I decided to do a little experiment involving the Readers Digest contest. You know the one that offers you millions of dollars, lump sums, payments for life and of course other free prizes without end. All you have to do is enter and of course WIN. Well lunch is on me if I do my fellow RAINMAKERS...But don't start fasting for the big day yet
MONTHS AND MONTHS
So for months now, I entered my wife in the contest. It is daunting to wade through all the communications they send you. You must find several items, cut or peel them out, and then affix to ta return envelope to qualify. This is done over and over again. Now, the catch is mixed in with the thrill to win and all these things they offer for sale.
WANT VERSUS NEED at work
I want just about everything being offered. The fact is that I don't need any of it. It is like shopping at an ARMY/NAVY store. It is full of mystery, adventure, clothes to combat all weather, shoes, tools, gadgets, weapons and so many things that just appeal to the Indiana Jones in every one...again, you don't need any of it....
IT'S ONLY $9.95?...x 6
The offer everything at low prices but a careful look shows that is only the monthly payment price. The real price is 3-6 times that amount. But, they let you pay it installments. So, here you are wading through the written pitches mixed with dreams of glory, wealth, power and a life of luxury
STAY WITH US..YOU ARE GETTING CLOSER
You send it in and after a week or two, another big bulky envelope comes personally addressed calling you a winner (to be) and lucky person and all the rest of it stating how close you are if you continue to participate and of course return what is requested by such and such a date. Failure to do so as instructed forfeits your winning place and thanks for playing
ALMOST THERE...ALMOST...where?
You keep getting these pitches stating we are almost there. Hang in and OH the money is ready and willing to come your way. Funny thing is that as I was complying with all their requests to keep current, I saw how confusing it can be and how you can make a mistake or two. Elderly would not fair well here
BACK TO THE FREE LUNCH MY RAINMAKING FRIENDS
Now, as to that all you can eat free lunch for 300,000 people lets do some math and weeding out. First, I am limiting it to people who post and comment regularly. From there, I choose the eating place from lists submitted to me by RAINMAKERS. Now lets say lunch comes to $15 per person and there is 25k daily regulars (my math) in the RAIN that qualify via the participation clause
WHATS $375,000 BETWEEN FRIENDS?
That's...$375,000 dollars. Now readers digest is offering 10 million lump sum if I win. After paying $4,000,000 in taxes leaving me with 6 million, I would then deduct the $375,000 netting me 5,625,000. If I write off the lunch as a business expense, it may cost me nothing...This remains to be seen. Also, if I am off on any of the math, worst case I net $5 million
IT'S ONLY MONEY
If I win, I will do a 20 part post on the subject and hope it is suggested and featured....more on this as it develops
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