The way I live? How would you know?
Many, many months back, I received this advertisement in the mail.
t first, I thought, "How the hell did I get this?" If these marketers paid for my credit report, they'd see I wouldn't have the income to afford a stay in New York City, let alone at a private club. Then I saw the photo, and thought, "That's pretty gay."
Then I looked closer at the text.
"Manhattan and diversity go hand in hand. From Broadway shows to Lincoln Center performances, chic restaurants to matchless shopping."
Huh. Those are all the gay keywords all right.
"Located across the street from the newly opened Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center."
OK. Now, that's eerie. I saw Kronos Quartet at Alice Tully Hall twice when I lived in New York City from 1992 to 1993. I also bought tickets to a concert at Lincoln Center in 2005. I didn't look at the date of the concert closely, and it turned out to happen the week after I visited.
Lincoln Center. "Diversity". New York City.
As it turns out, the marketers for this private club did indeed do their research — and very well. It made me wonder who sold my information to them, but it probably wouldn't have mattered.
They knew I live in Austin, Texas.
They knew I visited New York City.
In fact, they knew I have an interest in the events of Lincoln Center.
They knew I have a history of patronizing gay-targeted media.
And they want to tantalize me with the idea of staying in New York City at their club.
What's worse? It worked. Of course, it was a pipe dream to stay at a club, but I had to admire just how narrowly they pinpointed me for this mailing.
I see what they did there. Well played, Phillips Club. Well played.