Got another one for ya homies! This one I stole off my girl Rachel King, of “almost the first MTV Twitter DJ” fame, haha…., and it’s a hard one so I’m hoping y’all need to think about it for a bit ;) It’s getting trickier and trickier to come up with questions that you don’t answer so freakin’ fast! So let’s see what this one does, shall we?
You’ve got THREE options to choose this round too, so make it count! Would you rather…
- Receive $300,000 absolutely free and clear, BUT you’ll never be famous (or really well respected) in your lifetime for anything…
- Receive zero financial gain for it, BUT become super famous for something awesome, like being an Olympic gold medalist or curing cancer and stuff like that. (Let’s assume in this scenario, that coming up with any cures or being 1,000% awesome doesn’t give you any money.)
- OR Be famous AND get the $300k, but you have no control over what your fame is for until after you pick it. So you get a 50/50 chance of being someone AWESOME and reaping both sides of the benefits (Like, say you’re the next Warren Buffett or Brad Pitt). Orrrr you get shafted and are compared to the next Snooki or Anthony Weiner ;) Unless you want to be them, of course, and in which case substitute in someone you don’t admire.
This one’s hard for me because I really REALLY want the money for sure, but I also wouldn’t mind doing something GREAT for this world of ours. I wouldn’t care much about winning a gold medal or being hardcore respected in my own niche all to much (aka I don’t want the fame), but I WOULD want to cure cancer and/or any other disease that’s horrible on this planet of ours. Just to give something back that’s much much bigger than myself, ya know? And it would DEF be a miracle too so hopefully I wouldn’t have to explain HOW I found the cure in that case! Haha… Can you imagine someone trying to explain to the world that they won a “would you rather” question? ;)
If I had to choose just one though (and you do!), I’m gonna go ahead and pick option #1. I wouldn’t be able to live with the fame if it didn’t turn out to be the kind I really wanted, and even so I really like living my life on the DL… and you can do a lot with $300,000 too! Plenty of ways to be famous if you wanted to dish out that kinda money is some strange manner ;) But I’d be boring and invest it right after I pick up my Benz.
Which do you choose? Fame or fortune, baby??
———–
PS: Then answer last month’s question on winning dollar bills vs. coins ;)
(Doodle by thethreesisters)
Get blog posts automatically emailed to you!
#1 FTW to be sure. I’ve never cared too much about being in the limelight and I suppose if I want to do something good for the world I can use that $300k as a way to fight disease or poverty or lack of education.
Hands down fortune. Famous people cannot lead normal lives and always end up divorced it seems.
#1- All the way! I could use $300k and not being famous is just a bonus:)
That $300k would be put to good use – it means my husband can work from home or part-time at the office. I’m not seeing a dark side to #1, lol!
Oh man. This is hard, but not how you intended! where is the fourth option?! Do something awesome/respectable anonymously but never become rich? That is what I’d choose.
I don’t want the money because it takes away my chance to do something really respectable, it sounds like ($300K is not enough for me to give that up), but I would hate fame. So, I don’t want the money OR the fame, but I DO want to do something awesome with my life…
I guess I would choose b) and could deal with the fame if it meant that I cured cancer or really really helped other people, but it would be very begrudgingly. I would have to become a recluse.
Fame is probably way super over rated. Go with the fortune, live a nice personal life free of the headaches of constantly being bothered when you walk to aisles of your local grocery store.
This is tough, only because the respect factor…I mean who wouldn’t want to be respected for his/her contributions to their profession… But I think I’d still go with numbero uno.
If you had of asked me this 5 years ago I would have gone for the money. But today 300K wouldnt be enough, I would totally dig being in the Olympics or something like that, but I am sure I passed my prim on that so I will just keep dreaming.
I don’t think I’d like all the fame…I’m a rather introverted person so I’d rather have the money and be able to live a financially comfortable life.
#2 – there’s no substitue for awesome
Haha this one is hard. I would love the money, but if I could cure cancer, I would LOVE that.
The other side of the 50/50 would be Al Capone, rich and infamous!
Being famous without money would suck. Just ask Kato Kalin.
I can’t really answer the question because fame = fortune. If I were as notorious as Anthony Weiner, I guarantee I could write a book or do some kind of speaking engagement or put out a rap album or something to make ton’s of money. Once you are “famous” you have free advertising for the rest of your life, so to me fame without fortune doesn’t exist.
With that being said, I’d still take the fame even if you could guarantee I didn’t make money off it. I’d rather have a great story than have a few extra 0’s in my bank account.
Hmmm, I think I’d go with #1 as well, but only if it means I can still DO good things for the world, even if I don’t get credit for them.
This is a tough one, but I think leaving a legacy of something positive is the first thought that entered my mind even though the money does sound good and extra sweet, I would choose option 2 as I can still make money from my employment and investments. Being recognized for something big in this world without the annoying harassment of paparazzi that being famous brings is very rare, unique and awesome.
The short answer: #2
I’m pretty close to being debt free, and I already have everything I need and most of what I want. Having that much discretionary cash on hand would scare me a bit. Although I’m comfortable in my introvert skin and tend to shy away from the spotlight, I wouldn’t mind fame if it were the result of a “greater good” thing like nuking cancer, or at least something positive like getting an Olympic gold medal.
Yeah… I’d take curing a nasty disease w/ no money as a first choice. Aside from that #1 all the way… let me know and I’ll send you my paypal info. :)
I’d pick number 1. I’m completely comfortable being in the background and letting other people be famous.
I would choose option numero uno, but the money would only be temporary and I would like to be remembered for being a good person. I wouldn’t necessarily want the fame either, but I know that I could be content with helping someone while not getting paid for it. So I guess the answer would be option B.
@Money Infant – True that! Good answer.
@Renee – It is pretty sad, huh :(
@Elle – Haha, I know – there is no dark side to that one! :)
@Sense – Awwwww, I like your #4, but that would make this game too easy ;) Why would the $300k take away your odds of doing something respectible? Couldn’t you then use your time MORE to do cool stuff if you have a little saved away? Or even GIVE AWAY the $300k to places you deem worthy or for research? It’s your world though! :)
@Shane – Yeah, I agree. It would be nice only if you could turn a switch when you WANT to be noticed, and then off when you don’t. Or you have a super realistic mask you can wear :)
@Alex – Good! I’m glad it’s tough!
@KC @ PsychoMoney – $300k is still better than $0k ;)
@Jon B – No shame in that!
@Hunter – What if I gave you $1Mil instead? ;)
@Michelle – I like it that it’s hard :) Means we gotta think more.
@KJJ – Haha, yup! Though option #3 could turn into that.
@Kevin @ Thousandaire.com – Well luckily this is my make believe world where I can set rules so no one famous gets rich ;) I’ll make a note of it for you when it’s time! Haha…
@Stephanie – Awwwww, yup – you can still do all the amazing stuff you want with your time and new $300k money :)
@Rich Uncle EL – A respectable choice :) Though I can’t say you wouldn’t have paparazzi if you did something awesome in this world.
@Yardwork – Good for you! Most poeple can’t seem to get *enough* money even when they DO have a lot. It’s awesome you know yourself that well, and you’ve been knocking away all that debt. Congrats!
@Nick – Haha… that would be one helluva paypal fee ;)
@Marianne – I’ll sign you up then!
@DebtnTaxes – Haha… I like how you switch mid-answer like that, I used to do that all the time in high school papers :)
Number 1. Not only would I not mind not being famous, I actually DON’T WANT to be famous. If your famous, every move and mistake is visible to the world. I find it much easier to do good from the shadows.
If you have no control over the fame does that mean you actually participate in the activity that got you famous? Or do you just wake up one day and you are famous for something that you can only read/hear about from second-hand sources? It’s kind of selfish for someone to want to be recognized for something good if they haven’t actually done it…
Receive $300,000 absolutely free and clear
I would donate some of it anonymously. I have no interest in being famous.
Hands down option number one. I don’t really care who knows me except the people who are important in my life.
:)
@Edward Antrobus III – I’m realizing that too over the years… I was once featured on the front cover of something and that whole week was maddening. At first I loved being recognized, and then 24 hours later I didn’t want to leave the house. I mean, a good problem to have of course, but still freaky. And that was in a small town! I can’t even imagine if the world knew about you.
@noone – Huh. Good point. I’d say yes, you actually participated in whatever it was you got famous for :) You magically become skilled in that trade. And it goes for being infamous too if that route takes you there!
@DB – That works!
@Cat – Hehe, yeah – life is nice that way :)
J., you are already famous, at least in the financial blogging world.
I’d take the money and run! 300 grand would make a huge impact on my life because I would use it to pay off debt. I would be able to live pretty comfortably and would have a lot of freedom. The ability to do what I want when I want is huge. Being respected is awesome. Fame sucks.
#3, I want the chance at more money! As long as I am not Snooki, I think I would do just fine.
Some people seek fame to become wealthy. Others wealth to be powerful or famous.
Fame is like sugar, we all crave it at times but too much of it can do serious damage. Fame will change our relationships and our sense of identity, Too much sugar will make us fat and possibly lead to diabetes and dementia.
I would rather have the money (oh, and a doughnut)
-WR
Oh, that’s just not fair. I was #1 all the way until I saw the part in brackets where you consider being really well respected to be on par with being famous. I don’t think that $300,000 is worth giving up respect, but at the same time it’s still the best of the three options. I’m begrudgingly picking #1.
This is tough. What if I wanted to become a famous writer and sell my book at an auction to some publising house for 300K? Can I pick that? lol I’d go woth option #1. It would solve so many problems and who cares about the fame in the end!
Not that I have a witty answer, but I remember hearing an interview with Pamela Anderson on Howard Stern years ago. She said it was really hard being famous without being rich because people just assumed you are rich. She said she was worth a couple mill but not like the crazy amount people assume.
Definitely the fortune. I’m not looking to insert myself into the pop culture sausage machine so much as I am looking to escape it.
I’d take the $300,000 and find a country where I could live for 20 years on the amount and retire.
I’d definitely take option one! I respect myself so whether others do or not does not relate. Fame..not all that it’s cracked up to be. A lot of good could be done with that money!!
Option 1. I’ve been .. not famous, but “known” in my industry before. It sucks. It doesn’t matter what you did or how good you are at what you to, there are always those who are jealous who will tear you down. It impacts your emotional life, your mental health, your physical health, and your relationships. It is entirely miserable, from my point of view. Sure it’s great being told “you inspire me” but for every “you inspire me” there’s some petty, ugly, nasty person who gets their jollies from telling you how much you suck and what a horrible human being you are and how much they wish you were dead. And the more famous you are the more the nasties and crazies come out of the woodwork. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t take those things to heart, then maybe option #2 is for you. But I can’t deal with it. It nearly destroyed me once and I never ever want to be there again. Give me the money and let no one know my name.
I’d be famous for taking the $300K and being anonymous. In my opinion fame is all relative. I’m the most famous dad at home to my kids.
Easy peasy. #1, just the cash. I don’t give a hoot about being famous, and in fact would rather have privacy.
Im going with #1. I have no interest in fame and the money could be invested for long term growth. I want a quiet life and would put nothing above that.
Definitely option #1. I don’t think I could handle being famous I like my privacy.
Hmmm… I don’t care about fame, but I do want to do something awesome for the world… is that an option?
#! because then I can control what I’m known for! My real choice, though, is for the love and affection of my family and friends.
#1, bring on the fortune baby!
#2…Fame…I would then proceed to make >$300k thru appearance fees and a popular twitter account : )
Option 2, without a doubt and/or regret. Being famous for something awesome opens loads of doors and the opportunity to make much more that 300k. Or am I just a very vain person?
For sure I’d want the 300k – no strings attached. Fame may have more potential for earnings, but I wouldn’t want the attention, the stress, the scrutiny etc.
I’ll take the 300k, invest it, and live my quiet little life in my cozy lakeside home with my husband and children…
Fortune, hands down. How can you eat fame?
With fame, you think you could make more of a difference in the world.
But without the guarantee that the fame would be for something positive.. I couldn’t choose that option.
Like most others, I would choose #1, the 300k.
I suspect the people who want to be famous do not visit this site unless they googled ‘sexy.’
I just used this same picture in my newsletter this week…. how weird. You are such a stealer!!
I’d have to pick the money… I’m not sure I could handle fame anyways.
This is easy for me, just give me the money! I’d much prefer to live a nice life under the radar than be “known” for anything in particular
I firts thought #1 but I would rather say #2 cause the fame opens to the possibility of making far more money than #1 :-)
Oh shoot! I thought that was the point of the $300K? That you would never do anything majorly respectable in your life?? Maybe I read the question wrong… Well, if I could still do something awesome with my life, I’d of course go with the $300K!!! :)
Looks like Option #1 was the clear winner! I hope the magical “would you rather” genie grants it to you one day ;) Have a great week, y’all!
@Nicole C. – Awww, well thank you kindly for that :)
@LB – That’s a huge risk you’re taking future-Snooki! ;)
@WR – You’re on fire today! That’s a helluva great explanation my frien, love it!
@Aloysa @ My Broken Coin – Maybe you’ll get lucky and have both happen to you ;)
@Evan – Huh. I can totally see that. I don’t feel bad for her, but I can understand it :)
@John | Married (with Debt) – Hah! You said “insert” and “sausage” in the same sentence ;)
@Kara – Ooooooh an answer from personal experience, I like it! Congrats on both your respectedness, and your new lifestyle too! It’s great you know what you want like that :)
@BE @ BusyExecutiveMoneyBlog – Awwwww, you win the heart award :)
@BrokeElizabeth – Sure, just pick #1 and then do something awesome with it ;)
@HP – Nope! The magical rules won’t let you – if you choose fame you somehow can never make tons of money ;)
@Maria@moneyprinciplet – Nope, you’re just cheating cuz you can’t have both – those are the rules of the game here ;)
@mbhunter – Haha… by getting free stuff for being so sexy? ;)
@Slackerjo – You’d be amazed at the number of hits I’m now getting for “sexy” too – it’s growing over the years!
@Ashley @ Money Talks – Hah! Really?? We ARE smooth!
Fame opens up avenues to get rich… however, at the expense of making your life public and opening yourself up to media scrutiny. I’ll take the 300k, thanks!
Yep! That’s what I’m thinking too :)
I’d be famous for curing cancer ect.. without the fortune. I. Want to contribute and. Leave a legacy, and I could always use my name/fame to. Earn Money later on in some way or another.That would give me fame and fortune lol..
Sorry about grammar n. Punctuation errors; keyboard Is acting up.