meant on the blimp site, and that was also what was on one of the original flyers for the blimp project.

It's nice to meet someone else that was on that thread!

 

[amistybleu]

I standby my statements, but just to prove I'm no troll:

Here's a story I dugg earlier today for Ron Paul:

http://www.digg.com/2008_us_elections/Ron_Paul_and_ABC_s_John_Stossel

Here's what used to be my facebook picture (yea, I'm a college student; Go Hofstra!) for several weeks:

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v125/185/30/1242270498/n1242270498_116171_8148.jpg
Note the name. My name. That was my first political donation, of $20. I gave another $30 on November 5th, and another $20 a few weeks ago after Ron sent out that mass email. Also, on Friday I ordered 3 Lawn Sign and 3 stickers (the latter to cover my Dad's Mitt Romney stickers when I go home). The lawn signs will go in my dorm window, which is on the corner of a 14 story tower here at Hofstra (on the 6th floor).

Im a member of Hofstra for Ron Paul, a supporter of the tea party, and I WAS planning on going to meet the blimp in Brooklyn, well, today. But I realize that REALITY has caused my meeting the blimp to b either delayed or cancelled.

It's life guys, I don't know what else to say. We just need to calm down and stay positive, thats the only way people are going to take us seriously.

Welcome jonhowe, even if you were a troll you would have to derail me from my strong beliefs of Freedom and the Republic. no troll could have a chance.

jonhowe is my revolutionary brother until HE proves otherwise.

 

[Menthol Patch]

I haven't been here long, but I don't think anyone will take Menthol Patch's accusation seriously. I'm sure he cries wolf every time someone disagrees with him.

I'm not crying at all. I'm being bluntly serious.

However, when people attack me for being serious (instead of just going anyway the wind blows) I will redouble my efforts every single time.

 

[work2win]

This thread needs a couple cases of chill-pills and a liberal application of Troll-B-Gone. It doesn't matter if you actually are a troll or not, the end result of your negative posts are the same. I can guarantee the Hucksters are cheering each and every negative post in this thread and hoping that the Blimp people get pissed off.

I got news for 'yall:

1. The people running the show want the Blimp in the air just as badly as you do.
2. Bitching won't change jack.
3. These delays will not hurt us one bit, and may even turn out for the better. The blimp now will make its first appearance on or after the Tea Party which will be perfect to ride and continue the publicity wave. Instead of the news talking about his 4 mill day when the Blimp stories run, they will now be mentioning his 8 mill day when they talk about the blimp for the first time.


To the Blimp people: Thanks for the excellent update. Please disregard the buzzkill Huck operatives and their attempts to deflate the blimp. We appreciate your efforts and anxiously await launch!

 

[eric_cartman]

i will be pissed off if the blimp doesn't make it to boston for the tea party.

if it makes it to the tea party... all is good.

if it doesn't make it to the tea party, Trevor and Elijah don't get to organize any large projects anymore.

if it doesn't make it to the tea party for whatever reason, that's a horrible failure. when you pay a quarter million dollars for something, you better get something in return.

 

[amistybleu]

I'm not crying at all. I'm being bluntly serious.

However, when people attack me for being serious (instead of just going anyway the wind blows) I will redouble my efforts every single time.

Have you ever heard of Randy Moss and Terrel Owens, don't be like them because win or lose we are a team with one goal and we should be self assured that the blimp team is on our side. SHIT HAPPENS and GO WITH THE FLOW

 

[Chicago Joe]

I would be a little disappointed if the blimp was not able to attend the Boston Tea Party, but I understand the reasons why it is so. I don't expect perfection, especially under such quick & spontaneous decisions. That said I still applaud the efforts of the Blimp team in making a grassroots impossibility a reality, and am still glad I made the donation/purchase to see that the Blimp gets into the Air, sooner or later.

I am a little disappointed in the amount of animosity presented here, but then again i suppose it is expected. Keep up the good work Liberty Advertising!

 

[jonhowe]

Well, it seems to me you're being fairly crazy. (EDIT: Menthol, not you other fine people)

The blimp people wanted to blimp there for the tea party. They tried. They may or may not succeed. But the key is, there is only so much THEY can do. The rest is up to mother nature, the blimp company, UPS, and any other random factor you can think of.

Yes, they're a business, but they're also only a month or so old, with non business people running it (we all know it's just a way to get around the donation limit, lets be serious).
It'll be a nice treat to see the blimp in Boston on the 16th, but really, be realistic please.
We don't want to be branded as wackos more than we already are! (Well, thats the reaction a lot of people here give me, until I work them over).