I hate Black Friday

But we’re offering 50% off anyway

I have a confession to make: I hate Black Friday.

The frenzy, the pressure, the hype—it all feels overwhelming. Yet somehow, I still find myself getting things I don’t really need.

The whole “holiday” is an effort to create a feeling of scarcity, FOMO, and “gotta catch em all.” It’s designed to make us buy, buy, buy. Personally, I’d rather say “bye, bye, bye.”

So when Bianca, our marketing guru, asked if we should do something for Black Friday, I was conflicted.

On the one hand, I don’t like the idea of playing into this made-up bonanza created to drive sales. On the other hand, it works. Like, really well.

So much so that, historically, the sales a company makes today can take them from red (aka losing money) to black (making money).

(Yes, that’s the origin of the name, Black Friday. It has nothing to do with the Rebecca Black song that was popular *checks notes* 13 years ago!)

And sometimes you do actually get a thing you need at a price that makes sense. I’m literally sitting on the chair I bought on this day five years ago.

So what’s a nerdy business owner to do? Well, we’ve gone 12+ years as a company NOT doing anything for this divisive holiday, so this year we thought we’d try it out and see how it goes.

AND, if you’re only here for the humor, we’re still going to leave you with some levity (scroll to the bottom).

First the dealio: we’re offering 50% off The Whole Humorist Essentials Course until Tuesday, 11:59 PM (12/2).

If you’ve been thinking about getting it but were on the fence, now is a perfect time to try it out.

And, if you get this for your team (or a group of friends) of 4 or more people, I’ll even do a complimentary (and complementary) 30-minute virtual call with you to help you implement humor as part of the culture.

But if you’re compelled to hit purchase solely because it’s on sale, don’t. If this is just going to go into your collection of things you never look at again, please keep your money (or save it for the hot dog toaster you’ve always wanted ever since you saw that it existed 5 minutes ago).

We simply want to make the course a bit more accessible for the people who really want it. Or who think it would be the perfect gift for a friend (yes, you can buy for someone else too).

So, instead of piling up more stuff this Black Friday, how about investing in something that truly enhances your life? Something that actually helps you feel more connected with others.

Why Humor?

Because humor is the ultimate connector. It's the secret sauce that turns strangers into friends, meetings into parties, and awkward silences into shared laughter.

Imagine being able to:

• Light up a room without needing a dimmer switch.

• Build genuine connections that outlast any Black Friday deal.

• Navigate life's challenges with a smile, not a sigh.

What's in the Course?

• Discover Your Humor Personas: Uncover all 7 key Humor Personas and learn how to harness their unique strengths.

• Real-World Applications: Transform mundane moments into memorable experiences.

• Flexible Learning: Fits into your schedule—no lines, no crowds, no stress.

But Wait, There's More!

Just kidding—this isn't an infomercial. But I do have some bonuses:

• Skill of Humor Playbook - your hands-on guide to applying humor in daily life.

• 30-minute virtual implementation call - for groups of 4 or more people.

No Pressure, Just an Invitation, at 50% OFF until 11:59pm on 12/2.

Let's make this Black Friday about more than just deals. Let's make it about real connections, genuine laughter, and becoming the person who doesn't need a hot dog toaster to impress others.

If my course can help you do that, great. If not, also great.

Now, let’s have a laugh.

I spent 3+ hours watching Thanksgiving and Black Friday sets and sketches to find the best one. My favorite: SNLs sketch with Bobby Moynihan (who incidentally was my first improv teacher in New York):

A close runner-up? Put the groceries on sale!

(an)drew

PS. I’ve seriously never done something like this before and not so sure I will again. This whole email stresses me out a little bit. How did you feel about it? Understand it from a business perspective? Feel it was slimy and uncool? Let me know your thoughts.