Monday, July 21, 2008

Beware the Maroon Kryptonite

Competition is the driving force of our lives, especially in our capitalist society. Everyone loves money; at least to a small degree, but what happens when money is not a big enough incentive? You end up eating a box of Cheez-Its on the couch and watching Judge Judy. I believe that revenge is a much stronger motivation than acceptance.

The greatness of a super hero is directly proportional to the power of the super-villains he battles. If Lex Luther had become a mortgage broker, Clarke Kent would have been a mediocre reporter with a bizarre fear of colored rocks.

This is why I am starting a business where people can rent out a nemesis. It would be no different than the idea of hiring a maid or a personal trainer. This nemesis-for-hire will play off a customer's frustrations and jealousies.

When the customer gets an email with the subject, "At least one of us can afford a vacation", with attached pictures of a trip to the Bahamas, he will finish his project and ask for a promotion, in hopes of someday sending the reply, "At least one of us can afford to live in Beverly Hills". A change of incentives is all some people need.

The idea would definitely work, but I don't think it's going to catch on. Most people wouldn't be able to afford a full time enemy, especially considering the crack down on illegal immigration.

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