More than a week after a cryptic note was deciphered by Reddit users, followers of this mystery gathered on Thursday at the New York City meeting spot referenced in the code.
About 15 people were on the scene looking for answers — a far cry from the 150 or so that flocked to a nearby spot just a few days earlier when an Internet user claiming to be the original code-giver changed the date and location.
For those just catching up, here is the back story: Reddit user delverofsecrets sought the Internet’s help when a “homeless looking man” handed him an encoded message and a $50 bill on a New York City subway. It was later deciphered by Reddit users: “There’s plenty more money to make. Figure this out and prepare to meet July 19th, 56th & 6th. There’s a hot dog stand outside Rue57 cafe. Ask for Mr. Input.”
Several days later, a Reddit user claiming to be the code originator sent a private message to delverofsecrets, referencing a different location at an earlier date. But nothing occurred at that meet up either. Delverofsecrets — who later deleted his account after receiving threatening messages and phone calls — did not show up at Thursday’s meeting.
On 56th and 6th, the hot dog vendor said he had never heard of Mr. Input until Reddit fans approached him after the code went viral. Employees of the Rue57 restaurant were just as surprised to hear they were a part of the message.
Some believed the code could be a part of a marketing ploy for the film The Dark Knight Rises, which had a pre-screening recently just a block away. But judging by today’s turnout, it’s unlikely that a marketing team is behind the initiative.
Although the Reddit code mystery may never be solved, one thing is for sure: The Internet is watching, and there might be huge potential for marketers looking to pull an elaborate stunt like this in the future.
I'll still be interested in a mini meet up provided it's nothing too fancy. I mean it's a freakin' spy museum! A spy museum. Maybe some crazy idiot dressed as Solid Snake will pop out the place give us all 50 bucks for being such good sports for showing up. 
