Just know that:

1. We’re having another show (this time at a real venue) AND it’s an all-female Lineup. GRL PWR.

2. We have added some awesome new members to our CM Planning Squad, including an extensive resource for all things Sustainable.

3. We have our first (and maybe even second) Carrotmobs in the process of being ready for bidding and subsequently, MOBBING!!

NEW POST TO FOLLOW VERY SOON!

-Tony & Co.

-tony.

The July 4th idea did not seem to roll over too well. Unfortunately, less than 5% of the small market owners in my area of the city could speak English, understandably making this process much more difficult. Also, many local markets are doing so poorly, that searching for new ways of making money seem out of the question; as contrary as it seems, failing businesses are desperate for stability, and for our initial Carrotmob, stable is hardly the word we can use to describe it. However, this has been a learning experience for us. We must take a different approach, at least for our first Carrotmob without a translator.

Until recently, we’ve made much progress with getting the word and message about Carrotmob, and building up the hype with much haste. But as I’ve noticed, the actual “masterminding” has had very little to do with the word spreading and although we may have hundreds and hundreds waiting to be informed of a store to “mob”, the infrastructure of the Carrotmob rest solely upon myself and a few others. As this is a completely “volunteer” responsibility, there are no direct monetary or career incentives for planning and executing Carrotmobs, making the search for full-on staff members near impossible. To me, the commitment is a small price to pay for the potential outcome in terms of individual power, economic support, and positively impacting the not-so-positive consmer habits that dominate daily life. The thought of being a part of a consumer movement so simple and effective only brings positive thoughts, nothing bad could come from this.

Despite the press and publicity, very little community members have offered their services to the mob, perhaps I haven’t been serious enough about how much help we need. Overall, we only need a small number of volunteers or personnel, but the trick is, the Carrotmob planning and activity is typically coming after work, after school, and after monetary needs are met; leaving this “college-aged” crew with very little time to spare. I don’t blame the flailing economy as much as I blame our (America’s) value of the dollar and of our own time in respect to that dollar. Lets face it, nobody wants to do anything for free without a clear-cut incentive in the end, its just what we’ve been taught, the phrase “Nothing is free” resonates in the back of America’s mind.

As my laptop defines “free”:

-subject neither to foreign domination nor to despotic government

OR

-not physically restrained, obstructed, or fixed

Although “free” may be meaning no money or no payoff in your wallet; it means WE’RE NOT RESTRAINED, OBSTRUCTED OR FIXED. We are our own, we make choices for ourselves, not because some multi-million dollar ad strategy has pointed us at a certain chain location or brand name product. We have the power to choose, based on what we desire. With cutting-edge advertisements and industry strangleholds, that freedom is chiseled away at and our subsonscious is hijacked; but with the mindset of consciousness and wise, ethical, consuming, no advertising campaign could ever compromise our habits and values. Those values, ladies and gents, are what the mob is aiming to instill in everyday American life.

I WANT CHANGE. WE WANT CHANGE. COMPLAINING AND LAMENTING HAS GOTTEN US VERY LITTLE. ACTION IS WHERE PROGRESS CAN BE MADE, AND THAT IS WHERE WE’RE TRYING TO TAKE THIS IDEA AND CONCEPT.

It’s obviously been proven effective; but maybe Philly isn’t ready. The city is striving towards sustainability, but we’re no San Francisco; gotta learn to crawl before we walk, or even SPRINT. So we’ll take it in stride.

Lets get a meeting time set; same time every week or twice a week or three times a week. Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, all work well for me: You too? LET US KNOW. Day, Night, Morning, Evening. Whatever works!

When I started feeling somewhat discouraged about this; I thought of the possibilites, the potential opportunity to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN! There is so much we can achieve with cooperation and positivity. Without sounding like a poster in a kindergarten classroom, I want to emphasize that WE CAN DO THESE THINGS. The most we can ask of ourselves is to right the wrongs, improve what we can with what little time and resources are available to us. There is a bigger picture involved in this, one that will improve our (and our descendants) quality of living; what more can I say.

So there it is, my concerns, hopes, worries, questions, incentives, goals, whatever! I’m putting it all out there, and all I’m asking for is your response. Take a deep breath, think up a little bit, and get back to me. Leave a comment on the post, or our e-mail (Carrotsofphilly@gmail.com), or our facebook group page, or our twitter, or CALL ME (856) 316-2901. We’ll get there.

Although I (Tony) have been the driving force of this, I want to share the responsibility with everybody, transparency is key. This is a movement for the consumer, the citizen, not just a group of people or certain type of person, all ages, all creeds, all types!

We’re setting up a meeting schedule once I get responses from those of you who want in on the planning and organizing, we have merchandise to make, posters to construct, stores to mob, and the more on board, the sooner.

I love love love you all. and thank you for your time.

-Anthony Fulvio Montagnaro TONYMONT!

P.S. I’ve had an idea about taking advantage of specific store rivalries for Carrotmobs; if you know of any 2-4 store rivalries; LET US KNOW! That would be perfect for a first mob. This could take flight in days with the right support and cooperation, Like I said, we have the following, just need the hands.

-KYW 1060am Radio Interview

-Talks with the Sustainable Business Network of Philadelpia about some colab

-PRINT Version of that Time article in the June 8th Edition of Time Magazine

-Communication with Most-All of the Potential Mobbed Shops along the Southwest 47-38 Street Neighborhoods Between Walnut and                  Woodland.

I’m getting together a List for a new post featuring all of the local SW food markets, rain has really slowed the progress with this one.

(SOON THOUGH.)

We’ve also just about decided on a JULY 4TH  Carrotmob Date, but there are pros and cons to this day

PROS:

-Lots of folks off of work

-Nobody really does all that much besides bbq (GROCERIES) and lounge around; giving some potential time for spent Carrotmobbing

-I’ve learned that Independence Day is a slow/quiet/typical day for media outlets, why not shake em’ up?

-ITS SO DARN PATRIOTIC TO DO THIS ON JULY 4TH! Imagine how proud our founding fathers will be…

CONS:

-Lots of Folks just like lounging at home, drunk and full-bellied; not being conscious consumers doing normal consumer stuff.

-Many migrate to the shore/beach or some relatives house in VA Beach

-Many Stores aren’t open (although this may work to our advantage)

Obviously, the pros outweigh the cons, but the cons have potential strength..Suggestions? Let me know quick; for I will be making a final decision soon…

We’ll talk more VERY soon…

-Tony.

DAYTIME:

-There it looks like a lot of traffic is going to be circulating through the house; so if you find yrself having been through the inside workshops, the food selection, and (potentially) an email sign-up, make yr way out front to the Pitch Workshop out front and then when thats through, over to Clark Park to kill some time until the closing discussion (4:15) and subsequently the Music (5pm).

-The rain in the forecast isn’t predicted to begin until the evening, so the park and outside events should be just fine; but just in case, bring a jacket and maybe a change of clothing in the car or backpack; if it does in fact rain during the daytime, we’ll deal with as it comes, there are plenty of coffee shops and stores close-by to take refuge in while awaiting the 4:15 closing discussion.

-KYW3 News may be in attendance around the start at 12noon, they have contacted us and shown interest in doing a story on the Carrotmob, so if you want to show up early to get us a steady crowd all day (rather than all at once); please do.

Nighttime:

-Factors of Four have cancelled at the last minute; they extend their sincere apoligies; they’ll still be on the sampler though.

-Keep trash-management in mind; don’t litter or make a mess; ciggarettes will be best enjoyed outside.

-When the music ends; clear out, we’ll have a lot of cleaning ahead of us and unless you plan on sticking around to help with the process, we need an empty house.

LETS CROSS OUR FINGERS ABOUT THIS RAIN, BUT AT THIS POINT, IT’S OUT OF OUR CONTROL; I’m gonna give Friday the old “Rain or Shine” tag and say show up no matter what.

SEE YOU SOON!

P.S. Links to the Facebook Event and LastFM Event.

I’ll be on the grass! Join me for what the forecast says will be a very pleasant day.

We’ll be discussing:

Duties and Tasks at hand leading up to Friday (Setup, Food Cooking, Activity Schedule)

Delegating Who does What and what everyone would be happiest participating in.

Setting up teams and coordinating the 15th so everything runs smoothly.

I’m bringing some baked goods, Not gonna call this a “potluck” or “picnic” or anything but if you feel the need to bake something back at me, FEEL  AS FREE AS YOU WANT…

If you already agreed to Volunteer, you should be receiving a separate e-mail, and if you are interested in Volunteering but haven’t gotten back to me about it, HERE’S YR CHANCE!!

-Seeee Youuu,

——tny—–

@ THE BIRDHAUS -1343 S. 46th Street

FRIDAY MAY 15TH, 2009 -12pm-2am

FREE ADMISSION until 5pm; 3$ thereafter. Money Goes to covering food and cd costs and if anything’s left; the bands.

MUST BE CARROTMOB CONSCIOUS (understand what we do and why); i.e. If yr bringing somebody, let them know why this is going down.

(if you don’t quite know yrself then check out Carrotmob’s about page and subsequently our blog; not to mention the helpful and delightful video that explains the concept very well, see right column)

FOOD/SNACKS/DRINKS PROVIDED while supplies last: Homemade Goodies From Us!

Daytime Activities:

-Carrotmobbing 101: For the unfamiliar and/or confused

-Pitching Perfect: Getting yr own comfortable mob pitch down in a short time with confidence

-HandOUT withOUT nothin’ to pOUT abOUT: Quick, easy, and Eco-Friendly ways to make Carrotmob handouts with limited time and money

-Networking in the 21st Century: How to take advantage of Free Social networking online and off and methods for spreading the word; whatever the intent

-Fun, Fun, Fun: For those who want to stick around for the music, but have already been through all of the activities, Kickball and Frisbee will be going on at Clark Park, only 3 blocks away! (We’ll have signs pointing the way)

Wrapping Up the Daytime Activities around 4:30:

-Past, Present and Future Mob (Discussion Session/Q&A): Potential Long-Term Goals and effects of the Carrotmob on both local and national communities and societies, positive and negatives, economic significance, as well as ideas for other mob activities.

Basically, we’re promoting individual power by demonstrating some ways of spreading the word and networking not just with Carrotmob, but also for causes and grassroots movements anybody wants to get started in their local community!

We’re bringing together local like-minded individuals and encouraging everybody to get involved in some form positive of societal change.

Nighttime Activities:

~~After 5pm the Activites Will End and the Music Will Begin~~and it will start costing 3$ to get in!

Passable Plastic on the 1’s and 2’s Providing the Tunes

Bands Include (in no particular order):

• Pocket Patrol
• Alex Hannah
• The Devil’s Horns Kill the Matador
• Ethan Sherman
• Ruinit
• Chris Phillips
• Elle King
• Factors of Four
• Mourning Anna Log
• Safe Travels
• Chang Chang
• Son of the Wolff
• I Are Monster
• The Tea Club
• Spongetree

The music is going to diverse, energetic, and carry a unique sort of purpose; none of these artists are expecting any money so this one is straight from the heart, and we greatly appreciate them all.

Thats why a FREE Sampler CD is going to be handed out (courtesy of Carrotmob and Sire Press), but they aren’t going to be given out until after 5pm (so at least those who paid are sure to get one). The sampler will feature songs from every artist who performs, granted they all have attainable recordings.

Hope to see you there. It’s going to be an awesome experience for everybody!

If you are interested in Volunteering for this let me know! I’m making sweeet teeshirtsss.

Can’t ya just smell it? No, not the overflowing dumpster on the corner, I’m talking about the wondrous scent of Change, it’s all over. Each day, I encounter an increasing number of social activists/advertisements, all stretching out their arms and eyes, inching persistently for their own ideal form of change within the structure of which they exist. Besides reflecting some sort of dissatisfaction with certain aspects of daily life and societal habits, this attitude towards different forms of “change” represents the human race’s recognition of responsibility to fix the broken and mend the shattered. This energy towards initiating and executing change is what perpetuates the activism cycle around all of us. Yet, it is rather interesting (and sometimes unsettling) the apathy and indifference one encounters when on the path to launching societal change. Although the best way to avoid naysayers and pessimists is to ignore them, allow me to take the opportunity to say; Your regressive attitude is not only lame, it’s becoming largely outnumbered.

•As promised, me and few others wrote, wrapped, and taped 50lbs of carrots (about 400) and handed them out to numerous passerby’s, vendors, and folks sitting around enjoying many of the festivities of the day. A few people had already heard of the Carrotmob in Philadelphia and were excited to see us promoting. Although I was rather fatigued from running around and having explained the Carrotmob “concept” over a hundred times over the course of the day; I had a great time meeting tons of new local friends and learning about different activism going on in my community!

1. We’re a grassroots consumer movement, aiming to restructure the means and mindset behind why we purchase goods from any given business.

2. The movement started in San Francisco and proved to be extremely successful, it has been adapted Nationwide as well as Internationally and continues to gain headway.

3. This method of mass-consumer power manifestation is suitable for ANY type of store for ANY type of service with competition and with a larger, multi-mob congregation, we can start to target corporations and large companies where 500 customers isn’t a very large amount.

4. The only qualifications needed to participate are: a) Must be a consumer and b) Must live in the local area of the Carrotmob. Unless, of couse, there isn’t a mob, in which case you can set your own up very easily at Carrotmob.org

5. We are non-partisan, and use NO negative tactics. We avoid waste by minimizing paper and flyer output and rely heavily on non-print means of networking and advertising. We represent a movement that needs to threaten none, our influence speaks for itself with our spending/buying potential.

6. We aim to have the consumer habits of the conscious, Eco-friendly, non-wasteful, and communally beneficial be reflected in our economic atmosphere, rather than the chaos and haphazard trends currently characterizing the global economic character.

7. We choose to consume from places not because they are the CHEAPEST, or MOST CONVENIENT, but; BECAUSE THIS BUSINESS IS WILLING TO BE THE MOST RESPONSIBLE WITH OUR PROFIT, our earned capital. Each and Every time a purchase is made, a profit is also being made on one end of the transaction, why not know where our money is going? It seems only fair that since we (the consumer) are spending our earned income on goods daily, that we may have some say or partial control on how our money is spent once we supply to a business of our choice.

–I hope these pointers help when yr trying to trim down the length and concise nature of the Carrotmob pitch you’ve been working on…

In other news:

We’re organizing a Carrotmob PARTY.

The purpose of this event is to have a social gathering dedicated to networking those who are willing to get involved with the CM as well as create an opportunity for new people to meet local activists.

Live Music, Food, Drink, and other Carrotmob Themed Activity are Planned!

But there’s a catch: Only the Carrotmob conscious can attend.

If you want to bring somebody, INFORM THEM; DROP SOME KNOWLEDGE.

Someway or another, an Invite will make its way to you (in person), or yr emailbox.

ALL ARE WELCOME; but if you show up expecting to not talk about Carrotmob, we will be sad.

Soon I’ll have up the bands who are playing and the activities planned.

EMAIL ME IF YOU WANT TO GET INVITED AND YOU KNOW I DON’T HAVE YR INFO. (carrotsofphilly@gmail.com)

There are a lot of new things brewing, and soon I want to get a date for the first Carrotmob! Its almost about time…

I’ll be seein ya,

-tonyFmont.

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