Louis C.K. had a brilliantly simple plan. Rather than using networks and a devoting a PR agency to promoting his latest comedy special, the comedian went the self-promotion route.
C.K. began selling his "Live at the Beacon Theater" on his personal website on December 9th for a mere $5, somehow managing to thwart piracy merely by writing a note that nicely asked people not to. Which, much to the surprise of everyone, including C.K. himself, actually worked.
The comedian sold over 220,000 copies of the special, netting over a million dollars in profits in several days time, a solo feat that has earned the respect of many fellow comedians. And, in another hat-tipping movie, CK has announced plans to give $280,000 to charities.
MSNBC reports the newly minted entrepreneur will donate to several charities, including "The Fistula Foundation, which helps battered women; Green Chimneys, which works with children and animals; the Pablove Foundation, which help children with cancer, Charity: Water, which provides clean drinking water; and Kiva, which gives microloans. He will also pay out $250,000 in bonuses to staff."
The reasoning behind his generosity? "I've never had a million dollars all at once ... I felt uncomfortable about having that much money."
[via MSNBC]
