View experiment

Method
Books are registered (on Bookcrossing.com) and 'released', either by volunteers at the bottom of the plinth, or by placing them on a table near the base of the plinth at the beginning of the hour. Every half hour (12, 12:30, and 1), Paul makes announcements about free books from the plinth (as long as there are books left to be taken). He will need a megaphone for this element - unfortunately not something I have..

As there are many tourists of different nationalities who visit Trafalgar Square, theorectically it would possible for books to travel quite a distance geographically. However, while people frequently pick up books to read, not all of these books are followed up by a 'journal entry' on bookcrossing.com. Therefore, a better indicator of success might be the number of books which are taken away by passers-by.

Several Bookcrossers have already thrown books from the plinth, so this method is also an option - but this method may take up more time than Paul would like (and would also add to the amount of equipment which he would need to carry up). There is also a danger of knocking out innocent bystanders! I will provide and register (perhaps to a special Plinthipaul account) books, and in case of forecast rain I will place the books into plastic freezer bags as a measure of protection from the elements.

Result type: Either A) Tracking facilities of bookcrossing.com website or B) Number of books remaining at the end of the hour

Estimated minutes taken: 5

Possible during bad weather: yes

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