Idle musing, while deleting my daily spam: I wonder how many real actual holiday packages and cars and such won in raffles and contests end up going to the second or third (or more) place getter because the actual winner responded to the news like this:

[Phone rings]

[Winner] Hello, Joe speaking.

[News-giver] Mr Bloggs! I’m from <insert totally random unmemorable fundraising company name here> and I’m calling to tell you that you’ve WON a three week trip for two to Ecuador!

[Winner] <angrily> I’m not interested in buying anything, and this number is on the do-not-call register. Please don’t call again. Goodbye!

[hangs up]