Alright, I'll bite.

Posted on January 31, 2005 at 01:08 AM

I have always pondered upon the legitimacy of websites like this. They offer "free" goods in the hopes that joe shmoe computer user will be gullible enough to handover their personal information in hopes that the prize they chase will someday materialize at their doorstep, all-the-while selling out friends and family in the process.

So what's the catch?

Allegedly there is no catch. The free"enter product name here".com craze all started with the iPod. Hence, the freeiPods.com website. Wired Magazine did an article about this back in August of 2004. It showed that marketing firms like Gratis Networks typically get $25-$90 for each person that is referred to one of their clients product sites. With 10 referrals required for a mac mini (you do the math) they make money in the end.

Quite a few people have tried this, allbeit with great skepticism, but were pleasantly surprised when an iPod showed up as promised. Yes Virginia, people who have done this have actually received this product with no ill effects. Well, besides the tendency to wear black turtlenecks, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes every time you go out in public. (Your results may vary, use as directed.)

Since it's release at macworld 2005, I have been in awe of the mac mini (duh, ya think?). A sleek, compact mac at a mere $500. Are you kidding, who wouldn't want one? It's even small enough to sneak into the house without my wife knowing (wait, she reads this blog. Damnit!).

So now I am asking you my friends, family, and new readers to possibly exploit your personal information and help me get a mac mini. (I'm not selling this very well am I?) I am an ardent pc aplogist and would like to own a mac if nothing else than to tear it apart with a spackler and document its guts on my blog. Once completely put back together (of course with a few parts still left over) I will pontificate to the world the pure joy of how superior the mac really is. (Not bloody likely, but if you help me out I will pretend to like it)

(Note: previous link is a divx avi. Translation: you need a divx codec and media player that supports avi files. Also, not suitable for those with an aversion to profanity.)

To all you mac zealots out there, there are good uses for a mac. I know I could play a few games on it.

And to make the deal even sweeter I will offer a gmail invite to those of you who help me out. Gotta love the quid pro quo action, eh?

Click here to get started.

Thank you for your support.

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