Have you read about the guy from Canada who managed to barter his way from one red paper clip to full-fledged home ownership, with a little help from Arnie Becker?
Seems Montreal blogger Kyle MacDonald posted repeated trade offers on Craigslist, initially swapping the paper clip for a pen shaped like a fish, then trading the fish-pen for a ceramic knob, the knob for a camping stove, and so on…until he managed to interest none other than former “L.A. Law” star Corbin Bernsen in his story.
Bernsen had written a movie and planned to direct it himself, and, recognizing a PR gold mine when he saw it, offered MacDonald a paid speaking role in the film to use towards his goal. MacDonald was pleased, but uncertain as to what he could offer the former Arnie Becker that the actor would actually want…until he learned that Bernsen is the proud owner of a collection of over 6,500 snow globes, which he displays in his home as a quirky “pop art” installation.
Bingo.
MacDonald bartered an afternoon with Alice Cooper for a Kiss-themed snow globe (a sweetheart deal if ever there was one), traded the globe to Bernsen for the movie role, and then bartered the movie role to the small town of Kipling, Saskatchewan for his very own home.
Three questions come to mind after reading this story:
1. Does MacDonald actually want to live in Kipling, Saskatchewan (population: 1140 and dwindling)?
2. What do you think Coldwell Banker Mortgage will give me for a blue thumb tack?
3. What kind of deranged lunatic keeps 6,500 snow globes on display in his home?
