Borderline pornographic

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Like many people who blog, I get inundated with advertising pitches. On any given morning I can open my email and find (what seems like) a million requests to link to this site or mention this product or tweet about that or give a shout out to (fill in the blank).

And a lot of times people request I do this FOR FREE. Which seems like a really good strategy for the companies doing the pitching. However, it doesn’t really seem like a way I could pay my bills. And when I try and explain that while yes, I’m very happy to tell people about your exciting “new gadget for women on the go,” I’m not super psyched about doing it for free. Because (and forgive me if I’m speaking out of turn) the bank doesn’t accept sample boxes of razor blades as a form of monetary deposit. But I’m sure they’re working on it. Probably. Until then I’m going to need actual legal tender.

Usually when I decline to work for free the person on the other end of the email is understanding and moves on.

Then there’s Joseph S.

Joseph S. sent an email on Monday and here’s what it said.

Dear Is it 5 o’clock yet?,

I recently came across your blog and love it! I think you have a great site. I was wondering if you could place a post on your site with a link towards my client. Let me know when this would be going live so I can inform my client.

Joseph

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Hey Joseph,

I’m pretty sure I’m going to need more information. What is the product (or site) I would be linking to? If it’s something I believe in or feel comfortable promoting we would then need to discuss compensation.

Thanks!
Shauna Glenn

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Hi Shauna,

I think there’s some confusion here. I wasn’t aware my client would have to pay for something as simple as a link to a website. This seems extreme to me. Do you actually get companies to pay for this kind of quick and “no-brainer” advertising? Seems like you’re trying to take advantage of hard-working people.

JS

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Jo,

I agree with you. You are definitely confused. Why would a person (whose livelihood is writing on the Internet) do it FOR FREE? That makes absolutely no sense. You want me to advertise for your client–what, I still have no idea–and you don’t expect to pay for it? Are you new to this? Because I feel like my brain is about to explode.

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Shauna,

My client is no longer interested in having you link to his website. After researching Is it 5 o’clock yet? further, we feel your site is borderline pornographic and not in line with the message we are trying to send consumers.

Joseph S.

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Some people might be offended or upset by this, but not me. I’m grateful for Joseph S. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have my new tagline.
Shauna Glenn
Borderline Pornographic

Do you think I’m going to have to pay Joseph S for this? I mean, fair is fair.

Hey wait! That’s not all!

Remember that super cute camera giveaway? Well, if you’re number is 30 you win!!

I’m not good at math, but I think Jaedeanne won! Email me at shauna@shaunaglenn.com