_Media Release

Dear Media Representative,

Thank you for your interest in Plankton Industries and the lastest extreme sport “planking”. We understand that you may have many detailed questions regarding this new phenomena, and we here at Plankton Industries love getting the good word of “planking” out to the masses. Unfortunately, due to recent intense media interest, we cannot agree to participate in personal, telephone, or other “live” forms of interviews at this time. However, we have put together this comprehensive fact sheet in order to hopefully answer any queries you may have.

“Planking” is a sport which has existed for many years, predating the internet. Modern historians put the original “planking” moving as having come from Portland, Oregon in the early 1980s, where is remained a popular, if obscurely local craze for the later fifth of the 20th century. However, in 2003 a trio of enterprising Oregonians put together an online community based around “planking” on the popular Social Media website “Livejournal”. “Planking” has been active mainly on Livejournal until only recently, where it has begun growing exponentially on such websites as Stickam, tumblr, and Wikipedia.

The rules of “planking” are simple; one is to lie down on a horizontal surface, akin to a plank of wood or board. Before the advent of fast and instantaneous photo uploading, the goal of the game was to imitate a board for as long as possible; kudos was award for those who could maintain their position for a long period of time, or through adverse conditions. With the unbiquity and availability of digital cameras and photo uploads, scoring has now progressed to a more aesthetic system, whereby pulling off an impressive “plank” is by the locale, surroundings, and pleasing composition of the image. We do not, however, that Australian “planking” is different from the original “OG” (OreGon) rules, or the South African rule-set (where the goal is to lie flat like a board alongside a vertical surface).

In response to the recent tragic deaths of people who have died or been injured whilst performing a “plank”, Plankton Industries is greatly saddened that such unfortunate occurances have happened. Plankton Industries supports “planking” only in safe situations; ideally on an at-or-near ground level surface, and with the proper safety equipment. Plankton Industries wishes to remind everyone that a safe plank is a happy plank, and that as always; don’t copy stuff you see on the internet.

We hope this answers your more pertinent questions, and wish you the best in your Media endeavours.

Regards,
Captain Plank-i-tan
Plankton Industries