In an attempt to promote his new book Marketing Revolution, author Tung Desem Waringin dropped money from an airplane in Indonesia. Tung was no stranger to publicity stunts, having also ridden a horse through Jakarta dressed as the country’s most famous war hero to promote his first book. The Indonesian self-help guru let 100 million rupiah (approximately 11,000 American dollars) rain down over a soccer field today in Serang, Indonesia.
This plot to boost sales of his book seems to be a bit backwards, doesn’t it? Tossing money out in order to get people to essentially give it back to you (through royalties) kind of defeats the purpose of giving away the money in the first place. But Tung will probably make that money back and then some because he has gotten the attention of the masses. People throughout Indonesia, and thanks to the internet the rest of the world, could be inspired by Tung’s seemingly generous nature and run out in droves to purchase his latest book.
Tung was not afraid to think outside the box. He took a rather risky move in “throwing away” his own money. According the article, millions of Indonesian people are living on less than 2 American dollars a day. This act could be interpreted as a slap in the face to the low-income families in Indonesia. But more likely, it has caused a huge buzz that will make people to want to read Tung’s latest writings, especially since his book is entitled Marketing Revolution.
The stunt seems so incredible to me because of the greedy nature of most Americans. How many people, trying to make a profit off of their ideas and hard work, would be willing to take a chance and give away their money to a bunch of complete strangers? Ok, so you have to spend money to make money, but most Americans are reluctant to part with large lump sums of their hard earned cash. Look at all of the reality shows on televisions where people have the opportunity to win big. How many of us would be willing to give up $10,000 when we weren’t 100% sure we’d get the $100,000 in the end?
It certainly makes me curious to read the book and find out what the “Marketing Revolution” is all about. Mission accomplished, Tung Desem Waringin. Mission accomplished.
Ok, so you have to spend money to make money, but most Americans are reluctant to part with large lump sums of their hard earned cash.
Here spending money to make money tends to run along the lines of the less you have to spend the better. It's pretty cool Waringin dropped the money... definitely not something you'd see happen here often! Aside from the entire money dropping thing... I love that he goes to such lengths to promote his books. I'd freaking love to see someone dressed up and riding a horse through the desert in a publicity stunt. But again, I'm easily amused!
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Free books need new home.
~Fallon~
"If I fall asleep with a pen in my hand, don't remove it - I might be writing in my dreams."- Pace
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