To my real life PR friends…NO, this is not directed toward you.
Dear PR friends,
Hi. Listen, I have a headache so I’m going to keep this short and sweet, if you don’t mind. Hm, where should I start? OK, how’s this…
Once upon a time, some guy suggested, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country.” Now, I’m known to get quotes misquoted and I apologize but, that’s the gist of what was said. And this other time, someone said, “If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” A little to the left, please.
I could continue with messed up quotes but like I said earlier, I have a bit of a headache. The change in weather really screws with my sinuses.
What’s my point, you’re wondering. Well, hang on. I’m about to get there.
Oh, my dear PR people, we’ve been over this a million times. You’ve got to start working WITH us bloggers. And by WITH US…I mean WITH US. Not this whole, “Dear Blogger, BRAND X has this really great product that I think your readers will be interested in. Do me a favor, share the info I’m attaching. And I can send you more info if you’d like. Thanks so much bye.” I’m inundated with those types of emails. I mean, my inbox is cluttered and I just don’t even know what to do with them anymore.
I wanna help you. I really do. I’m all about helping others because it’s the nice thing to do. But, I’m also about reciprocity. If I keep doing these favors and sharing your info…how are you going to help me? Are you going to give me a shout-out somewhere so that I might gain more followers? Are you going to eventually offer something more than a High Res image or more emails filled with more information to share?
I’m not a greedy person. Honestly.
I fully believe in karma and paying it forward. Which is why I’m not going to help you out anymore. Because I’m starting to think you’re greedy and selfish. And quite frankly, I don’t roll that way. I’d like to add that I excitedly open a lot of your emails only to be bummed because of being constantly asked for a favor. Well, I have a favor for you…
When you are pitching us bloggers, how about offering to do a favor in return? I’m not talking financial although, some say you should be paying us. Say the brand you are representing has a million Facebook followers? Offer to pimp us out on their page. We like being pimped, trust me. Or Twitter. Or on their blog. Or SOMETHING.
I know that I usually respond to pitches from brands that I would love to work with like this, “Thanks for reaching out. Would you like to do a product review/giveaway?” type thing. I have no problem asking for what I want. It’s how I roll. But…99.9% of the time, the response I get is “I don’t have any products for you to review but I’ll be happy to send you a high res image.” If you want us to review a product, a high res image will not suffice, I’m sorry to say. I’ll be happy to talk about the quality of the image but as for the product, ah…no.
Let’s start discussing how we can work TOGETHER in a way that works for both of us. I know that we can find a way to create a mutually beneficial relationship.
Since we are all living in the same space, doesn’t it make sense to decorate it together?
I’m only happy to help you. Are you happy to help me, too?
I’d love to hear your ideas, my PR people friends. Don’t you think it’s possible to find a way to help each other out?
Signed,
A concerned blogger who would like to save your pitches from the delete button
Amen sista!
Maria´s last blog post ..5 Baby Items You Can’t Live Without
Thank you so much for posting this. It’s not always about how much will you pay me or what big item will you give me – it’s all about how can we help each other grow.
Amy´s last blog post ..MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit Michigan – Review
Fabulous letter! I could just hug you for expressing what so many of us feel! It’s really a shame that companies try to take advantage of bloggers when you know they can afford to pay or offer product. Thank you for writing this! Love it!!
April G´s last blog post ..A Twist to Three Things Thursday
As a former parent blogger and nearly 20-year PR vet, I feel the pain on both sides of this equation. I’d suggest that you start by contacting your local chapters of the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators and pitching yourself (and other bloggers in your area) to do a panel discussion at one of their upcoming events. Once you’re scheduled, make sure that every PR person who sends you a bad pitch is on their distribution list for the event notices.
I’ve been a leader in PRSA for years and we often have great conversations/events with bloggers. In fact, I had Whit Honea and the PR person who works with LEGO speak (via a G+ hangout) to my media relations class at UNLV.
There’s a lot to be learned from both sides of the equation. I applaud your desire to make us better. Keep it up.
Nancy´s last blog post ..More on apologies
Hey Nancy! I don’t want to make PR better, I think they are great. I want the relationship between PR and Bloggers to get better! I think it’s so important that we understand where each of us is coming from, that seems to be lacking. I’m going to contact the PRSA!! Thank you! 🙂
I’m tearing up from laughing so hard. What is it with people? I don’t write a review blog, but we have a similar problem. Every friend and relative thinks they should get a free copy of an author’s book, and most do. But will they take the time to write a simple review on Amazon in return to start the sales ball rolling? Nope! What can I do… threaten grandma?
[Is Standing and Applauding] Thanks for standing up for us bloggers, Melissa! I have been so frustrated with these types of emails for a while. I have become “delete” happy! Great post!
This post is very interesting to me. I used to have a personal blog, and I know how you feel. But now, my mom and I have just started a small business selling our baby changing pads and toddler and kid’s nap mats. I have been trying to figure out what we can offer in return for doing a product review since we are so new and still very broke! 🙂 I would love to hear your ideas on what small, new businesses created by mom’s (I have 2 children) and of course my mom has me (and my sister). Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂