These accounts are based on the real experiences of a shameless self-promoter.
Shameless Promotion Tactic #1, a.k.a. Horrible Life Decision
Last Friday I met a few friends out for beers.
I noticed a sign outside the bar entrance announcing that Comcast was on site filming video profiles for a new online dating website.
And by walking by the sign, I agreed to whatever terms were typed in 12 point font.
I chuckled.
Yeah effing right.
A couple beers later, we were approached by the film crew.
“No thanks.” – We all replied.
After a few more beers, I accompanied a fellow drinking buddy to request a song. As we decided whether or not the D.J.s looked nice enough to grant our request, we spotted the film crew again.
Seven beers into the evening, I was in no position to refuse a “You won’t.”
“Okay.. this could be fun.”
So I sat down, got hooked up and gave the crew my general information. My general fake information of course.
Except for my blog URL. I mean, beyond amusing my friends with a fine showing of self-deprecating humor, shameless self-promotion was the primary focus.
I was asked to tell the audience what I was looking for in a man, to detail a bad dating experience and then, to part with one final thought. One that would be sure to entice an upstanding young male. A young male who might be checking out potential dating prospects on his couch, on Comcast channel #5,409.
“Okay, now look into the camera and tell us why someone should date you.” – They prompted.
“Someone should date me.. because no one else wants to.” – I replied with a smile.
“Wow.. umm.. okay, that was kind of sad. We can’t end like that.” – They said.
“Oh, I thought it was funny.”
“No, it was actually pretty sad.” - They confirmed.
“Okay. I’ll try again.”
“Ready when you are..” – They prompted again.
“Someone should date me because.. I don’t like cats.”
Laughter ensued. The mic was removed. Beer was replenished.
In order to provide Horrible Life Decision #1 with a companion, I shared this story at a company lunch outing in response to
“So, did anyone do anything FUN this weekend?”
So now a couple of my coworkers are on the prowl for updates to Comcast’s potential dater video library.
I hope to find it first, make a copy and request its removal from the site. And of course, to garner a billion site visitors in those few hours of its Internet existence.
Or at least a creeper or two.
Shameless Promotion Tactic #2
Many times bloggers are sponsored.
And tonight, because I was too tired to write a real blog post, I decided to look around for such an opportunity.
The first potential sponsor that came to mind was of course Pabst Blue Ribbon.
So I completed their online sponsorship request form.
My request was composed using only the finest of persuasive writing:
My love for PBR is proudly shown on the header of my site: www.workinonaramp.com where you will see that I have a party elephant holding a PBR.
My audience is young professionals who sit in their cubicles daydreaming of frosty weekend beverages.
I have loved PBR since I first learned I could drink 10 cans and only have a $20 bar tab at most establishments.
I’m sure their sponsorship department will have a fantastic time with this one.