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( Hey! You shouldn't have clicked that link to
reveal this is an april fools joke! Double no fair if you viewed the source to find this, You cheater.
Ok, you found it. Don't tell anyone, ok? Just sit back and enjoy the ride :) )
Ever since some people decided to publically air some ( fake ) news out in the forums, I've been getting a LOT of email and PM's regarding the sale of the site and book. So, here's the ( fake ) dope:
It's ( not ) true. A deal is ( not ) in place for Wal-Mart to take ownership of the first MI book, the website, and all contents therein. It goes into effect after March 31 ( which, if you remember is April 1 - or, more colloqually, APRIL FOOLS DAY ) , at which time Wal-Mart will ( not ) become the owner of this domain name.
Why, you ask? Well, some of you know the long, sordid history between me and Wally-world (one that extends well past the actual prank I pulled on them). But many of you don't. Some details, I cannot get into for legal reasons ( this part is true though ) , but what I will say is this: They have tried three times now to shut this site down and get me to remove the Wal-Mart Story from public view, each time to no avail (thank God for the First Amendment). ( again, this is true. Which is why this joke totally rocked the admins when they first heard it ;P )
( ok, pay attention, here comes the meat of the joke )
So, in February, they decided to try a different tact. They offered to buy the book and story, ostensibly to remove it from public view (which is why you haven't seen any new stories from me in so long... ( nah, that's not true either - i've been working my ass off ) Part of making this Wal-Mart deal click is that I couldn't post anything new, for fear that I might mention or announce this deal ( haha, sounds pretty good though, huh? The truth is, I've been SO buried with work that I really had no idea what to do for an april fools day prank. Kealiki suggested I scan an old document I received from (a place), then change the date and take the site down for a day. I thought "You know, I can't really do THAT, but I COULD say they bought me out. I told the admins, they agreed to help, and... Holy crap. It worked. ) ). At first, I was appalled. How could they think that they could simply buy me out that way? ( Here's a secret - they can't. Not for 500k, anyway ) I've poured YEARS into this site - night after night spent working on writing, editing, posting and promoting my stories. I've worked extremely hard to get great stuff out to you guys and make you laugh, cry, and think. And they think they can just buy me out?
Then, they stated their offer - $500,000.
Half a million dollars.
I could not refuse. ( Hard to refuse when they don't actually offer you the money :P )
I know that some of you think I am a sellout. And I am ( not ) . I'm not sorry about that fact - my wife and I talked about this, and we agreed this is an opportunity I simply cannot pass up. Yes, it means I'm giving up MI and all I've worked for thus far... But now, I'm in a position to actually write and create things far bigger than this! In fact, plans have been in effect for a while to create a site much like a Fark or BoingBoing, only with an orange twist - these sites are far more popular and interesting than MI ever was. More on that later ;)
As far as the book and site go, what happens from this point isn't exactly clear ( yeah... I expect there's probably going to be at least a LITTLE backlash. Maybe people will burn it in the streets! ) . I attempted to negotiate to keep the book in print and in circulation, but they never actually signed anything stating this (but they did give me a verbal confirmation that nothing would happen to it). I do know that they will most likely be recalling already printed versions of the book and replacing them with copies that lack the Wal-Mart story ( Pay close attention - if censorship is EVER part of ANY deal I were to ever be offered, it doesn't matter the money. It ain't going to happen. Mark these words down, for they're the core of my being ) (that right was part of the deal, and I couldn't back out of it if I wanted the money - as was removing the story from the site).
Anyway, I sincerely hope that you will all support me in this and help me promote and build the new sites that are on the horizon! The possibilities are limitless (ok, not really limitless, but they're pretty darn big with half a mil in my pocket) ( dear god, i wish ) !
( OMG GET READY, HERES THE BIG SUPRISE LINK )
I hope you'll all be in for the ride! ( Wasn't that fun? )
If you would like to be notified when new stories come out, vote on this story, or leave comments,
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Posted on Thursday, March 30 2006
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COMMENTS / EDITS
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Vindowviper on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | Well, seeing as I already have your first masterpiece. I am not worried about the stopping of sales.
But the one question remains? will you announce a second book? possibly with your other articles(I know you dont have enough) but with ones that were "close seconds"?
anyways, I think a half a mil would do that to me too, so I agree with your logic, and hope to stay close and find out when you get a new site of goodness up |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by ka3vo (ka3vo@yahoo.com) on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | Hey joe,
tear........ ok.... (blasted Wally Walmart)
tear. |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Grover on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message | Journal) http://www.darrensproles43.com | Good for you Joe. That isnt good money, that is f*ck you money. You would be a fool not to take an offer like that. You just made life a lot easier for you and your family, and when you boil it down to the brass nuts they should come first.
Its awesome to hear about something like this happening to someone I know (sort of).
I hope you do something stupid with some of the money. Go to the Caymans for a month or something. |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Patgrun on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | I think the joke is really on Walmart. Fate is an interesting thing and I don't think you are a sellout. Fate just threw out an unforeseen twist and the laugh is on them. Can't wait to hear about your next venture. Buy the book today!! It will become a collectors item!! I hope the one I just ordered will still get shipped out. |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by tekguru8 on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Is it not possible this is an April Fools joke? |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by krissy (bgates@microsoft.com) on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | Joe isn't the only one doing April Fools early:
www.thinkgeek.com |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by jeremy on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) http://www.jeremyhalvorsen.com | That's what I'd think too. I have been busy as shit here at work today and haven't gotten a chance to check out my email or the site, and I just received a call from Joe. This is serious.
He mentioned it to me a while ago, and I told him what an idiot he'd be if he didn't go with it, but he really didn't want to at the time. He finally did something that makes sense for him. Most of us have the walmart story in our books we've bought anyway, get on with your other projects and just put this behind you.
Also, I'd say it's important as up to now Joe's had my cell and I've had his, but we've only talked on AIM, never a call.
He says this shouldn't affect his other projects, so once we can finally get some work done on 25cameras that'll still go, as will his other projects he's got brewing.
Anyway, I say KUDOS Peacock on finally making yourself some goddamn money, and doing what's good for you. I'm sure we'll all be following you on to whatever other projects you have going on.
but I'm reminded of a fantastic quote from "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane"
"I don't need money...what I need are questions answered. Question number one...can I have some money?" |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by JIMBO109728 on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Can we still order unedited copies of the book? Let us know Joe. -The Bandit |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by homncruse (homncruse@mentallyincontinent.com) on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) http://yaganet.org | First: No, this isn't an April Fool's joke. Joe ran this by me a long while ago, and all I had to say was: "Fuck that."
Session Start (LeetestUnleet:joethepeacock): Sat Feb 18 13:02:29 2006
[13:02] joethepeacock: got a minute?
[13:25] LeetestUnleet: Now I do. What's up?
[13:34] joethepeacock: you know the full wal-mart story, right? both before and after the prank?
[13:34] LeetestUnleet: Yah. Of course.
[13:34] joethepeacock: they made me a proposition. i'm seriously considering it.
[13:34] LeetestUnleet: ...?
[13:34] joethepeacock: well
[13:34] joethepeacock: how does
[13:35] joethepeacock: $500,000 sound?
[13:35] LeetestUnleet: ...WHAT!?
[13:35] joethepeacock: wal-mart wants to buy me off for $500,000. andrea thinks i should accept the offer, but i don't know
[13:36] LeetestUnleet: Fuck that Joe. You're not a sellout. You never have been and you never will be. Don't start now. You've put a lot into this and I've supported you since nearly the beginning of this project - don't sell out on me now.
[13:37] joethepeacock: i haven't decided yet. that's a lot of money to turn down though
[13:37] LeetestUnleet: I know it is, but just think of how many others you're alienating (including me) by accepting that money.
[13:39] joethepeacock: i know, and i'm sorry. but i need the money. the MI book didn't take off as well as i'd hoped, and i don't make much profit from the ones i DO sell
[13:39] LeetestUnleet: Wow. What a great time for me to come back.
[13:40] LeetestUnleet: I have to go, actually. Don't sell the site. You and I go back a long time on this site, and I have no regrets, but if you do this, I'll lose ALL respect for you. I just want you to know that.
[13:40] joethepeacock: i don't think you'll be the only one. i guess it's true that everyone has their price.
[13:40] joethepeacock: but i'll let you go
[13:40] joethepeacock: have fun
[13:41] LeetestUnleet: We'll talk later.
Session Close (joethepeacock): Sat Feb 18 13:46:59 2006
We never did talk later. That's why I've been gone for so long. I was busy, yes, but that was only part of it. I didn't think Joe would actually go through with it, but now that he has, I just came back to make my goodbyes to the community while it still lasts.
Dammit Joe, I can't believe you accepted it. |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Patgrun on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | It must be an April Fools prank.......sheesh.......has to be......one of the best for sure...... |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by jenimindtrick on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | If this turns out not to be the prank it seems, then it looks like we have discovered the next big business plan... freak out a company and wait for them to offer you huge sums of cash! |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by marielelise on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) http://www.myspace.com/marielelise999 | | Perhaps we could all write killer wlamart stories and get loads of money out of it. And for my opinion, I say go for it Joe, take the money, be a sellout, I would do the same thing. I just dont want to see then end of MI. Its not that they bought the past stuff, its that theyre stopping MI pretty much. |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Trixie on Thursday, March 30 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) http://ster00ling.blogspot.com/ | 1. if it's true, please tell me you are at least getting rid of that friggn' house!!!
2. if it's not true, in the event they really offered you that, what would you do? |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Patgrun on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | I am Mentally Constipated |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by FascistFetus (FascistFetus@hai2u.com) on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | Speaking of the book, I still haven't gotten it.
Quick, someone guess how many months ago I ordered it. |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by krylex on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | You're a day or two early, Joe :P |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by n9tureboy on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Hey joe, no matter what others say, good for you. No matter what the situation - if I had bills to pay . . . wait I do . . . so I'd find it real tough to turn down that much cash, especially when you can put it towards bigger and better stuff. So good for you and now we expect bigger and better things and more frequent postings on whatever new site(s) you get going. And I can't wait, cause I'll have quite the guest story to post by then about all the 'fun' I've been having with a 'new' purchase. |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by rbirds on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | I stumbled on to this short-lived site looking for Walmart stories. I see Joe has sold the site to the company he hates but is surprised by the criticism.
Well, of course, Joe, you should do whatever you think is right. But you created an anti-institutional culture on this site and then contradicted the culture's values by then turning around and cooperating with the institution which was the focus both of your hate and of the culture you created.
Apparently some denizens of that culture feel you have reversed course. You have, of course.
But you could interpret the sale as the ultimate victory over Walmart. Since their very existence is based on cash and through your hard work you got them to free up a lot of it -- a lot more than any employee gets back in benefits -- you could say that you affected them far more negatively by this sale then you ever would through this site and the culture it sustained.
A perfectly valid point of view.
That said, the sale appears to violate the values you say on this site you hold dear. I noticed on your other blog your Starbucks despair and your sudden descent into consumer/brandname culture. YET, you took half a miillion dollars from Walmart. Collecting the very symbol of consumer culture from the greatest icon of consumer culture.
My interpretation of the gap between espoused values and practiced behavior is that there is some gap between the two. At least as you represent yourself online. |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Mara on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | In the immortal words of Reel Big Fish,
I said hey, don't you sign that paper tonight
But she said, I can't work in fast food all my life...
if (story==true)
That is some crazy stuff, but I'd do the same thing.
else
Joe, you jerk.
return 0; |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by mndsm (spammyballs@scammer.net) on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | If it's true, that's a hell of a lot of money. I'd take it, just because I am a greedy bitch. And I imagine Joe needs cash. He did just buy a truck, and i'm sure he has to keep Andrea happy.
Although if it's a joke, this is as well crafted a prank i've ever seen, Walmart not withstanding. |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by claudia on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | That this could be an April Fool's never crossed my mind . . . but then I am perhaps too literal. it seems conceivable and NOW I am peeved that I loaned something so valuable to my college son - SIGH - urgent text message just sent to get it back! ;-))
Make an even bigger difference with the money - joe! |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by Kealiki on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message | Journal) | Wow, a lot of people surprise me with their rude comments. You can look down on the choice Joe made, but have any of you stopped to consider, that behind the decision, there is a PERSON with a LIFE making the choice based on whats going on in their life?
And have you forgotten, that we arnt here for a brandname. For a site. We are here for Joe's writing, and for the community. These are the things that matter, and these things didnt get sold.
Your rudeness astounds me, with how you look down on someone for their choice. Well frankly, I think anyone who is turning on Joe needs to really take a look at their own morals when they turn someone who SHOULD be considered a friend, when they made a decision that was best for them.
The Mentally Incontinent 1 project was complete. COMPLETE. Two hardly even got underway yet. With this money, Joe can work on bigger projects, and maybe they will entertain you selfish people even more than MI did.
And I would like to know how many of you 'you are morally wrong!' people can say they had someone offer them half a million dollars for something? How many of you can say you have been in that same situation? And how many of you can, in good conscience, say that you wouldnt even considering it if the offer was given to you?
I personally think you have to have a fucked up sense of morals, if you can shun someone for their choice, but in doing so have turned your back on a friend.
Im sorry, but I thought this site was about the community. And you are selling that out with your negativity.
Im happy that this has at least brought out people's true nature though. Its very enlightening. |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by ben83red on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | Well joe, I can't argue with you there, it's your site and you do what you want to it, however I think you did sell us (including yourself) out. Walmart is literally the largest company in the world, and 500,000 dollars is nothing to them. Its not even a penny as they are concerned. I have always been a fan of your work after stumbling across your site around a year ago.
<strong>*******READ THIS PART*******
And if from what I hear is correct they are giving you a 500k GIFT CARD to wally world. Ok first off its a GIFT CARD, second off its not to anywhere else but wally world. And third off they lost NO MONEY from this transaction because every penny they gave you is going straight back to them.
If I was you I would of held out untill they said atleast 1 million. And made it cash/check. They want NOTHING bad said about them, why? Because wally world is going to control everything. They even tell their suppliers (food, clothing, and otherwise), HOW TO PACKAGE THEIR STUFF, TO SELL TO THEM. Wally world has become the 1000 lb gorilla and you just gave it more to eat. |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by GreenMachine on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | You guys are great...
Wal-Mart must have a crack team of marketers that graduated from clown college...
Has ANYONE taken a fews classes in marketing and advertisement? Is it not a little obvious to see whats going on here.
Or do wal-mart marketers get paid as much as their cashiers? |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by th7957 (screw@you.com) on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | This has to be a cruel, cruel April fools joke. Joe sell out to wal mart?? Pardon me for being a skeptic ;) |
Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by neofox87 (akkityakkbob) on Friday, March 31 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | If this isn't April Fools, then good for you Joe, $500,000 doesn't come everyday. ^_^ |
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by bardic on Saturday, April 01 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) http://www.bardic.com | I kinda saw this coming, but I so wanted it to be true for you. It was great to see the sales rank on amazon. I think lunch is still on you next time, though. :)
-- Roger.
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Re: The ''Big News'' (Score: 1)
by noznbook on Monday, April 03 2006
(User Info | Send a Message) | | I stumbled onto this site by accident one day and the more I read, the harder I laughed!! I promptly bought the book and have had a blast reading the stories to my friends and co-workers. If this isn't an April fool's joke, then I am really going to miss this site. Joe, don't let anyone give you shit about the choice you made. Half a million dollars is a LOT of money and I would probably do the same thing if I was in your shoes. You and your family come first, above ALL else. If this enables you to provide for your family better, I say take the money and run. How many people can say they made a giant corporation so upset that they would do anything to silence them??? If you end up with other sites, please let me know!! Your writing is very funny and I think you will only get better with time. I, for one, will be sure to buy your next book, whenever it comes out. Thanks for making me laugh until I nearly choked!!! |
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