The dictionary definition of spam is "a disruptive, esp. commercial message posted on a computer network or sent as e-mail".
Occasionally, depending on my mood, I reply to them. I like to think of it as public relations activism ;)
My pet hates include emails with attachments (big PDFs) from people I don't know with nothing but a signature and phone numbers in the email message; and also those postings that ask me to click on a link to something when I don't know either the person or their company.
Something else that drives me insane is when people don't bother to respond for months - even a one word reply that says, "Cool" or "Nice" or "Ok" or "Done". And then, out of the blue they email me asking for help/advice or to do something for them when they've friggin' ignored me... hrrumpf! I'm taking a stand on these too.
My theory is that if you want something from someone, even their attention, you should take a few minutes to communicate clearly with them.
I received an email late last night from a guy in Cape Town. I replied. He replied. I replied. He replied. He seems like a decent guy and his work is probably credible and good, but he doesn't have a clue when it comes to emails. Perhaps our interaction will be of benefit to his business.
The emails follow in chronological order. I've change his company name to 'Yellow Banana', which is not its real name. I'm in purple. 'Joe' is in blue. (Cee, I know you'll enjoy this).
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2010 11:45 PM
Subject: Yellow Banana website has launched
Hi Lisa,
Hope you are well. Check out www.yellowbanana.co.za to view our new site.
Cheers
Joe
Creative Director
(with contact details)
On 19 Nov 2010, at 12:19 AM, Lisa @ AR wrote:
Heya Joe,
Mmmm... Am I meant to know what this is? Can't place you either. Out of context - and it is late.
And I don't click on links unless I know what it is about...
Lisa
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 12:31 AM
Hi Lisa,
It's just a link to our new website showcasing some of our work. Yellow Banana is a graphic design company. I sent out a whole bunch of automated emails to my entire address book.
I can't place you either, but if you need any design work done you now know who to call ; )
Keep well
Joe
Creative Director
On 19 Nov 2010, at 8:26 AM, Lisa @ AR wrote:
Heya Joe,
Here's a tip... (I'm in public relations and media).
Your first email looks like spam - which it is. I emailed back because I do that occasionally when people don't seem to have a clue. Don't take offense from my comment, it just is. And if my reply to you can make a difference and stop stupid emails in my inbox, then I've succeeded.
If you want people to interact and respond to what you send out, especially when people don't know who the hell you are, then write them a decent email.
I have amended what you sent me - I've made up the content, obviously.
Hi Lisa,
Hope you are well.
Our company, Yellow Banana, is a graphic design company based in Cape Town. We have recently revamped our website to showcase some of our work from this year. Although our gallery of flyers and brochures is striking, we specialise in the design of company logos, creating something to complement the spirit of the organisation. Our favourites from 2010 include the whacky character spiral for Monkey Pie, the green-themed baobab illustration for Bigger 'n Better and 'James', the friendly frog for the Frog Preservation Society.
Our new website can be viewed at www.yellowbanana.co.za. To view our favourite designs from this year, click on the link for 'Gallery'.
Cheers
Joe
Creative Director
Lisa
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 10:55 AM
Thanks Lisa, have a wonderful day.
Cheers
Joe
Creative Director
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