Some of these are from individuals who are either trying to do their own promotion or very small PR agencies (usually one-man-bands). However the majority are from bigger PR and communication consultancies who think they understand the online / email medium.... and most quite simply don't!
Lets just take the way I am addressed in these emails as the most obvious example of what I mean.
Here's a list of genuine titles I have been given in emails:
- Dear Mr Sutherland Hayden
A clear case of them getting the first name and surname fields in their mail merge software mixed up #fail - Dear Blogger
To not even bother to find out my name makes me want to read further..... not! #fail - Dear Madam
Errr.... not the last time I looked! #fail - Dear Press2.0 Communications in a digital world
A hint: The name of my blog isn't necessarily my real name. #fail
There are, of course, a few more.... but you get the point.
Note:
If you are sending out Press Releases by email, at least have a bit of professionalism when you do it or risk looking a complete amateur.
