Ad sales have been way down, which is not really a surprise, since sales of just about everything are down these days. One type of ad, however, is selling like hotcakes: prayer ads. Those are way up. Go figure. Prayers to the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin, and St. Jude are peppering the pages of the Reminder lately.

I must confess that I really don't understand the phenomenon; where did the whole publishing of prayers to make them come true start? I'm pretty sure that's not taught in church canon. What tickles me, though, is that what these people are doing could be considered Magick; if you told them that, though, they'd be horrified. It's one of those things that I just don't get, like NASCAR or teacup poodles. We just didn't do that in our family.

I had a potential customer call today, asking about advertising. It was a frustrating conversation, because she was as dense as they come. She didn't know what a classified ad is. Had no idea. She had our paper in front of her, and just had no clue. *smacks forehead* How can someone who reads a newspaper have no idea what a classified ad is? I've had several people over the years say that they didn't know what a classified was. I'm just stumped. I thought that was something that everybody knew. Am I wrong?

Oh, and guess what she wants to advertise? She's a psychic. I kid you not. You just can't make this stuff up. Well, you can, but nobody would believe it.

They're using Mr. Bill in a MasterCard ad. You know, the "priceless" ones. If you go to the link, you can watch the actual ad. It's actually kinda funny, especially if you remember the late-night torturing of plasticine guys (and dogs) from way back in the 70s. I didn't realize that the guy who made them won a contest. Cool! SNL used to be such a funny show.

I love the warmer weather... it brings the advertisers out in droves. I took three landscaping ads in less than an hour this afternoon, and a powerwashing ad as well. Go me!

It's currently 55 degrees in beautiful downtown East Longmeadow. Feels pretty darned good, especially after last week's single digits. Spring in New England is a roller coaster!

We're having a customer appreciation event-thingy here next month, and I've been "volunteered" to help out with it. I hope it means I get at least one free drink! At the very least, I'll have to snitch some appetizers. *g*

Never mind the fact that it's 8 degrees out right now. Spring is just around the corner. Know how I know? The landscapers are starting to come in to place their ads! And the masonry guys, and the excavating dudes... and our Spring Home Improvement issue is coming up soon. OK, I'm grasping at straws here, but every little sign of spring makes the awful weather just a little less unbearable. For me, anyway. *g* Oh, and daylight savings time this weekend! That's always a sure sign of Spring. 'Course, it's three weeks early this year, but I'll take it. I like it when it's light out later. I like going for walks after supper, and it's nicer when it's still light out.

Check out this fab interview with my friend Jay from the Wicked Tinkers! Some neat stuff about his influences and such. Yay, Jay!

What do folks think about LJ's new sponsored accounts? Is it worth having to look at ads to get paid-member features? On the one hand, online ads can be annoying. On the other, I understand the impetus to sell ad space, since that is what I do for a living. Yahoo does it, MySpace does it, even The Reminder does it. It's what keeps the internet going. Like commercials on television.

I'm thinking I might try it out. I mean, 15 icons! Phone posts! It could be fun. And I certainly can't afford a paid account right now.

I'll mull it over before taking the plunge.