FINAL UPDATE: 5/10

The very first thing I did was decide on where to put the box. I decided upon this ledge between a small lounge room and the entrance of this dorm building, because people can see both sides of the box (see photos), and it is a spot that is passed by everyone in this building daily. I considered the possibility of administrators taking the box away, but given the nature of the box, I don't see why they wouldn't want it there. As for people stealing the box, this is a fairly small dorm building (honors college) with only a hundred or so people, half of which I am at least acquainted with. The individuals here are generally nice and intelligent people, so I have a good feeling no one will flat out steal the box.

I started designing the box by cutting out the awesome art of the box's cover, and gluing it to the bottom of the box while leaving the rim of the top, both for visual appeal. Then, I chose the objects, which are generally random objects, a few of which you might need (condom, postage stamp, eraser, etc), and others just random memorabilia (magnetic "a", deer's jaw bone, PETA stickers, etc). My reasoning for this was the mentality that one person's trash is another person's treasure. While something might just be a small random object, another person might really enjoy simply owning it, or could find a use for it. This mentality also served for the sheer variety of items.

I placed the box at around 1:30 AM, and walked by one person while on my way, but they didn't seem to think I was up to anything. The box was placed. Just a half hour later, when leaving the building, there were two girls looking through the contents. I will check back on the box in a day or two; check back for updates!

EDIT, 4/30: I just noticed the irony of putting a deer's jaw bone next to PETA stickers. >>

UPDATE, 4/30: A new photo has been added of the contents of the box approximately 14 hours after having been installed. Over half of the items disappeared, but it did gain a few new ones! My insider report said that earlier, the condom had went missing, then was replaced with a different kind, that one disappeared, and now the Mint Tingle is back. I have no idea if it's the same one. Regardless, interesting trades. I'm just glad the box hasn't been stolen, or that it isn't entirely empty and people are actually putting stuff into it as well as taking. More updates to come!

UPDATE, 5/1: Well, it's been about 24 hours since I installed the box, and it seems to be thriving! Two new photos have been uploaded, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results at this point. Let's just say that someone is seeing my box as an opportunity to be anonymously generous, and that makes me ecstatic. See the photos for yourself!

UPDATE, 5/1: I was going to wait until 72 hours after installation for the next update, but I couldn't help myself with this one. Three new startling photos from 39 hours after installation have been uploaded. This box is a far greater success than I imagined it would be, and I remind you that I did not place any of these items; they appeared through legitimate use.

UPDATE, 5/2: I didn't get to snap a photo, but I caught a glimpse of it on the way out of the building, this morning. The shoes have disappeared, and a LOT of condoms were put in. My box is a proud warrior in the fight against STDs and Babies.

UPDATE, 5/3: My friend today acquired a $10 gift card to Wal-Mart from my box. Whoever put this in, I thank you.

UPDATE, 5/3: Three new photos of the box have been uploaded. The pictures speak for themselves. At this point, I'm actually considering upgrading the box to a bigger size to meet the demand. Take Something Leave Something Box Version 2.0? We'll see.

UPDATE, 5/7: It's times like this that I wish I had a digital camera of my own. Sitting on ledge with just the tip of it actually in the box was a roughly 4 foot long cardboard cutout of a mountain dew bottle. Very funny sight, to see this tiny box next to this colossus item. Hopefully I'll be able to snap a picture before it disappears.

UPDATE, 5/10: Well, the experience was great. I left the university today to work in a small music shop at home for the summer, and the building will be rid of everyone by tomorrow. I regret not knowing what will become of my box once everyone has left, but honestly, knowing how well received and widely used it was, it was definitely worth it. Who knows, maybe they won't get rid of it? I'll find out in August, I suppose.

Also, added Creeping Like Frost as a collaborator, as she provided many of the supplies, and it most certainly wouldn't have turned out to be such a success without her.