SUBSCRIBE VIA RSSThis should be a fun little adventure and I’m hoping everyone gets involved.
While it’s always been a dream of mine to see the world, our retirement plan has yet to mature to the point where we can do it. Apparently, guessing six winning numbers is harder than it looks.
As well, while I’d love to visit with each and every one of my readers, it’s a completely impractical notion considering how quickly I’d wear on people.
But now, with my Flat Stanley-inspired “Take Me With You” campaign, we can make it happen AND keep our budget and friendships intact.
Many of you live in amazing places with amazing landmarks and points of interest, and I want to see them! Many of you will be venturing to amazing places when vacation season hits this summer, and I want to tag along!
Even those of you who live in boring places and have vacation plans similar to our own (none), I want to encroach in some photos!
No matter where you’re going…here, there, or anywhere, I want you to…
How It Works!
Just as the above image says, simply download, print, and cut out one of the two versions of Telling Dad eye candy. From there, use your imagination! Snap an imaginative photo with your family or just prop me up in the foreground of some interesting landmarks or scenery. Heck, I wouldn’t care if you took a shot of me pegged to a dartboard in some seedy bar. Just so long as I’m with ya.
While I’m a fabulous companion if traveling by car, rail, or sea, I’d prefer that you pack me in your carry-on luggage should you travel by plane. I tend to get claustrophobic in cargo holds and I have a major phobia about ending up in Calcutta while the rest of the family is enjoying Disney World.
What’s In It For Me?
All submitted photos will be added to an upcoming collage/gallery as well as a virtual Pin Map that I’ll be creating so everyone can see all the different places I’ve visited with your help. I’ll even be selecting a bunch of favorites for the video I’ll be creating when the campaign closes in September.
Beyond that, there’s really nothing in it for you. There are no cash awards, no prizes, and no giveaways. Just the soul-filling pride of being part of one of the greatest Internet movements since the Petition to Stop Internet Petitions (launched in 2009 and already 5 signatures strong).
Need Some Ideas?
If you’re taking a trip this summer, take me with you! I’m pretty sure you’ll have lots of opportunities for some great shots…from well known landmarks to roller coaster rides to a day on the beach, I’m game. Even if you just want to show me some sights from your home town, I’d love for you to be my tour guide.
From the simple to the extraordinarily imaginative, I hope to be absolutely buried in submitted photos. Not only will everyone get to see all kinds of global landmarks and points of interest they wouldn’t otherwise see, but it’ll mean the world to me that so many people took the time to show me their own little corner of the globe.
Need some inspiration beyond landmarks? Here’s a “Take Me With You” Bucket List of sorts…
- Take me to a place you’re proud of in your home town
- Set a place for me at one of your family BBQs
- Have one of your kiddos take me to the playground
- Include me in a family photo
- I’m afraid of heights, take me somewhere WAY up high
- Take me to a sporting event or concert (Justin Bieber = -10,000 points)
- Prop me up in front of a local landmark and tell me about it
- Take some pics of me with your pets (preferably unchewed)
- Put me in a chicken coop
- Make me a groomsman in your wedding (100,000 bonus points)
- Prove to my wife that I CAN fit in a Smart Car
- Put me on horseback or even a mechanical bull
- Use me as a bookmark in your favorite book
- Take me Salsa Dancing (chips optional)
- Blow me up with fireworks (adults only!)
FAQs
Q: I have a strange mind. What would you consider to be *too* inappropriate?
A: To inappropriate to send to me? Not sure that’s possible. As for a photo being too inappropriate for publication, the rule of thumb is simple: if it wouldn’t make your Facebook timeline, it probably won’t make mine. But that doesn’t mean you still wouldn’t be my hero.
Q: How many photos can I send?
A: As many as you want! While I can’t promise I’ll publish ALL of them, anything interesting, funny, imaginative, or unique is almost a sure thing to be added. If you want to snap a few from your home town and then more from your upcoming vacations, I’d LOVE it!
Q: When should I send photos?
A: Sending them as you take them would be best but there’s really no requirement. I’ll just be thrilled to have them.
Q: When does this end?
A: I’ll be ending it when school starts in case a few people want to take me along on their first day of school (hint hint).
Q: Where do I send the photos?
A: Email the photos along with the location and a little informational snippet to share (optional) to tagalong@tellingdad.com.
Q: Where can I download the images to use?
A: The images are printed on a standard 8.5×11 sheet of paper so just choose the version you want and save the PDF to your computer.
Q: I have more questions.
A: Technically, that isn’t a question, but if you do have one, just email me direct at tagalong@tellingdad.com and I’ll hook ya up with an answer!
Thank you to EVERYONE who participates. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with. At the very least, all postcard recipients should take part in this. For the cost of a sheet of paper and some ink, you can absolutely make my day.
I’ll keep everyone posted as photos arrive and I’m hoping to score a few sponsors willing to provide prizes for some kooky contest ideas that I have. We’ll see.
Happy pic hunting and I hope you play along!
UPDATE! JUNE 5th 9:30am
You’re all the best. I had commented on Facebook that I’m so fortunate to have readers who aren’t just click counts and I meant it! So far, promises have come in for photos from Canada, Ireland, France, Afghanistan, Germany, the Philippines, Nairobi, Australia, the UK, and of course the USA. Possibly even South Korea. As well, I’m slated to attend weddings, a graduation, a photographic moose hunt, golf lessons, a cocktail hour, horseback rides, and so much more. If all of these come through, this could be an amazing little project.
I’m hoping people can submit a little tidbit about their location when they send photos as I really think it’ll make for an interesting collage. Thank you to those who are already “IN” and I look forward to more! I’ll begin updating photos later this month and if the volume keeps up, we’ll kick off a Photo of the Day.
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Get ready to go to Germany, Greg! We’re moving in t-minus two weeks.
Awesome! I went there once about 11 years ago but never as paper.
I think I have spent waayyyyy to much time on the internet cause I am thinking of things I can get “Paper Greg” to do bwhahahaha but seriously I already went to belize this year so no vaca pics. I do however have a chicken coop~~~~~~~
Oh, I have no doubt that people will get imaginative. The chicken coop was Heather’s idea because I’m actually deathly afraid of loose chickens.
sorry greg, i want to ask valerie something! where’d you stay in belize & did you love it? i’m considering going in november! i’ll take paper greg for a late submission…
We actually were on a cruise. It was beautiful but hot. They have a chocolate factory but don’t go cause it is not fun.
Okay, you’ve been downloaded. Now we just have to hope the new passports come in before the end of the week.
Awesome! At least you won’t need a passport for me. I’m easily smuggleable.
geez…didn’t i just do this with a guy named stanley not to long ago?
my sisters and i took a girls trip years ago with my mother. one sister wasn’t able to make it so while on the road we drew a “likeness” of her head on a big piece of cardboard. we put real earing’s and make-up on it too. everywhere we went we took pictures of that drawing enjoying the same things we were. every restaurant, every tourist attraction and every place we shopped. we got some strange looks from people but some even volunteered to be in the pictures. it was awesome!
my mind is racing as to where i can “picture” you…the problem is my family is easily embarrassed by my antics so a lot of those pictures will never see the light of day!
Stanley is a punk in comparison. Do you ever think he’d request to be blown up with fireworks?
Don’t kill yourselves over it, lol, I don’t need to be EVERYWHERE you are. Just like 90% of the places.
so i take it you aren’t game for the nudist colony we were going to check out this summer down in south florida…you know, where everyone goes to retire! =o)
My daughter is headed to the Philippines on a mission trip in just a few weeks… I’ll send you along!
Awesome! Can’t wait to see how confused everyone is by her paper doll.
Awesome! This is a great idea! I got my Chicago postcard. The least we can do is take you with us this summer.
How would you like to take a ride in a saxophone?
What do you think about visiting Davao in the Philippines?
No idea who that is, but sure, I’d love to meet her. Or him. Or it.
I’m so excited to get my very own paper Greg!
Downloaded!
Not going too many places, but NW Indiana has its own staycation charm. :^D
I would love a picture of Greg at IU, if you travel that way!
I think that can definitely be arranged as we are taking the 16-yr-old on a college tour to several campuses!
Get ready for your tour of the UK, Greg!
I’ve never been to the UK but it’s definitely one of my wish list destinations. Look forward to the pics!
First comment on your site after months of lurking… just had to let you know that you will be visiting Kabul in August!
Sounds hot, lol. Are you being deployed? Or is it for pleasure? If the latter, please make me a paper helmet. If the former, BE SAFE!
I’ll be taking you along on our summer trips. You’ll be starting out in the south of France and ending up in the middle of Nebraska. My kids are going to think this is fun.
That’ll be great! From the Eiffel Tower to corn stalks, I’m ready!
Let’s see…Greg on our annual “moosehunt (we don’t shoot anything except photos), Greg at my daughter’s high school graduation (in his own reserved seat of course), and the best one of all…Greg the lobsterman! Get ready dude!
These sound fantastic! I think you’re all going to dramatically exceed my expectations.
Anyone running a marathon? I would love to see Greg race, lol.
How about a 5K?
To me, a 5K IS a marathon.
Yea, me too, this will be my first. Praying I don’t die.
Get ready for Ireland!! You will need rain boots and a winter jacket. And yes I know it’s summer…Ireland hasn’t gotten that memo yet though
so doing this! my kids were never into flat stanley. we made paper ninjas one summer and thought they would go all kinds of places with us. They made one trip to the ice cream shop and were then relegated to a page protector in a binder.
Do you have malaria shots? Cuz’ you’re going to Nairobi!!!
PS-received my post card yesterday!-Thanks!
Even if paper COULD get malaria, it still sounds better than being stashed in a page protector. Looking forward to it!
I was so darn excited to get my postcard the other day, now I’m so darn excited to take you all over New England!! And with me to Florida in July! Welcome to Boston Greg!! And I may be able to get you out to Amman, Jordan as well!!
Awesome! It’s a good thing paper can’t get jetlag.
i hope paper greg is athletic because i have a golf lesson on saturday morning! following the lesson there will be lunch & cocktails where you will be the guest of honor. i’ll make you a saran wrap raincoat just in case
things get sloppy.
I love golf, I’m just terrible at it. Knowing paper Greg is going to be better than me hurts a bit, but let’s just see how good he can swing with his hands in his pockets.
I do look forward to cocktails, however.
It takes a lot of balls to golf as badly as you do, Greg? *snicker snicker*
DOH! My big UK vacation won’t be until AFTER school starts. I guess we’ll have to find fun ways to torture you in WI.
You can always send UK pictures late. Believe me, if people are still sending photos, I’ll be posting them! As for Wisconsin, I’m sure you’ll figure something out.
chicken coop? nawww its a lobster trap for you my friend!
and yes you can fit in a smart car btw, its what i drive, i’m 6ft and the fella that drove it before i got my new “used” smart car was 6’7″
i’m not sure how they do it, time warp space continum or something, anyhoo pics will be on the way! hope you like Nova Scotia as much as i do
Lucky you!! I JUST so happen to be heading north to Eureka, California area today – LAND OF THE YETI! I plan on visiting yeti-inspired attractions and YOU GET TO GO WITH ME! For free!! (Note: I will do my best to keep you from being eaten, but have printed you out TWICE just in case, in the excitement of flight, you get left behind as collateral damage…) So expect a close-up of You and Yeti at end of week when I return. Oh, you just see a photo of GIANT TEETH? Well, I DID say ‘close-up’, didn’t I??
Diane, you absolutely have to take DG, I mean paper Greg to Fern Canyon! Or up to Trinidad at the lookout there at the edge of the main part of town. It’s breathtaking!
Hrm… I suppose you’ll be nerding it up this summer at Gencon (there’s a chance you might get devoured…) and enjoying Geocaching in Northern Michigan.
Oh! I should make you into a travel bug!! XD
I’m a little competitive so now I’m trying to figure out how to get a photo in outer space for the bonus points.
On the other hand, don’t plan anything for June 30. Since we are crossing the International Date Line on our way to New Zealand that day won’t exist this year.
*envy*. Can’t compete with non-existence!
PS – Thank you for including the handy Aura around You. Oh… it’s NOT an aura, but a scissors guide? My boo. Been livin’ in California too long. (Anyone who wants ink for their printer so they can print more YOU can see my blog post on my forthcoming Giant Squid Ink Factory [c and pp] idea…). BTW – I’ve colored your aura blue. Since it’s there and all. I was told fuschia – my color of choice – is NOT manly. Apparently.
Have you ever been in Spain? Your paper you most surely will!
Hey Greg!!
Ever been to Saskatchewan Canada? I am going to take you to the mud bogs in my home town this weekend. And, what about Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada? Because you are definitely coming on my summer vacation.
Happy trails my friend, and see you soon
!
Hmm. How do you think you’d stand up against vampires & werewolves, Greg?
We’re up here in Forks, Washington of Twilight fame (or infamy). I’d have to waterproof the cutout before heading into the rainforest, of course.
Just ignore the teethmarks if the cutout is looking a little pale–the vampires don’t eat much.
How fun is this going to be!!!
I knew those left-over fireworks from New Year’s would be useful. Now that we have given away some of those mean roosters, I might can stand being in the chicken coop long enough to snap a photo or two.
I apologize now. You are going on a 16 hour car ride with my family from Texas to Colorado. It will my my kids’ first road trip. Paper Greg will have fun in the mountains, but he probably will have to endure some whining to get there.
Umm…no more excuses! Get the Zeller’s butts down here to “Naptown”! That being said, this might be a fun project for Joey in the upcoming weeks.
Hug your wife for me, minus the booty touching.
What about Denmark, Greg? It’s where I come from, and I can probably get you some (rather inappropriate) pictures of The Little Mermaid with you in her lap…
Long time listener, first time comment…er.
I know that Texas doesn’t exactly bring warm fuzzy memories. Hot, sluggish, humid ones, sure….
Deflated Greg will see the many sights of Fort Worth, and maybe even the greater DFW area. Next month will include an obstacle course complete with zip line. Never underestimate the power of scotch tape, duct’s less used, translucent cousin. DG’s gonna be my carpool companion, HOV fo’ life!
Also, I’m so ashamed. As I mentioned in my (I’m not a stalker!) FB message, I do not speak in baby talk. I speak in horrible Roger Rabbit impressions. I couldn’t believe I got the postcard, it was such a fantastic surprise.
Kansas City BBQ and lounging on the beach in the Outer Banks! My 4 year old is also itching to “color” you before we take your picture!
Yes! BBQ!
We hit the Outer Banks every two years (Duck) so it’d be great to see. Look forward to seeing what your daughter does with the uncolored version of Paper Greg. 
Like Donkey Kong… it is ON!
Love the idea!
WG
I would really like to go to Singapore one day. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Is this open for all? Thanks for sharing this information. Good luck to everyone!
-Therese
Hoping to climb Devil’s Tower this summer. Would you like to tag along? If I don’t, you’ll at least get to go to the gym.
Pack a jacket, you’re going to Alaska. I can totally do the Greg-in-a-chicken-coop pic, and we have tiny baby goats too. Who knows what-all else you’ll be doing while you’re here… (Should we have you send yourself a postcard home? I did a World Wide Bear group once where the bear mailed himself home a postcard as well as emailed pics.)
Fun idea! I’d be happy to bring you somewhere, not sure where yet.
This is such a great idea, how fun! Looking forward to seeing all the pics for sure! I’ve got an idea for a fun place to take you here in Little Rock! =)
Home girl, you don’t live far from me….Memphis
Awesome! =)
Okay, so family reunion with bounce house wars coming in July in Florida and hopefully ML baseball game in Atlanta GA. along with the aquarium. I’m sure we can figure out a few fun things for paper Greg to do with us.
Oh…now there is a slight possibility you could be going to Ireland, Scotland, England, and even be in London during the Olympics! Plans are pending….keep your fingers crossed.
I have no plans to go anywhere exciting this summer, but I’m sure I can get “Paper Greg” into some trouble in Winnipeg…
You’re printed out and we’re ready to go….Let’s see, where is paper Greg’s first visit going to be? Probably with my first grandchild. I keep her every weekend. If she doesn’t eat you, well I’ll print out another one just in case, lol. I’m so competitive too I was actually trying to figure out how to get the outer space bonus points too, but I’m not telling, hehehe.
Oh crud! I totally did not see this until too late. I just posted a presentation of the Chihuly exhibits at the Dallas Arboretum today. I could have done this there. It’s not that funny of a place, but it’s a major exhibit. Oh well. The next time I’m at Billy Bob’s, I’ll take your pic on top of the mechanical bull.
Well, I’m in. I take vacations like you – at home BUT I live in beautiful Cape Cod MA so its time to dust off the old camera…
DAMN IT!!! I JUST WENT TO HARRY POTTER LAND A FEW WEEKS AGO!!!
Hmmm… I do have Zombie Survival Training camp next month… Guess who’s coming?!? ;0)
Hugs!
Valerie
I love that you made one with hat and one without! I actually giggled a little. You’re a-dork-able.
Greg, Davao is a City here in the Philippines- a place where the best Durian is (you know, the fruit that smells like hell but taste like heaven)…and Philippines is a small country in Southeast Asia
Aaargh…my vacation to China is set for October. I could totally set you up with a little terra cotta warrior spear. If you don’t mind a late photo, I’ll get one to you. In the meantime, there are a few occurrences nearby that you might find yourself as a participant.
This would be great and it really won’t “END” in September, I just figured that’s about the threshold where people would get sick of it.
Are you kidding, Greg? Us, get sick of anything? Nah…
I’m already good at this! I have a website (which I rarely update) in which I feature my daughter’s lovey as he tags along on our adventures. He has recently been lost too many times to count, so he is now banned from leaving the house. HOWEVER… I don’t see why *you* can’t take his place! After all, if I lose you, I can just print a new one! My husband is going to think I’m nuts, but, oh well! I’ll make sure to take you with us next time we go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. We’re also going to the beach in NC at the end of the month…
Love this idea!
LOVE Busch Gardens. Don’t lose me!
Okay soooo I printed you put in color then in Black/White. I am thinking I can recreate some of those 50 shades of Greg memories for your lovely wife. yanno cause you won’t read the books it will be like a cliff notes version but i ain’t sure if ya can post them LOL
Hahaha, yeah, not sure those would make the slide show.
Well we’re not vacationing this year, but we are moving in about a month. From Iowa…to Texas. Oh boy!
I hope paper Greg is helpful with packing.
The real Greg never packs, so I am sure the paper Greg will be equally as worthless.
Great timing! We have a lot of activities planned here in Japan this summer (totally taking you to Mt. Fuji, if I have to suffer on that climb so do you). Expect a lot of pics to come your way!
Japan! Woo hoo! I might hit my goal of 12 foreign countries.
You’re going to the Pittsburgh Pirates game this weekend then Mexico in a few weeks, get out your sombrero!
Extra bonus points if Paper Greg is autographed.
Yup, you’ll be getting a picture of my reason for NO VACATION this year…. My four legged money pit!
Would you like to visit Manitoulin Island (Ontario, Canada) with us (“us” is me, my husband, and our two German Shepherd Dogs)? We’ll do quite a bit of driving, walking, and swimming (well, the dogs, me not so much). Hope you don’t mind the smell of wet dog!:)
I’d love it. As you can see, Paper Greg lacks a nose so I’m well prepared for anything.
Must. Resist. Posting… Must. Resist Posti…. Oh, resistance is futile…:
“Paper Greg has no nose”.
“So how does he smell?”
“Awful.”
With two wet german shepherds in the car!
You’re going to have to have all four windows down for that ride.
You get a choice between open window/fur blowing around or closed window/odor wafting around
Actually, they dry pretty fast, and don’t typically smell funky.
Haha, I hope you got my picture last night Greg. I haven’t tried sending a photo from my new phone so you were the first and I need to make sure you got it. Folks Greg was being eaten by a white, black and blue tiger yesterday. That’s right, I plopped Greg right in that suckers mouth and he had the biggest grin (the tiger not Greg) on his face). this is going to be fun.
Yes, got it! It went to my spam box but I loved it. Had no idea how to reply as it came via text.
Thank you so much and I’ll look forward to the details on the tiger.
There is nothing more “Wisconsin” then Breakfast on the Farm. I am SO taking you with me this weekend.
Ok….note to self. DO NOT READ your blog with anything….especially cereal with milk….in my mouth. I nearly spit it all over my computer when reading your request. It sounds like a great idea and if I have any smarts about me, I will play along!
You should do a slideshow with some of the pics to “I’ve Been Everywhere”…the Johnny Cash version!
my mind went dirty LOL
i have a wedding this weekend, you can come along, even though you already visited us in Delaware.
Look out for some photos from the Florida Panhandle!
I’m taking you gold prospecting and maybe white water rafting in Idaho! You ‘betcha!
I’m headed out on A Disney Cruise in October to Hawaii! I’ll bring you along!!!!
Yay! I didn’t even know Disney was cruising out here!!! It’s October already- when will you be in our awesome islands?
I had to explain why I needed to have “paper Greg” laminated at the office supply place !!! Those people have no sense of humor or they just think I am crazy ~~ then there was the “Do you have a really good stapler to stapler him to a stick ” conversation~~on a completely unrelated subject I an banned from the office supply place for a month bwhahahahaha
Aww, I wish you would have started this a couple of weeks ago. I could have taken you to Cuba.
You have been downloaded or is it uploaded…whatever…you are now on paper…although, I am thinking to stick glue on the back of you and card stock you. Anyway…
I am leaving for the West tomorrow. I will stick you in the back seat (with a seat belt of course), we are driving so it will be a while. Do you get car sick? Hmm….
We will eventually land in Las Vegas for a graduation. How do you feel about gambling?
~Naila Moon
I have greg, riding a skeleton cat with a sombrero hat on, entered in the photo competition from my school. Still not a marathon, but a competition none the less!
) http://fotogalerij.durfdenken.be/inzendingen/linde-11-06-2012-093808
(you are all welcome to vote ofcourse
Adu, leuk! Heb gestemd
Dude! Prepare for some hiking in Switzerland and a beach in Mallorca!
There should be a little room in my suitcase on my trip to Panama next month. I’m headed out of town next weekend too, I’ll ask the TSA agent to be kind.
Lucky you. I live in Vegas so I feel I must include you in my staycation summer. Unless you want to go to Legoland the weekend before school starts, of course.
Taking you to Scotland next week! I hope we see Nessie.
Do you have a ‘black and white’ version? I only have access to a monocolor laser printer and would like to print you out and then my kids can color you as opposed to having you in ‘greyscale’.
Headed to Carrabelle Florida in July, saving you a spot in the crowded car so get your sunscreen ready!
Greg if it is not raining this weekend you will be taking a ride through the mountains on the back of a Harley..
In TN, NC, or GA.. or maybe KY
any idea when you’ll be posting the next batch of photos?
Hi Greg!
I went into hiding from reading ANY blogs for a very long time, but I’m happily back to reading yours. So, that means I’m late to the game, but can I still play? I live in Hawai’i and would love to take you to the beach!