Secrets of TV Pitchmen Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan (opens in new tab)

A tiny bit on topic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9g3b65yi0g

For some reason, I can actually respect these guys. I would never buy any of the junk they're pushing, but I must admit to enjoying the show. Especially Vince Offer. Normally that nasal 'yankee' voice sickens me, but I guess it's part of the charm in this case.

Ronco is interesting--I'd forgotten that Ron Popeil actually invented a lot of the stuff he sells. (Didn't he have a daughter that sang with Frank Zappa in a concert or two as well?)

I thought it was a joke that these pitchmen would get their own "reality" TV show, but apparently it's true. I can't stand any of their commercials and can't hit the mute button fast enough on my TV, so I can't watch a half-hour of Billy Mays shouting at me. The psychology of selling is interesting, but I'll have to read about it rather than listen to these obnoxious people.