Rob Shoesmith is either the smartest man alive or the most foolish. I can’t quite decide. Why? Because Shoesmith is already in line for the not-even-announced iPhone 5. Stuuuupid, right? Well, he’s also received $US64,000 worth of goods in sponsorships for doing so.
The 29-year-old marketing executive for Medl Mobile, a company that makes iPhone apps, has camped outside the Covent Garden Apple Store in London and is using his blog to document the experience of lining up ridiculously early. Astutely, he asked companies to help him out (in exchange, he’d promote their products on his blog) and the companies have come out in troves (I guess they’re the real dumb ones?)! According to the Metro News, he’s been given “everything from scented candles and aftershave to use of a $US32,600 Chevrolet car, $US1300 worth of outdoor gear and food from top restaurants.”
The publicity stunt seems to be working pretty damn well. But with still a month or two before the iPhone 5 even comes out, is Shoesmith a genius or a fool? Free stuff be damned, I don’t think I could do what he’s doing. [Rob Shoesmith via Metro UK via App Advice]
Update: Rob has contacted us and made clear that he HASN’T STARTED camping out for the iPhone 5 yet. He doesn’t know when he will start, but I think turning his camping out process into a sponsorable online auction is certifiably genius. Touche, Shoesmith. Can’t knock the hustle. Read more on his blog.