Body Auctioning During the Recession

Contributing Writer

  In this time of a major recession, people may go to extremes to provide for their families. The implications of a decision may not be realized at the moment they think of this “master” plan to make quick cash but later on, regrets may follow.

   In 2006, Mark Greenlaw, from Biddeford, Maine, decided to sell a permanent advertising space on the back of his neck to the highest bidder on his crazy auction site called weirdebay.com. He said he was doing this to support his growing family. He was unemployed with a disabled wife and three children. The need for a vehicle prompted him to come up with an idea to get what he needed quickly. Globat.com paid Greenlaw $5,299 for the advertisement on the back of his neck.

   Karolyne Smith wanted to get her son into a private school even though she did not have the cash to do so. Her brilliant plan was to auction off advertising space on her forehead. She stated she was only going to live once and this was a small sacrifice for the future of her son. Goldenpalace.com paid her $10,000 for the space on her forehead and threw in $5,000 extra for her trouble. I think it should go for counseling, but then again maybe she should keep it for her son’s tuition for the next year.

    These are certainly options for getting what one may want but the individual will have to live with the consequences of their decisions for the rest of their lives. The envelope keeps getting pushed further because of what people will go through to get attention or money. I must say Smith came out better than Greenlaw, but then again her tattoo is on her forehead and his is on his neck. I am very blessed that I am not related to these people. Can anyone say CRAZY?  This is only the beginning of the “body auctioning;" can you imagine what may be next?  Oh my, everything has a price in some people’s eyes.

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