I must confess that at first I was skeptical about a press release I received yesterday from Craigslist TV, a new division of Craigslist, which they describe as “an online documentary series. In March 2010, craigslist provided “opt in” check boxes for craigslist users interested in having their adventures on craigslist chronicled, and sponsored the friendly folks at Brownstone Entertainment to follow up on those stories.” They also have a YouTube Channel.
I don’t now how many they’ve done, but the one they sent me is episode 204, and it follows the exploits of a bartender — Daniel — who listed his services for hire as a “drinking buddy,” offering people that he’d listen to whatever they wanted to tell him for the price of a drink. It sounded pretty goofy to me, but it actually seems to work. Like many good bartenders, he does seem to be a good listener and he has an intuitive grasp of what they need to hear in response. As three out of the four we see tell him — and remember this is L.A. after all — it’s cheaper than therapy and just as effective. So what could have been downright creepy is instead oddly sweet and almost moving. When Daniel talks about his philosophy of doing this, he seems sincere and watching him work, he seems fairly effective. Maybe this will become a recognized profession at some point. After all, who likes to drink alone?
Thank you so much for taking the time to bring such a positive outlook to my episode. I truly appreciate all of the kind things you had to say about me and want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I am moved by that gesture. Life has been a bit of a challenge to me and my family over the past few years and when I speak to others who are going through hard times, I just try to relay that shared experience with them and let them know that they are not alone. When you stand back up in life you find your voice. That is what is really living. Use your voice to be heard and say something of merit when given an opportunity.
Thank you again.
Always the best,
Daniel
Just watched your episode today and can’t believe how not only genuinely helpful you were, but also how compelling it was to watch. Listening to their stories, and your advice back was uplifting not just to the people you had a drink with, but to me as well. It reminded me how good it used to be to just sit and talk and have a drink with someone who isn’t your wife… it’s something I haven’t been able to do in a long time, and I think I’m going to figure out a way to make that happen. I have to admit I wish there was someone in my area who offered that service. Going back to compelling for a moment, have you considered pitching the concept as a recurring series to maybe TLC or A&E? I’d watch…
checkout http://www.thewaltman.com
they are very good.. they go to parties and make them ‘happening’… seen them in action.. really funny guys….