Real-life story about the power of a good headline
This happened to me yesterday. I was driving through the local shopping center and there at the exit driveway I was approaching was a panhandler. This wasn't at all unusual for that shopping center, and the spot in question is a favorite for them.
But this time, it was a guy I hadn't seen before and his cardboard sign caught my eye. Its message was delivered in a very different way. Instead of the usual "HOMELESS AND HUNGRY" or "ANYTHING HELPS, GOD BLESS", it said:
TOO UGLY TO PROSTITUTE,
TOO HONEST TO STEAL
I immediately, impulsively, reached into my wallet to get a $1 bill. There wasn't one... only a $5. Eh, what the hell. I grabbed it without hesitation and gave it to the guy.
And I'll tell ya, I don't give money to panhandlers very often at all (once a year maybe).
Thing is, I didn't give the guy five bucks because he looked down and out and I felt sorry for him (he actually looked pretty healthy when he got close to my car)... I paid him for having GREAT COPY. It was unique, and gave me a laugh.
But this time, it was a guy I hadn't seen before and his cardboard sign caught my eye. Its message was delivered in a very different way. Instead of the usual "HOMELESS AND HUNGRY" or "ANYTHING HELPS, GOD BLESS", it said:
TOO UGLY TO PROSTITUTE,
TOO HONEST TO STEAL
I immediately, impulsively, reached into my wallet to get a $1 bill. There wasn't one... only a $5. Eh, what the hell. I grabbed it without hesitation and gave it to the guy.
And I'll tell ya, I don't give money to panhandlers very often at all (once a year maybe).
Thing is, I didn't give the guy five bucks because he looked down and out and I felt sorry for him (he actually looked pretty healthy when he got close to my car)... I paid him for having GREAT COPY. It was unique, and gave me a laugh.