This is weird. I've seen someone do something similar on a website, long ago and far away.
Perhaps you are thinking of this article on
Cockeyed?
I did a little research on this before attempting and found the article on viewing over an acre. It was helpful -- I knew after reading his stuff that I could expect to use a lot of helium.
I have no idea what he was thinking by having the cord connected, though. That's where all the weight comes from.