Okay, blogging has gone to my head. I’ve decided what fun is it to be a blogger if you don’t get free stuff. Now, I bet famous bloggers (like John Battelle) get free stuff all the time, but a small one-time start-up blogger like me, what could I get for free? Well, I thought there was no harm in trying…

I’ve been wanting a digital camera for a while. Actually, I have a HP PhotoSmart 215, but it sucks, and as a result I never use it. Anyway, I want a digital camera, but I don’t want to fork the cash out right now. Why not get one for free?

The one I had been looking at was the Pentax Optio 30 (under $200). It was affordable and seemed to have a good feature set, but why not ask for the top of the line if it’s free right? So, I sent a letter to Pentax asking for the Pentax Optio SV (under $450). We’ll see how this works out, but I think I have at least a 50/50 shot.

Dear Michelle,

I would like to receive a free Pentax Optio SV so that I may write a review on it for my blog, www.nicholasroussos.com.

I am a just another blogger. I am not a famous blogger, nor do I have any traffic statistics or trends to verify the popularity of my blog (my mom and wife seem to enjoy it though). Nothing, really makes me more special than anyone else. However, I do own a Pentax ZX-30 film SLR. So, in a way, I guess you could say that I have a long standing relationship with Pentax.

What’s in it for Pentax? Well, not too much. If you send me a free camera, I will write a lengthy review on it and post it to my blog. Pentax can feel free to use the review in any way they like. So, can anyone else for all I care (in fact, I get flattered when others use my stuff). Since the camera was free, it’s 98.5% guaranteed that it will be a positive review. I’ll take lots of pictures with it too. Many of them will find their way onto my blog.

Mainly, if you think you have a good product, I say stand behind it. If you’re not willing to send me one to review and use, then how can you sell it to anyone?

Thank you for taking the time to read my email,

Nichoals Roussos
*** Address Censored ***
(send the camera to this address)
–
www.nicholasroussos.com

For some reason, I always thought the Internet held a vast potential to get tons of free stuff. It would just be out there for the taking. Well, that hasn’t really panned out. I did get a free iPod, but that was a lot of work. Besides, I practically had to sell my soul to marketers for that one.

I’ll let everyone know how this turns out, but regardless, I’ll probably try again. I hope to hear from Pentax soon and post their comments here.