Everybody needs some buzz. Ever since I put up the "Submit News" link on my blog, I get an average of 7 - 10 email requests a week. Some people get that much on a daily basis. But hey, I'm not complaining. It's a great way to get to know about stuff you wouldn't normally know about. Plus they are ideas for writing when you don't have any.
The emails are usually of the sort where they say, "I've been reading your blog for a while now and think my startup/site would benefit your readers greatly". Fine, sometimes it is - most of the time it isn't. Bottom line, I don't write about everyone that sends me a sweet talking email.
But, what really ticks me off is when they "buy" sponsored reviews on other blogs, for practically hundreds of dollars more than what I charge, and expect me to write about them for free! In particular there was a recent incident where a new site wrote to me with the usual sweet talk, it's a good thing that I keep myself informed with other blogs or I wouldn't have seen the paid reviews they've been buying up.
I wrote back saying that they can purchase a paid review on my blog as well if they like, of course they never came back. Yes, it's their choice if they want to buy a review or not. But please don't try to sweet talk your way into a free one. Just tell me what it's about, if it's worth it you'll get a write up.
/Rant over.
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Preach on! In the words of the Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find… you get what you need!”
Sorry, I’m a music guy. I have to say though, I can’t blame them for trying. It is irritating for you the blog-preneur. But they’re just trying to promote their product and increase their bottom line as cheaply as possible. If that means sweet talking a few bloggers… then they may actually catch a few off guard, unfortunately.