J. Crew or Bust

As you may have already heard, in my latest act of shameless self-promotion, I've started a fan page for myself on FB entitled "The Man Who Dreams of Becoming a J.Crew Model" . . . I know what you're thinking: IS HE SERIOUS?! Well for starters, I am. And second, if a FB page entitled "Can this pickle get more fans than Nickelback?" can get nearly 800,000 fans, score a T-shirt deal, AND get press on Billboard . . . in just over a week's time . . . the question is: why shouldn't everyone start a fan page for themselves?

Now I'm guessing some of you probably want to punch me in the face right now and the truth is, the Russ of a few years ago would probably punch 2010 Russ in the face as well . . . but the bottom line is that this makes sense on several levels. Allow me to explain:

1. I've been a J.Crew brand champion for the past ten years, remaining incredibly loyal to their image and style, while spending countless thousands on their men's and women's clothing, accessories, and other products . . . much to the chagrin of my parents and (former) financial advisor . . . and yet I digress.
2. It looks like models have a lot of fun
3. Can there be anything more satisfying than creating a fan page for yourself on Facebook and then becoming a fan of it?
4. During each of the past two summers I've hosted a "Preppy Party" in which my primary focus (aside from drinking heavily and entertaining my ultra-preppy guests) was to try and sport  J.Crew's entire men's summer collection . . . in one evening. The shot below is from the first party when I "successfully" pulled off a seersucker, plaid, and pinstripes ensemble . . . while rocking Nantucket Red shorts . . . amazing, right?
5. After recently scoring an audition for a New Balance commercial, I feel like the timing for self-promotion couldn't be better . . . but maybe I should have waited on this until I actually got the job? . . . whatever, I'm putting the NB audition on my CV either way. 
6. I love the idea of making it into a J.Crew catalog and having countless readers see me and think things like "Really? This guy got in here?", "J.Crew must be cutting back on their sales and marketing budget . . .", and "If this guy can be a J.Crew model, Kramer should have gotten that CK gig!"

In all honesty, I've always wanted to try and get into modeling and as much fun as I think it would be to work in J.Crew's marketing organization, I'm pretty sure I'd have more fun modeling for them . . . then again, given I'm already 31 going on 81, any modeling career I can establish is likely to be a short one. Thus, I should probably start hinting at my interest in marketing the minute I get my foot in the door . . . don't you just love my confidence?

Why the swagger? Well in less than 12 hours after going live, the page already has 6 fans (including myself) with the good news being that one of those fans actually works for J.Crew so . . . at the very least, this fan and I will share some uncomfortable laughter the next time I visit her store.

Wish me luck!