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SSM Basics

Bringing you the ins and outs of SSMs
by Ballycumber
October 13, 2005
ssm logoWelcome to the Wonderful World of SSMs. Whenever an SSM is announced in the Newsletter, a link to this article will be included to help provide some information for those who wish to participate. The basic theme of the SSM will be announced in the Newsletter, including the date it is to occur. Listed below are a few things to help you out in your mission

Rules of SSMs:


  • RELEASE ZONE: Anywhere
  • RELEASE METHOD: Pick a book, release zone or release method that is appropriate to the SSM in question
  • RELEASE TIME: A date for a specific Sunday will be given. The release time is sunset.


The 10 Rules of Sunday Sunset Missions:

  1. 1. Don't talk about SSMs!
  2. 2. Don't talk about SSMs!
  3. 3. Don't talk about SSMs! (you need to read or see Fight Club for that to make sense)
  4. 4. Be on time! You can get the exact sunset time from http://www.weather.com/
  5. 5. Label the books properly. At a minimum, this means a sticky-note on the outside making it clear that the book is FREE and NOT LOST (don't write anything on the outside to cause others alarm!), and a good, descriptive label inside the cover explaining BookCrossing and including the BCID for the book
  6. 6. If possible, choose a book with content appropriate to the release location
  7. 7. If possible, print out one of the press articles from http://www.bookcrossing.com/press and include it with the book (the Utne Reader or Reader's Digest articles work well)
  8. 8. Take pictures! Those of you with digital cameras, try to take a picture of the release zone with books, upload it with your journal entry, and make a post with the journal entry link in the SSM forum at http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/21
  9. 9. Be safe! Use your common sense, and don't do anything to endanger persons or property
  10. 10. Pay attention to the media the following day or two, try to note any mention of the SSM, and post such mentions to the SSM forum

  11. And finally, have fun!


Feel free to use one of the the absolutely great SSM logos created by Wyando and by KYHby for our SSMs. Both logos (and other neat ones) can be found here.

We realize that many of you want to help, and, given the vast quantities of creativity that flows in the BC family, we'd be foolish to say no! So-- if that wonderful brain of yours is teeming with ideas for SSMs, here's what to do:

Submit your suggestion via the contact us link. (choose the fourth option which says "This is just FYI - no need to reply to me"). If we choose your idea, we'll give you wings for a month and a mention in the Newsletter that announces your idea. (For a list of previous SSMs, we refer you to <a href="http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/21.



Thanks and see you at Sunset!!!

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