Brand Name Interns: The New Prostitute

Today celebrated ad agency Crispin Porter & Bogusky announced that it would be auctioning off its interns’ talent to the highest bidder on eBay.  Crispin has always been at the helm of some of the world’s biggest clients such as Domino’s Pizza (though they didn’t seem to be able to spin the latest scandal very well) and Burger King.  Their accolades could circle even the most ostentatiously large conference room.  So what gives with the interns?

Crispin interns, who reportedly work on minimum wage will be rewarded with the final bid, but more importantly, this is obviously a stunt for Crispin to get some buzz.  It’s no surprise that it has been hard for top tier ad agencies to pay for those espresso machines and lavish Madison Ave offices.  What better way to show off your incredible brand influence, and generate some buzz for yourself then auction off some squeaky voiced interns? 

Remember, these are interns, and from that we are gathering that they don’t even have an undergraduate degree.  They are fresh from the frat house dance floor with their first suit and a business card that says Crispin.  The implied message is, “we’re so good, even our green interns can command a massive fee.”  Currently the bid is at $4,250 with 22 bids after only a few hours online.  I expect that the final bid will make a full service non-Crispin ad agency look cheap.

Well there is a two part success here.  Crispin, has the reputation they have because they are damn good.  This PR stunt has plenty of precedents like the Natalie Dylan who auctioned her virginity for bids topping $3.7 million.  They are instant news stories, and instant conversation pieces.  Kudos to that.  Secondly, this has got to be welcomed by the interns themselves.  I mean, life’s tough living off your parents while collecting minimum wage.  So far each of the 40 interns have at least $100 extra to expect at the end of the Summer. 

In the meantime, AirCheese will measure the internet chatter on this, but it is only likely to help Crispin and be damn well sure that they know that.  Well done Crispin, well done.  (But gosh, your website sucks.)