It is Happening Tonight (and Answers to Some Questions) February 6, 2007
Posted by JP in : My Super Proposal , trackbackThe commercial is a go for Veronica Mars tonight, but sadly, it will only be shown in one region of the country - somewhere in the Pacific Time Zone (so it will air between 9pm-10pm PST, 12pm-1am EST). For those who aren’t in this region (sorry, I have to keep my geography secret for a few more hours), you can still watch both the commercial and my girlfriend’s response at iFilm.com anytime after it airs.
Now, to address a few criticisms that have been in the comments of late:
1. Was this just a big scam to get people to watch the SuperBowl?
Nope. This was just me, trying my best to get an ad on the show. At various times over the past month, I was anywhere from 99.99-100% certain this would happen. I flew out to a major advertiser’s headquarters, toured around, met a huge team of very supportive folks, filmed a commercial and was all set to go when they pulled the plug at the last minute. There were even more advertisers who wanted to make this happen, but with the late date, we had almost no chance to get another ad filmed in time. I did end up making my own homemade version, which CBS said they might air independently (simply because they knew it had generated so much buzz). As late as Sunday morning, we had word that CBS might air it during or right after the game, but in the 2nd quarter, they called to say it was a “no.”
Believe me, no one wanted to see it work more than me, and I certainly gained nothing (nor did Joe or his company Storybids), by having this fall apart. But, in the end, I think it will work out OK. My girlfriend is going to love the ad tonight and the media frenzy will be much lower, which I think is a very good thing.
2. What Happened to the Donations?
In the first part of this effort, we received around $10,000 in cash donations and $75,000 in pledges - people who promised to donate if the proposal was aired during the SuperBowl. Obviously, since that didn’t happen, none of the pledge money came in. However, Joe’s company, Storybids, has the $10,000 (a little more, actually) and is sending that to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville. They will issue a press release when they receive it, so everyone can be sure I didn’t keep the money. I wish we could have raised more, but $10K is still a great gift and it will be used to help the very neediest folks - sick kids.
3. What about the Ring?
I picked it up today. It’s beautiful. I promise to have pictures on the site, both of the ring and of the two of us tomorrow (assuming she says yes).
4. Why Can’t I tell the Whole Story?
I would love to name names - tell you who all the advertisers were that were interested and make it public knowledge. However, Joe is conferring with his lawyers as he’s concerned that by revealing that information, we might get sued. I suppose telling the world that a major brand pulled the plug on something popular like this might be negative press for them, but I’m hoping the lawyers say it’s OK, because I’d really like to be able to tell the whole truth.
5. What Happens Tomorrow?
A few news outlets are going to run stories about what happened, and I think we might even be on Inside Edition. MSNBC ran a piece about this yesterday, too. After that, things should die down and my girlfriend and I can get back to our normal lives, none the worse for wear (I hope).
Thanks, as always, for your support. I’m feeling pretty nervous about the proposal tonight, but I’m excited, too. I can’t wait to share this whole experience with her and explain what I’ve been up to for the last 6 months.
Comments»
“I flew out to a major advertiser’s headquarters, toured around, met a huge team of very supportive folks, filmed a commercial and was all set to go when they pulled the plug at the last minute”
When you spill the beans on this website tomorrow, will give us the name of the “major advertiser” who screwed you over???? All of us are very curious as to what they aired instead of a commercial that included your proposal! Thanks and good luck tonight!
P.S. I’m a lawyer and I’m sure you won’t get sued, let alone lose, as long as you tell the truth.
Truth is a complete defense to defamation. Don’t say anything that isn’t true and you’ll be fine. So please spill the guys about the people who screwed you over tomorrow. Thanks!
They deserve the negative press for pulling the plug on you (especially when we find out what they aired instead, because most Super Bowl commercials this year sucked), and there is NOTHING illegal about you telling your side of the story, even if it is negative press for the company.
Good luck tonight. I will be up until really late to see it.
You’re a gem. I’m crossing my fingers for you.
ah man, i hope she says yes after all this
Good luck, shoot me an email sometime
” So please spill the guys about the people who screwed you over tomorrow. Thanks! ”
lol pc, dont you mean “spill the beans”? lol
This is so sweet… congratulations!
JP,
I am glad to see the post you just made cause I was getting a little ticked at some of the people that posted here and can’t seem to read. I have been to this site twice and I knew you were giving the money to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. I also knew that the major advertisers backed out at the last minute. Now how is it I knew all this you might ask? Well that is cause I read your posts not just jump in and post myself.
Good luck to you tonight. I really hope all goes well foryou both. There are not many people out there that love enough to do something this big for someone.
I am sad to hear the commercial will only be aired in the Pacific Time Zone as that means I will not get to see it untill tomorrow. However I will be waiting for it to be posted so I can see.
Don’t let the rudeness of others get to you. They are only saying nasty things about you and too you cause they have no real love in thier lives.
Not so much as a commet as a question…if you spent all the money for an ad spot during the Superbowl, did you at least get your money back?
Did you get your money back from CBS for your ad spot?
And I did read the rest of your blog and I am glad that you have donated money to such a worthy cause, especially since I work with kids. Good Luck tonight. It is so nice to hear about someone so in love with someone that they wouold go to great lengths to show it.
Megan - there’s no money to get back. CBS was considering running the ad for free (as part of an editorial), but they didn’t. The advertising sponsor, who would have payed CBS the $2.5mil, pulled out of the deal, so there’s no money to give back (although, the sponsor may have been refunded by CBS at some point - not sure about that).
The only money I have is the $10K, which is going to Vanderbilt.
good luck! i, like the rest of america, have become enamoured with this story! wishing the best for you both! can’t wait to see the video
Good luck to you JP!
Good luck tonight. We are rooting for you all over the country!!!
Maybe I’m missing something here, but if you didn’t know until the last minute that the Super Bowl spot wouldn’t air, why didn’t you already have the ring? You said that you just picked it up today…
JP,
Good luck! Tonight is such an exciting and special time for you both. Anyway - everything happens for a reason. Look at the beautiful love you share with your girlfriend, and look at all the love and happiness you have drummed up just by sharing your story with all of us anonymous folks around the world pulling for you. This is the stuff that love songs are written for. Best of best wishes to you - keep us in the loop! Can’t wait to read your blog tomorrow and see the ad on Ifilm. You’re AWESOME!
cant wait to see it. is it gonna be aired during commercials of the show? how r u gonna make sure she watches all commercials and not take a break to get water or something. i dont get that. good luck anyway
I had the same question as littlered… “if you didn’t know until the last minute that the Super Bowl spot wouldn’t air, why didn’t you already have the ring? You said that you just picked it up today…” I would like to know the answer to this myself. At any rate, I am excited for you (if this is legit). I hope you spend the rest of your lives together. ..
Ill admit i was one of those people who thought this idea was a scheme or just too selfish at first, but now that its something u pulled off on ur own i want to wish u the best of luck. Your girlfriend is very lucky to have someone who cares for her so much that he’ll do anything to show her. Your story has become an inspiration to many, including my boyfriend who i know is about to pop the question very soon and realizes some girls would like to world to know how much they are loved. Thanks for being a true guide for so many future engagements. And good luck…a girl would have to be a fool to say no to such a terrific guy. Congratulations!
I was thinking the SAME thing about getting the ring today - I am sure there will be an “explanation”, like it was at the bank, in a vault or something like that. I have been following this for weeks, and although I hope it is true, I have a feeling this is going to be like the fake bride who was cutting her hair youtube clip that was all over the news.
what happened??
You should have proposed by now…i hope to be the first to wish you the real CONGRATULATIONS! U finally pulled it off!
I just watched it on ifilm and got all teary eyed for you. I hope she says yes!!! **Now I’m waiting for the response
**
I just saw the commercial aired during Veronica Mars on the CW in Seattle, at about 9:30PM PST. Well done, congratulations, and good luck! I haven’t found it on iFilm yet, but I’m sure it’ll be there soon. Quite the story!
THE PROPOSAL’S ON IFILM!! AWWW!!!
I also was confused when I read your update today why you had picked up the ring today if you didn’t know the ad wasn’t going to air until the last minute, wouldn’t you have needed the ring when it aired Sunday if it had, plus if you have been planning this for 6 months, why didn’t you have it worked out where you pick the ring up before Sunday night?
Hey guys and gals, those wanting to see his proposal that aired on TV, it is now up on Ifilm.com.
Here is the link http://www.ifilm.com/video/2820143
I was dissapointed the Superbowl thing didn’t come through, but I was so excited to see the proposal during Veronica Mars. It was a great backup plan. I would have loved it if my now-husband had figured out a way to propose during Gilmore Girls. I haven’t seen her reaction yet but I am sure she said yes and so congratulations. Best wishes in your new life together — this has been a great story.
http://www.ifilm.com/video/2820143
The proposal
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/tv/archives/111275.asp
The story
*Sniff* awwww!!!!!!!! Love it!
19…it’s not that hard. Geez, people just say CONGRATS TO HIM. Don’t ask so many damn questions.
Saw it on iFilm…very cute. Also, I looked at your pics you posted, y’all are a very cute couple. I think we deserve some background details now though…like what you do, how old, where ya from, etc.
Rand Fishkin’s Belated SuperBowl Proposal Gets A Yes
Have you been wondering who the mystery guy was behind plans to pop the question to his girlfriend during a SuperBowl commercial last Sunday? Now you know — search marketer Rand Fishkin. Rand’s plans for the SuperBowl announcement didn’t happen, so …
I must admit, the only reason I watched the SuperBowl was because I still had hope that CBS would air your proposal. (I watched the entire game, every single commercial—a true rarity for me!) To my surprise it never happened. I told others of your story, and they were truly touched that you would go to such great lengths to express your love for such a special person. I hope Geraldine’s proposal was as special to her as mine was to me. Congrats on your engagement…and on with the wedding planning!
Congratulations!!! I watched the entire SuperBowl to see your proposal. It was sooooo romantic. It definantely is a feel good moment for everyone that watches it. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful moment with everyone!
I love the proposal! Congratulations. You two look wonderful and so so happy. Now go off and enjoy life together.
What a way to propose, better yet what a great acceptance.
It reminds me of the reaction I received when I proposed to my wife some 43 years ago
Best Wishes
it’s sad that you are editing out any comments which might shed some light on the real story here…if everything you have been saying is the “TRUTH”, how could you get sued?
[…] The ad didn’t end up getting aired during the Super Sunday broadcast, so the guy — he’s now revealed his name is Rand Fishkin — pulled it together to buy an ad on a local broadcast of Veronica Mars, his girlfriend’s favorite show. It aired last night, and she almost TiVoed past the ad, but froze when she saw Rand on TV. […]
Kewl
i think all commercials that are during the super bowl are funny but i believe people make too much money