Too Good to be True! And, I'm Too Gullible.
June 08, 2005
Yesterday while procrastinating I spent a good hour selecting two free offers from a list of twenty. In return, I will get an absolutely free laptop computer. Isn't that exciting?!? This is the one I chose:
As soon as I selected my free offers, I was taken to a second page of about 15 offers, and told to select two MORE free offers. Frustrated, but excited to get a free computer, I selected two more offers. And happily clicked on "Take me to the 3rd page to claim my free computer!"
On the third page, I was told that I would be able to claim my free computer as soon as I completed six more offers, from a page of about 10. Hopeful, I studied the ten offers for several minutes each, only finding two that I could get for free. Of the eight left, one would cost me $99 (but I would get a Tivo!) and the others were credit card offers.
Considering I didn't want to apply for three new credit cards, lest 16th century Vikings be set loose to rush upon me, spears in hand and scruffy beards wafting in the wind, I decided to minimize the window and come back to it later.
Ten minutes passed and I found my way back to the minimized window. After thinking about the offers and the brand new free computer waiting to be mailed to me, especially since Roger and I have been talking about getting a laptop, and why not get one for free?, I reviewed the offers again and minimized the window for a second time.
I knew that if I applied for three credit cards without talking to Roger about it first, my conscious would betray me. I also knew that if I asked Roger if he wanted to apply for three new credit cards, he would be named the General, leading the Vikings and carrying spears. No amount of batting my eyelashes would prevent him from being the first to impale me.
But look on the bright side: at least he wouldn't have a scruffy, dirty, stringy beard when he did it!
I opened the webpage once more, thinking that I only needed to complete three more offers and buy a Tivo before I could get the FREE Compaq Presario widescreen laptop! I convinced myself that new offers would appear if I just kept minimizing and reopening the same webpage, but lying to myself just proved unbeneficial. After reviewing my choices IN DETAIL a few more times, I decided to give up.
However, if anyone wants to apply for a Discover or Citi card (0% Intro APR and on Balance Transfers!), LET ME KNOW. I have no problems using you to get my free laptop.
That's how this relationship works, and don't you forget it.
Comments
13 ORIGINAL Comments:
Melissa said...
What they also fail to mention is that even after you complete all those "free" offers, you are put on a waiting list to get your free laptop! They have these schemes for free iPods, fancy cell phones, and everything else. You're better off getting no interest financing through Best Buy or Circuit City and paying it off in payments. And look for good deals like I did and it won't be that costly! :)
June 08, 2005 2:42 PM
Ben said...
I will help you out!
...if you sign up for three offers I have for you...
And that my friend, is how THIS relationship works.
lol
June 08, 2005 2:43 PM
Eddo said...
I so can't believe Ben is caught with his hand in the cookie jar - commenting, blogging... he said he didn't have time for us, but he can't resist us - especially not jes!
Hilarious post Jes - I got one of those Joke emails once from Amanda Adams stating that I had won 3000 dollars - I was totally sucked in -and at the end a big monkey comes up after I fill out this VERY OFFICIAL looking form and it makes fun of me - I was LIVID! I really thought I had won - it was so legitimate looking. Ugh. So now even if it is legitimate, I don't get my hopes up until the check is cashed.
June 08, 2005 2:53 PM
Ben said...
If the truth be known... I am a week ahead in my accounting assignments... so... I took a break from my Hiatus... but the break will be short. lol.
June 08, 2005 3:10 PM
Ben said...
Ummm... yeah, I guess I did just say that I took a break from ... ummm... my short break. lol.
This accounting is really getting to me folks.
June 08, 2005 3:11 PM
Jennboree said...
Hey, Jes, gullible isn't even in the dictionary, did you know?
Alas, I too have fallen victim to such promises of grandeur only to be either laughed at by my computer or inundated with spam for years to follow. And spam is only tolerable when fried and covered with as much vegetation as possible.
June 08, 2005 3:29 PM
Amanda Sue said...
let me not point out that you don't need additional credit cards, or the $99 TiVo, because you, my friend, do not watch television.
June 08, 2005 9:48 PM
Watts family said...
I have done the same thing. I get those ads all the time and I think about it and minimize the window and think some more, but I never do it.
June 08, 2005 9:55 PM
Ben said...
I am sure she would watch TV if she had a TIVO. I am SURE of it. I love TIVO.
June 09, 2005 8:24 AM
Edgy Mama said...
Hilarious, as usual, Jes.
I immediately delete suspicious e-mails, but two days ago received one from BlogCatalog (some of you may have gotten this as well). Like an idiot, I opened it, then realized that something was off, and deleted it. Almost right away, my computer started sending me error messages. Shaking with fear, I ran Norton Anti-Virus. Luckily, it worked--and discovered not one, but two, new viruses on my hard disk. Delete, delete, delete!
June 09, 2005 8:41 AM
jes said...
MEL: even a waiting list is good for me, because it is a free laptop! :)
JENN: gullible is TOTALLY in MY dictionary. i use www.dictionary.com, none of this big-book-on-the-shelf-with-alphabetized-tabs stuff.
AMANDA SUE: but, i don't watch TV because they come on at times that are inconvenient to me. if i could RECORD shows and watch them when i wanted to...how exciting!
June 09, 2005 9:00 AM
Kim said...
I always get suckered into starting to fill those things out... but never finish. :) Sorry about the laptop
June 09, 2005 10:06 AM
Katie said...
Wise man who published in cookies says: "Nothing in life is ever free"
Always trust the guys who publish in cookies.
June 09, 2005 11:12 AM
Posted by: jes | September 20, 2006 04:57 PM