The Wrong Blogger

I've written a few times now about how frustrated I get when I receive emails wanting to add links onto my blog, offer me an item or event to review, do a sponsored post, or, my biggest bug bear, offering me content for my blog that is "guaranteed to increase traffic and improve my content". I read many brilliant reviews, some of which I've used to buy certain items or visit particular places, but I made a point of including a page on this blog called "About Me" which says in very simple terms that I don't work with outside companies or PR's. I obviously don't expect every one to read it but it would be nice if some companies who think I will offer them blog space did read that page; it would take all of two minutes maximum.

I've been involved in conversations online with people who have received emails from PR's and companies that have been intended for a different blogger, one who has absolutely no relevance to the actual recipient. Part of me understands how busy these people are and that they often work from a list they have been given by their superior. But yesterday I received one such email that was intended for fellow blogger, Ellen Arnison, whom I admire and respect and who's blog is exceptional. The company's representative was offering content of which this blogger really doesn't need, due to her ability to write perfectly good content herself. These emails actually piss me off. Some bloggers say delete them, some say politely respond. But I'm afraid I replied with less grace than I would usually adopt when corresponding with a so-called professional. In my opinion, these people aren't professional. They are far from it. They have a job to do and continuously fail to do it properly with the efficiency needed when making contact with bloggers in the hope of doing some kind of business deal. That deal may include an item worth £10 to review, or it may involve a year-long contract that legally binds company and blogger thus potentially giving financial benefit to both.

Bloggers are not idiots nor are they gullible. Some bloggers enjoy a working relationship with companies and PR's and some are lucky enough to enjoy a successful relationship with them, too. But some have difficult relationships with these people and when emails are sent out to the wrong person it's easy to see why. It is unprofessional. In order to do "business" with a blogger, conducting yourself in a professional manner should be paramount. It certainly is in my book.