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Freebies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. // February 7, 2010

Not too long ago, I conducted a give-away on this website. I had a lot of fun doing it, and I enjoyed hearing people’s reactions when they got my hastily-wrapped packages in the mail:

Patricia’s Tweet.

Tim’s Tumblr.

On the subject of freebies and giving away stuff: I actually posted a somewhat cryptic post right here, and I am going to update about what went down (haha) and why it was posted, just to illuminate y’all, and I suppose, to let some stuff out.

So, recently, I’ve been posting about the ID Seniors’ Thesis Exhibit, Flux, and I know you’ve only heard good things about it on this exhibit, but some of us were a little disappointed with how some people took the exhibit as. See, a few of us produced some merchandise to go with our thesis projects (mostly badges/buttons/pins and stickers), admittedly to attract people. It was also done partly to help people visualize our projects in the context of actual supplementary output, and also as part of our individual exhibits.

In the middle of the week, we started noticing an influx of people visiting the exhibit, from all over the school. Sure, we told out respective circles (and they were supportive—thanks, bbs) and put the word out on our respective online accounts, but we didn’t really have a solid promotional strategy. So the volume of the visitors were overwhelming.

And then we realized that the freebies were doing their job.

I’m not even going to comment, because it’s such an old topic and it’s stupid to whine about it. I’m grateful for the people that passed by, I really am. It’s just sad to see how the exhibit panned out (in terms of this issue), because we really wanted feedback from an actual viewership, and a few of us never even got any constructive feedback.

I’ll just let the photos do the talking, since that’s what they’re here for:

Kris Caguiat’s.

(The flower corsage.)

Merky’s.

Mark Carandang’s. Someone took his seed packets… even though they were empty.

One of my feedback forms.

And another one.

From our collective guestbook.

Two of the last remaining pins by Derrick. He pinned them on the shirts
because people kept on taking them, even though they were only for display.

From Patricia Magsino’s table. Someone took one even though it was already pinned to the tablecloth.

Tricia Gosingtian’s. This was actually planted by a friend of ours for kicks.

As was this one. (Pats Padla’s.)

And it’s funny because we were apologetic about it at first:

Rich Tuason’s.

Celina Borromeo’s.

Mine.

I hope I don’t sound like an ingrate (because I really am thankful that people went!) but it’s problematic to me because the merch was supposed to be a sort of appetizer, but people didn’t stick around for the main course. (Following my previous metaphor, by this I meant the actual exhibits.) A friend had condoms on his table—for display purposes—and people took those, too! I mean, a condom, really?

I don’t know, I have a feeling I might be overreacting, but it was really disappointing that people only went for the free stuff, and some of them didn’t even look at the actual set-ups or read through our theses or what-have-you. I hope I’m not overreacting, really. I just really had to let this out, because it’s been bugging me for the past few weeks. I’m pretty touchy about it in real life, too. So, if I’m evasive about giving you a pin when you ask me for one, this is probably why. (But if we’re good friends or if I promised you one, then it’s O.K. to bug me about it.)

In ateneo, thesis | 8 Comments

8 Comments »

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aww, that’s why. *hug*

I still like your thesis. And i saw the pins first…but forget the pins! I want my book! Sign it please! I’ll even pay for a hardbound one. Please? :)

Comment by Nash — February 7, 2010 #
That really sucks :( No, you’re not overreacting. It’s completely understandable that you’d be upset – I would be too if I was in your situation. It’s especially rude that they didn’t stick around to read/view the actual theses, because you guys put so much work into them.

I love your handwriting and your cute little thunderbolt, btw ♥

Comment by Geralyn — February 7, 2010 #
People suck sometimes. ): Even if I wasn’t really part of your exhibit, I feel for you guys. ):

If anything, I liked your thesis and everyone else’s! Hugs!

Comment by Tracy — February 7, 2010 #
Nash, yup! It annoys me a little bit, but I’m okay for the most part. :)

Geralyn, awesome. I’m glad I don’t sound completely irrational. Haha. Thank you. :)

Tracy, thank you! It was nice hanging out with you that past week. :)

Comment by Carina — February 7, 2010 #
Ugh, this is always such a problem. We (the design program) just had a gallery opening the other day and I had to run upstairs within 10 minutes of the opening to make a “please don’t take” placard for this girl’s stack of cards.

The way people treated your show just ruins the whole “freebie” concept for next time :(

Comment by Melanie — February 9, 2010 #
Hi Carina. I’d be really annoyed if I were in your place, too, so I don’t think you’re overreacting. I have to say that reading this made me feel lucky about having that pin you gave me, though. So thank you again. :)

Oh and I just got my zine today. I read it on my way to work! I’m sure I was grinning like an idiot while I was reading it, but whatever. Haha.

Hope you know that your work makes a lot of people smile. Thanks again, and I hope you feel better. :) You seem so down lately.

Comment by Patricia — February 9, 2010 #
Wow, that’s ridiculous. I’d be extremely pissed off if it happened to me =/

Comment by Helga — February 9, 2010 #
Patricia, Kcool! Haha yeah. I don’t really know why I was so pissed off about it haha. I’m glad you found it amusing at least! Thanks, I’ll try to be better.

Helga, I know riiiiight. LOL. At least leave some comments, if you’re going to take our stuff.

Comment by Carina — February 10, 2010 #