If you want to engage a blogger, read their blog first

How not to approach a blogger (this was sent to me on email). I have not disclosed the names involved so that – maybe – this person doesn’t lose their job, as my guess is that this is just naivety on their part:

Hi Mike,

My name is XXXXXXX and I work for XXXXXXX XXXXXXX – an agency that specialises in digital communication.

I’ve been looking at your blog and I think it is great.

We’re currently working with XXXXX XXXXX International to promote the new XXXXXXX film XXXXXXXXXXX due to be released in the UK on the Xth of October 2007 and we are working with online opinion formers to release valuable content and information about this film.

We consider you to be an online opinion former and we would like to invite you to take part in this campaign.

The content, to be released in four different communications, will only be made available to a selected group of sites – yours will be one of them.

We would also like to invite you to the press screening in London on date and venue to be confirmed (likely end of July/beginning of August), or, if it is not convenient for you to travel to London, we will give tickets for you and your family/friends to view the film.

If you value the information and content we send you for XXXXXXXX, you may want further information from us regarding other film titles. If so, we will happily include your site in future campaigns. We will contact you again when our client releases other titles we think you might be interested in. You will only receive valuable and interesting content and invitations to events and screenings.

Please email me back at XXXXXXXXXXXX to let me know if you’re interested in taking part in this campaign and receiving some unique and privileged content.

Many thanks

XXXXXX XXXXXXX

Communications Manager

Now I’m sure this person is as bemused as the next PR person about how to approach bloggers. My guess is their boss said “Get some Blog buzz” and the poor person is working through some list they found (possibly a recent edition of PR Week magazine).

But they have clearly not even read this blog, as I never blog about movies. This is the second such overture I’ve had recently and I think they are increasing.

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  15. 15 Mark Woodhead

    Well, I am a regular
    Well, I am a regular blogger, and I have been in contact with many PR agencies in the last year or so, and I think that this much depends on which type of blog you have. I am not personally worried about receiving invites and content from Pr agencies, said that I have the complete control of the editorial structure of my blog, and I give my positive answer to those projects I believe interesting.
    I don’t really see the reason for complaining about PR agencies, they just do their jobs.
    And, if anyone of us feels a little bit violated if something like this happens, the best answer is a very elegant “no thanks” or “maybe in the future”.
    Social Media are owned by everyone, including PR agencies…

  16. 16 Thompson Bellingrath

    You are an opinion former
    You are an opinion former nonetheless, and from the sales/marketing perspective of the person that wrote you, your input & exposure might be helpfull to their cause. any leads that come in over the transome are at least worth listening to in my opinion. This, of course, put forth by a salesman who is constantly beating the bushes for new opportunities.

  17. 17 RachelC

    I’ve seen worse – at least
    I’ve seen worse – at least they got your name! And they are polite and actually offering you something in return with the screening. The Rolling Rock one that got sent out recently was a particular bad example” http://www.behindthebuzz.com/how-not-to-approach-a-blogger/

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  22. 22 Bill Blunt

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    Long may you blog, Mr Butcher.

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  27. 27 Maggie B

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    I work for a PR agency as well, I feel to defend my coleague and this is a big fall of class and style from you.

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