I didn’t do what I promised my wife I’d do. Because I screwed up.

She really wanted to see Rocky, because its inspirational story would really make her feel better right now. I really wanted to see Rocky, too. Because the last time I saw it was long before I knew how to write fiction myself, and I couldn’t learn anything from it. In fact, it was so long ago, I don’t even remember how the movie goes.

Jim Logan yesterday ranted about the sleazy state of marketing today. He says marketers have stooped so low in their efforts to make a buck, and—what’s worse—customers actually expect it. And he asks, are we jaded? Are we doomed forever to be enslaved to the fine print in all the marketing materials we get?

I know I have become more skeptical in my old age. (Not that I’m “old” yet, but old enough to be skeptical.) And I’m certainly tired of all the promises too good to be true. And I’m tired of all the clueless sleazoids trying to get one more sale, at any cost, even that of a customer.

So, Jim, your phone story reminded me of one of my own.