I decided to do an experiment.
I posted an ad on Craigslist for “Adventurer for Hire.” It’s on the Minneapolis (Twin Cities) Craigslist, visible to a large, diverse and metropolitan community.
The full text reads:
I am a professional adventurer traveling through the Twin Cities for one week only. I need very little in life and will work for cash, beer, food or lodging.
If you need an adventurer, I’m your man. Risk and danger are not an issue. I’m also happy to tutor individuals or groups in skills such as outdoor survival, martial arts, and travel. Good causes get special consideration.
E-mail me your problem and let’s get started.
I didn’t do this to make money. I may well turn down the inquiries I get, and I made clear I will work for “food, beer or lodging.”
I did it to see what what the heck people ask me to do.
The word adventurer is heavily colored by pop culture and fantasy. It doesn’t fit well into the economy or what we normally think of as a profession, job or service.
I can hardly wait to find out. Will anyone answer the ad? What will they want their adventurer to do? What do you think?
Update: Find out the results in Will You Fight Me?
Drew Jacob, Rogue Priest
August 10th, 2012 at 10:00 am
Let me know how that works out. I have wondered what kind of life one can make as a professional adventurer. :D
August 10th, 2012 at 10:10 am
Hey Drew!
Maybe mention that you have “Advanced Massage Skills.”
I posted a crazy video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txvsll3zqUU) asking for a ride to California from Austin once.
I advertised my “Advanced Massage Techniques,” as more of a joke, but one guy wanted to take me up on it.
When I mentioned I liked women, he mentioned the car was already full.
Curious to see how this goes for you, Drew.
Benjamin
August 10th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
I joked with a couple friends that my pitch while traveling should be, “I only have two skills, writing and cunnilingus. Is it alright if I stay here tonight?” I haven’t actually tried it yet.
August 10th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Add that to the ad… :)
August 10th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
:)
August 10th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Oooh Drew! I can’t wait to find out. Very adventuresome idea! I love it. Of course.
August 10th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
You’ll probably get more interesting responses if you put the ad in the “Casual Encounters” section…just saying…
August 10th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Now that would be an experiment! Mwahaha…
August 10th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Hahahaha I guess that would definitely be an adventure….
August 10th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
I LOVE that! If I saw that ad in my city, I would answer it just out of curiosity. I would think of SOMETHING to hire you for, even if I had nothing when I first read it!
August 10th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
That would be a blast! I hope there are other people who think the same way you do.
August 16th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if you got responses that were more on the risque side of things – how would you respond to that!? Hopefully you get some martial arts or boxing class interested in seeing what you have to offer.
August 18th, 2012 at 10:22 am
Haha, I guess I would weight the pros and cons of any risque offers…. :D
I’ll have to do an update on this soon and let you guys know how it went.
September 24th, 2012 at 8:05 am
[...] I stayed in Saint Paul I put up a Craigslist ad offering my skills as a professional [...]
January 30th, 2013 at 1:36 am
I love it! I’m going to do the same. Normal life is bring. If u find anything interesting email me.
March 29th, 2013 at 2:54 am
I love this idea! I live in Chiang Mai, Thailand and may do the same thing. Looking forward to seeing your results.
March 29th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
Hi Travis! It was fun. Results are here: Will You Fight Me?