Is There a Savage Bump?

One of the funnier news releases that came across my desktop this week was for a study conducted by University of California political science professor James H. Fowler. Professor Fowler wanted to see if there was any truth to the self-proclaimed “Colbert Bump” touted by Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. Colbert has often joked-seriously about the popularity boost an appearance on his show offers politicians. Fowler found that “democratic politicians receive a 40% increase in contributions in the 30 days after appearing on the comedy cable show.”

Reading this I immediately thought of Dan Savage and his Savage Love column. Over the years I’ve been quoted and featured in a lot of print, radio, and TV media. But without fail the mentions I’ve had in a Savage Love have resulted in the biggest public response. I’m always amazed that I get more email and hear about a greater increase in book sales after a Savage Love nod than anywhere else. I’ve often wondered if other people or causes have noticed a similar Savage Bump. If so, I think the first thing we need to do is come up with a better term since “savage bump” sounds like something you get after a bad fall, or a really bad sex move from the 70s.

Read more – American Political Science Association: Measuring the “Colbert Bump”: Do Politicians Raise More Funds After Appearing on The Colbert Report Comedy Show?

Related – Savage Love

_{Photo courtesy of The Stranger}