I’m curious who is standing out in Times Square asking people if they know who I am. I am even more skeptical than Dubner regarding the methodology in his post below. Four out of ten? Forget about it.
Just for fun, how about we do an experiment. I will give $100 (or all the money I have in my wallet if it is less than $100) to any stranger who identifies me spontaneously in the next 30 days without some obvious clue (e.g me wearing a name tag or signing Freakonomics book plates). The U. of Chicago campus area is excluded, since people know me there just because I am a professor.
Any reader bets on the over/under for how much money will flow from me to my fans?
I have my own prediction. I told it to Dubner so he has it on record. I’ll report back in a month with my prediction and the actual figure.
One guy who really is a celebrity is Phil Gordon, host of Celebrity Poker, who I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with last week. He couldn’t take two steps without being greeted by fans. He has got some great stuff in the works, including a line of really innovative instructional videos at www.expertinsight.com, tireless fundraising efforts to help fight cancer, and plans to win his first WSOP bracelet this summer. Plus he is an extremely nice guy. Smart too.
and 
. You can also watch it on 
Does it count if a stranger overhears another stranger talking to you and then mimics him or her?
I guess it should, so I’m guessing $200.
Does it count if a stranger overhears another stranger talking to you and then mimics him or her?
I guess it should, so I’m guessing $200.
I’m doubt that the number of people who recognize a person’s name and the number who recognize that person’s face are highly correlated. I am no doubt part of the supposed 40%, but wouldn’t recognize you if I saw you. I suppose you’ve probably been on TV, but I and probably a good portion of the Freakonomics-reading population don’t watch much TV.
I’m doubt that the number of people who recognize a person’s name and the number who recognize that person’s face are highly correlated. I am no doubt part of the supposed 40%, but wouldn’t recognize you if I saw you. I suppose you’ve probably been on TV, but I and probably a good portion of the Freakonomics-reading population don’t watch much TV.
That’s interesting that you met Gordon. I’m trying to score an interview with him for my dissertation (which is on professional poker players/writers.)
I am looking forward to the results!
That’s interesting that you met Gordon. I’m trying to score an interview with him for my dissertation (which is on professional poker players/writers.)
I am looking forward to the results!
I have to agree with Collopy. The real test would be introducing yourself to someone without telling them what you do and see if they recognize your name. There’s a difference between a media celeb and an author celeb.
I have to agree with Collopy. The real test would be introducing yourself to someone without telling them what you do and see if they recognize your name. There’s a difference between a media celeb and an author celeb.