WOW!!! A free copy of "How to" for reading TOW, I'm in. I guess...$250. (52 x 5 minus 10. For when Donna visited her fav coffee shop a few times more than usual, while writing "How To." And unlike the jellybean count, I'll refrain from guessing more than once.

Can the book be signed?- "To Poindexter, The best blog reader in the internet. Keep on Hr'in. Donna"

Of course the book can be signed!

Hopefully Some Buttinsky you won't be the only one to throw out a number - otherwise, once will do the trick!!

I'm betting, considering what seems to be Donna's fairly frugal, though tasteful, consumer choices - recycled furniture (see recent peeve) or R&F furniture, artwork provided by mom, rare mention of new clothing (perhaps her Chanel days made her wary of too forward a fashion-her appearance on a certain TV show- DD- seems to confirm this), deli coffee,etc ...that Donna is a prudent shopper. Perhaps she's has been practicing for the 'new ecnomy," before the curve. Or, maybe she's just cheap, or even, economically disadvantaged. Though I think not. And NYC living ain't for the weak. Also, she owns a higher end computer. I'm guessing she's got a couple of matzah balls (or whatever) stashed away-AND GOOD FOR HER!! My guess is 2500.

Remember though, I saved every five that passed through my hands for one year.

hummmm.. well unless you're working a side job as a nickel-bag dealer, an airport luggage handler,waitress or taxi driver I'm guessing your contact with five's is in the average range. Say you get one a day-five's that is- so around $1830, but the above entry seems to suggest you have a greater involvement with honest Abe than a mere one a day. It'll be guesstimate of $4000 for me.

Well isn't that the first business axiom. Know the customer, and tailor your business accordingly. Trying to figure out how many five dollar bills pass through the hands of a person, in this case Donna, one needs to know spending habits. Krysalis provides company branding. Branding is an attempt to create and influence a customer base. What are the spending habits of Donna? What brand is causing her to increase/decrease her five dollar turnover. These answers can only be provided through study of prior, present, and reasonably predictable, future fiduciary flow. Everything else is for the nickelodeon.

It's really about how much cash versus credit I relied on, as opposed to actual spending habits. That's what determines the frequency with which the fives occur.

oh yes good point! Paper or plastic. I'm going to say in your case paper. Because it's less of a security risk, and it was you who found the $5 in a jar thing a treat.

So how much do you think it all added up to?

Well one guess is for 250, one for 2500, one for 4000. So I'll say $3000. and a bag of taffy.

Were only $5 bills saved?

I did a similar thing way back in 1976 when I spent a year in London, kept all $1.00 coins (which were sort of common) - had about 50.00 at end of time - it is a question of cash over credit in this day... 450.00 - good fairly simple idea to pass on...

My guess is $820

I think you saved $1,825.00 with in a year's time.

I think you saved $5,385 in a year's time.

I think you saved $5,555,555 in a year.

Sorry Brian for the delay...Yes, only fives were saved.

Tomorrow's the big day! Can't you feel the anticipation. Some lucky contestant will receive a new volume of "Surviving." Bob Barker would be proud.

PS My guess is for $7500

This contest could be another big ponzi scheme. Is Donna another Bernie? And will her mac and R&F furniture be auctioned off? What will happen to her Hampton's beach house?

I would guess $2220

You guys are funny. Tomorrow we'll call it!

I'm in for $ 9300

OK -- drum roll please....so I saved $1,675.00 in fives. Not bad. Not a windfall either. And that makes Ben the winner who guessed $1,825.00.

Ben, can you send your address (where you want me to send the copy of the book) to dblank@reedbusiness.com? (Just remember, it comes out on November 27th)

Congrats and thx to everyone!! Here's to a happy and relaxing Labor Day Weekend!

I woz robbed!!! I want a recount.

But what about the jellybeans?

Congrats Ben! I'm looking forward to reading my copy:)

Can we have another raffle?

Something ain't kosher here.

I'm also looking forward to reading my copy. And by buying the book I'll be increasing Donna's stack of 5's.

Primetime - too late for recount, already earning interest...

Bertha - what about the jellybeans?

Pointdexter - sure - but what can we make a contest for next? How about ideas (business and/or HR) for me to write about? Everyone can vote and then whoever submits the idea that wins, wins a copy of SDC (sorry, it's all I got.)

Open to other suggestions... anyone?

I like jellybeans. I'm a little overweight, but since jellybeans are empty calories, they won't add weight, because they're empty.

SDC's aren't like STD's are they?

Nice one Donna. Friendly competitions, games, music, quizzes. All fun ways to increase interest and potential customers. Here's a topic- Why is the HR process, so void of fun? Yes the job fairs of olde, when the economy was riding high, did sometimes offer bells, balloons, and maybe a snack. However, usually an autopsy has more giggles than an interview or job fair.

Poindexter - I love it! That's a very good point... excellent food for thought indeed. In fact sometimes I wonder about that same thing when it comes to HR in general... hmmm. lemme see....