While traveling the country with my trusty radio, I visited
many, many cities. I take a radio with
me as sort of a security blanket. Most
shows I listen to are syndicated and therefore may be picked up nearly anywhere
a signal exists. There are, however,
some that are just local in nature but, not unique by any means.
One type of radio show that I enjoy is the classified ads
show that airs on more stations in more places than one would think.
Not being certain of the origin if these as shows, one this
is certain – they are entertaining.
The Eastern Shore has its share of these shows which
features callers inviting listeners to either sell or buy something, and making
those items seem quite in-demand.
After a few weeks of listening to these programs, it would
appear as though there is nothing one could not buy. Items include pecans, apples, walnuts, and
tomatoes, as most folks have access to various fruits and nuts on the Shore. Vehicles are common with cars and trucks
leading the way, with bicycles, mopeds, and jet skis, following close
behind. Furniture and appliances – with
refrigerators the most popular – can be had here. Clothes of nearly every size and shape are
also available for weddings, proms, and even bee keeping. Kayaks, boats, and motors abound, as well.
But the most fun calls come from locals selling unwanted
rabbits, ducks, chickens, Guinea fowl, and turkeys. Often described as “laying chickens,” or
“producing rabbits,” one would like to think of otherwise livestock and farm
animals. The occasional stray cat or dog
also makes its way to the daily list of items that “must go.”
Then there are the “regulars” who call in practically every
day. They appear to be lonely and
less-than-connected with the real world by desperately looking for hats or free
“unwanted” cars.
Too often, the callers slur their opportunity to reach their
audience with unhelpful drawls or dialects that are indecipherable. This is where a quick on-line visit to the
host radio station’s website can be of assistance in figuring out what the
actual item or description was.
It becomes obvious when viewing those websites, that you
were not alone in missing the gist of the call or details connected
therewith. Very often, the written
descriptions are equally vague or miswritten.
“Stainless steal sink,” is exactly what? “Bikes for sale: $25 each, three for $75;”
really? “Free Cocker Spaniel; $50
re-homing fee.” What is a re-homing fee,
and why is that “free” dog now fifty bucks?
And, anyone looking for a used riding lawnmower should wait
for someone selling a “grasscutter.”
Beware of grasscutter sellers when they advertise their machines as “in
great shape, runs good, no battery.” If
they don’t have batteries, they don’t run.
I have personally sold and bought stuff on these sites with
great success, and will continue to use these tools as long as they are
available.
In any case, these ad shows can be entertaining and
insightful with free advertising on both the radio and the internet, reaching a
fairly large audience in both media.
