Planking fever hits Switzerland
A Swiss newspaper has said it has received hundreds of photos from readers practicing “planking” in Switzerland and wonders if it is the latest trend in the country.
Hundreds of people, including older fans, are increasingly attracted to “planking,” the latest net craze consisting in lying facedown in unusual or potentially dangerous public places and grab “proof” of it on camera.
Daily 20 Minuten, which has launched a whole planking section on its website, is collecting photos of Swiss fans, asking readers to vote for the “Planker of the Day.” As of Friday morning, the site showed up to 224 photos, showing people balancing on pipes, hat stands, bookshelves, and even on iron boards.
Readers can also add comments to the website, and the audience is seemingly evenly divided by fans and those who are against it.
“It is stupid, yes, but what is it that makes for fun? Exactly, stupid things!,” writes a user under the name of Förri. “I don’t see the point. People should invest their time in a better way,” argues Sara.
“Planking” was first coined in Australia, where it remains popular and is sweeping social networks. The phenomenon recently grabbed headlines worldwide as a man in Brisbane, Australia, plunged to his death after reportedly planking on a balcony.
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