Yesterday morning we closed the 25th auction of Significant Objects v2 — the halfway point, that is, of our project’s 2d “volume” — and so far our generous customers have parted with $931.54. So we remain on track to give … Continue reading
Hey, so as of this morning’s auction close, we’re up to $894.54 for 826 National! Pretty good! In other news: In Twitter land the other day we got a nice shout out from @ugly_sauce, which is nice because that’s bARTer … Continue reading
Behind the scenes at Significant Objects, heated debates shaped the table recently presented here, sorting each object into a specific primary category, by function. Among the most controversial objects: nutcrackers. In the table, the two nutcrackers that were part of … Continue reading
What’s a scientific experiment without pie charts? It’s incomplete, that’s what. So: You’ve already been presented with this data in tabular form. But these, you see, are pie charts. First: Story categories. (Previous category analysis, with table, here.) Second, object-function … Continue reading
Is the Sanka Ashtray primarily an example of a promotional item, or tobaccania? Is the Elvis Chocolate Tin primarily a container, or a novelty item? Why did we name the Spotted Dogs Figurine and Mule Figurine the way we did … Continue reading
With 21 auctions closed, our total sales for Volume 2 are at $774.04. Looking good for 826 National! (Shop here.) In other news our Facebook Page got its 500th fan the other day. As a reward to Fan No. 500, … Continue reading
The holidays are over, and here at Significant Objects we’re back at work, assiduously analyzing the data from our project’s experimental phase. Last month, we finished up our quantitative analysis; in 2010, we’ll focus on a qualitative analysis of our … Continue reading
Significant Objects will be back after the holiday. In the meantime, please enjoy the following significant-object poem, titled “The Things,” from the Jan. 04, 2010 issue of The New Yorker. It’s by Donald Hall. Reprinted here without permission. When I … Continue reading
As of yesterday, we’ve closed 17 auctions in Significant Objects Volume 2, with total sales standing at $653.04. So we’re on pace to make a nice donation to 826 National when it’s all over. Thank you for the bids! Keep … Continue reading
Significant Objects has many obvious virtues — but is it eco-friendly, too? In the early days of trying to drum up traffic, I brought our project to the attention of several eco-blog types. Why? Because we figured that in converting … Continue reading
We’ll be back soon! In the meantime, you can still bid on objects — thus raising money for 826 National, and perhaps picking up a never-too-late unique gift for a loved one.
Still haven’t figured out what to give that Significant Person on your list? Maybe s/he would enjoy Women & Infants Glass With Story By Jeff Turrentine. That auction ends today, so at least you can offer definitive proof that your … Continue reading
Probably you already know this, but it’s not a bad idea to remind everyone that proceeds from Significant Objects v2 will go to 826 National. We recently decided we need to add some kind of running total box to the … Continue reading
All Things Considered hangs out with Josh: Check it out here. And should any NPR listeners find their way here as a result, welcome to the site, there is more about the project here. The Russian Figure + Story By … Continue reading
So far we’ve had six stories contributed to our Fictionaut group, all about this music box. Fictionaut community feedback hasn’t really anointed a clear champion — maybe you’d like to weigh in? The stories (click the title to read) are: … Continue reading
We’ve discussed the intrinsic appeal of some Significant Objects – but what about those objects that lacked such appeal? Things inexplicable, but not in a way that doesn’t necessarily make you want to know more. Sometimes objects like the now-notorious … Continue reading
I don’t believe we ever formally noted that the recent Hammer Bottle Opener + Alexander Chapman Story was our first Significant Object by one of the finalists from our earlier contest with Slate. (The auction ended yesterday, and it went … Continue reading
Just a quick note to observe the completion of the first auction of Significant Objects Volume 2, which actually happened on Tuesday: The Rabbit Candle + Story by Neil LaBute, went for $112.50 (original price $3). An auspicious beginning! Please … Continue reading
