Dear jetBlue...(30dayflight.com)
30dayflight.com
Dear jetBlue...
http://30dayflight.com/dear_jetblue.html
78 comments
This letter really bothers me for a few reasons:
1. The letter did not need to be open at all. If you want to travel the country for 30 days without paying, more power to you but why not just send it to the jetBlue CEO directly?
2. The people behind this letter obviously think their idea is amazingly brilliant. Which it isn't. Everyone has interesting stories. You could go into a Dunkin' Donuts at 3AM and hear some pretty crazy stuff. No need to be at 30,000 feet.
3. These people probably WILL get free flights or some other special support from jetBlue because God forbid a publicly-traded company didn't listen to any and every simple Jack who asked for something on the internet.
1. The letter did not need to be open at all. If you want to travel the country for 30 days without paying, more power to you but why not just send it to the jetBlue CEO directly?
2. The people behind this letter obviously think their idea is amazingly brilliant. Which it isn't. Everyone has interesting stories. You could go into a Dunkin' Donuts at 3AM and hear some pretty crazy stuff. No need to be at 30,000 feet.
3. These people probably WILL get free flights or some other special support from jetBlue because God forbid a publicly-traded company didn't listen to any and every simple Jack who asked for something on the internet.
Exactly. Why did they have to make it public? To put pressure on Jetblue?
I don't think this trip is a smart idea. 43 flights in 30 days? They'll be spending their time running to and from and around airports. I doubt they'll enjoy it.
I have to admit that I'll follow the blog though.
I don't think this trip is a smart idea. 43 flights in 30 days? They'll be spending their time running to and from and around airports. I doubt they'll enjoy it.
I have to admit that I'll follow the blog though.
The funniest part is that its not just 43 flights. They're visiting 43 cities, and taking 90 flights!
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I don't think they're asking for free flights. I think they are asking for the 'missed flight' penalty to be waived. Since they are trying to pack so many flights into 30 days, they understandably might miss a flight or two due to delays.
42 flights in 30 days does seem a bit much though. For many of those flights, they are just going to be sleeping through the flight anyways (and unable to talk to 'interesting people').
42 flights in 30 days does seem a bit much though. For many of those flights, they are just going to be sleeping through the flight anyways (and unable to talk to 'interesting people').
I'm not sure why, but I'll respond briefly to your three points.
1. It did not need to be open. But I am making a website documenting my journey. Sorry if someone thought it was interesting and posted it to this site where you were forced to read it.
2. We don't really think it's amazingly brilliant. It is remarkable, though, in that most people have never done anything like this. We just thought it would be an interesting way to spend a month and I personally hoped it would help me accomplish some goals: I want to become a better designer and a better writer. This journey will allow me to practice both of those things. I don't have any data, but I think the people on airplanes are more interesting than the people at Dunkin' Donuts.
3. We won't get free flights. We paid our 600 dollars and we are abiding by the rules. We just want to see if they will help us out if their planes are late or cancelled.
1. It did not need to be open. But I am making a website documenting my journey. Sorry if someone thought it was interesting and posted it to this site where you were forced to read it.
2. We don't really think it's amazingly brilliant. It is remarkable, though, in that most people have never done anything like this. We just thought it would be an interesting way to spend a month and I personally hoped it would help me accomplish some goals: I want to become a better designer and a better writer. This journey will allow me to practice both of those things. I don't have any data, but I think the people on airplanes are more interesting than the people at Dunkin' Donuts.
3. We won't get free flights. We paid our 600 dollars and we are abiding by the rules. We just want to see if they will help us out if their planes are late or cancelled.
If it were another unscrupulous airline, I would be afraid that they would purposely be trying to recoup their upfront loss on the ticket by charging additional fees - like missed connections/rebooking fees. just a random thought...
Good luck on your travels
Good luck on your travels
Yeah, so they put up a website, why would the CEO of a large company want to meet with them?
I'm not saying he won't, but I don't see any value proposition mentioned on the site. If I were the CEO, I'd be thinking they're going to ask for even more after we have just exchanged 43 flights for $600? Talk about give an inch and they'll want a mile!
I'm not saying he won't, but I don't see any value proposition mentioned on the site. If I were the CEO, I'd be thinking they're going to ask for even more after we have just exchanged 43 flights for $600? Talk about give an inch and they'll want a mile!
Are you trying to imply that the vapid exuberance of "social media consultants" is not reward enough? Shame on you, sir.
Hmm, how often does JetBlue make the top of HN? Isn't the whole offer a publicity stunt by JetBlue and aren't these folks with the website doing their part?
The question for the CEO is whether or not this would generate worthwhile publicity for JetBlue. For example, if Good Morning America brought their camera crew to the coffee shop, then it might be worth it.
But then again, if they offer these guys special favors which they document on their website, everyone who has the JetBlue pass will probably expect the same.
Because of this, I don't think that JetBlue will give them any special favors.
But then again, if they offer these guys special favors which they document on their website, everyone who has the JetBlue pass will probably expect the same.
Because of this, I don't think that JetBlue will give them any special favors.
The funny bit is that rather than arranging this over the phone/email with a customer rep, they apparently need to discuss it over coffee with JetBlue's CEO. This is where the idea moves from Paul Theroux ("Great Railway Bazaar" etc) territory into Julia Allison land.
I think in general, he also wants to meet with the CEO of a large company.
@dcurtis' tweet: "My two-month goal is to have a beer with a Fortune 500 CEO. Can anyone help me with this?" (http://twitter.com/dcurtis/status/2096133916).
Now, he has an "excuse" to do so.
(Just don't tell him JetBlue isn't in the Fortune 500 :-).
@dcurtis' tweet: "My two-month goal is to have a beer with a Fortune 500 CEO. Can anyone help me with this?" (http://twitter.com/dcurtis/status/2096133916).
Now, he has an "excuse" to do so.
(Just don't tell him JetBlue isn't in the Fortune 500 :-).
I'm a bit weary of seeing HN used as a platform for dcurtis' sophomoric attention antics. This should have been a side-channel communication with JetBlue; why would the CEO want to meet with dcurtis about this, and why would he be impressed with an impersonal open letter?
Most importantly, why do I care? As a pitch, the story isn't captivating or well written, and 30 days in airports sounds both depressing and boring -- I'd be surprised if you're capable of carrying out non-monosyllabic conversations after the first 5 days.
"Have a beer with a Fortune 500 CEO" is a pretty pitiful goal. Does he not even care which one?
Most importantly, why do I care? As a pitch, the story isn't captivating or well written, and 30 days in airports sounds both depressing and boring -- I'd be surprised if you're capable of carrying out non-monosyllabic conversations after the first 5 days.
"Have a beer with a Fortune 500 CEO" is a pretty pitiful goal. Does he not even care which one?
I did not submit this article. And I am a part of this community as much as you are. People have voted this up, so there seems to be some interest here. The last thing I want is to be responsible for lowering the quality of content on HN.
Don't sweat the haters. If there's good feedback in here, use it. If there's not, forget it. Do your thing and have fun.
I always seem to meet interesting people when I travel, especially sitting next to them on the plane. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you incorporate the experiences with your obvious knack for slick designs. And I only noticed your site because of this experiment. So you have one additional fan exactly because you're courageous enough to try this and be open about it. Enjoy!
I always seem to meet interesting people when I travel, especially sitting next to them on the plane. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you incorporate the experiences with your obvious knack for slick designs. And I only noticed your site because of this experiment. So you have one additional fan exactly because you're courageous enough to try this and be open about it. Enjoy!
They made it an open letter because they wanted to get attention. I think it was very well done and I wish them the best. It sounds like it is going to be an incredible experience - reminds me of Taxi Cab Confessional but a little less Hokey. People have incredible stories and I bet within 30 days they're going to hear some amazing adventures. Best of luck guys.
I sense that 50% of the posters to this thread are missing context.
Please read: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=759577
Before suggesting that the article is not appropriate for HN. The Idea of traveling to all these cities was first discussed on HN.
And to all the naysayers - These guys are going to do something more interesting than I've ever done. I don't know what adventures and enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures you've rolled out over the last few years - but they must be impressive if 30dayflight doesn't appear to be HN fare to you...
Please read: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=759577
Before suggesting that the article is not appropriate for HN. The Idea of traveling to all these cities was first discussed on HN.
And to all the naysayers - These guys are going to do something more interesting than I've ever done. I don't know what adventures and enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures you've rolled out over the last few years - but they must be impressive if 30dayflight doesn't appear to be HN fare to you...
And to all the naysayers - These guys are going to do something more interesting than I've ever done. I don't know what adventures and enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures you've rolled out over the last few years - but they must be impressive if 30dayflight doesn't appear to be HN fare to you...
Spending a lot of time on airplanes is very tiring, but it's not what I'd call an adventure, an entrepreneurial venture, or an enterprise.
This just sounds like a silly stunt.
Spending a lot of time on airplanes is very tiring, but it's not what I'd call an adventure, an entrepreneurial venture, or an enterprise.
This just sounds like a silly stunt.
Well, it's more interesting thing than I've ever done. I usually stick to the more touristy type of jungle treks through Thailand or Outback walkabouts in Australia that a million other people have done. This is pretty unique.
And, to be specific:
And, an important part of the experience of course, is completely ignoring the naysayers, the detractors, and pushing onwards.
I'm actually very interested in seeing how it all works out.
And, to be specific:
o They booked the flights
o They're taking the time out to hit
all of those airports.
o They came up with a theme "Stories
from 30 days of flights"
o They put together a website - clean graphics,
nicely laid out fonts.
o They're reaching out to JetBlue Executives,
promoting themselves, getting a nice HN exposure.
And, an important part of the experience of course, is completely ignoring the naysayers, the detractors, and pushing onwards.
I'm actually very interested in seeing how it all works out.
Not only is this chick completely irresponsible, but this "trip" is a joke. He's going to be living in an airport for a month, all for what? No one cares about people who live in airports, nor do they care about the fascinating lives of airplane passengers.
I genuinely hope his trip goes as planned, but this social networking media web 2.0 garbage is a waste of the internet.
I genuinely hope his trip goes as planned, but this social networking media web 2.0 garbage is a waste of the internet.
> this social networking media web 2.0 garbage is a waste of the internet.
Why is this necessarily a waste of internet? Are you worried that we're going to run out of internet, and there won't be any left for you?
This sounds like the sort of idea that in years past someone would embark on to write a book about. Nowadays it's on the internet instead. This attitude is just as bad as the 'a crime is a worse crime when it happens on the internet' attitude that people seem to have today...
Why is this necessarily a waste of internet? Are you worried that we're going to run out of internet, and there won't be any left for you?
This sounds like the sort of idea that in years past someone would embark on to write a book about. Nowadays it's on the internet instead. This attitude is just as bad as the 'a crime is a worse crime when it happens on the internet' attitude that people seem to have today...
Why the down-modding? His comment isn't even relevant.
> Not only is this chick completely irresponsible, but this "trip" is a joke.
The 'chick' that spent her last bit of money on plane ticket was someone that the two creators of that site met on a plane trip, not someone who is embarking on this journey. If you're referring to the two creators of that site, then how is this 'experiment' (though I use the term loosely) irresponsible?
> He's going to be living in an airport for a month, all for what? No one cares about people who live in airports, nor do they care about the fascinating lives of airplane passengers.
The popularity of the movie 'The Terminal' (and somewhat similarly 'Catch Me If You Can' -- strangely enough also starring Tom Hanks) indicates otherwise.
> social networking media web 2.0 garbage
What does this site have to do with social networking? They are planning on doing something, then blogging about it, and possibly being popular enough to earn some advertising revenue. The cherry on top would be endorsement money from JetBlue. I fail to see how that is 'social networking' anymore than the rest of the web.
That comment added nothing to the discussion, other than a poorly formed 'get off my lawn' opinion. If all it takes to gain popularity on HN is copping a curmudgeonly attitude, then we're starting to go downhill in my opinion.
> Not only is this chick completely irresponsible, but this "trip" is a joke.
The 'chick' that spent her last bit of money on plane ticket was someone that the two creators of that site met on a plane trip, not someone who is embarking on this journey. If you're referring to the two creators of that site, then how is this 'experiment' (though I use the term loosely) irresponsible?
> He's going to be living in an airport for a month, all for what? No one cares about people who live in airports, nor do they care about the fascinating lives of airplane passengers.
The popularity of the movie 'The Terminal' (and somewhat similarly 'Catch Me If You Can' -- strangely enough also starring Tom Hanks) indicates otherwise.
> social networking media web 2.0 garbage
What does this site have to do with social networking? They are planning on doing something, then blogging about it, and possibly being popular enough to earn some advertising revenue. The cherry on top would be endorsement money from JetBlue. I fail to see how that is 'social networking' anymore than the rest of the web.
That comment added nothing to the discussion, other than a poorly formed 'get off my lawn' opinion. If all it takes to gain popularity on HN is copping a curmudgeonly attitude, then we're starting to go downhill in my opinion.
Breaking down my 300-character comment about something that shouldn't even be on HN? I'm bored, but I'll keep it tweetably succinct.
Alaska managed large sums of money, but could not manage her own. Irresponsible.
You're right, movies are often good indicators of how interesting real life is.
Social networking was just a hyperbolic adjective in my (critical) remarks about modern marketing.
So that this comment isn't entirely useless, here are my two points for you:
1. This shouldn't be on HN because this is neither interesting nor hacker-related. 2. Reading comprehension.
Alaska managed large sums of money, but could not manage her own. Irresponsible.
You're right, movies are often good indicators of how interesting real life is.
Social networking was just a hyperbolic adjective in my (critical) remarks about modern marketing.
So that this comment isn't entirely useless, here are my two points for you:
1. This shouldn't be on HN because this is neither interesting nor hacker-related. 2. Reading comprehension.
> Alaska managed large sums of money, but could not manage her own. Irresponsible.
I don't see anything on that site mentioning that the woman in the story is Alaska Miller. Seems more like an example of the type of 'interesting people' they want to meet during this adventure.
> You're right, movies are often good indicators of how interesting real life is.
Fact is often stranger than fiction.
> 1. This shouldn't be on HN because this is neither interesting nor hacker-related.
The marketing angle seems related to startups. At least more so than conspiracy theories about Russian ship and missiles to Iran.
I don't see anything on that site mentioning that the woman in the story is Alaska Miller. Seems more like an example of the type of 'interesting people' they want to meet during this adventure.
> You're right, movies are often good indicators of how interesting real life is.
Fact is often stranger than fiction.
> 1. This shouldn't be on HN because this is neither interesting nor hacker-related.
The marketing angle seems related to startups. At least more so than conspiracy theories about Russian ship and missiles to Iran.
You're right, I incorrectly referred to Alaska as the person they met (probably because the site switches from first person to third person so quickly, but also because of MY lack of comprehension on the second read-through). The conclusion remains the same, though--some people seem to view her story as fascinating despite its bone-headedness.
Also, in re-reading my comment, apologies if that first sentence came off brash...
Also, in re-reading my comment, apologies if that first sentence came off brash...
I was obviously exaggerating...
But yes, I agree that this could turn out to be an interesting book, so long as they gathered some interesting experiences or stories. Seems like the sort of thing you publish after the fact, since the odds of meeting your content-related goals seem slim.
But yes, I agree that this could turn out to be an interesting book, so long as they gathered some interesting experiences or stories. Seems like the sort of thing you publish after the fact, since the odds of meeting your content-related goals seem slim.
For someone who thinks the web 2.0 stuff is garbage you certainly spend enough time posting redundant comments in multiple places.
first question, how does someone make a living risking "millions of dollars" and barely have enough money to afford a single flight?
I think she was a trader making at least several hundred grand a year. But she lived in an extremely expensive apartment. In the few months after being fired, she spent her entire savings on living expenses. That's part of why I found her story so fascinating.
That's part of why I found her story so fascinating.
No disrespect, but that's not fascinating, it's stupid.
Basically, she had no savings. No rainy day fund. No retirement funds. No investments.
What's the first think Suze Orman types tell all of those women that watch her? Have enough set aside for 2-3 months living expenses - minimum!
There's simply no excuse for someone working so close to money to be so irresponsible with her own. I feel for her, but perhaps this is lesson learned.
No disrespect, but that's not fascinating, it's stupid.
Basically, she had no savings. No rainy day fund. No retirement funds. No investments.
What's the first think Suze Orman types tell all of those women that watch her? Have enough set aside for 2-3 months living expenses - minimum!
There's simply no excuse for someone working so close to money to be so irresponsible with her own. I feel for her, but perhaps this is lesson learned.
Keep in mind that we don't really know the full story. There could have been a number of factors preventing her from setting aside 3 months of living expenses. Heck, she might have only been at her job for a few months. The fact that she had a job managing a lot of money suggests to me that she would know how to manage her own, and that it is more likely than not she didn't have the option to save up a large amount of money. Point being, let's not criticize based only on anecdotal evidence.
At least she didn't have debt. (I assume since she wouldn't have been as worried about the extra sum).
The fact that you're asking that question makes this idea worth that much more.
Only having the job for a week or two?
OPM
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Someone's holiday reached the top of the HN homepage? Well I hope you have a lovely trip.
Did you guys look into travel insurance? If you found the right package, it might cover things like additional charges due to travel interruptions, etc.
And since you are engaging in a publicity stunt you might look for sponsorship beyond JetBlue.
And since you are engaging in a publicity stunt you might look for sponsorship beyond JetBlue.
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Man, the comments in this thread make me realize people have lost their sense of adventure.
Reminds me of this:
Meet Wired.com’s Terminal Man: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/09/terminal-man/
Meet Wired.com’s Terminal Man: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/09/terminal-man/
Do you really have to go that far to find interesting people?
Actually: Who wants to meet up for Pho tonight at, say 10pm, on El Camino?
Actually: Who wants to meet up for Pho tonight at, say 10pm, on El Camino?
I would take you up on that Pho if it was at Pho24 on Pham Ngu Lao, right near De Tham, District 1 HCMC Socialist Republic of Vietnam :-) How about a few Bia Babas with ice at GO2 Bar, outside, going through a pack of Viet Marlies, then a walk to Guns and Roses to hustle the locals over the free pool table and skip before we get hustled back for all we're worth. We can end the nigh toking up a fat one outside Allez Boo and chatting with passers by.
Feel free to bring along a Fortune 500 CEO, but please make sure the guy can shoot a mean 9-ball and can hold his own drink.
Feel free to bring along a Fortune 500 CEO, but please make sure the guy can shoot a mean 9-ball and can hold his own drink.
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They could also use the bus and talk to people.
If they don't show up, they should pay the price!
If they don't show up, they should pay the price!
I think the reason this is on here is because the idea came up in a previous HN post, and people are curious to see what happens.
I don't think this should be on Hacker News.
I'm happy to read any of his zany ideas because the graphical presentation is so brilliant.
I'm really bored with this guy's continual attempts at blatant self-promotion. Just because you make a new domain every time you write a blog rant doesn't mean your writing is more interesting than the average Tumblr.
Be civil. Don't say things you wouldn't say in a face to face conversation.
http://ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
http://ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
I would say this to him. "Dude, your blog is boring."
(Who cares what I think?)
(Who cares what I think?)
I would like to chat with you, just to see why you think that, but I can't find any email address anywhere. Can you send me an email ([email protected])?
This project's carbon footprint is going to bigger than a microwaved michael jordan doing a lay up for shaq (in space).
I get why there's a lot of hate goin' on, but if you're going to travel around the country on one airline for 30 days and take more flights than their pilots are allowed to it's probably a good idea to at least try to tell the company about it, regardless of whether you should be asking for preferential treatment or a freebie.
It's going to be a documented journey, and for the sake of transparency, why wouldn't you contact them? And why wouldn't you make it an open letter? This is how blogging works nowadays. They just aren't waiting to be picked up by a news spot days after they're back home.
All this is apropos of whether they should be asking for anything, or whether it's a good and worthy idea, or if you like or don't like Mr. Curtis. Feel free to knock them for doing it wrong, but don't knock them for trying.
It's going to be a documented journey, and for the sake of transparency, why wouldn't you contact them? And why wouldn't you make it an open letter? This is how blogging works nowadays. They just aren't waiting to be picked up by a news spot days after they're back home.
All this is apropos of whether they should be asking for anything, or whether it's a good and worthy idea, or if you like or don't like Mr. Curtis. Feel free to knock them for doing it wrong, but don't knock them for trying.
I think this is a really clever, innovative, and interesting idea. The experience will probably be fascinating - if they really interview as many people as they can, they'll most likely see patterns emerge, and I suspect some of the patterns won't necessarily be something you'd expect. They're also bound to hear some crazy outlier stories.
They have a tremendous value proposition. They'll be able to tell JetBlue things about their customers that no focus groups and marketing research can tell them, at a small fraction of the cost. I'm genuinely surprised this idea got such a bad reception here - reminds me of some of the TechCrunch comments. If anything, it's a little like "around the world in 80 days", which is cool for its own sake.
They have a tremendous value proposition. They'll be able to tell JetBlue things about their customers that no focus groups and marketing research can tell them, at a small fraction of the cost. I'm genuinely surprised this idea got such a bad reception here - reminds me of some of the TechCrunch comments. If anything, it's a little like "around the world in 80 days", which is cool for its own sake.
jetBlue had better be careful, unless they want their website redesigned. :)
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Check out the seat he has at the US Open:
http://blog.dustincurtis.com/im-at-the-us-open-in-the-front-...
Must be doing something right to get seats like that.
Must be doing something right to get seats like that.
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Great idea, but by day 3 I fear both the travelers and their online audience will be weary of the concept, and move on to shinier new tweets. It'll be slightly interesting again at the finish line and summary stage (days 30-31).
i think this is a lovely/fun/adventurous idea.
i'm sure their trip will be super memorable. i can't wait to follow along on the blog.
i'm sure their trip will be super memorable. i can't wait to follow along on the blog.
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[deleted]
Nice Alaska! We love it!
[deleted]
Why does this letter qualify to be on HN. Its got zilch amount of value for Hacker News !
I have flagged this post, and would request others who agree to do the same. Please, lets not let HN be the next Digg or reddit.
Please don't submit comments complaining that a submission is inappropriate for the site. If you think something is spam or offtopic, flag it by going to its page and clicking on the "flag" link. (Not all users will see this; there is a karma threshold.) If you flag something, please don't also comment that you did.
If your account is less than a year old, please don't submit comments saying that HN is turning into Reddit. (It's a common semi-noob illusion.)
http://ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
If your account is less than a year old, please don't submit comments saying that HN is turning into Reddit. (It's a common semi-noob illusion.)
http://ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
I wonder what their backgrounds are that would make them good resource to interview JetBlue passengers and make them deserving of special treatment from JetBlue.