Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #426340 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Synopsis
Paradise or Bust is the fascinating adventure story of Tribewanted, a revolutionary eco-tourism project founded by twentysomething Ben Keene. As featured in the BBC documentary series, Keene's story follows the ups and downs of a global online network of like-minded travellers and an indigenous Fijian community as they attempt to build a new life on a 200-acre island in the South Pacific. All major decisions on the island are voted on by an online tribe that anyone around the world can join. There are many challenges to overcome. A fire sweeps the island, a military coup (delayed until the end of a rugby match!) brews on the mainland, and a tropical cyclone threatens to wipe out the emerging village. Online there are other storms to fight, as accusations of scam artistry, tribal politics and the regular grind of debates and decision-making among Tribewanted's 1000+ members push the adventure and the business to the very edge. But in the end, with a little luck and a lot of hard work, they might just build their paradise... Now a major 5 part series for transmission on BBC2 in winter 2008.

Customer Reviews

Transition Tourism
Well - where to start?!

You may have been watching the BBC2 documentary about this and mistaken it for a 'reality TV' format. It isn't - and this book gives you the low-down on how, why, where, who and when this amazing concept came about, and how - despite seemingly insurmountable challenges, that it has come to fruition (and long may it fruit!).

I have always dreamed of doing something like this. Something with purpose and with meaning, and the book has been very inspirational recently when I start to think "I am getting too old/tired for putting the world to rights" Reading the book (in 2 sittings!) reminded me not to give up on my dreams just because they seem too good to be feasible. The answer - obviously - is to put your idea to the tribe and if they vote on it - go and make it so with their help.

The very last line of the book is the only question I am trying to answer now.

"What part will you play?"

A really good, positive and inspiring read. Definitely one to take with you while you travel.

Paradise or bust - a tribe members comments
An excellent [true] story about a revolutionary project encompassing both social networking & eco tourism.

Written in a first person style the overall writing style is candid in the extreme. Don't though be put off by this because the writing style is an almost perfect match to the unfolding plot.
The first 1/3rd + of the book describes the origin of the project & the business model that made it work.
These first few chapters are worthy of reading from the business perspective alone - although may cause some discomfort to readers that shun right wing politics.

One reaches chapter 13 before the project begins in earnest (when the first [western] tribe members arrive on the island) The plot dives into personality clashes - aided & abetted by an emergency situation after the first week.

Other disasters befall the project; adding a partial "thriller" dimension to the story line.

The storey line progresses to illustrate the integration of Fijian & western culture together with the strange beginning of the recent military coup in Fiji - all bound together with the overall pace of life in the region; otherwise known as Fiji time.

All in all, despite a monastic style in places, a stunning read - that could end up changing your own life.

what the book is all about
If you have been to Vorovoro to be part of the Tribewanted project, you will want to read Mr. Keene's account of how it all came about and see how the project evolved; if you have not been to Vorovoro, then you will most likely book to come as soon as you have read this book!
This is the account of one young man's attempt to create a dream; a non-intrusive way to visit and experience Fiji without risking becoming part of the ongoing build up of invasive tourism which often wipes out the native culture and changes the face of a country. A dream in which Mr. Keene has successfully involved the Mali tribe of Fiji and 1,300 people to date from around the world; the dream is ongoing...........