PhillySpeak.com

Have you ever wondered when you filled out those survey cards during restaurant week if you were just adding your name to more unwanted e-mail. I always hate to do that on or off line. All this junk mail clogging up my snail mail and e-mail. I am sure you too get unwanted mail.
A few weeks ago I received an unwanted magazine for which I never subscribed. Not only did I not subscribe, but I hated it. What a waste of trees.
Whenever I subscribe to a magazine I always use a semi fake name. That way when I start receiving junk mail addressed to Joe W. Scanlan, I will know I used the “W” when I subscribed to a particular magazine and they sold my informaton to someone. This unwanted subscription was generated by a Philadelphia type magazine. I say type because Philadelphia really does not have a Philadelphia magazine mostly about Philadelphia. Let’s face it, Philadelphia Magazine, in my humble opinion, is for those that live in suburban Philly and various parts of New Jersey. As a Philadelphia resident it offers me nothing of interest. But I did subscribe to it once, a few years back.
So, I get this junk mail addressed to Joe “W” and I know just from where it was generated.
Other stuff addressed to Joe “B”, etc. and I know who sold me out.
But, back to my original point, and god bless you if you are still reading.
While at a restaurant, during University Dining Days, I filled out a survey. Yesterday I received a $25 gift certificate to the White Dog Cafe. The White Dog Cafe was not where I filled out the survey. A few others and I had a wonderful dinner at the Marigold Kitchen.
Having lived in Philly, as long as I have, I should have visited the White Dog many moons ago. This unexpected gift will motivate me to do so. Naturally, when I go, if there is a survey, I will fill it out.