One of the funniest and yet nastiest of types that I've run across in broadcast radio are those listeners and clients that just can't get enough of free stuff...the prize pigs!
These folks will fight over tubes of expired chapstick, nearly useless warped frisbees with old station logos, and t-shirts they will never, ever fit into.
Some become prize groupies, following the station to various events and begging for whatever scraps we have, despite the fact their home is probably full to the rafters with our stuff already.
Once a year, our stations participated in a bash that featured businesses in an out-of-the-way loop off the main business district. Everybody went all out, with lots of specials and giveaways, a free bbq and band, you name it.
This sent the area prize pigs into paroxyms of free-stuff ecstasy!
While attempting to do a live report from the event, a little girl kept tugging on my shirt. After wrapping things up, I asked her not to do that. "But mister", she said, "that lady just walked away with all your shirts!"
I turned to see one of the areas better known prize pig queens marching towards a rusty station wagon with $250 of our custom tees. I barked at her to stop, snatched the shirts from her and ordered her off property. She began to argue, but thought better of it as three burly employees of the diesel repair facility joined me. Seems she tried to rip them off earlier.
The next year the same lady showed up in the food line with a huge purse line with a plastic bag. When she got to the head of the line, she opened the purse with the instructions to "fill 'er up".
She was then banned from the property forever.
Have you any experience in your business with prize pigs or their ilk? Love to hear about 'em!
It should be noted that radio stations almost universally love to give away free stuff to DESERVING listeners. They love it, and it's great PR!!
Also, don't think that someone has to be a welfare case to be a prize pig. I know of one car dealer that shamelessly used to shake us down for free buckets of fried chicken.
I can't take credit for inventing the term Prize Pigs. That belongs to one of the contributors to krud.com. Incidentally, the costumed mascot for their station is a big pink Prize Pig! Most people don't seem to get tbe joke.
piggie (08/22/2008) What is your definition of deserving? Free is good - in fact, that is my personal mantra.
anonymous (08/22/2008) there are known societal boundaries only human pigs deliberately cross. by setting limits, as in one per person/office/ family/ is the only way to counteract this behavior.
some office managers did walk off with a lot of free stuff but shared it with staff and everyone wound up with a canvas bag, poster or t-shirt. others are hoarders and/or greedy. they hope that the items will go up in value and collectors will buy them years from now.
the confessor (08/29/2008) Piggie, glad that you asked...
I define "deserving" as someone that is a genuine listener or supporter of the station, and skip the histrionics when asking for or getting a prize or goodie.
Case in point: during a large summer sidewalk sale remote, we had on hand hot dogs and Pepsi products at our booth. The respective sponsors received mentions and a small donation for each snack was collected on behalf of a local foodshelf. This also cut down on obnoxious requests for dogs and drinks by greedy Prize Pigs.
At one point, a very pregnant young lady with about three kids in tow showed up. She politely requested 5 dogs and drinks and began to dig for change. We told her not to worry, and accepted a one dollar donation. We interviewed her and the kids on the air, and they were nothing less than delightful! I would define their behavior as "deserving".
Later on that day, a state senator that later became the first governor of the state of NH stopped by and praised our efforts to raise funds this way. Since she carried no funds of her own, she forced her driver to give us a buck!
Let me say that Jeanne Shaheen later became the first FEMALE governor of NH...
sick of prize pigs (03/10/2009) I hate prize pigs i have to deal with them everyday. They are rude and think you owe them. When i have a new winner it is a joy but usually they don't win again cos of the prize pigs.Theres one guy who is creepy he brought 10 yr old food items for a food drive so he could get a free cd he is well known we all hate him. We actually had a prize pig working here but she's gone now and we are all happy cos she was rude all the time. Then there is the proffesional she always wants to be your friend ' don't think so' guess she thinks you'll give her stuff. Greedy Greedy people never enough for them. , wish i could tell them to get lost, one day i will.
Tfedhanks
Good piggy! (02/14/2010) why fight them?
maybe a dying medium such as radio should embrace them instead of trying to shoe them away
JustSayNO (02/23/2010) I work at a private country club. Our members are the biggest braggarts about what they have and how that makes them better than everyone else. At the same time, they are calling in trying to get everything for free. I've even had one ask that we write off his late fees for a year because it wasn't his fault, we didn't specify that he had to open the bills we sent him.
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