What if you could trade a paperclip for a house? | Kyle MacDonald | TEDxVienna

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 11 тис.

  • @arjungupta6
    @arjungupta6 5 років тому +5102

    Those girls who traded the fishpen in the first place are the Angel Investors of trade-business!

    • @Scorpiojoe24
      @Scorpiojoe24 5 років тому +47

      Hello Arjun

    • @pierro2968
      @pierro2968 5 років тому +195

      And also the camping stove for a doorknob, that is actually a big jump from something useless to an actual workable thing.

    • @Godtierlee
      @Godtierlee 5 років тому +14

      but the value of that paperclip if marketed properly could be immense. Step One in a big journey

    • @bigboy979
      @bigboy979 5 років тому +8

      @The Diamond Clasher no angel investors are investors who give money or products to a business venture that could fail or is just starting off

    • @danboddice3475
      @danboddice3475 5 років тому +5

      Imagine if they decided to trade that paperclip now though. It's not A paperclip, it's THE paperclip. I'd imagine it'll be easier for them to trade this for something good now

  • @sahilchouhan8893
    @sahilchouhan8893 4 роки тому +6231

    I'm depressed cause I have a Blue paperclip not a Red one.

    • @Mrnucklebuck
      @Mrnucklebuck 4 роки тому +14

      I have a pent paper clip that’s bent into a nickel brass

    • @revoltncock
      @revoltncock 4 роки тому +82

      I'll trade 1 house for it.

    • @MilosTerzic
      @MilosTerzic 4 роки тому +34

      I always wanted a blue paperclip to fulfill my collection.

    • @kingargon
      @kingargon 4 роки тому +1

      Why did you capitalize every noun? They’re not proper nouns, you don’t need to.

    • @kingargon
      @kingargon 4 роки тому +2

      WaitingToFade lol

  • @TheMapleLab
    @TheMapleLab 8 років тому +6487

    i wouldve stopped at that pen
    thats a really dope pen tbh

    • @leodtoro
      @leodtoro 7 років тому +145

      Hey man, that pen was pretty dope.

    • @micasali
      @micasali 7 років тому +14

      Mr. Sam He wouldn't have known he would get a house in the future.

    • @DetectiveDerpy
      @DetectiveDerpy 7 років тому +11

      I know

    • @navidilt
      @navidilt 7 років тому +5

      ikr

    • @Krydolph
      @Krydolph 7 років тому +29

      And thats why YOU will never get a free house my man :)

  • @nicolasbenson009
    @nicolasbenson009 21 день тому +1580

    I'm hoping there will be a housing crisis so I can buy cheaply when I sell a few houses in 2025. As a backup plan, I've been thinking about purchasing stocks. What advice do you have for choosing the best buying time? On the one hand, I continue to read and see trading earnings of over $500k each week. On the other side, I keep hearing that the market is out of control and experiencing a dead cat bounce. Why does this happen?

    • @TinaJames222
      @TinaJames222 21 день тому +3

      Investing in real estate and stocks might be a wise choice, particularly if you have a sound trading plan that can get you through profitable days.

    • @tatianastarcic
      @tatianastarcic 21 день тому +2

      You're not doing anything wrong; you simply lack the expertise necessary to make money in a bad market. In these difficult circumstances, only really skilled experts who were forced to witness the 2008 financial crisis could expect to generate a large wage.

    • @Vincent-j8u
      @Vincent-j8u 21 день тому +1

      impressive gains! how can I get your advisor please, if you dont mind me asking? I could really use a help as of now

    • @tatianastarcic
      @tatianastarcic 21 день тому +2

      Finding financial advisors like Sophia Maurine Lanting who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them.

    • @sharonwinson-m8g
      @sharonwinson-m8g 21 день тому +1

      I located her through google, sent her an email, and scheduled a call; hopefully, she will reply because I want to start the new year off financially strong.

  • @dude99844
    @dude99844 4 роки тому +4040

    how to be king of the world:
    1. Find paperclip
    2. Trade up till you get a house
    3. Trade house for a ton of paperclips
    4. Keep repeating till you eventually own every building in the world
    *STONKS*

    • @noodel3374
      @noodel3374 4 роки тому +61

      or you just build a hous out of paperclips

    • @anyatindall5678
      @anyatindall5678 4 роки тому +26

      @@noodel3374 but then you can't own EVERY house and be king of the world
      BIG BRAIN

    • @zachmiles1352
      @zachmiles1352 4 роки тому +25

      l .basti. l or you could build an even bigger paper clip out of houses 👻

    • @walterhines6148
      @walterhines6148 4 роки тому +3

      Thats to over confidence. Plus unfair to own all the world.

    • @price9773
      @price9773 4 роки тому +9

      Real life monopoly

  • @Pleshie
    @Pleshie 7 років тому +15721

    I started with a house and ended up with a red paperclip

    • @darwinmukiryoku
      @darwinmukiryoku 7 років тому +806

      Ill trade you a fish pen for it.

    • @johhnyfreedom
      @johhnyfreedom 7 років тому +176

      Legitimacy✘Project I’ll trade you a rainbow paper clip for that

    • @fiber3134
      @fiber3134 7 років тому +323

      damn, the other way around sounds way more depressing lmao

    • @RazerStudios
      @RazerStudios 7 років тому +18

      Doctor lol

    • @theX24968Z
      @theX24968Z 7 років тому +105

      this is how cs:go economy works

  • @adamlee7886
    @adamlee7886 5 років тому +5544

    Who the feck looks at a paper clip and is like yeah that’s what I’ve always wanted here’s a pen

    • @banaynas4664
      @banaynas4664 5 років тому +593

      I swear I was so confused. But at the same time she prob did it for the lolz

    • @Winterbug068
      @Winterbug068 5 років тому +50

      M e. I d o

    • @jorgecrawford7419
      @jorgecrawford7419 5 років тому +213

      “It wasn’t about the paper clip” ...

    • @smeaglesmegg1243
      @smeaglesmegg1243 5 років тому +22

      I’m sorry, but I like playing with paper clips

    • @SUWANDABOMB
      @SUWANDABOMB 5 років тому +53

      And a fricken cool pen too 🤣🤣

  • @cuppajoe2
    @cuppajoe2 3 роки тому +159

    So many people are saying that it only happened because it got a lot of media attention, but he still traded a damn paperclip for a house.

  • @jcwab
    @jcwab 5 років тому +7806

    Imagine doing that whole thing in reverse.

    • @infectedruby
      @infectedruby 5 років тому +936

      I think you could just go from a house to a paper clip anyway without all the stuff in between

    • @cringedriver6915
      @cringedriver6915 5 років тому +92

      🏠📎🖇️

    • @jamlpe
      @jamlpe 5 років тому +95

      imagine. Selling your country to bob down the street.

    • @zaynawan1835
      @zaynawan1835 4 роки тому +23

      Yeah, that's my kinda luck

    • @ScrewAngle
      @ScrewAngle 4 роки тому +17

      Please stop imagining...

  • @ArchaiVR
    @ArchaiVR 5 років тому +3380

    Starts with a Paperclips ends with a house
    STONKS 📈

  • @supersophisticated9943
    @supersophisticated9943 7 років тому +1894

    He should've kept trading, maybe could've gotten U.S. missle launch codes and presidency.

    • @MidnaMistfire
      @MidnaMistfire 7 років тому +93

      There were two dutch guys who did something similair, at some point they had a massive amouth of money, and decided to put everything on red in a casino. They lost.
      They didnt want to put half of it or whatever, because it was about the adventure, but yea, that moment they realised it was over was pretty harsh.

    • @BrutalOverride
      @BrutalOverride 7 років тому +3

      😂

    • @user-xe4jd3kr4q
      @user-xe4jd3kr4q 7 років тому

      Super Sophisticated 😂😂😂💀

    • @idreary7590
      @idreary7590 6 років тому +2

      Its possible

    • @liudas8186
      @liudas8186 6 років тому +26

      He could of gotten a third world country for that house

  • @krapiak
    @krapiak 3 роки тому +613

    A paperclip for a fish pen is an insanely god trade for whoever initially had the paperclip.

    • @Maxime_K-G
      @Maxime_K-G 2 роки тому +60

      @xXTheAnnoyingPandaXx And now they own a world-famous paperclip so it kind off worked out for them as well ;)

    • @ausbiscuit
      @ausbiscuit 2 роки тому +8

      yes but imagine how much that paperclip is now worth in the event it was sold

    • @Krysdavar
      @Krysdavar 2 роки тому +15

      @@ausbiscuit How would they be able to "authenticate" The Paperclip though? 🤣

    • @ausbiscuit
      @ausbiscuit 2 роки тому +2

      @@Krysdavar idk lol

    • @Krysdavar
      @Krysdavar 2 роки тому +1

      @@ausbiscuit 🤣🤣

  • @tommykarrick9130
    @tommykarrick9130 7 років тому +1318

    This is insane
    This is truly fucking amazing
    Like
    This guy got himself a house
    But holy shit he left a trail of happy people and improved lives in his wake
    This might be my favorite TED talk I've ever seen
    They're usually like "this is how I improved my life," "this is how I started my career," "here's how I helped out a friend," this guy though, he blazed a trail of happiness across a country.

    • @joe9832
      @joe9832 7 років тому +66

      I don't know, if I traded for that red paperclip with my fish pen, I'd be pretty annoyed I just gave away a potential house.

    • @NO1xANIMExFAN
      @NO1xANIMExFAN 7 років тому

      LOL

    • @MisterMotel
      @MisterMotel 7 років тому +1

      true story

    • @ProfessorSyndicateFranklai
      @ProfessorSyndicateFranklai 7 років тому +8

      Well, what made it all happen is his ability to connect buyers and sellers, thus creating value in the economy. Anybody could do it, but only he did.

    • @HKoopman
      @HKoopman 7 років тому +1

      tommy karrick my favorite ted talk was Arther Benjimen

  • @tribeman19
    @tribeman19 5 років тому +26919

    Imagine if this guy had two paper clips.

    • @rcvnow1712
      @rcvnow1712 5 років тому +948

      Then he would have two houses.

    • @mick5055
      @mick5055 5 років тому +1531

      But more importantly, he could have *2* fish pens!

    • @Peppermations
      @Peppermations 5 років тому +416

      Its free real estate

    • @urielseptim910
      @urielseptim910 5 років тому +257

      He could buy the world.

    • @frankwankerl7021
      @frankwankerl7021 5 років тому +136

      Not even shaggy could defeat him that lmao

  • @hakoshgaming5517
    @hakoshgaming5517 4 роки тому +8314

    The people who traded you the fish pen were like: I’m about to start this mans whole career

  • @hello0868
    @hello0868 3 роки тому +2968

    imagine if he kept going,
    “i traded a paper clip for 4 continent’s”

    • @nolanbennett346
      @nolanbennett346 3 роки тому +49

      I traded a paper clip for a private island.

    • @MF_JONES
      @MF_JONES 3 роки тому +64

      "I traded a paperclip for weapons grade uranium"

    • @yetidoesstuff228
      @yetidoesstuff228 3 роки тому +16

      @@MF_JONES I traded a paper clip for a space X rocket.

    • @TheHyponeoriteChannel
      @TheHyponeoriteChannel 3 роки тому +21

      @@yetidoesstuff228 “I traded a paperclip for Mars”.

    • @andywr.097
      @andywr.097 3 роки тому +13

      What if he had 2 paperclips.

  • @frankyfranklin1687
    @frankyfranklin1687 5 років тому +8006

    Kyle: has a red paper clip
    Kyle: it’s free real estate

    • @friend7002
      @friend7002 5 років тому +6

      xXUndigested BaboonxX good comment I approve

    • @konchu4u608
      @konchu4u608 5 років тому +12

      This is an absolutely outstanding comment

    • @choco_jack7016
      @choco_jack7016 5 років тому +5

      i will give you a sub if you let me have this comment

    • @peterdinkler4950
      @peterdinkler4950 5 років тому +5

      *s t o n k s*

    • @konchu4u608
      @konchu4u608 5 років тому +5

      @@peterdinkler4950 you broke the wholesome chain

  • @serpathius
    @serpathius 8 років тому +23827

    *Then he traded the house for a shit ton of paperclips*

    • @yognut72
      @yognut72 8 років тому +1653

      he did it all again and now he owns a town...

    • @hexaquan
      @hexaquan 8 років тому +608

      Ensec now he has a state

    • @yognut72
      @yognut72 8 років тому +471

      Hexaquan trump pulls off head revealing the paperclip guy....

    • @hexaquan
      @hexaquan 8 років тому +107

      Ensec cant top that

    • @Jontonzoup
      @Jontonzoup 8 років тому +228

      C A P I T A L I S M

  • @emily-mt6ug
    @emily-mt6ug 6 років тому +2343

    WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP THAT PEN

    • @tortoiselover2044
      @tortoiselover2044 5 років тому +64

      Ikr I would have kept the fish pen, it's better than a red paperclip

    • @riyabhatti24
      @riyabhatti24 5 років тому +17

      Bcuz if he didn’t he wouldn’t get a house! 😂

    • @BudderB0y2222
      @BudderB0y2222 5 років тому +80

      @@riyabhatti24 They mean why would anyone trade a fishpen for a paperclip in the first place

    • @satoshinakamoto1305
      @satoshinakamoto1305 5 років тому

      lmao

    • @etho7351
      @etho7351 5 років тому

      To get a paperclip

  • @seanferguson5460
    @seanferguson5460 3 роки тому +29

    I don't know how many TED talks I've watched but this is my favourite by far!

  • @simonockas
    @simonockas 5 років тому +3295

    You could actually use the paperclip to do this fancy technique called "lockpicking" and therefore trade the paperclips for funny things, such as bicycles, money, or TVs.

  • @puuhapete8422
    @puuhapete8422 4 роки тому +2164

    I was just left wondering:
    what would had happened if the paperclip was blue intead of red?

    • @justinweber4977
      @justinweber4977 4 роки тому +140

      Beach Front Property.

    • @russelltan161
      @russelltan161 4 роки тому +58

      that obviously changes the whole game... duh

    • @winnipeg1940
      @winnipeg1940 4 роки тому +77

      Well then, my friend, the value of the paperclip would go up. You see, dear Puuha, the blue species of paper clip is extremely rare and therefore costs more than a puny red paper clip.

    • @soup1758
      @soup1758 4 роки тому +42

      He would own about 54% off the earth's mass

    • @thegamingkids_234
      @thegamingkids_234 4 роки тому +1

      Whoever's reading this remember God loves you so so much

  • @asafvirin2181
    @asafvirin2181 3 роки тому +71

    I actually tried this when I was like 9, but I just gave up because I have too much social anxiety to negotiate with strangers

  • @lukef6940
    @lukef6940 6 років тому +2586

    The fish pen was the coolest thing here and you know it.

  • @TheTrippleTKA
    @TheTrippleTKA 7 років тому +17078

    I never would've traded my fish pen. /The End.

  • @juangonzalez740
    @juangonzalez740 4 роки тому +4067

    Bro, the girls who traded the fish pen could do the exact same thing

    • @フアン-f6e
      @フアン-f6e 4 роки тому +35

      Juan c Gonzalez yeah lmao

    • @mattmarcotte3294
      @mattmarcotte3294 4 роки тому +162

      @@Laser95 so this is where houses come from

    • @rohithreddy75
      @rohithreddy75 4 роки тому +2

      Nice idea

    • @benm5345
      @benm5345 4 роки тому +28

      But where are they going to find another person willing to trade a pen in the shape of a fish?

    • @rayesafan9628
      @rayesafan9628 4 роки тому +34

      Yeah, but it takes time to try to sell something online. And brain effort.
      That's why we find so many things at goodwill.
      And people in the earlier steps were probably more amused with the project than the actual products. (That's why a fish pen was traded for a doorknob of a face, and the doorknob was eventually used for a kettle handle. Quirky people interested in the quirky project.) I think it wasn't until he got to the military guy looking for the burner grill set that people were actually excited for the products.

  • @FunnyKingdom1
    @FunnyKingdom1 3 роки тому +379

    I mean its canada, you could just ask someone for a house and they’d probably give it for free….

    • @commentor5479
      @commentor5479 3 роки тому +15

      House-requestor: "Give me your $460,000-worth house which provides adequate and atleast-average-level comfort for free and without any catch."
      House-possessor: "Sure! Here you go."

    • @asterrixo
      @asterrixo 3 роки тому +9

      cannot confirm, am canadian and i didn't get my house for free. you could probably get a free house by stealing the identity of the original owner though

    • @chrisabdoni925
      @chrisabdoni925 3 роки тому +6

      My parents got a free car, stove, microwave, tv, and designer clothes just from going to downtown and talking to a guy at a restaurant. Canada is good.

    • @chrisabdoni925
      @chrisabdoni925 3 роки тому

      @Parchment Vincent i'm not lying, are you Canadian because only if ur from Canada then you would understand.

    • @Adrian-dl4vo
      @Adrian-dl4vo 3 роки тому

      @@chrisabdoni925 only part i don't believe is the free car. What kind of car is it

  • @slightlyspicysoysauce2332
    @slightlyspicysoysauce2332 5 років тому +2202

    Full path:
    Paperclip
    Fish pen
    Doorknob
    Camping stove
    Electric generator
    Beer keg + Neon sign
    Snowmobile
    Two trips to Canadian Rockies
    Advertisement on TV
    Van
    Recording contract
    Half a duplex
    Afternoon with Alice Cooper
    KISS snowglobe
    Role in a movie
    House

    • @sunmiduo
      @sunmiduo 5 років тому +31

      dang nice, thx

    • @isaiahperry9626
      @isaiahperry9626 5 років тому +47

      that is awesome when you write it down like that. there may or may not be a paperclip/toothpick up for trade on craigslist in the next week or so.....

    • @farklegriffen2624
      @farklegriffen2624 5 років тому +36

      Who would of traded that fish pen... disgraceful

    • @inSotherable
      @inSotherable 5 років тому +2

      Roadhouse

    • @sbradshaw1886
      @sbradshaw1886 5 років тому +7

      How is this not the top comment? Oh yeah people are more intrigued by criticizing someone's success.

  • @Rex-yb2nc
    @Rex-yb2nc 6 років тому +496

    He traded a paperclip for a fish pen a fish pen for a weird doorknob a weird doorknob for a camping stove a camping stove for a generator a generator for a IOU and a Budweiser sign a IOU and a Budweiser sign for a snowmobile a snowmobile for a trip to the Rockies a trip to the Rockies for a truck a truck for a recording contract a recording contract for free rent for a year free rent for a year for a day with Alice Cooper a day with Alice Cooper for a KISS snow-globe a KISS snow-globe for a role in a movie and a role in a movie for a house.
    This totally did not take me forever.

  • @babarmohammad1639
    @babarmohammad1639 7 років тому +1958

    Step 1: get a paper clip
    Step 2: trade the paper clip until you get a house
    Step 3:trade the house for a million paper clips
    Step 4: repeat step 2

    • @fungling7982
      @fungling7982 7 років тому +194

      And start making bots that can trade for you

    • @Games-bb8de
      @Games-bb8de 7 років тому +2

      Babar Moham

    • @themagicman6965
      @themagicman6965 7 років тому +99

      Why stopping at a house? Trade the house till you own the world!

    • @lucaslucas191202
      @lucaslucas191202 7 років тому +76

      CrazySquare i'll just combine this better
      Step 1: get a paper clip
      Step 2: trade the paper clip until you get a house
      Step 3: trade the house for a million paper clips
      Step 4: repeat step 2
      Step 5: Trade for bots that repeat step 2 and 3
      Step 6: Make time machines so you can get your paper clips back before you even traded them, then trade them again

    • @AdamSilverbu
      @AdamSilverbu 7 років тому +45

      And that's the story of how I went from finding a paper clip to owning the entire real estate market and inventing a time machine

  • @VictorAntonioLive
    @VictorAntonioLive 2 роки тому +2

    This has to be the MOST ORIGINAL Ted talk I've ever seen!!!

  • @irictatt
    @irictatt 4 роки тому +3180

    1. Bend the paperclip.
    2. Pick a lock.
    3. Walk into the house saying "This is my house now"
    4. You now own a house.

    • @toasterpirate7912
      @toasterpirate7912 3 роки тому +103

      A Questionable shortcut

    • @iiShqdow
      @iiShqdow 3 роки тому +235

      5. Go to jail
      6. Now you get free food shelter and clothes

    • @tuba2987
      @tuba2987 3 роки тому +23

      @@iiShqdow the end :D

    • @Welther47
      @Welther47 3 роки тому +19

      *3 figure out it's not so easy to pick a lock.
      4 go home and rethink your life.

    • @imnotgoodwithnames8502
      @imnotgoodwithnames8502 3 роки тому +11

      @@Welther47 *3 get something to hold tension. 4 continue to easily unlock your average house lock. 5 walk into your new home and rethink your life in a bed

  • @minecraftexpertproskillz3604
    @minecraftexpertproskillz3604 5 років тому +606

    Did you do it
    Yes
    What did it cost
    *A PAPERCLIP*

  • @grackleklopp9633
    @grackleklopp9633 5 років тому +1289

    Karen took everything, the house, the kids, and even the goddamn fish pen

    • @SimpleInThinking
      @SimpleInThinking 5 років тому +5

      Lol the karen trend is so ridiculous xD

    • @therandomnumber2641
      @therandomnumber2641 5 років тому +3

      "With a Red shiny Paperclip!!!"

    • @ryansawyer5983
      @ryansawyer5983 5 років тому +1

      Lmao

    • @masonp.6255
      @masonp.6255 5 років тому +1

      Man, Karen come back, I miss that fish pen.

    • @madimo2369
      @madimo2369 5 років тому +1

      Duncan Wilsoun Karen please come back I miss the paper clip
      Look up “Karen please come back I miss the kids” by Wilbur soot

  • @jwh0122
    @jwh0122 3 роки тому +16

    12:12 "Yes, let's build something, let's do something together, let's collaborate, let's see what happens". Great mindset! I think it happens more easily in some countries/cultures than in others.

  • @everyoneisdisappointedinme6428
    @everyoneisdisappointedinme6428 5 років тому +2987

    I traded a red paperclip for a yellow paperclip

  • @Faolan_Grey
    @Faolan_Grey 7 років тому +1561

    Dude, I would have kept the fish pen, I've never seen that before.

    • @lucidByte
      @lucidByte 6 років тому +9

      right!

    • @boom-rp7ob
      @boom-rp7ob 6 років тому +3

      Grey Wolf same

    • @NirvanMullick
      @NirvanMullick 6 років тому +23

      Odd fact, I have the fish pen.

    • @aiden2969
      @aiden2969 6 років тому +22

      Nirvan Mullick i will trade you a paper clip for it

    • @Curdisy
      @Curdisy 6 років тому +10

      Paul Davenport I'll give you a doorknob with a face on it

  • @lane8a
    @lane8a 8 років тому +3098

    Doorknob trade is what made it all possible.

    • @donovan7505
      @donovan7505 8 років тому +6

      No the guy did

    • @lane8a
      @lane8a 8 років тому +248

      Doorknob for propane grill was the trade that really helped make this story possible in its original attempt of getting something bigger and better. It later changed into an opportunity for others to get exposure and fame. In my opinion.

    • @nuwbers
      @nuwbers 8 років тому +28

      Lane Ochoa no a paper clip did

    • @alexzielinski6173
      @alexzielinski6173 7 років тому +2

      Nuwbers Crazy by vermouth

    • @medianoob9010
      @medianoob9010 7 років тому +82

      You miss the point. Fame has nothing to do with it. This is a literal representation of 'one person's trash, is another person's treasure'. If you have something that another person really wants, they will be willing to give you so much for it. The snow globe trade to be a prime example!

  • @keriddunk1520
    @keriddunk1520 2 роки тому +12

    This seriously, if true, is one of the best feel-good stories that I have heard. Could turn into a movie.

  • @CHAOS_6E
    @CHAOS_6E 4 роки тому +251

    I love how TED used a thumbnail of him without his hands up.

  • @xHarlequin
    @xHarlequin 4 роки тому +5360

    For anyone wondering, he turned the house into a café. It’s called “Paperclip Cottage”

    • @tintschi2049
      @tintschi2049 4 роки тому +147

      That's really cool actually!

    • @zuperpiplup13
      @zuperpiplup13 4 роки тому +68

      That’s wholesome

    • @soup6482
      @soup6482 4 роки тому +110

      I was not wondering but thank you for sharing

    • @larseirikfodnes4361
      @larseirikfodnes4361 4 роки тому +62

      Crazy how a red paperclip became the foundation for a real business... you just can't make that kind of stuff up 😂

    • @thegamingkids_234
      @thegamingkids_234 4 роки тому +30

      Whoever's reading this remember God loves you so so much

  • @grackleklopp9633
    @grackleklopp9633 6 років тому +2536

    Ted talks but does ted listen

  • @imperialthreat
    @imperialthreat 7 місяців тому +2

    I think this is my favorite Ted talk. Truthfully. I can’t remember any others right now but still

  • @PariosLablo
    @PariosLablo 5 років тому +7263

    I started as a fetus and now I’m a disappointment

    • @What-xe7hx
      @What-xe7hx 5 років тому +31

      Moss what a mood

    • @Regimeshifts
      @Regimeshifts 5 років тому +42

      Well, at least you are a BIG disappointment. Not everyone achieves that. Well done buddy

    • @jamiewelsh5293
      @jamiewelsh5293 5 років тому +1

      💀

    • @BluehemLive
      @BluehemLive 5 років тому +1

      Everyone starts somewhere 🙂

    • @Ian_Quattlebaum
      @Ian_Quattlebaum 5 років тому +2

      You started as a cell

  • @Ori-ww7ej
    @Ori-ww7ej 6 років тому +836

    This past Tuesday I was trying to stay up as late as possible, and I found a penny on the floor of my dorm hallway. I decided to try trading it. This was the trade process, done in 2 hours with random people at my dorm:
    Penny --> cough drop --> 4 pieces of notebook paper --> 2 pieces of gum --> a sharpie --> a jar of salsa --> a metal Texas A&M water bottle --> A bluetooth speaker that lights up --> a 1TB portable external hard drive --> a brand new 11" 2-in-1 Dell Inspiron laptop, touch screen and all.
    One of the best experiences of my life. People in my dorm now refer to me as the "guy who traded a penny for a laptop".

    • @masonsachs9681
      @masonsachs9681 6 років тому +5

      nice

    • @DanyPeter
      @DanyPeter 6 років тому +81

      are you liying.

    • @wittyusername9544
      @wittyusername9544 6 років тому +205

      Those trades are unbalanced. A $50 hard drive for a new $300 laptop? Nah

    • @gligurr
      @gligurr 6 років тому +159

      r/thathappened

    • @theblockbreakerpog
      @theblockbreakerpog 6 років тому +60

      Witty Username, if the 1TB Hard drive was SSD, it could easily be $200-$250 in USD. I have a 1TB of HDD, and it was $150; SSDs are rather expensive when compared. So, it's not impossible I guess.

  • @kilzyhere1797
    @kilzyhere1797 7 років тому +3964

    I just bought a box of paper clips.

    • @snapwizaard
      @snapwizaard 7 років тому +638

      (Correction) You bought a box of houses

    • @shandaweeks1901
      @shandaweeks1901 7 років тому +83

      SnapWizaard darn right

    • @alexsmith3045
      @alexsmith3045 6 років тому +248

      You just bought a town

    • @kayzack349
      @kayzack349 6 років тому +107

      Wow..you can make a city out of it..go for it

    • @saeedalzarooni3586
      @saeedalzarooni3586 6 років тому +11

      KilzyHere now u have a box of housed

  • @szissor156
    @szissor156 3 роки тому +2

    Every two years or so I come back and watch this video. Amazes me every time I watch it :)

  • @HowdyDo42
    @HowdyDo42 5 років тому +778

    2:45 someone got fired over that editing

    • @iarmycombo5659
      @iarmycombo5659 5 років тому +28

      i bet

    • @matthewbrousseau7960
      @matthewbrousseau7960 4 роки тому +80

      I know I was like let us watch the damn video

    • @SamoScopom
      @SamoScopom 4 роки тому +76

      worked on TEDx events. there are a lot of moving parts and as a organizer you are required to upload the videos pretty quickly. Meaning, that if the video firm doesn't get the source video on time, then it doesn't make it into the edit, and therefore not on youtube. I understand that this is a lame excuse, but I can see it happening.

    • @ElsewhereGaming
      @ElsewhereGaming 4 роки тому +12

      They couldn't censor the video so they cut away from it.

    • @Mrnucklebuck
      @Mrnucklebuck 4 роки тому +5

      That’s sad

  • @cornbread4535
    @cornbread4535 8 років тому +1296

    I gotta go look for a paper clip...

    • @Dylan-xl9gp
      @Dylan-xl9gp 8 років тому +3

      Corn Bread o snap, I don't have one!

    • @davidbeauchemin1840
      @davidbeauchemin1840 7 років тому +24

      The magic of this is it can be anything, but you need to know the value of what you're trading for.

    • @motalota7866
      @motalota7866 7 років тому +2

      Corn Bread lol

    • @joshuapalafox8079
      @joshuapalafox8079 7 років тому +6

      Corn Bread lol

    • @unicockboy1666
      @unicockboy1666 7 років тому +4

      Corn Bread Just trade it for your house?!

  • @CiroSantilli
    @CiroSantilli 8 років тому +1861

    Awesome, but obviously the real trading value became his fame at some point.

    • @gamingbutnotreally6077
      @gamingbutnotreally6077 8 років тому +33

      Really true

    • @somerando2709
      @somerando2709 8 років тому +160

      Ciro Santilli And that all came from a paperclip.

    • @nullx8
      @nullx8 7 років тому +16

      Thats what the story is about "real value" is not about what you can buy.

    • @wamatt2476
      @wamatt2476 7 років тому +13

      Agree I'd love to see a another example of someone trying to do this anonymously, and see how far they could go.

    • @sliceofbread6929
      @sliceofbread6929 6 років тому

      I'd agree

  • @ckw8456
    @ckw8456 4 місяці тому +1

    Love it! Definitely one of the best TEDx Talks I've heard!

  • @JToroide
    @JToroide 6 років тому +1630

    fish pen>house

  • @M17_Max
    @M17_Max 5 років тому +2229

    So I have a paperclip. Does anybody have a house? Will also accept a fish pen

    • @YoAbdi
      @YoAbdi 5 років тому +13

      ha

    • @dudepool7530
      @dudepool7530 5 років тому +76

      damn, so close. I have a parrot pen...

    • @Gay_Jesus
      @Gay_Jesus 5 років тому +3

      @Doni Bobes why do you even try we know you're fake

    • @thatsstoguy
      @thatsstoguy 5 років тому +33

      U want a dead body?

    • @maeg.9123
      @maeg.9123 5 років тому +3

      @@thatsstoguy and i oop

  • @jackd4
    @jackd4 7 років тому +546

    This should be made into a movie.

  • @Cybernaut551
    @Cybernaut551 3 роки тому

    This has got to be my first TEDx Talk that I have seen on UA-cam.

  • @anthonykf99
    @anthonykf99 7 років тому +4449

    Instructions weren't clear, I traded my house for a paper clip.

  • @HankTheTank23
    @HankTheTank23 8 років тому +2014

    The hardest trade had to be the first. Who the hell wants a paperclip?

    • @KevinBolsajian
      @KevinBolsajian 8 років тому +37

      Me

    • @martinm.1371
      @martinm.1371 8 років тому +22

      Me

    • @laxpuer
      @laxpuer 8 років тому

      +Kevin Bolsajian +unbreakable insa what will you give me for it?

    • @nickwongold
      @nickwongold 8 років тому +188

      You need to find someone with a sense of humor.

    • @neelparmar6690
      @neelparmar6690 8 років тому +37

      Someone wanting to own a famous paper clip I guess.

  • @penguintigerking102
    @penguintigerking102 7 років тому +1162

    Mom I'm a 32 year old man and I need to find a paperclip.
    My Future house depends on this.

    • @graciechoogi
      @graciechoogi 6 років тому +20

      a red paperclip

    • @gavinclark525
      @gavinclark525 6 років тому +9

      Grace Chyu yes that part is VERY immportant

    • @el3mnt477
      @el3mnt477 6 років тому +2

      PenguinTiger King I’ve got a blue paper clip

    • @redakdal
      @redakdal 6 років тому +4

      EL3MENT well looks like you don't get a house
      It needs to be red

    • @danishqureshi8583
      @danishqureshi8583 6 років тому

      I have a maroon paper clip..

  • @SpiritRelieveMusic
    @SpiritRelieveMusic 3 роки тому +6

    Things to quit right now:
    1. Overthinking
    2. Worrying
    3. Trying to make everyone happy
    4. Living in the past
    5. Doubting yourself

  • @claiminglight
    @claiminglight 4 роки тому +922

    This is a great story. But it also pretty much just tells us what we already know: if you go viral, people will give you things.

  • @Kaircic
    @Kaircic 5 років тому +1617

    Real Estate Agent: We're selling this house for $300,000.
    Me: I have one red paper clip.
    Real Estate Agent: I'lL TaKe yOUr ENtiRE stOCk

    • @wero2661
      @wero2661 5 років тому +7

      Love memes

    • @fredess3737
      @fredess3737 5 років тому +5

      Now that’s how you invest in stonks

    • @HowdyDo42
      @HowdyDo42 5 років тому

      Thousandth like

  • @kinglionelmessi
    @kinglionelmessi 7 років тому +251

    One time my friends and I tried this, we started with a pencil and went door to door asking if people wanted to trade. Within a matter of hours we had a fully functional TV and a wii, we tried this again and within 2 hours went from a pencil to a fish tank, a washer machine, and a TV. It made me realize that sometimes to get what you want, all you have to do is ask.

    • @RacingCart
      @RacingCart 7 років тому +30

      Yeah that's actually one of my quotes "You can get a lot more from life simply by asking"

    • @ethan7744
      @ethan7744 7 років тому +1

      kinglionelmessi omg so true

    • @ToniVucic
      @ToniVucic 7 років тому

      kinglionelmessi Awesome!

    • @104spun
      @104spun 7 років тому +12

      well it can't be hard getting what you want if you are Lionel Messi

    • @baseerahmad5396
      @baseerahmad5396 7 років тому +4

      jojotube157 what is hard, is getting into that position for which he put in hours of dedication and hard work.

  • @Bobin-tu5bh
    @Bobin-tu5bh 3 роки тому +209

    pov: this isn't him, he traded his identity for a space expedition ticket from elon musk

    • @apocalypticblox2346
      @apocalypticblox2346 3 роки тому +13

      That’s not a point of view, that’s a plot twist.

    • @clownfish5371
      @clownfish5371 3 роки тому +1

      he'd trade that for the role of president instead

  • @quickwaffles2222
    @quickwaffles2222 8 років тому +3430

    I went from a paper clip to a bag of chips. THATS GOOD VALUE

    • @oliviadaley3386
      @oliviadaley3386 8 років тому +1

      Quick Waffles222 haha

    • @stupidrainbo
      @stupidrainbo 7 років тому +48

      A pack of paperclips is a dollar (I think?) -- ONE bag of chips is $1+ !

    • @arip.
      @arip. 7 років тому +161

      Quick Waffles222 bag of air*

    • @peeonablanket3069
      @peeonablanket3069 7 років тому

      DodaShadow sure you did

    • @beckyg9831
      @beckyg9831 7 років тому +3

      Because it is the size of your finger lol.

  • @arkrose845
    @arkrose845 6 років тому +509

    Speech: 100

  • @spongebobboxpants6808
    @spongebobboxpants6808 8 років тому +1786

    I started with a paperclip and ended with a Lamborghini.
    I used the paperclip as a key to hijack the Lambo's door open.

  • @alexcj3250
    @alexcj3250 3 роки тому +8

    *"He's a man of focus, commitment, and sheer f**king will"*

  • @Angelo-ki4vw
    @Angelo-ki4vw 4 роки тому +1510

    Then he traded the house for “magic beans” from a salesman

  • @captainjacksparrow1518
    @captainjacksparrow1518 6 років тому +767

    I've been stuck on paper clip for 2 years now...

    • @123youtue1
      @123youtue1 6 років тому +19

      Have you tried posting it on Craigslist?

    • @casewhite5048
      @casewhite5048 6 років тому +14

      it has to be red lol try bending it into a weird shape

    • @whodat9890
      @whodat9890 6 років тому +1

      ill trade you for a old pair of shoes

    • @casewhite5048
      @casewhite5048 6 років тому +1

      Trade you a dart board

    • @gavincheong9223
      @gavincheong9223 5 років тому

      I trade for I pen After that I traded for$2

  • @prabbypatty9163
    @prabbypatty9163 7 років тому +228

    I went from a paperclip to a BIG paper clip!
    Profit

  • @vacuumcleaner9595
    @vacuumcleaner9595 3 роки тому +7

    This is the only Ted talk that I’ve ever looked up to watch

  • @way3_klmt150
    @way3_klmt150 6 років тому +791

    is this patched?

    • @kotarodesu_23
      @kotarodesu_23 6 років тому +40

      No, it was probably implemented as a feature though

    • @reanimator7288
      @reanimator7288 6 років тому +46

      Don't worry guys. God said it'll be patched in update 3009.2

    • @xdelic6485
      @xdelic6485 6 років тому +3

      Performing Dog Lmfao 😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @bool2max
      @bool2max 6 років тому +11

      /r/outside

    • @Peace-vl9jj
      @Peace-vl9jj 6 років тому +2

      333rd like
      Hope you get 333 more.

  • @colin7532
    @colin7532 6 років тому +463

    "This has been the worst trade deal in the history of trade deals, maybe ever." -Donald J. Trump, 45th US president

  • @mr.celery4685
    @mr.celery4685 7 років тому +3331

    "This is the worst trade deal possibly in the history of trade deals"

  • @quicktutorialschannel2884
    @quicktutorialschannel2884 2 роки тому +3

    This is definitely the best Ted show I've ever seen in my entire life you can learn so much about human nature innovation and other cool stuff that will make your journey in life so much better and so much stronger

  • @lukef6940
    @lukef6940 6 років тому +998

    Paper clip
    Fish pen
    Weird face door knob
    Camp stove
    Generator
    Empty keg and Budweiser beer sign
    Snowmobile
    Trip to Yahk
    Van
    Recording contract
    1 year rent in duplex
    Afternoon with Alice Cooper
    KISS snow globe
    Role in movie
    House

    • @WarriorPaxo
      @WarriorPaxo 6 років тому +52

      15 trades... its pretty remarkable.

    • @HSMak
      @HSMak 6 років тому +96

      The toughest, most unrealistic trade that really helped this process was trading an old used beer keg for a nice, working snowmobile.
      You’re really not gonna be able to find very many opportunities to make that sort of trade.
      The rest of the trades seem relatively reasonable. The snow globe one is questionable but the value of whoever participated in a trade by that point had morphed into being part of a publicity stunt.

    • @stillthepillar684
      @stillthepillar684 6 років тому +19

      What made all this happen was exposure. That alone would cost you tens of thousands unless someone is doing you a favor. Congrats on showing how capitalism works in an attempt to "stick it to the man"...

    • @jakobbeelar
      @jakobbeelar 6 років тому +4

      I thought it was the beginning to fairly odd parents at first

    • @ericrenquist6494
      @ericrenquist6494 6 років тому +7

      Why would you trade an afternoon with Alice cooper for a kiss snow globe?

  • @gunhead7159
    @gunhead7159 6 років тому +2915

    Imagine what I could get with a toothpick

  • @nomorefortniteguy7800
    @nomorefortniteguy7800 7 років тому +768

    Not to really nitpick, but a lot of his opportunities came from word of mouth and social media fame no? He mentions it a few times during his talk about how they had heard about him trading etc etc they wanted in.

    • @SampleAndrew
      @SampleAndrew 6 років тому +179

      Somepaintballguy exactly was i was thinking. Take the news and social media out of it and no way hes getting a house. Sorry.

    • @juniorlimma8100
      @juniorlimma8100 6 років тому +75

      Somepaintballguy but being a trader includes this

    • @abhayjitthind6420
      @abhayjitthind6420 6 років тому +30

      Incredible things CAN (not WILL) happen when one thinks what others aren't. Maybe we can conclude this.

    • @dannybou-maroun8028
      @dannybou-maroun8028 6 років тому +25

      he never said that it was by trading only that he got there.. the social media stuff was part of it, but it did all happen because he did something about it and worked hard to get there! And a little luck of course

    • @rjrafol275
      @rjrafol275 6 років тому +33

      well the social media thing worked because of the story that he started trading from a paper clip... so it's still because of the paper clip...

  • @deadsilentzzz5737
    @deadsilentzzz5737 3 роки тому +18

    I’ve been doing the paperclip challenge at my school every year on April 10th. From when I was in 6th grade to now when I’m in 10th I’ve gotten some pretty great stuff that I still keep and cherish

    • @sockmonkey448
      @sockmonkey448 3 роки тому +1

      Oh, that's so cool! What did you get?

    • @paxhumana2015
      @paxhumana2015 2 роки тому +1

      DeadSilentzzz, I agree with the other person...I too am curious as to what you have traded up to in your life.

  • @NamiberGames
    @NamiberGames 7 років тому +2659

    I wish trading csgo knives were that easy...

    • @jolez_4869
      @jolez_4869 7 років тому +31

      Trade paperclip to a van and buy 10 knifes

    • @nikidino8
      @nikidino8 7 років тому +9

      actually it's not that hard, the thing is you NEED to talk to the others, be nice and smart und you can earn 50 $ a day, also: the better the weapon the easier the trade ^^

    • @theX24968Z
      @theX24968Z 7 років тому +5

      or just get a job and buy them

    • @subswithnovideoschallang-qu4jb
      @subswithnovideoschallang-qu4jb 7 років тому

      Namiber - Any Time is TimeLapse Time! XD

    • @thisaccountisntreal107
      @thisaccountisntreal107 7 років тому +5

      It actually used to be exactly that easy if you knew what you were doing. Sadly after valve tried "fixing" their inventory and trading system its not really doable

  • @hypnoticturtle9384
    @hypnoticturtle9384 6 років тому +749

    When will the infamous Ted show up to the Talk?

    • @voyagereternal11
      @voyagereternal11 6 років тому +107

      Hypnotic Turtle the final boss

    • @ItsJosiahKopp
      @ItsJosiahKopp 6 років тому +45

      Hypnotic Turtle Ted isn’t a person. TED stands for Technology, Engineering, and Design.

    • @lv3234
      @lv3234 6 років тому +105

      woooosh

    • @r0ng079
      @r0ng079 6 років тому +61

      NRIC43 /r/whooosh

    • @rooiflitz
      @rooiflitz 6 років тому +49

      NRIC43 Wooooooooosh

  • @charliedoubleyoy
    @charliedoubleyoy 5 років тому +461

    "And what kind of payment are you using?"
    "uhhh paper clip"

    • @Oskuro_
      @Oskuro_ 5 років тому +6

      Sold

    • @Adomas_B
      @Adomas_B 4 роки тому +2

      What's the paperclip-pencil exchange rate

  • @ImTheDaveman
    @ImTheDaveman 3 роки тому +2

    I've watched some amazing and not so amazing UA-cam videos today. I gotta say without a doubt THIS ONE is perhaps the best one I've seen all month long! Keep in mind, there's been some amazing stuff - but this one is The Best!

  • @benpadilla4109
    @benpadilla4109 5 років тому +1407

    I wasted 10 minutes of my life watching this video when I could have been trading my worn down shoes for a cruise ship.

    • @soupxv213
      @soupxv213 5 років тому +19

      Better yet a armada of Soviet era warships and submarines for a Pepsi

    • @Weird04Life
      @Weird04Life 4 роки тому +2

      You have as many likes as days in a year good job

    • @zacozacoify
      @zacozacoify 4 роки тому

      Are you a Martian?

    • @beedebawng2556
      @beedebawng2556 4 роки тому

      😂 😂 😂

    • @hellatze
      @hellatze 4 роки тому +2

      You "can" if that shoe have historical / event that have it value.

  • @AageV
    @AageV 8 років тому +23350

    I edited this comment, so now nobody will ever know what got me this many likes! 😘

  • @micahwhite8621
    @micahwhite8621 7 років тому +156

    I've done this like ten times it actually works
    thanks

    • @notimportant5894
      @notimportant5894 7 років тому +43

      lonely potatoelovingpeeps how many houses do you have?

    • @Natalatalei
      @Natalatalei 7 років тому +80

      briana popejoy ten

    • @marissagwen
      @marissagwen 6 років тому +5

      You got ten houses?

    • @Pandacalifornia
      @Pandacalifornia 6 років тому +1

      Ten trades total or ten trade chains total?

    • @joebob283
      @joebob283 6 років тому +3

      Micah White, what have you traded up to? I'd be down for trading if you're still into it.

  • @Rhovanion85
    @Rhovanion85 3 роки тому +7

    He worked so hard for it, I think that's just how economy works. You work and increase value of things and make people's lives better.

  • @hotstockgirl9625
    @hotstockgirl9625 6 років тому +1900

    I would buy a box of paperclips and trade it up for a wealthy gated community.

    • @SynthApprentice
      @SynthApprentice 6 років тому +8

      So what's stopping you?

    • @hotstockgirl9625
      @hotstockgirl9625 6 років тому +17

      @@SynthApprentice Doesn't really work.

    • @SynthApprentice
      @SynthApprentice 6 років тому +15

      @@hotstockgirl9625 it does if you do it right, but you can't do it right if you don't do it at all.

    • @scottkaplan3975
      @scottkaplan3975 6 років тому +2

      lol , i made losses when i started investing into cryptocurrency, but i remained steadfast and HODL on, today i make over $30,000 in 2 months, for me this is wealth creation and i just have to keep loading my bank and investing into real estate. guys invest in digital currencies, i can help you get started or get you introduce to my mentor/life coach

    • @proex7482
      @proex7482 5 років тому

      I am your 666th like.

  • @joonk169
    @joonk169 5 років тому +890

    moral of the story: a house in middle of nowhere is worth a paperclip.

    • @luisserna773
      @luisserna773 5 років тому +4

      Joon K it’s not worth a paper clip.

    • @Lightflames85
      @Lightflames85 5 років тому +26

      you never know what a house in the middle of nowhere is worth to someone out there on the internet.

    • @tomcruz9118
      @tomcruz9118 5 років тому +3

      Just rent it out

    • @davidkroeker8269
      @davidkroeker8269 5 років тому +26

      Ever tried living in the middle of nowhere? It’s nice, peaceful. Worth at least 2 red paper clips

    • @SuperGuitarboyz
      @SuperGuitarboyz 5 років тому +1

      funny af bro hahahaha

  • @xVeksu
    @xVeksu 8 років тому +1937

    CS:GO Trading from nothing to a knife.

    • @thesaltycactus1220
      @thesaltycactus1220 8 років тому

      lol

    • @RuthlessWillGaming
      @RuthlessWillGaming 8 років тому +14

      thats all ive been thinking about.

    • @xVeksu
      @xVeksu 8 років тому

      ***** :D

    • @eliaspakkanen1402
      @eliaspakkanen1402 8 років тому +3

      Been there, and done that in 2 weeks. Not so hard :D

    • @xVeksu
      @xVeksu 8 років тому

      ***** i went from 30€ to 400€ and cashed out 200€ (and lost else)ty everyone

  • @alfiedj
    @alfiedj 2 роки тому +4

    Amazing story. Goes to show that a little idea could develop into something much more.

  • @Joooools
    @Joooools 6 років тому +157

    After he bought the snow globe I got excited because i thought he was going to keep downgrading until he traded for the red paperclip.
    It was a cool story though.

  • @ChaoticMatters
    @ChaoticMatters 8 років тому +523

    I feel like it's different now. Everyone was following this story, they wanted to be a part of it. No ones gonna care if someone does it today

    • @angelvillicana5756
      @angelvillicana5756 8 років тому +9

      There actually a tv show about people who do it

    • @fbbsnation8589
      @fbbsnation8589 8 років тому +2

      +Angel Villicana what is it called

    • @CainPeel
      @CainPeel 8 років тому

      I need to know the name of this show

    • @ChaoticMatters
      @ChaoticMatters 8 років тому +1

      maybe he's talking about Barter Kings but they don't start with a paper clip. I can't imagine anyone wanting a paperclip. Makes no sense to me

    • @7Tijntje
      @7Tijntje 8 років тому +22

      I'm absolutely certain you can find some bored teenagers who are willing to trade a paperclip for basically anything under 5$

  • @whatamidoingwithmylife3842
    @whatamidoingwithmylife3842 5 років тому +751

    *when you trick a kid into giving you $1.20 when you give them $1.00*

    • @shadowcaster8276
      @shadowcaster8276 5 років тому +2

      GunMar roblox? Eoo?

    • @Rafa-cm9no
      @Rafa-cm9no 5 років тому +4

      Stonks

    • @Derpity
      @Derpity 5 років тому +2

      Stonks

    • @sznmae3716
      @sznmae3716 5 років тому +1

      This is actually smart

    • @thegreatape5774
      @thegreatape5774 5 років тому +3

      when you trade them a penny for dime because its bigger so that means its worth more money

  • @bFOURdwZEROlf
    @bFOURdwZEROlf Рік тому +1

    I love this story

  • @FromDream2RealityNow
    @FromDream2RealityNow 6 років тому +627

    Not trying to be negative because I love this video and concept, but it seems like this guy was connected and knew people already. It seems like he went into this as an “idea” to pitch to people. He traded things but was really selling a piece of a compelling story that would later be publicized. Very smart on his part but I doubt many trades would have gone that way in real life. People were more compelled by the story rather than the trades in my opinion. Still, very smart though.

    • @t0pz87
      @t0pz87 6 років тому +76

      exactly. what bothered me a little is the misleading nature of the TED talk. If he wanted to speak absolute truth, he would have titled it: how to turn a story into a house. Because in reality, he didnt just trade a paperclip into a bunch of other items, he documented and published every step of the way and had followers who were interested in how far the trade could go. This following resulted in a bit of attention by potential "trade partners", media outlets, organizations, etc. who were offering him things in return for a bit of publicity.
      I mean, i love every bit of that process but it would have been great to not leave out the real reasons for this success. I guess he kind of touched on it in the end, that it was "people" but he knew the reason was his publishing of the story rather than the act of trading.

    • @DJ-toblerone
      @DJ-toblerone 6 років тому +5

      ​@@t0pz87 The TED talk is the real goal. It's not about what happened, it's the product.

    • @bluestreak711
      @bluestreak711 5 років тому +6

      My family traded two junk cars once for a car that ran. I kept the car for years and drove it across four states and 1200 miles. I am inspired to do it again.

    • @Mehwhatevr
      @Mehwhatevr 5 років тому +13

      That's what I've been saying. some of the trades seemed genuine, but it didn't take me long to realize that the word about his project was out and most of these "trades" were donations. I'm not saying that both parties didn't mutually benefit, but people with items of value were contacting him offering him stuff if he could find something worth trading to them. to be a part of the story and the publicity. this doesn't happen in the real world when you are truly just trading on the merit of the object.
      I believe it is possible to trade up to a house from something like a paperclip. but in reality it would be much slower than this. Other people have compared this to Dwight's "art of the swap," and his trade sequence is much more realistic.

    • @p.newsman
      @p.newsman 5 років тому +1

      meh! so this could be all about the (naturally) missing link (to the media and public, and how important it is to gain that kind of publicity if you want something more from a paperclip and your life than "just normal"...)

  • @zachw5500
    @zachw5500 6 років тому +564

    The real winner was the guy that traded away a snowglobe.

    • @amyx231
      @amyx231 6 років тому +1

      Agreed.

  • @Adomas_B
    @Adomas_B 4 роки тому +1867

    Why would you trade an interesting looking pen for 7cm of red metal wire

  • @jv_marchiori
    @jv_marchiori 3 місяці тому

    When I saw that this was uploaded 8 years ago I thought "makes sense, the red paper clip story was all the rage in the late 2000s", it took me a second to realise it was 2015, I still can't quite believe it.

  • @charlotteszabo9347
    @charlotteszabo9347 5 років тому +201

    my friend and I did this but with an air freshener and so far we have a series of items worth $456 and still going

    • @kylemiller2414
      @kylemiller2414 5 років тому +23

      Good luck. Seriously.

    • @jimjam2024
      @jimjam2024 5 років тому +20

      @@thedominantone4264 We found the guy that takes jokes seriously.

    • @hemis1861
      @hemis1861 5 років тому +1

      @@thedominantone4264 open bob badass B)

    • @thedominantone4264
      @thedominantone4264 5 років тому +3

      @Cult Mechanicus
      My life is absolutely amazing dude... I think you are feeling depressed 😂

    • @thedominantone4264
      @thedominantone4264 5 років тому +1

      @@hemis1861
      😁