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We are a relatively popular small business, thanks to our exposure in the various online communities, the length we have been in business, our contributions to our communities, our involvement in blogs, amongst other things. So we get our share of interesting emails and phone calls (some of which I shared on our various blogs).
I got off the phone with an individual, who I won't name, who may have topped all the previous calls we had before.
Earlier in the week, I receive an email from a guy who basically wants to give me his iPhone App ideas in exchange for an iPod Touch. I ask Ronnie if this guy is serious and he said it is probably a kid who wants a free iPod Touch. So we completely ignore the email and move on.
A few minutes ago, I received a phone call from this individual. The individual sounds like he is about 40 or so. Let me take you through the call, as if you are on the call with me (although it is likely not word for word, more of how I remember it):
Idea Man: Did you get my email from last week about this?
Me: Honestly, I thought it was a joke.
Idea Man: No, not a joke at all!
Me: Really? I don't understand why you would want to trade your iPhone app ideas for a few hundred dollar iPod Touch.
Idea Man: Actually, you can get a refurbished one for about a $150. I am fine with a $150 iPod Touch that is refurbished.
Me: Are you serious?
Idea Man: Yes
Me: I am sorry, this sounds incredibly weird. I am not interested. I don't understand why you would do this?
Idea Man: Well, I have no idea how much I can make from the ideas and no idea how to make them or sell them - so I might be losing out, but that is my loss.
Me: I am sorry, I am not interested. I don't want to promise you an iPod Touch for just "ideas" without knowing they are good.
Idea Man: I'll give you a couple of them for free and if you want the others, then you buy me an iPod Touch.
Me: Um, I am sorry - this is just too weird. I have to say no.
Idea Man: Can I call you back next week to make sure.
Me: No, I am sorry.
Maybe this was some type of scam? Or maybe he was serious? I don't know. It just sounded way too weird.
Barry Schwartz is the CEO of RustyBrick, a New York Web service firm specializing in customized online technology that helps companies decrease costs and increase sales. Barry is also the founder of the Search Engine Roundtable and the News Editor of Search Engine Land. He is well known & respected for his expertise in the search marketing industry. Barry graduated from the City University of New York and lives with his family in the NYC region.
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