GOD SAVE THE BRITS, follow up article to Mathematical Flagging...

http://flaggingheadquarters.com/2009/11/18/god-...

Hi Al, more on the subject of mathematics of flagging. . . .

I did a few sums of my own to calculate the cost of a flag. Sure, you might stumble by a few flags at your local supermarket but I'm sure you'll agree that a true flagger is one that is willing to travel and actively seek the flag. I've calculated that the actual cost of a flag is $420.33, which is about 330 Euros.

Sounds expensive eh? Relax!! - this figure is based on a flagger actual trying to obtain the flags of every nation in the world (256 at the last count, excluding his/her own flag #257 ).

Yes, if you wanted to decorate your flagpole with all the colours of the world then you can expect tohave to pay for. . . .

FLIGHTS: Averaging $221.23 per flight to each country

DAILY EXPENSES: Averaging $66.58 per day - I think it's reasonable to expect to spend 3 days per country on average to secure flags (some counries more, some less but an average).

CONDOMS: If you're flagging YOU'D BETTER protect yourself and others - on good quality condoms you can expect to spend around $256.00, dependent on brand and texture preference!!

And how much time will you spend?. . . . Approximately 2 years, 2 months and 8 days.


There are obviously tons of variables you can apply to this, i.e. securing two (or maybe three) flags in one swoop, or obtaining cheaper than average flights or accomodation - but I reckon that this is a fair estimate for a flagger planning to backpack around the world in a reasonable timeframe with the usual spending.

So there you have it. . . . . . $420 per flag.

As an amend to my last comments and in accordance with the Constitution of Flagging I have to concede that there are only 193 sovereign states (203 from some sources) and not 257 as I previously stated - but this doesn't affect the 'average' cost of a flag - it just reduces the 'total' cost of all flags.

The good news is that it also reduces the time you'll spend collecting them all - now only one year, seven months and four days!!

If you're a casual flagger collecting as you enjoy your travels then the cost is encompassed in your adventures so don't be put off by this insight - it's only extreme flagging that will incur this kind of investment - casual flags are FREE!!!

Oh - Al, by my reckoning you've spent a minimum of $7980 on your flagging exploits (19 at the last count?)

:o)

My God, I had no idea I spent so much money on traveling, flagging, and condoms!!

However, total Cost Per Flag expenditures are actually higher when you take into account: alcohol. Most socializing and picking up happens in bars and/or involves alcohol. What would those numbers come out to if you averaged a 6-pack a night, 7 nights a week, taking into consideration that some nights you'll drink no beers and other nights easily 12 beers?