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Eug Wanker · Jul 10, 2006, 04:21 PM

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...wpaperclip0710

It took one year for Kyle MacDonald to trade a paperclip for a house, but after 14 trades, the deal is complete.

On Wednesday, the blogger from Belcarra, B.C. will move into a two-storey, three-bedroom 1920s farmhouse in Kipling, Sask.

He started trading up from just a small red paperclip on July 12, 2005, and has traded a pen for a doorknob, a camping stove for a generator, a “instant party kit” for Bombardier Mach 1 snowmobile, and finally a part in the movie Donna on Demand for his final prize.

Landos Mustache · Jul 10, 2006, 04:24 PM

I'd rather have a paperclip than a 90 year old house in Saskatoon. I imagine the person that traded him for it felt the same.

Dakar · Jul 10, 2006, 04:24 PM

The internet is indeed a wonderous place.

Gossamer · Jul 10, 2006, 04:41 PM

The town council also decreed that the day of the trade would be known as “One Red Paper Clip Day.” The council also plans to build the world's largest paperclip, which has to be larger than the current record of approximately 11 metres, Ms. Jackson said.

Eug Wanker · Jul 10, 2006, 04:52 PM

Well, a revamped 2-storey house in Saskatoon would be worth over $200000.

This ain't Saskatoon though.

Landos Mustache · Jul 10, 2006, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Gossamer

That's small towns for ya.

Mastrap · Jul 10, 2006, 05:05 PM

That's in the middle of nowhere. I predict he'll last for a month or two.

ort888 · Jul 10, 2006, 05:07 PM

See, taking out loans is stupid. Everyone can just trade paperclips for houses. It's sooo easy.

Seriously though, half of those trades were from people just looking for publicity or the fun of taking part in something. It would have been more interesting if he had done it without letting people know what was up.

Eug Wanker · Jul 10, 2006, 05:29 PM

Hey, all the power to him. He got a house essentially for free. I wouldn't mind a place like that for a cottage. Not for a primary home though of course.

A colleague of mine bought a place in the middle of nowhere, with no electricity or natural gas, and he just loves the place. Goes there on weekends to unwind.

ort888 · Jul 10, 2006, 05:34 PM

This is more like the guy who sold ad space on his forehead for $25,000. Or the kid who threatened to kill a bunny if he didn't get $50,000 in donations. It's a clever idea that is going to work once.

I'm not trying to downplay this guys accomplishment, but most of those trades were pulled off because the person he was traded in wanted to be included in a small piece of internet folklore... not because they actually wanted to trade.

If he had made thousands of trades without letting his intentions be known, it would be a much more impressive feat. As it stands now, it's just a clever idea.

what_the_heck · Jul 10, 2006, 05:49 PM

We need a thread, voting how long he will last. Anyone ?

-t

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Jul 10, 2006, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

A colleague of mine bought a place in the middle of nowhere, with no electricity or natural gas, and he just loves the place. Goes there on weekends to unwind.

I **** you not I would honestly kill myself after 12 hours.

Eug Wanker · Jul 10, 2006, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

I **** you not I would honestly kill myself after 12 hours.

The place is made of stone/brick and has a cross breeze, so it's quite cool in the summer, and he has a kitchen powered thru gas canisters. No fridge, but he can just get fresh vegetables from the neighbouring farms, etc. As for the bathroom, he has a septic system which works fine.

When I'm on vacation, I like doing that... Getting up late and cooking for yourself. Go for a hike, come back for lunch, walk around the town and then come back for some reading, etc. Very relaxing... as long as it's not too hot out.

Only for a few days, but definitely not just 12 hours.

Mastrap · Jul 10, 2006, 10:41 PM

Sounds idyllic. I've got friends who own a farm in Northumberland, about 90 minutes west of TO. Not quite as basic as your friend's place but not far off. I love going out there in summer.