Global Stimulus Plan

I think we can officially say the economic crisis is global and is affecting many around the world. But, lucky for us, there are folks out there that want to help us keep our lifestyles (for the most part :) but not spend a lot to do so. Four examples include: 20x200, Down To Earth, Frugal Fridays, and Single Spot Camping.

News from London that Christie’s International’s poor business performance over the last few months suggests that even the art market is not protected from the economic crisis. Enter 20x200.com; a project curated by New Yorker, Jen Beckman. In a nutshell, the project uses email to put affordable art, for purchase, in front of viewers twice weekly (one photo and one work of art of paper, per week). The reproduced work can be purchased in limited quantity of three sizes: there are 200 of smallest size which are sold for $20 USD each, 20 medium sized reprints can be fetched for $200 USD each, and finally only 2 of the largest size are available for $2000 USD each. Additionally, every print is delivered with a certificate of authenticity numbered by the artist. If it seems a bit confusing, just revert to Jen Beckman’s mantra, which explains the concept best, “(limited editions × low prices) + the internet = art for everyone.”

Thanks to Match.com’s new recession-friendly dating site, Down To Earth, none of us have to be lonely during our next staycation. In addition to the $0.00 prices tag, Down To Earth states that its two key goals are “quality and honesty.” That said, they have a unique feature called the RealRatings Profile Accuracy system that allows users to rate the accuracy of people’s profiles and share the experience they had with other members.

TGIFF – Thank God IT’S Frugal Fridays. Craft has created a Friday night program serving up small plates complemented with beers and cocktails to match – all under $10 USD. But do not expect a glorified dollar-menu, executive chef Damon Wise has created a menu with everything from gourmet cheeses and food in jars to tapas and offal.

Couchsurfing on Steroids - Tent-pitching is now going peer-to-peer with Single Spot Camping, a Swedish startup that wants to create vacation experiences that are more unique and personal than the aforementioned statycation (and coincidently less expensive than a trip to Euro Disney). The concept is to connect individuals with land (“even your garage entrance”, says the site) with campers looking for space. Listings by the landowner will cost EUR 40 per year; folks with land in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Australia or the United States can currently be registered. Though there still a sense of privacy, my recommendation is to not make your first date with your match from DownToEarth.com one of these get-aways.