Have you recently received an intriguing offer for a free cartoon book called Funny Money, perhaps through email or social media? If the marketing approach felt a bit unusual, or even too good to be true, you’re not alone. Many have wondered if this offer, linked to my name and economist Steve Keen, is actually a scam. Let me set the record straight.
It’s understandable why some might be skeptical. The marketing strategy employed, while designed to grab attention, has been quite different from my usual communications. However, I want to assure you that this is not a scam. The campaign, including the offer of Funny Money, is indeed authorized by me.
The goal behind this campaign is to introduce people to a series of in-depth “Mastermind” lectures I’m conducting. The marketing firm behind this initiative proposed using engaging “hooks,” such as the free Funny Money book, to pique interest in these lectures, which are offered to paying participants.
And the campaign has been effective. To date, approximately 100 individuals have enrolled in my lecture series. This series comprises nine lectures, which I present every nine weeks, continually refining and improving the content. Having completed the initial sequence in early February, I am currently delivering the second lecture in the cycle – focused on the crucial role of money in economics – this week. The lecture topics cover a range of critical areas in modern economics:
- When and why did economics go wrong?
- The role of money in economics
- Where “Minsky Moments” come from
- Modelling the economy as a complex system
- Theories of Value
- The Economics of Climate Change
- What should microeconomics actually be about?
- Modelling with Minsky
- Analyzing data with Ravel
Returning to lecturing after five years away from the university environment has been a truly rewarding experience. The discussions and engagement with participants have been exceptional.
I recognize that the marketing approach has been off-putting for some, and the marketing firm is now aware of this feedback. I appreciate why the initial methods might have raised red flags, leading people to believe it was a “Funny Money” scam. This post is intended to clarify the situation and dispel any doubts.
In response to the feedback, the firm is adjusting their communication style and methods. Initially relying heavily on social media platforms like WhatsApp, they are now incorporating email and other channels to broaden their reach and refine their messaging.
Furthermore, based on my direct interactions, I can vouch for the integrity and ethical standards of the individuals at the marketing firm. This contrasts with a less positive experience I had in the past with a different marketer in the late 2000s, whose ineffective strategies and questionable character were quite memorable.
The Funny Money cartoon book itself has an interesting backstory. Conceived as the first in a trilogy, it was originally intended to be marketed by the same publisher as my previous work, eCONcomics.
Unfortunately, those initial plans stalled, leaving the book in limbo. This current campaign provides a valuable opportunity to finally share Funny Money with a wider audience, and I am pleased to make it available to you. You can claim your free copy here: https://www.stevekeenfree.com/new-funny-money-book-free
Following the book offer, the “Mastermind” lecture series will be further promoted. While some marketing elements may still retain a slightly automated feel as the campaign adjustments are implemented, please be assured that the offer and the lectures are genuine. If you decide to accept the Funny Money book offer, it ultimately leads to an invitation to join my “Mastermind” lecture series. I hope you will consider participating.
