A FUN FREEBIE TO START THE DAY – TUCSON, AZ

Though we are far from the cutting edge of technology (no iPad, no Kindle, no HDTV satellite), we aren’t complete dinosaurs.  I don’t Tweet or Skype, but join the social networking crowd via Facebook – a great timesaver for communicating with our far-flung friends.  And of course this blog connects us with more people than we will ever meet.

A few weeks ago, I took another step into new technology: I bought and then used a Groupon.  I approached with my usual caution and suspicion, but our experience with our Groupon coupon and Corbin’s Bar and Grill (where we received $30 worth of food/drinks for our $15 coupon) in Tucson was very, very  positive. 

I had a happy surprise recently when I received a $10 credit from Groupon, after someone (a blog reader, I assume), used my name as a referral when they joined Groupon.  This morning, as I reviewed my email (including the daily Groupon deals for Tucson and Sacramento), Sacramento’s deal caught my eye: half a dozen cupcakes for $8, usually $16.  I studied the deal, good for a year, and read reviews of the company.  Three locations, one near where we stay in Sacramento.  Best of all, free to me thanks to the $10 referral credit.

So, I’m in! 

Although I have heard Groupon mentioned in the news frequently recently (mostly because they rejected a $6 BILLION buyout offer from Google), I didn’t know how Groupon got started… as an off-shoot of a website called The Point.  This is from their website:

“Groupon grew out of a website called The Point, a website launched in November 2007 that lets you start a campaign asking people to give money or do something as a group — but only once a "tipping point" of people agree to participate. By delaying action until enough people come together to have a real impact, The Point helps consumers, employees, citizens, activists, parents — or anyone — come together and solve problems that they couldn't solve alone.”

Another interesting concept!  Maybe I can browse The Point while I enjoy my cupcakes?

Speaking of freebies…

A few days ago, I, along with many other bloggers, received an email from Joani Jones at Microsoft announcing the release of Microsoft’s newest version of Streets & Trips, 2011.  A press release was attached, and the offer included FIVE free copies of the product to offer as giveaways on my blog – generous, and a smart move on their part. 

The unsolicited free offer made me realize exactly how lazy I am.

I already own, use, and like Streets & Trips 2010.  Upon reading Joani’s email, my first thought was “The old version works well for me, and I understand how to use it.  I don’t want to take the time to learn a new version”

Next came, “We’re on the road.  I don’t want to figure out how/where to receive the package.” followed immediately by “How would I decide who should get the freebies?  Too much work.” and finally “…then I’d have to ship them off!”

So I hit the delete button! 

Meanwhile, Rick (Rick and Paulette’s RV Travels) has already received his free copies, has designed a simple contest, and has 86+ comments on his blog to enter the giveaway.  For those of you faithful readers who suffer due to my lack of imagination and motivation, I suggest you get on over to Rick’s post (while I pour a glass of wine and relax) and get in on the contest today and tomorrow just by leaving a comment on his blog.  Tell him lazy Laurie sent you!  :)