New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-03-10
4 NETT BUSTyESs EyTERPRTSE.

Time was when that plan for procuring free
advertising known as the stolen diamonds dodge
was confined exclusively 70 the theatrical pro-
fession or late 10 is noticed that IL is beginning
20 appear elsewhere, while in no way losing its
popularity among actor folk, and already II Bike
wishes the public more fully impressed with the
location of his studio, or Swipe wants more for
chilly 70 call attention 10 his butcher shop, each
is liable 20 report that his diamonds have been
stolen; and Smith works up O boom at his shoe
store, and Jones makes things hum Mt his marble
works, and Robinson improves the state OF trade
OF his livery stable by some similar plan. In
deed, such Is the desire for free advertising
growing TO be that IL will not surprise US II Bike
and Swipe, as well as Smith, Jones and Robinson,
soon announce that they have stolen some one
else's diamonds. for the sake OF the advertising
IL will bring. IL appears that 1t matters not
so much what the public says about you so long
as it keeps saying something.
This comparatively new demand by all classes
for free advertising leads us to believe that COM
pany which should engage exclusively in the bust
ness Of furnishing it,merely making small chSrge
for thu actual work it does might be successful We
will suppose the company organized and ready for
business. Brown, who has quiet little portrait
studio which needs pushing, calls and tells his
story. The manager listens and, summoning the
head clerk tells him to go ahead with Plan No. 1.
The poor but honest artist is given the company's
office SET of diamonds, supposed to be worth $780,
900. Slips them in overcoat pocket and starts
up Broadway. Clerk follows and picks his pocket
two squares above. Struggling but high-minded
artist discovers loss and the company sends out o
general alarm TO the newspaper Offices. The next
day the company brings on o mysterious woman
and such other extras as the artist feels he can
afford. The company attends TO everything. sees
thnt the location Of its patrons studio is men
toned in every account and, in fact makes all
things work together for the greatest amount Of
publicity Artist simply stays in studio, pays
the company's bill and waits for business.
Or suppose Miss Mayblossom has written
novel which is clinging to the shelves and allow
ing the dust OF time TO gather on its covers.
The company talns the matter In hand and changes
all this Writes TO all the newspapers about Miss
Mayblossom's clothes that she has an eccentric
habit Of using a ourry-comb instead OF hair
brush, with muck other similar pleasant and valua-
bic information Sends Miss NJ into the country
for q few days, attended by special correspondent
with instructions for her to ride wild horses burn
barns, and So forth. The company then sends out
general alarm TO all newspapers, warning them
that the morality Of the book Is hardly what il
should be. Gets as many prominent clergymen
aud other people To denounoe it as possible, charg-
Ing the young and shrinking author certain
amount for each denunciation. All Miss May
blossom has to do is to pay the company's
monthly bin, end 1t booms things for her right
along indefinitely
Or Wrigly, the actor. finds he doesn't draw as
he once did. The company takes him in charge,
has him steal an overcast informs newspapers,
tsisl comes on. keeps newspapers encouraged, jury