Someone else's book
I just received word from someone at Skyhorse publishing
Your blog is a fantastic read, and among the greatest sex-related blogs on the web.
Which would be fantastic and make me feel fantastic about this blog except...
well...
that was the only line that seemed genuine, and it only seemed genuine because I'm an egotist. Instead, it was an advertisement asking for me to shill for Girl's new book. Now, I feel like I IM'd with her back in the day, mainly because she's on my IM list, but other than that, she and I haven't really been in the same circles.
I remember seeing Belle's book at B&N not long ago. Make me a little unhappy. Envy, mainly. Also the whole "well, the doors are really off the clubhouse now" moment, but then, that's the same thing that happened to the pickup community when "The Game" came out.
I suppose it means that perhaps I've arrived that I've been asked to mention her book? I have no idea. I wonder if the author of the email actually read this blog or just had some spambot slurp the links from, say, NLP or some other site that links to me and put it that way.
So - here's the way it's going to go down. If you're the author of that email, or Girl herself (whom I have nothing against except minor annoyance at the potential spamming) - and you see this message, drop me a comment or an email. If I see either of those things, I'll be happy to link to your book on amazon, read it, and even review it, as the email won't be spam.
I'll be happy to take a review copy, too, rather than just an email.
If I don't hear from either of you, I'll just assume it's spam and suggest you engage the services of a branding and marketing consultant next time before you spam bloggers.
So. Gauntlet. Floor. Collision. Let's see what develops.
To the rest of you - anyone else get the email?
UPDATE: I reread the email and it asked whether I'd like a free sample. I would. This may be genuine yet. Gives some hope to me.
UPDATE 2: I emailed the offeror at Skyhorse and will see what turns back.
UPDATE 3: I heard back - don't mean to get anyone's blood pressure up - see the comments for both Girl and her marketer's response. Human, not bot. I'm going to get a copy of the book and will review it here. To Girl, and everyone else involved - even if it's a mass mail (and from what Lex says it seems to be) I have no problem with a person looking at my site and sending me the same email he sent someone else. For the record - I take no issue whatsoever with Girl or Erikk, and certainly hope I haven't raised anyone's blood pressure with this post. All's fair in love and book sales.
Comments
I got the same damned note with the same damned opening line. If that marketing hack had bothered to do a little research he might have noticed I already know her.
Posted by: Lex | October 11, 2007 6:51 PM
Bad Man,
I have just learned of this through Chelsea Girl and I want you - and everyone else - to know that I have nothing to do with this. NOTHING.
I would NEVER ask bloggers to plug my book and if I did, I would ask them myself, not through some fucking PR bullshit.
This publisher Skyhorse, has approached you and others without my knowledge or permission. I am FURIOUS. Heads are going to fucking roll.
Posted by: The Girl | October 11, 2007 8:28 PM
Hi, this is Erikk, the "offeror" who sent you the e-mail. I've just replied with much of this information and some more, so I hope that you've got that.
But I will say this, publicly: This was not spam. It was marketing, of course, and a request for marketing at that, but I made no effort to conceal that fact in my e-mail with you. I'm sorry if you felt misled. I read several of your recent posts before contacting you. Such is my practice with every blogger that I ever contact, for anything. My comment about your blog being "among the greatest sex-related blogs on the web" is of course true, as you've been blogging since 2002 and are linked to on more sites than I can count.
I really apologize for coming across as I did, and to Lex and any other blogger whom I may have offended: my sincerest apologies, and if you've e-mailed me expressing displeasure, there's a response on the way. Needless to say the offer still stands, so are you interested?
Erikk
Posted by: Erikk | October 11, 2007 8:33 PM
I got the IDENTICAL letter.
Dear Moxie,
Your blog is a fantastic read, and among the greatest sex blogs on the web. In my opinion, your prose is a lot more well-rounded than some blogs out there, which is much appreciated. I think that you and your readers will undoubtedly be interested in the U.S. edition of Diary of a Sex Fiend by Abby Lee, based on her well-known "Girl with a One Track Mind" blog, girlwithaonetrackmind.blogspot.com. This worldwide bestseller is the revealing, funny, erotic and incredibly honest journal of a young woman's sexual thoughts and erotic experiences. Abby offers detailed descriptions of her sexual encounters, narrative on relationships, and even fun and useful "top 10" lists. And at $16.95, this book is a sharply written treat for anyone who loves reading about sex
Like Abby's, your blog provides great material for any "sex fiend," and we'd ask you to please consider:
* Posting the cover, information, excerpt, and/or link to a bookseller on your site?
* Reviewing the book for your readers, or posting a review on a bookselling site? (Would you like a free sample?)
Below is information and brief description of the book, and attached is a .jpg of the book's cover, and a short excerpt. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.
P.S. - I'm sorry to read about you break-up. Feel good, and good luck.
Posted by: Moxie | October 12, 2007 3:53 PM