We learn from other people's mistakes, so here goes a prime example of what not to write in an email message if you want to get results.
First off, this person put Joan Stewart's name in the subject line: "The Publicity Hound Sent Me". That's a good way to get me to open up your email, but you better be sure it's true or you'll piss me off. In this case, if it were true, then the sender wouldn't have written what she did...
"Dear Denise"... the email begins. Only I'm Patsi. To be fair, we both get email at that address, but still...
"I invite you to help create an international buzz this year for "XXX Days" in Northern California.
Just take a look at Project-XXX.
I think you will agree, along with the Fox News Channel, that there is an upside to slowing down and that it is alive and well in XXX, CA - especially during Father's Day Weekend.
Simply spread the news by "paying it forward." Your help will be greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, just let me know.
Sincerely,
XXXX
The sender's so totally wrapped up with their own project that he/she neglects to give me any reason I should care. Where are the benefits? Where are the reasons I should click on the link to find out more?
Okay, you may say it's in the 3rd paragraph where she mentions Fox TV and slowing down. As soon as I finish yawning, I'll care.
Whoops, I deleted it. But then I retrieved it and decided to blog about it. I might have let it go, but the person annoyed me by getting me to read it by using The Publicity Hound in the subject line, so he/she deserves my criticism. Don't do that, whoever you are, unless it's true. Joan wouldn't tell anyone to send out an email like this, she's too smart.
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Yes, I got this email too and deleted it. If this person had done their homework, they would know this isn't something relevant to our readers or the topics we post about. S/He could use our How to Pitch Bloggers program! http://www.howtopitchbloggers.com
Posted by: Denise aka The Blog Squad | May 21, 2007 at 10:58 AM