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Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Form letter pitches
Dan York is learning what so many journalists covering the technology industry have known for years: A lot of people working in PR have no idea what they’re doing.
Dan produces a podcast called Blue Box that addresses security issues pertaining to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), an undertaking that has gotten him press credentials at shows like the Fall VON 2006. Once in the database of media attending VON, Dan was deluged with form letters from PR reps pitching interviews, looking to get ink for their clients and companies. Problem is, the companies don’t offer any products or services related to VoiP security.
One last pitch sent Dan over the edge, prompting him to draft a form letter of his own that he may start sending back to PR people who find it easier to blast their pitches to every reporter attending the show than to learn a bit about the reporter’s interests.
As noted here so often before, there are lazy-ass dullards in every profession, but they are more visible in ours. That visibility increases when frustrated targets like Dan vent their frustration on their blogs for everyone to see. That’s a good thing, since it may serve as motivation to behave more professionally.
Dan, you should send these pitches to the good folks over at The Bad Pitch Blog and increase their visibility.
