Possibly against my better judgment, but in the fun-to-try department, I'm going to try to get a free Playstation Portable system. I've looked at all of those "Free iPod" programs, and they all had the same annoying requirements. On those programs, you were supposed to sign up for various offers, each one becoming more difficult (or expensive) than the previous. So basically, by the time all was said and done, you could have purchased your free iPod or laptop.

This one is different, which is the only reason I'm trying it. In this program you have to complete a single marketing offer, and if 5 friends do the same, you get your free PSP system. So far, the offer that costs the least with seemingly the smallest commitment is paying $6.00 for shipping and handling on some pet treats. The catch is this: when you order the free treats, you are also joining the auto-fulfillment program. I've read the fine print on all sites involved, and as long as you e-mail or call the customer service number within 14 days of placing the order, you can be removed from the auto-fulfillment program (thereby avoiding the $35.00 charge for the next month's treats). After all is said and done, and treats have arrived, you return to the page and select the "I have completed this offer." link. Then if 5 friends do the same, signing up under your link that is, you should receive the game system.

My reasoning for trying:

• I never buy my kitties treats
• I can afford $6
• The $250 game system/movie player is worth rewarding my kitties with some $6 treats
• I've been brainwashing myself with these articles on various websites, 90% of them reputable, about how people actually receive these products
• It's an experiment

I'm not gonna mention it anymore on this blog until I verify a smooth transaction without complication. Then I'm going to report back, and with any luck, maybe somebody else will try it.

I'm a nerd.

Oh yes, if you don't know what the PSP is, check this official page out.