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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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By Mike Butcher at 20 Jun 2007 - 13:47 |

I completely agree that you

I completely agree that you should know what the person Blogs about before engaging with him. I think before these PR companies try to work in the Social Media Network, first of all they should have their staff learn about Blogging and secondly be a part of Social Media Network as a Blogger. This will not only save them from embarrassing moments like these, but also give them more credibility in engaging with a blogger.
By Rajiv Harjai (not verified) at June 21, 2007 - 00:39 | reply

Apart from him/her missing

Apart from him/her missing the actual target (by not even pointing at it), I think the letter stinks. I've run music blogs, and believe it or not, it's the music that keeps them going. If I responded to this e-mail, it would be despite the fawning, buttery tone used. Why is this film interesting, apart from the fact that I would be invited to a screening (probably about 100 miles from where I live)? Sell me some of the sizzle, please!
By Michael Leahy (not verified) at June 21, 2007 - 08:05 | reply

I can only agree:

I can only agree: there's hardly a week goes by that I'm not bombarded with an e-mail inviting me to 'Big Up' something or other. I don't rent out my distinctive voice lightly, and if forty years in the business has taught me anything it is to keep my endorsement powder dry for when it's really needed. Long may you blog, Mr Butcher. Best wishes Bill Blunt
By Bill Blunt (not verified) at June 21, 2007 - 08:17 | reply

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...
By Mark Woodhead (not verified) at June 21, 2007 - 15:54 | reply

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.
By Thompson Bellingrath (not verified) at June 21, 2007 - 16:36 | reply

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/
By RachelC (not verified) at June 22, 2007 - 03:27 | reply

My dear Mike, I have always

My dear Mike, I have always been a loyal reader of your blog and always agreed with you. But in this case, what's the point? This PR agency politely invited you to the screening of a movie, asking you back 10 minutes of your time to promote it (it is obviously your right to answer yes or no?). 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.
By Maggie B (not verified) at June 22, 2007 - 13:08 | reply

I think it would be less

I think it would be less "classy" to name the person and the agency. I think by pointing this out other might learn a thing or two... To re-iterate, I don't blog about movies (I watch them, sure). I think it's interesting because it shows the baby-steps PR firms are going through with social media.
By Mike Butcher at June 22, 2007 - 13:41 | reply

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