Pimp This Bum - an eyebrow-raising promotion that rides the line of decency and taste

So the story goes like this:

Sean Dolan and his father are looking to boost publicity for their digital agency Ascendgence. After kicking around the idea of doing spec work for some local mom and pop shop to gain some awareness and referrals, Sean suggests doing something for the homeless.

They approach Tim Edwards, a homeless man who lives under some highway in Houston TX. Tim has been homeless for almost 5 years, struggling with alcohol addiction and ready to move on, if only he could get a leg up.

The deal is struck. Sean and Kevin Dolan agree to put Tim's story online which allows visitors to donate money through the site to help pay for the fees associated with detox and the Dolan's get a buzz-worthy PR vehicle. Pimpthisbum.com is born.

There is no altruism here and one can only hope that Tim gets back to normalcy. Question is, is this exploitation? Or is it simply two parties uniquely qualified to provide each other mutual gain?



While the URL choice pimpthisbum sounds degrading, the Dolan's insist that it was necessary to capture people's attention. Judging from the press and traffic that's been generated, they're probably right.