http://smallworld.columbia.edu
Your Target Person is...
Name: Pavia Rosati Location: New York, United States Job Title: Journalist Age range: 30–34 First Language: English
Your Objective: Try to reach Pavia by sending a message to someone you know1 who you think is closer2 to Pavia.
Of course, if you know Pavia, then you get to complete the chain!
To help you choose the person you'll send your message to, we'll give you some more information about the target in a moment.
Definitions:
1 What we mean by `knowing' someone: Knowing someone means that they would recognize you by name (or by your email address) and verify that they know you. You must have an existing relationship with the person. Also, you must already know who you contact. We don't want you to make new contacts trying to find the target. Please do not look the target up on google! And please do not call or email the target or the target's workplace directly if you do not know them!
You must have a two way relationship. There are many, many people who would recognize Michael Jordan, for example, but wouldn't be recognized by him in return. The person you choose to send a message to may be part of your family, a casual acquaintance, or a work colleague. You don't need to have a strong connection with them, just some connection.
2 What we mean by `closer':
Being closer to the target can mean many things. You might choose someone you know (your contact) who is...
a) `Geographically closer' to the target. Examples: Your contact lives in the same country as the target. Your contact knows someone who once lived in the same city as the target. Your contact travels to the country where the target lives.
b) `Closer' for work related reasons. Examples: Your contact works for the same organization as the target. Your contact is in the same profession as the target. Your contact's profession is related the target's profession (e.g., doctor/nurse).
c) `Closer' for personal reasons. Examples: Your contact went to the same school as the target. Your contact shares a hobby with the target.
d) `Closer' for network related reasons. Examples: Your contact knows many people (and therefore might have a better chance of knowing someone closer to the target). Your contact knows many different types of people.