In the days before the existence of Craigslist or Ebay, we decided to start a classified Ad Shopper in the Community where we lived. Every week we had 5,000 to 7,000 copies of the Gila Valley Exchange printed up and distributed. People would call us during the week and dictate the classified ads they wanted placed in the Exchange and the paper generated revenue from the ads I sold.
When we first started, as much to fill up space as it was to promote what we were doing, we would sprinkle announcements throughout the old rag. Some of them generated some interesting responses.
One announcement said something like:
"Get rid of you unwanted pets with the Gila Valley Exchange"
A reader called wondering where they could drop off a litter of kittens that they didn't want.
Another announcement, a large banner that covered the top of two pages read:
"Free private party ads in the Gila Valley Exchange!"
One page had the wording "Free private party" and the other side finished the announcement.
So, we had a reader that called and wondered where and when the free private party would be held.
Unfortunately, it was private. They weren't invited.
We sold the paper after a year or so and the new owners were able to almost immediately close up shop.
Everyone should take the time at some point to have a business of their own. It is a wonderful learning experience.
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