We had just assumed that the Abu Ghraib Fantasy Camp was a joke. But someone actually went and asked the people behind it what the deal was. (Which sounds a lot like this "reporting" thing we've heard to much about.) So we learn that it's not a joke. . . though it could still be a really elaborate joke:
Thanks for contacting us. Yes, the facility is really being constructed in Mountain Home, Idaho, about 35 miles east of Boise, just off I-84. We're shooting for a July 4 opening, although it's possible that that could be delayed. Building a facility like this is pretty involved, more than I realized when I started this project.Insert Iraqi post-invasion plan analogy joke here. Seriously. We're too creeped out to make it ourselves.
Complete correspondence after the jump.
UPDATE: All fake. Probably. Abu Ghraib Fantasy Camp Update Update [Wonkette]
Abu Ghraib Fantasy Camp [abughraib.org]
- From: [XXXXXX]
Sent: Wednesday, May 12
To: Bob Pagani
Subject: info?
hello,
a friend forwarded me the link to your website. i am very interested in the concept, but, with the world wide web, you can never be too careful. is this for real? do you have any more information? how much does the program cost? do you need staffers? please let me know, if you can, or i will just check the website again soon.
thanks,
XXXXXX
From: Bob Pagani
Sent: Thursday, May 13
To: [XXXXXXXXX]
Subject: Re: info?
Hi, XXXXXX:
Thanks for contacting us. Yes, the facility is really being constructed in Mountain Home, Idaho, about 35 miles east of Boise, just off I-84. We're shooting for a July 4 opening, although it's possible that that could be delayed. Building a facility like this is pretty involved, more than I realized when I started this project.
As for price, I hesitate to quote an exact amount as it will vary depending on the length of time a person stays at the Camp. I'm expecting that a weekend will be about $500. We're also planning on having higher-priced, longer stays as well. That includes room and board, as once a guest enters the compound, they stay until their "tour of duty" is over. The idea is to make the experience as close to the real thing as possible.
As for employment, yes, it's entirely possible that we will need additional staff. I've gotten a great deal of interest in working at the Camp from the fliers I put up on the Boise State campus, but it's looking as if I may need to supplement the staff. All I can say is, keep in touch. Again, thanks for getting in touch with us.
The Warden
