Recognition by Nielsen Will Get You a Grande Caramel Macchiato, but Only if You Have $4.07 in Your Pocket
Every once in a while, this site gets listed in some sort of "best" or "most influential" or whatever list. Every time it happens, someone asks what I get for being on such a list. The answer to that question is very simple--I get a lot of spam. A LOT OF SPAM.
I get emails addressed to "Blogger" or "Site owner" or "Ms. " (seriously, they just leave it blank) asking me to post about some fantastic product, some crazy concept, or whatever. In case the salutation didn't make me think they just pulled my email address off some odd list, they usually go on to ask for help with something that isn't even remotely within the realm of appropriate for this space. There have been offers to review "adult toys," requests to post press releases about some new computer game perfect for a grade school boy, and a whole slew of just plain ridiculous things. For example, I (as well as hundreds of other bloggers) was once asked to post a plea to my readers asking them to sign a petition to end 2009 a month early because it was such a lousy year.
I wish that was even the funniest one I've ever gotten. It's not. We'll just leave the Best Of left unstated because it was that bad.
Anyway, my answer to the spam is quite simple: Delete! Delete! Delete! I rarely even bother to open emails if I don't recognize the sender's email address. Sometimes I'll skim them just for entertainment, but usually the spam-riffic PR emails don't even make it onto my radar. I'm just not into that whole thing.
However, once in a while, something about a pitch will catch my attention. Recently, I got one that definitely caught my attention. You can find out about it over on my Reviews page.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Reader Comments (6)
Okay, you have to spill about the Best Spam Ever. Inquiring minds want to know.
I gotta agree with Karen. This sounds funny and like something you need to get off you chest. Really. It'll make you feel better.
OK, maybe not, but I'd still like to know. ;-)
I third what the other two said: you need to post about these insane e-mails :)
Post it. That is all.
I delete 90% of what comes in as well. Of the 10% I respond to, my favorite is when the original sender then doesn't even bother to respond to me. Great job, PR companies. Great job.
I am all excited and stuff, but I was *so* hoping it was a mock review. Le sigh. I need some good snark to distract me.