Nothing's free in this world. But cheap is great!!

I'm sure you're all aware of those annoying popups that promise free ipods, digital cameras, etc.... as you navigate the world wide web. About 5 months ago I set out to test if these enticing offers were really true. Well, my dear skeptics, I'm happy to say that today my 'free' ipod arrived in the mail. Actual cost = $52.05. Not bad for a device that is worth $300.

How does it work? Basically it's a pyramid scheme where you sign up for a sponsor's offer and get a required number of referrals to complete offers and VOILA, free stuff. Of course, nothing is quite that easy. As I approached friends and family to help me out with this experiment I was surprised to learn there are many cynics who walk amongst us. People who will by no means disclose any personal information or credit card numbers over the internet. Perhaps I'm not cautious enough, as I sign up for stuff left, right and center. Maybe the cynics have been burned before and I have yet to learn my lesson the hard way (touch wood).

So far I'm spam free and have not been charged anything more than what I agreed to pay for. And although the task was hard and the wait long, I really enjoyed the ride. By trying various offers I got to do some fun things, like experience the diet of South African tribesman, play a round of high stakes solitaire and learn the ins and outs of internet trading.

Receiving my 'free' ipod was truly a joy as you know how much I crave music. So thank you dearly to all of you who agreed to help me out and trusted that I wouldn't lead you astray. I am forever grateful!