We received 144 entries correctly identifying the Fake Ad for Trade on page 81 of the December issue.
“As one who is concerned about a future lacking adequate skilled trades workers I wish your December fake ad wasn’t fake,” wrote Robert LaJeunesse. “As always, thanks for the entertainment, and for being so sneaky as to get us to look at most all the ads in the Observer.”
“I am guessing the ad writers have fun creating these Fake Ads,” wrote Lynn Palacios, “but there is plenty of truth in that we are likely facing a crisis of not enough people who are skilled and responsible who do all sorts of very important work that supports everyone!”
“I think this is more real than funny, good job!” wrote Matthew Hickey. “Electricians and plumbers bill at $200 an hour. Why spend $100,000 or more on a college degree to graduate and then work in a restaurant? I have known many people to do that.”
And Eileen Kapka wrote, “Looking for the Fake Ad is one of my favorite things to do when the Observer comes. I am so amazed by the cleverness of the ad every single month. Good job!”
Our winner was Suzanne Saad Wu. As of press time, she hadn’t yet shared where she’ll take her gift certificate.