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Please Tell Me, 2005

Please Tell Me is an open, mobile project that was dependent upon suggestions from many random people. The intent was to propose a new model of travel and to learn about the United States through the eyes of others. From July 21, 2005 to December 23, 2005, Buotte traveled 19,000 miles as a surrogate traveler on behalf of people who told him where to go, what to do, and whom to meet. For the project, Buotte received destination/activity/person(s)-to-meet assignments from 51 women and 36 men, from ages 13 to 85, most of them first-time acquaintances. Each of the 75+ destinations became a point in a large line drawing across the country. Buotte documented many aspects including people, town signage, and each bed in which he slept. Over 250 e-mail correspondents received 38 travelogue reports as assignments were completed.