Inked Talk

Last week Inked Talk brought you an article about James Burns, a man who was selling the rights to tattoo an advertisement on his head.

The premise was simple enough, as the eBay auction explained:

My name is James. I am a married father of 4 who has a full time job, but needs some extra cash. I am selling advertising space on my skin. I will get your logo, website, whatever (nothing vulgar) tattooed on the back of my head or on my neck - your choice. If you choose my head, I will keep it shaved for 1 year to maintain visibility.

Burns’ wife contacted Inked Talk and commented on the article, and this week Burns himself agreed to speak about his experience selling ad space on his head on eBay.

Inked Talk: How did the auction ultimately end up?

James Burns: It ended with one bid - $99.99.

As of the writing of this article, the eBay auction can still be viewed here. However, eBay does remove listings after a few months.

IT: The Charleston Daily Mail article said your wife was supportive of the idea. What did your kids think about it?

JB: The kids think that it’s neat that I was on TV, but as far as the tattoo goes, they didn’t even bat an eyelash at it. Tattoos are such a normal part of our lives.

As the Charleston Daily Mail article and photo showed, Burns is no stranger to tattoos.

IT: Your restrictions said “no profanity” would be allowed in the tattoo. What about political statements? Would you refuse a “Vote so-and-so” tattoo if you were politically opposed to it?

JB: A political tattoo is so not my style. I would have to refuse that one, as I see politicians as profane.

IT: If you could choose the ideal advertising candidate for your head, who would it be? What would the ad say?

JB: If I could choose…hmm. I would want the ad to say “GAS PRICES SUCK!!” Signed, “We the People.”

Well said. Burns’ motivation for selling ad space on his head was in part due to the rising price of gas: I work 60 plus hours a week, so a second job is pretty much out of the question. I have tried to
get weekend odd jobs, but to no success. I figured this might help, Burns told Inked Talk.

IT: Did you have any negative reactions to your eBay auction?

JB: My mom wasn’t too thrilled about the idea of it, but she came around. She realized that I am willing to do whatever it takes (within legal boundaries) to achieve my goals.

IT: Do you have plans to continue to offer your head as advertising space?

JB: No, I think I have learned my lesson.

You can visit James Burns’ Myspace page and read more about his experiences there. He has information there about his Paypal account in case anyone would like to help out him and his family.

Speaking on behalf of Inked Talk, let me say that you have some serious, serious guts to do what you did for your family, and that is something to be admired. I hope that someone out there can help your family out.