[meteorite-list] Re: Brenham Follow-on Effect

[Notkin]

Jeff K. posted:

> I have also found it quite amazing that this find seems to have 
> generated
> such a vast interest across the US. Maybe even more than Park Forest.


Dear Jeff and List:

You've made a very interesting observation Jeff. I also believe the 
press coverage on this is much greater than Park Forest. We know of 
print/TV stories in Canada, England, Germany, and in your home country 
of Australia too ("Melbourne Times") in addition to close to 100 news 
stories here in the U.S.

I think the reasons for this are two-fold:

1) Park Forest was a random Act of God-type event. Once the story has 
been written, there isn't a lot that can be done in terms of a 
follow-up, except for those of us with specialized interest (i.e. "How 
can I get a piece?"). The Brenham story has human interest:  here is a 
professional meteorite hunter and his partner who came up with a good 
strategy -- after ten years of thinking about Brenham -- and were then 
tremendously successful. Newspapers love big success stories, *and* 
treasure hunts, *and* local interest -- Steve was born in Kansas, so we 
have all three.

2) There was no sustained effort to promote the Park Forest story as 
far as I know, and why should there be? Phil and I have written press 
releases, sent emails, faxes, and photos all over the country. I hired 
a P.R. expert as my media advisor; we also have a new website under 
construction. Steve has done multiple interviews (even I did two 
interviews) and has staged public events: the big pallasite was on 
display at the Afton Observatory near Wichita on Saturday evening, and 
local TV and papers were there to see it.

This is a great story, and a fun one, and we've worked really hard at 
promoting it. These things don't happen by themselves. Glad to see it's 
working!

What's really interesting to me is how a story like this galvanizes the 
public, and suddenly people are finding "meteorites" under their beds 
and scouring the internet for more information about them. I bet all 
this media attention will generate more than one new meteorite hunter. 
When people hear about a "Million Dollar Rock" being found in a 
farmer's field, a lot of them want to get in on the action   : )


> My website has been hammered with nearly 2000 hits this weekend (about 
> 300%
> extra) with people searching for Pallasites, Brenham, etc, etc. I've 
> also
> had a plethora of emails from people wanting to know how much their
> "meteorites" (aka Normal Rocks) are worth.

Same here. I've also had several crackpot phone calls from people who 
have found "meteorites." One of the was really scary. The guy said he'd 
found a 6 by 10 ft. "meteorite" that looked just like dolomite. "D'ya 
know what dolomite lerks like?" he bellowed.

He then went on to tell me he'd like me to help him with his book on 
"the other side of evolution" which shows "that feller Darwin's ideas 
was based on a load 'o waffles." At that point I excused myself.


For our friends in Canada, Discovery Channel Canada will be airing a 
new piece on Steve and the big Brenham either tonight or tomorrow night 
on their "Daily Planet" segment. We believe that it will be shown in 
the U.S. next week, and will try to get exact showtimes for you.

Steve is finally on his way home, so hopefully he'll be able to post to 
the List soon. Thanks to everyone who sent emails of congratulations. I 
have been keeping him up-to-date, and we've saved copies off all of 
your posts.



Finally:

PLEASE don't forget to send your Joel Schiff gifts to our friend Maria 
at:  dragonsoup at msn.com

We've heard from a lot of people, but hope to hear from a lot more. If 
you've enjoyed reading "Meteorite" magazine please send something to 
the fund so we can acquire a really nice "thank you" for Joel during 
his recovery. Also, write to me off-List if you'd like your remaining 
subscription for "M" to be put towards our fund.


Thank you, best wishes, to all,

Geoff N.