People say I’m a good conversationalist. But will they pay for the privilege? Let’s find out. I’m auctioning off two hours of drinks or dinner with me.
It’s a tough economy. But I’m a good talker. Whether or not anyone bids, it’ll be a fun experiment.
9 Comments.
I will offer $100 bucks to chat for 20 minutes over a bagel and coffee.
For the record I am not begrudging this decision, trying to dissuade you in any way, or even mocking you, and I certainly understand that you could use the money and are probably worth the money to talk to (and hell if people are willing to pay then all the more proof of it). None-the-less I feel I must point out the fairly extreme irony of a staunch anti-capitalist literally selling his causal friendship/conversation time to the highest bidder. I guess on the one hand you could point out to critics that this is actually a symptom of the effects of capitalism more then it is an act of flagrant hypocrisy in that for one to just survive under late stage capitalism one must either whore out their integrity to echoing the status quo approved messages and opinions, or whore out everything else in exchange for that one freedom.
Either way, I hope you do get the money you need to make ends meet, and (if I don’t forget) I’ll be donating again in December with the hopes that it helps some.
Well, considering politicians from all stripes do it all the time, in the guise of fund-raising dinners, I can’t see what’s so hypocritical about Ted’s shot.
More annoying is Ted’s love of intellectual property law in all its forms, when he’s not so keen on real property rights.
@buceaphalus: Intellectual property law can be very problematic and stifling. I’ve run into it several times and found it annoying. Under this system of capitalism, however, I don’t see how creative people can be paid without it.
@someone: Capitalism requires all sorts of acts of hypocrisy from its subjects and, no doubt, this is one of mine. Think of it as a performance piece. It helps.
@exkiodexian: Are you in NYC?
@Ted: No, far from it. I may bid on a new cartoon next year though, if you’re still running that deal.
Capitalists and Communists both agree that producers can, using the Means of Production and Labour (mutually exclusive), turn raw materials into finished products worth more than the raw materials (NB: Not everyone is a Capitalist or a Communist, some believe that human activity always reduces value).
Capitalists are those who insist that the the owners of the Means of Production MUST receive ‘fair’ rent on their property. Socialists say the Means of Production must be owned by the state, and the entire difference between the cost of the raw materials and the value of the finished product must be distributed among the workers, who must all receive the same amount for each hour of labour (cf. Glen Beck, who agrees with this definition).
Marx explains that Communism is a very specific form of socialism: in his opinion, the best form there is, one in which the socialist ideas are strictly enforced with no room for deviancy under the ‘Dictatorship of the Proletariat’ (a Marxist term: the Proles would never be allowed any real power–let alone dictatorial power–in any Marxist regime).
Mr. Rall thinks that his labouring to provide scintillating conversation should be remunerated. This isn’t a problem for Capitalism (which never uses the terms ‘Means of Production’).
But it might be a problem for Communism, since what are the Means of Production for Mr. Rall’s conversation? If Mr. Rall is charging rent for those means (i.e., himself) that is a clear violation of Communist ideals. If he is only charging for his labour, then that is clearly allowed under Communism.
But which is it, and how can we tell?
Michael, I prefer the terser quote: in capitalism, man is a wolf to man. In communism, it’s the opposite.
Hmm…just over 5 hours left and NO bids. Still having fun with this experiment, Mr. Pimp-ho?
Don’t degrade yourself like this, Ted. Be a mensch. Next time you’re in Berkeley, and if I’m able to make your event, I’ll gladly treat you to two slices of greasy goodness and a Coke at Fat Slice on Telegraph.
…but that’s only if you promise to draw a cartoon for me on a napkin afterward… 😉
We’re all hos.
Five days left, not hours.