I made one of those years ago when I was backpacking with my first mini-DV camera (Panasonic NVDX100) but mine had a loop that my foot went right through. With the loop the length of the string had to be perfect and the weight that you stand on is probably a better idea. But it really did help with camera steadiness!
Thanks for the tip, Vic. I passed it along to members of our business association, a couple of whom have already tried it and had great fun with it. I put it right up there with using a bag of rice and a skate board for an improvised dolly. It works, and could be very useful in a pinch.