If any group of people is more self-promoting than chiropractors, real estate agents and multi-level marketers, it's got to be musicians. 

Yesterday I responded to a Craigslist ad selling a Canon Digital Rebel for $225 (half of what most people are asking). I e-mailed back a thank you to the seller when he told me it had been sold. He must have realized I was a reporter because he e-mailed me back a song he wrote and recorded when he lived in L.A. called Average Joe, and asked if I'd listen or have other folks listen and let him know what I thought. Yeah, right, I thought. He wants a review or something.

As much as self-promoting people annoy me, I wish I would have more of their gumption. So many businesses, no matter how good they are, really fail or succeed on marketing. Although I've never had any trouble promoting events or parties I've hosted and I love to tell other people about great stores or restaurants I've visited,  I'd have a difficult time ever promoting myself. Maybe it's insecurity or just Minnesota Nice.

I remember when I had to raise money for band trips in high school, I would buy my own candy or frozen pizzas or fruit rather than ask a neighbor to. Same thing with mission trips (although I never did go); I always chaffed at the idea of asking someone to help sponsor me. (Plus I counted up the cost of the trip and realized how many children I could sponsor instead through World Vision).

I know nothing about music, so I'll tell this musician, Jesus "Tony" Ortiz that. But instead of just ignoring his request, the nice part of me is succumbing and I'll post the link to his Web site: www.myspace.com/jesustonyortizband. You can find Average Joe on the top of the play list.

I guess self-promotion does work sometimes. . .