The Showbox magazine is a very good customer of EDJE Technologies. In fact, we help with the production of each issue. So it was naturally easy to say “yes” when asked to set a few issues out
at the North American in Louisville. Publications like The Showbox have a strong following and it feels good to be associated with them.
My “agreement” was to pick up two boxes in the press office and set copies out while the Junior Steer show was going on. That sounded easy enough and I would have time later to shop for those new black boots my wife keeps telling me I need.
The Sunday Junior shows draw the biggest crowds overall at the North American and from the press room I could tell that this year was no different, even with the weak economy. I spoke to a few friends as I lugged the first box of publications to the east side of the arena, oblivious to the ticking time bomb I carried.
There are times in our lives when we sense that something is way different than what we expected it to be. As I used my car key to open the cardboard box and pulled out the first saran-wrapped copies, I had that premonition. A young lady said, “Is that the Showbox?” “Yes Ma’am, want one?” I felt good to be associated with them.
The following events may not be suitable for children under the age of 12, so please direct them to American Idol or something. There are only two groups of people who could sympathize with what happened next…the poor people who made it through the tsunami that hit Thailand and the first guy to rip open a bag of range pellets in front of a hungry bunch of west Texas cows.
Suddenly I was overcome by a multitude of cattle-grunge, frost-streaked, relaxed-fit, soft-soled, sparkle-belted, soft-middled club calf groupies. I haven’t seen that much swirling “bling” since that huge disco ball fell in Wichita Falls in 1976, injuring 4 people. In less than 2 minutes, the box was empty, I had lost my car keys, my jacket pocket was torn and my hat looked like it had NOT made the eight second buzzer at the last PBR finals.
But…I had one more box and now I had a plan. Never let it be said that I won’t jump at an opportunity. I carried the next box to the west side of the arena, with a twisted smile on my face. As I ripped at the top of the box (where are my keys) a passing fellow said, “ Hey, is that the Showbox, I haven’t got mine yet.” I pursed myself and said “Yes Sir, it is, and it’ll be a buck if you want one.” He said “Hell yea, gimme two”. Now we’re talking. That second box emptied as quickly as the first, but it was a lot more enjoyable.
No, I never really charged anyone for those magazines, but I could have. Point is, advertise your product or just forget it.
One other thing, have you seen a set of Ford keys with a Kroger Discount Card attached? Last used as a box opener. I’m still in Louisville, so let me know.
