Flattery has it’s uses. I’ll admit that. But for it to work it had better be genuine — not just an empty, meaningless compliment. Here are a couple examples of flattery that, well, just come up flat. It’ll get these people nowhere (at least with me).
The first is an example of a new kind of spam that’s been showing up lately at this blog—in the comments. It is hardly ever caught by the spam filter. This means I have to read it to decide whether to approve it for publishing or not. The first couple of times I was almost fooled.. but the language is almost always the same. I don’t understand the strategy behind such spam… if I figure it out I’ll let you know. [Update … spammer strategy: if a blogger approves the comment then the link in the comment to the spammer’s website helps increase that spammer’s search rankings]
I don’t know If I said it already but …Cool site, love the info. I do a lot of research online on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,
A definite great read..Tony Brown
Here’s another example… this is a money-making venture built on flattery–with a dose of faux-officialdom thrown in. And I bet it will work for them but I’m afraid I’m not going for it. Rassak just received this email from the “Board of Review” of the “U.S. Commerce Association” with the rather fancy (sounding!) address of 2020 Pennslyvania, Ave in Washington DC. Here’s part of the email I got:
I am pleased to announce that Rassak Experience has been selected for the 2009 San Francisco Award in the Marketing Consulting Services category by the US Commerce Association.
In recognition of your achievement, a 2009 San Francisco Award has been designed for display at your place of business. You may arrange to have your award sent directly to Rassak Experience by following the simple steps on the 2009 San Francisco Award order form. Simply copy and paste this link into your browser to receive your award:
Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
We’re then offered one of two awards (the “crystal” one is more than 8 inches tall.. cool!!!). And for just $199 (a reduced price, mind you) we can buy both awards.
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That fancy sounding address is actually for Mail Boxes Etc. Today, I received a similar email. Mine read:
I am pleased to announce that ____ has been selected for the 2009 Best of Millersville Award in the Art Goods category by the US Commerce Association.
blah, blah, blah…
An Award Code has been assigned to your company that can be used on our website for quick access to your award information and press release.
Your Award Code is: **-***-**
Sincerely,
Kelly McCartney
Board Of Review
US Commerce Association
Their domain is registered with GoDaddy, and I reported them under their spam/phishing category. You should too!
I received the same email 9/29/09 and reported it to GoDaddy.com as SPAM;
I am pleased to announce that XXXX has been selected for the 2009 Best of Chicago Award in the Interior Design Services category by the US Commerce Association.
In recognition of your achievement, a 2009 Best of Chicago Award has been designed for display at your place of business. You may arrange to have your award sent directly to XXXX by following the simple steps on the 2009 Best of Chicago Award order form. Simply copy and paste this link into your browser to receive your award:
http://www.uscommerceassociation.com/AZBBH-****
Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Also, a copy of the press release publicizing the selection of XXXX has been posted on our website. The USCA hereby grants XXXX a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display this press release in any media formats and through any media channels.
An Award Code has been assigned to your company that can be used on our website for quick access to your award information and press release.
Your Award Code is: ZBBH-****
Sincerely,
Kelly McCartney
Board Of Review
US Commerce Association
I also received this spam and reported it to Go Daddy.
I received a couple of the Flatteryspam comments on my blog that started with “I said it already but… ” These got marked as spam on my wordpress blog. The first time I found it, I thought… “Here I get this wonderful comment about how great my blog is, and WordPress marks it as spam!” Then I got another comment from someone else starting with the exact same wording, and figured out it WAS spam. (Oh well, I had a moment of thinking my blog was the best blog EVER!)
What’s funny is that I googled to find out more about this method of spamming and came across this site, which is very informative about preventing spam, but, in fact has one of these flatteryspams as a legitimate comment!
http://partytow.com/e/2009/10/07/12-vital-tips-and-tools-to-combat-comment-spam-in-wordpress/