Soul sold for less than 12 pounds

BBC News ^ | June 18, 2002

[Drew68]

A graduate has sold his soul on an internet auction site for less than £12.

Artist Gareth Malham came up with the idea after watching an episode of the Simpsons in which Bart makes a similar transaction.

The 26-year-old, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, posted an advert on the eBay site and his soul was bought by a man from Oklahoma in the US, for £11.61 ($16.95).

Mr Malham said the buyer wanted a new soul as he had lost his own in a bet over a game of air hockey.

Members of the clergy have dismissed the sale as "dangerous".

Mr Malham, who lives in Byker, said he would sign over his soul by writing a legal document in his own blood when he receives his cheque.

Originally from York, he graduated in photography, video and digital imaging from Sunderland University last year.

He works part time in the university's photography department and began selling possessions on the internet when he became short of money.

It was then he decided to sell something less tangible than old videos or computer games.

Poor profit

He said: "I don't think I'm really selling my soul, I believe my soul is me.

"I'm more interested in the fact someone wanted to buy it.

"I'm playing with the idea of marketplaces and the fact that people will sell anything nowadays."

However he admitted he would not become rich with his ploy - and said by the time he had paid for post and packing of his "soul" document he would barely make a profit.

[Drew68]

Gareth Malham offered his soul for £10

[Drew68]

Here's the conclusion to the story you posted on June 7th.

Soul for sale to pay off student debt

[Commander8]

That kid may think it's funny now, but he won't be laughing when he's before the Great White Throne of Judgement.

[Drew68]

The title to this piece was originally:

Soul sold for less than £12

But when it posted, the title got screwed up. Is their anyway you can fix it? Thanks.

[Renegade]

Big Deal !!! I bid on AlGore's soul in the last election ( on Ebay) The listing was pulled before it went to term . I bid $75.00 and was a high bidder at one time .

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

Hitlery & Satan were the partaker's in this.

[evolved_rage]

Big Deal !!! I bid on AlGore's soul in the last election ( on Ebay) The listing was pulled before it went to term . I bid $75.00 and was a high bidder at one time .

A bag of manure is less than $10 at Home Depot, and contains the same soul...

[Free_at_last_-2001]

A graduate has sold his soul ... - and another demonRat is created!

[mdittmar]

The devil wants to take possession of the Consacrated Souls; it works to corrupt them, to induce others to the final impenitence; he uses all subtleness,

[MotleyGirl70]

Artist Gareth Malham came up with the idea after watching an episode of the Simpsons in which Bart makes a similar transaction.

That was a funny episode. Milhouse ends up buying Bart's soul. Bart has a dream where all the kids are in these little boats rowing to this island with their "souls". However, since Bart sold his to Milhouse, he can only row with one ore and he keeps rowing in a circle.

Lisa ends up buying Bart's soul back for him.

[RightWhale]

Unfortunately, when the soul is purchased the body usually comes with it, and this body appears to be defective with no useful job skills [photography?] and then you would have to house and feed the body. Lousy deal. Suggestion:
Immediately [during legal trading hours, of course] trade the contract on the soul futures market, taking a loss if necessary.

[Drew68]

That was a funny episode.

That was a good one, particularly since Bart used the money to buy some "sponge" dinosaurs that were supposed to (in his imagination) grow to an enormous size and eat Lisa.

[mdittmar]

Why do I see a mug shot in this kids future?

[mindprism.com]

Ahhh Capitalism =)

[Kaslin]

A Graduate of what? Stupidity?

[Huck]

There are some thinks you're just better off not joking about.

[MotleyGirl70]

LOL, yep! It remains really small and gets washed down the sewer.

[joesnuffy]

For what does it prosper a man to gain the world ($16.95)
And loose his soul?

[john in missouri]

But when it posted, the title got screwed up. Is their anyway you can fix it? Thanks.

Soul Sold for Less Than $20.