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Many years ago, I (Jorge) came up with a story, wrote it down, and presented it in a contest. It then went on to win the contest, and was then later published in a book.

Cool, right? But bragging isn’t the intention here. Especially because I recently found it, read it, and felt ashamed of myself…

Ever felt that strange mix of shame and understanding when you look upon your old work? Anyway, that's not the point either.

The point is that it was a story based on people who recommend products, but without making the commercial goal explicit, like if you were talking to your friends and recommending a vegan ice-cream brand, or that make-up that doesn't quite rub off. And you're being paid for doing it. Does this sound familiar to you? Yep, you’ve guessed it. They were like the influencers that we now know today.

And, to have written a story about influencers, way before they existed, well, I found that curious, to say the least. That’s why I’m sharing the story on this site.

Oh, and before I go.

The story had ads between each chapter. A kind of product placement if you will. That’s what made the story different enough to win the contest, I guess. It was a story with ads in a book!

Luckily, advertising has not gotten this far…. yet. (Chan chan chan SFX)