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For life's simple pleasures, cash

August 7, 2013 by Brendan Burge

There is a definite imbalance in the advertising war on cash. We have seen the credit card companies, debit card providers, e-payment companies and even fringe payment options like Bitcoin getting monumental media and advertising exposure — all of them expounding why they are better than cash.

I agree with my peers in the currency industry that it is time for those of us who can to start promoting and supporting hard currency. I propose to you some ideas for pro-cash advertising. Here are some commercials I would like to see, hear or read:

7 reasons why cash is the only payment method for life's simple pleasures

Introduction: "In this age of always-on, always-connected, always-expected-to-reply-instantly, stress-ridden, pressure-filled life, the "simple pleasures" become more meaningful and are more satisfying than they have ever been. The "hard currency industry" challenges you to enjoy these simple pleasures without some cash in your pocket!"

The neighborhood ice-cream truck
Without a few banknotes my children wouldn't be able to have an ice-cream cone on a hot summer day when the truck that plays the silly music drives by our house. The smiles on their faces, surrounded by sticky ice cream, make spending a few dollars worth so much more.

The shoe-shine guy
Whenever I get the chance to get a great shoeshine I take it. There is nothing like the feeling of confidence a shiny pair of wingtips brings to that all-important meeting.

The happy homeless lady
As I pass by her every morning, camped out over the subway grate, she always meets me with a smile and a wave. She never asks for money, but I know she could use a few dollars!

The entrepreneurial student worker
The other day two young people knocked on my door to ask if I would like my lawn aerated — I needed to do it but hadn't been able to book a rental at the local shop for the machine. They did a great job, did it quickly and kindly accepted payment and a small tip from the coins I keep in my "savings jar."

The honest young man
Some months ago I stupidly left my wallet on the roof of my car and drove off. Later I discovered it was missing. When I returned home there was a message on my phone from someone who lived down the block — their son had found my wallet. When I retrieved the wallet I was pleased to find all my cash and cards still inside. The young man deserved a reward and I gave him a generous one.

The street vendor with the best hotdogs in town
Whenever I am downtown and looking for a quick lunch, I make my way to this particular street vendor who sells the best hotdog you have ever had. The hotdog and a cold drink on any day of the year is just what I need for a fast repast.

The roadside stall selling farm-fresh vegetables 
There are many farms not too far from my home. My family enjoys fresh peas, corn, carrots, potatoes and other vegetables as often as we can get them. The vendors are farmers, not sophisticated retailers — and they always have the best organic produce at the lowest prices.

Try doing any of these things with a credit card, debit card, PayPal account or bitcoin!

About Brendan Burge

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