Save The Starving Artists

I'm stepping out of retirement for a bonus reunion tour blog because today I received an email from a fellow reptile who had the audacity to ask me for money to help save the National Magazine Awards. Now I like editorial people as much as the next rep but they really don't like us very much so why do they come whining for money for their little prizes. This recession is hurting us not them. I don't see them having to write more words for less money but we're out there every day busting our butt only to come home with empty pockets to watch Glengarry Glen Ross on DVD yet again.

But in case you suffer from poor judgement and disagree with the wisdom of the King Cobra, here is the plea...

Maybe we ad reps are the black sheep of the industry who rarely rate a mention at the National Magazine Awards. Still, we don't let that stop us from attending and supporting the editorial people. Right?!

Kidding aside, the National Magazine Awards could use our help right now. I'm inviting the magazine reps of Canada to toss a little cash in the hat for the cause. It's tax deductible and frankly we can use the brownie points.

The goal is $1,500 and when we reach it, a 2009 National Magazine Award will be sponsored by the Magazine Advertising Representatives of Canada. I've gotten the ball rolling with the first $100 so we are already 6.7% to budget. All donations are welcome and $20 or more gets you a tax receipt. Sure commissions are down in this depression but brother, we can spare a dime, can't we?

Please email me (brian[at]keystonemedia[dot]ca) what you would like to contribute and I will pass your contact information on to the NMAF office who will follow up with you. For a running total, check my Twitter (twitter.com/bstendel).

Spread the word! It's what we're good at.

Vote with your cold heart.