Ed. Note:
About two weeks ago, I got a mass email asking for people to submit photos of their cars for a Scion commercial taking place in a "secret desert location" in Nevada. $2 helped me take photos of my car in front of the Capitol, and I thought I'd at least get a free trip to Vegas out of the deal. I thought wrong. Tonight I found out that my car had been "selected" but that in order to go, I had to somehow drive my car, expenses unpaid, out to Boulder City, NV and pay for everything but a two night stay at an undisclosed hotel "outside of Vegas" and my meals.
It was so ridiculous that I decided to email the contact person directly, Kevin with a company called Beyond Marketing Group.
Below is what resulted.

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Hello Kevin,

My name is Rachel Farris and I received a congratulatory email today announcing my white 2006 Scion tC's selection in the "Scion United" commercial campaign. My Scion is the car with the Texas license plates that say "OBAMA" on them (photo attached). I figured Scion would be excited to get a car that had such patriotic spirit and -- dare I say -- unity. So I was sincerely looking forward to attending the event and donating the use of my car for this campaign.

However, after reading over the details of this trip, I am going to have to respectfully decline. I have looked over the FAQ and there are what some people might call "warning signs." I am not sure whose brainchild this "Scion United" event is but obviously this was something that sounded better in a meeting than in real life. Let's review:

FUNDING

What am I responsible for paying for?
Transportation expenses to Boulder City, Nevada and back.

Kevin, the cost of gas alone in driving my car (not to mention the wear and tear it would put on my vehicle) does not even begin to make this trip worthwhile at the outset. Scion is using my vehicle in the commercial. Theoretically Scion will make money off of this commercial. Scion should be responsible for paying to have it trailered to the "secret location." I would be surprised if any Scion owner, other than perhaps a few who reside in Henderson, NV, would bother spending so much gas money on the trip.

And, on that point -- the location in Boulder City, NV? What goes on there? I am not looking to have a Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas weekend, but thank you. I don't mind dropping my car off in a desert location (if I don't have to pay to get it there) but if I am going to haul out to Vegas, I would like to stay on the strip, not at some nameless hotel "outside of Las Vegas." I would only drive to Boulder City, Nevada if I had given up on life in corporate America and decided to spend the next thirty years working at a diner called Josie's and keel over in an Airstream trailer someday.

ENTERTAINMENT

Are the Owners and Guests required to attend the complimentary entertainment?
Yes. You won't want to miss the amazing music line-up, product demos, product giveaways and so much more. We have a great event in store.

Anonymous entertainment tends to be a bad sign, just like unnamed hotel accommodations. Additionally, I stay away from any event where I am "required" to attend what someone on a budget has deemed "entertainment." If I want to watch The Footloose Twins cover band, I will. But odds are, I won't. Let me go gamble at the Bellagio.

DAMAGES

What happens if my car is damaged? Who is responsible?
We have partnered with the best in the business whose sole responsibility will be to handle each vehicle with the highest level of care and attention. We know how much you value your vehicle and we do too. But it's possible that, as with any driving experience, pebbles, particles or similar items can fly off the ground and cause minor damage to the car. We won't be responsible should this occur, and you will be assuming this risk of loss when you deliver your car to us.

Kevin, are you telling me that if one of your trained drivers takes a donut too fast and drives it off of a redrock cliff, I'm supposed to shrug it off and say "It happens?" Or if a camera falls and smashes the windshield, I will just tool back to Austin with a tarp over the glass and take care of it when I get back?
Is anyone actually going to sign a release that assumes that risk? Does Scion assume their drivers are that stupid?

MAINTENANCE

Should I wash my car before I drop it off?
Yes. We encourage all Scion Owners to wash their vehicles prior to their arrival times on Friday, May 16. If cars arrive in an unfavorable condition, we cannot guarantee your car will be used in the commercial, poster or print advertisements.

I won't be washing my car before I deliver it. In fact, I would like to be reimbursed for the car wash I took it through before I took pictures of it for this contest. But it sounds as though that might not be in the budget.

Kevin, I wish you luck with the cattle call. It sounds as though you will need it. As for me, I'll stay here in Texas. I'm sure there are enough low-rent hotels, crappy bands, accidents and car washes I could endure without driving halfway across the country.

Regards,
MR