Journalists and writers are often bombarded with emails from public relations workers. Although we do enjoy the freebies and they are very polite, their eagerness can sometimes be a bit… crazy.
Here are nine things every writer will understand if they’ve ever had to liaise with PR workers.
The shameless follow-up emails
You’ve got a long list of things to get through today. A royal baby has been born. You’re working against deadlines. Your inbox is full, and it just keeps getting fuller as you receive the tenth follow-up email of the day from that PR worker who’s been hassling you for the past two weeks.
“Just wondered if you had chance to read this press release about a new hangover cure?”
“Did you get my previous email about the new tinned beans launch? Think it would be great content for your site!”
Erm…
The strangely-structured press releases
We’ll just give an example:
“We think you’d
Be really interested in this
New
Product and wondered if you would consider featuring it
On your site?”
The broken sentences make us itch.
You’ve considered filing for a restraining order
It’s your day off and you’ve set an out of office alert on your email. Think you’re safe? Think again. They’re following your Twitter, they might track you down on Facebook… You’re just praying they never get hold of your phone number.
Because we’ve all had that one PR guy who literally cannot allow you to have the day off.
They’ll pretend you are best friends
To be fair, they’re all very polite. In fact, you’ve sometimes found yourself wondering if Becky who keeps sending you furniture press releases actually considers you as one of her pals - what with every email opening with ‘how was your weekend?’ and some even asking ‘maybe we could grab a coffee and catch up on our projects?’
Huh?
The questionable communication techniques
That friendly tone might sometimes seem a bit weird, but we can handle friendly chat. It’s the kisses at the end of emails that throw us off.
We’re happy you’re happy we are going to find an angle for your product, but it doesn’t require a ‘thanks soooo much! :) xx’ response.
Oh, and not forgetting those classic stock responses... i.e. 'thanks for reaching out!'
The tedious links to news
“This is the perfect paint for redecorating the house - we think it’d be a great for your site since Kylie Jenner wore purple to the Met Gala and now everyone should get purple everything on the back of it!”
We love the enthusiasm, but we’re just not sure anyone cares.
You’ve been called the wrong name so much you’re not sure what your name is anymore
It’s literally in your email address, as is the name of the company that you work for, yet they still spell it wrong. Even worse, sometimes they just completely make it up!
“Hey Kayleigh, how are you?” First of all, my name is Katie…
The name dropping
“Hey, I used to work quite closely with Emma - how is she doing these days? Would be great for you both to check out this new product. Would you be interested in featuring it on your site?”
Emma left five years ago. I’m not sure you worked that closely with her.
The free stuff
It’s not always bad. Every now and then we get to review something pretty cool, and keep the product for free.
Samples of beauty products, gadgets and gifts are all things we’re more than happy to try out and include a mention in a feature, or write up a decent review.
We get it guys, it’s your job. Just maybe chill with the personal questions and the LinkedIn stalking.