“I can’t explain what’s so compelling about ZDXP. Yeah, it’s entertaining– here’s this guy kicking around the country exploring the stuff I might never get a chance to see. (Or maybe I’ll MAKE the chance, now that he’s pointed some of it out.)

And he’s funny and takes great photos. And there are all these awesome (yep, awesome) people on the virtual journey, and everyone has been amazingly forthcoming and welcoming. So it’s a social phenomenon. But it’s somehow more than that.

This is about a human being who’s giving up a lot of his shell, in both a literal and a figurative way. Someone who’s shed a lot of material crap, relinquished a lot of privacy… but has, I think, gained some unquantifiable benefits from doing so.

As an observer, I find it inspiring and perhaps a little scary. It gives me hope. Not that I have to do what he’s doing, but that it’s possible to do it, and that it’s possible to create my own reality in the ways that suit me. All I have to do is figure out what those ways are.

Thanks, Zero Dean. You’re awesome. You make the rest of us a little more awesome, too.”

“I think this journey has been, for me, more a fascination, as well as an opportunity and some entertainment! The opportunity to watch, from a safe distance, while another person lives out their dream. Not many people dare to let go of their material possessions and security of their home. Give it all up and just live day to day. So when another person sees someone do that, they are naturally drawn to it.

Your photography is gorgeous and if that were all there were to this journey for the audience, it would be well worth their time. But there is so much more you offer to your viewers.

You have a depth of understanding and an ability to put that understanding into words, so that others can understand, too. You teach us all about LIFE, that even “old” people like me have to learn.”

(I worked with David at Big Huge Games in Baltimore)

“When I’m trapped in my cube doing mindless dreg work, ZDXP gives me an escape to experience somewhere else through the eyes of my good friend. In a way, it lets me feel like there’s a small part of me that is out there, going on an adventure! Along for the ride is a gaggle of good folk!”

“Thus far, the biggest thing I’ve gotten from the ZDXP is a close knit group of friends spread across the nation and beyond. I also love the collective sense of ‘we can do anything.’”

“I ran across your blog through a friend’s page at a pivotal point in my life. I thought, “How awesome that that dude is chasing after whatever it is he wants in his life and is taking a risk to figure that out.”

It reminded me that complacency is the ruin of the human spirit. Also, I was reminded that I (and everyone) needed to get out and grab life by the balls (he he, so me) and I maybe hadn’t been doing that for a while. Your journey reminded me a lot about humans and our own fear of failure.

Also, I reminisce about my own travels, memories that I long for, but also a reminder of what I hope will be future travels to come. So, that’s why I began to follow your journey. I wanted to support people chasing their dreams. ”

“I found ZDXP through a friend of friend of a friend on Facebook and was immediately drawn in to see what was going to happen when this guy started off on his adventure. I caught this vibe that just felt right. The mix of self deprecating humor, optimism, and excitement all spoke to me. Then there was this great opportunity to participate. To me, it was the Amazing Race, but on a personal scale, that shows, anyone can really do this if he (or she) wants.

My brother did something similar when he (one 2 different occasions) stopped working to train and try to qualify for Ironman Hawaii. If he was able to do that and find a sponsor, then Zero (and, c’mon, did you read his page about his name?) has a shot of making this work.

The unexpected benefit, making real friends (that I may never meet in person) was, as Zero says, awesomesauce.

Yes, it can often seem over the top on motivation and optimism (yes, I said awesomesauce), but there are dark moments too when you really get to feel the experience. (Granted it’s easy to choose not to read those blog posts if you don’t want and even sometime hard to do so when you do want). These insightful moments made me realize that Zero Dean could be my best friend. I get him. He would get me. I know how hard it is to show the dark, when you want your fans to really like you (as in more than just hitting that little button). All I can say there is, without the dark, there can be no light (or something like that, right?).

My only real regret about following Zero Dean to date is that I haven’t said this to him before and haven’t really been there for him on his down days.

Following Zero on Facebook is the first (and only) time I’ve really experienced what social media can do. I hope the inside jokes that I love about ZCrew don’t scare others off, but that’s one of the best parts of actually being part of this adventure, once you decide that you’re in, you’re family. There’s room for more. Here, bigger IS better.

I ZDXP. Do you?

Caution: ZDXP may lead to the following adverse side affects: uncontrollable fits of laughter, loss of productivy at work, $200+ expense to upgrade your moble device so you can follow Zero anywhere.”

“Being a recent fan, Zero Dean’s a Hero to me for living his life his way. Too many of us are tied down by our self limiting beliefs and fears – one day we’re all gonna be stardust but till then, we each have a purpose to shine our stars bright like this adventurer of souls is!”

“You’re the type I’ve aspired to be, but let responsibilities take over vice having the nerve to challenge myself to do what I love. Congratulations for being successful at what you love.”

“You have no idea how many times in a day you & your friends make me smile & laugh. I’m grateful for you. Truly. ”

“So I have to tell you that after I spent a few minutes (51 and counting, actually) exploring your website, Facebook page, Twitter locator thingy, and YouTube channel, I am feeling a bit like Alice in Wonderland! I am amazed at your creativity, touched by your writing, yet also struck by the thought, “How far down does this rabbit hole go?” I am beyond impressed with your adventures…I feel like I can completely relate to your desire to challenge yourself, refine yourself and have a little fun along the way. So, kudos to you!”

“Hey Zero Dean. I’m soooo excited. I have been requested to join the team at rat rod magazine for my photography. They are only on issue 9 but I think it could be great! I’m finally getting traction. Just so u know you helped me get this far. Reading your posts and knowing how u chase your dreams help me continue on my voyage! Thank u sir.”