TV show pilot ‘Dads’ marketing scam.

I got a telemarketing call last week (why I answered it I don’t know (we have caller ID for this reason)) asking if I’d take part in a test viewing of a tv show episode. I received this today with materials and a letter from Doris Price from Audience Studies, Inc. of Cincinnati, OH. The video was a ‘self-erasing video tape’ through the placement of a magnet, pretty slick that. It was a sitcom called ‘Dads’. Turns out this is more of a marketing scam than an actual test pilot viewing. First off, what kind of pilot comes with commercials in it? Also the fact that the show references ‘Barney’ pretty heavily dates it. Finally, the credits at the end of the video date it as 1997. So they are test marketing a show they made 6 years ago? Yeah right, weasles.

I searched on the web and found this thread from other people who were duped too, back as far as 2001. This one post was particularly informative.

I also found this site which says even more.

The show itself was predictable and stereotypical too. Clueless dads who don’t know about doing dishes or their kids birthdays.

When they call tomorrow to ask about what I thought I plan to be pretty harsh about their deceiptful practices. I’m willing to watch a show to tell them what I think. Hell I’d even be willing to watch it with commercials if they were up front, but dont lie to me, bastards.

My magic ability

Warning – This entry is long and rambling.

Ever read any of Piers Anthony’s Xanth books? Everyone has a magic power, sometimes it’s something small, like being able to dim a candle, other times its powerful, like controlling the wind. More modern pop analogy would be the X-men, where mutations can be great or small. Anyways, whether these things really happen or not is immaterial, but for some reason I’ve found an inexplicable pattern in my life, in other words, for years I’ve been suspecting I’ve figured out one of mine, but it’s difficult to explain precisely. Also, reverting back to the Xanth books, my documenting this may result in the fates smiting my server or website. But.. might as well tempt them 🙂

One sentence summary – My presence in this world results in life altering events for those who know me, I am a catalyst for events that don’t involve me.

Note – Emily says everyone has this magic power, so .. damn. I’m still gonna document this as best I can though, even if it’s all for naught.
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