August 13th, 2005, 5:23 pm

Camel sends me free stuff … but why?

On Tuesday, I came home to find a package from Camel cigarettes. Slightly tipsy from dinner, I opened it up kinda maybe hoping it had something bad for me in it.

But to my surprise, it was a metal cigarette case. Grooved; with no marketing on it whatsoever. Enclosed were, of course, some coupons for $1.75 off some cigs.

Now — I’m not the kind who gives out my mailing address to anyone - I give out my work address for anything I need shipped, and I’ve only lived in this house for four months.

But don’t you know it — the thing is addressed to me; even has my apartment number correctly.

I shrug it off — no biggie — until today, when I get another package from Camel. Inside — a lovely money clip — perfect for the girl who keeps all her cards together with a rubber band.

Now, I’m really confused! How did they get my info? What database did they mine?

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Side note: for those of you who have signed up for those free cigs in bars before, please read Scott Harrell’s excellent essay, “Return of the Promo Pack.”