I think it's kind of funny when people send me emails asking me to promote something. So very often, the person starts off by saying how much they like my blog and that they read it regularly.

That is after they greet me by the wrong name.

Today I got yet another email like this, and it was addressed to "Mindy". I started laughing because the writer wrote so sincerely. She said she's been following my blog.

I don't think so. :)

This new generation of (mass) emailers is much better at making their letters sound personal. But it's so obvious they're mass-emailing. The text reads like mass email language - businessy, product-oriented, flattery-to-get-something.

Once again, to all you mass-emailers out there: I am not allowed to promote products on this blog when solicited or paid. I cannot accept your free samples in order to promote your new product. I cannot write favorable reviews about your book/play/musical/indy film just because you send me free tix or copies. I cannot attend your conferences for free or accept plane tickets to Rhode Island. I cannot stay in your vacation rental home and then put up an ad about it.

My blog is personal fodder - mostly silly drivel that has to do with me and my family. (And Mr. T who I shamelessly promote all I like because HE has never contacted me nor offered me free tickets to his TV show or asked me to attend his all-women's life enrichment conference. ;)

Anyway, just putting up this information once again. I've been getting quite a few emails lately that are purely requests for product promotion. I don't generally respond to these emails. I am neither interested in making this blog a giant billboard nor am I allowed to accept free stuff to begin with.

And in case you didn't notice, my name's NOT Mindy.

~bm