PR @ Food Blogs

I prefer NOT, thank you

2009-02-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hi, Fabulous Food Blogger! [crawly bum lick]

I’m with a media research company outside Washington, D.C. One of our clients recently made us aware of your food/cooking blog and thought you might benefit from inclusion in our database for public relations professionals. Could you please let me know if this the email address where you prefer to receive culinary news and tips?

I already have more than enough spam already

Some people just don't take a Cold Shoulder for an answer

2009-02-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

Hi X and X,

[yep - they really did call us by our first initials - how lame. How rude!]

Just wanted to make sure this message wasn’t getting sent to a spam folder. I would be happy to help you install Xxxxx on your blog today! Quick recap:

-blah blah blah

Please let me know how I can help, or what your decision might be. I’m always happy to answer any questions, and feedback is greatly appreciated.

Have a sunny weekend,

Water Sommeliers

2009-02-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

Dear PR - a water sommelier? Give us a break.

Hi. I hope you are doing well. I’m not sure if you are still writing about the XXX Food Festival, but if you are, I wanted to get in touch to see if you would be interested in "Bottled Water Brand" and its presence at the festival, including never-before-seen “water sommeliers.” Below, I’ve included a couple of pictures (if you are interested, I can send you more), as well as the press release. Please let me know if you’re interested in covering this. Thanks!

You won't be hearing from me, never fear.

Thanks for sharing the way you feel, with a stranger

2009-02-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Perhaps if I ignore you, you'll feel hard done by, too.

Hello,

My name is Xxxxx Xxxxxx from Xxxxxx Xxxxx. I'm came across your reputable website through a Google search and feel as though we'd be an excellent addition.

I'm interested in exchanging resources; if you could contact me back at your earliest convenience, that would be great. Feel free to send along any questions or concerns and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Just Give Up on Me

2009-02-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

I am not interested, thank you...

"I just wanted to check back in with you, regarding the e-mail I sent last week about Xxxxx’s search. Since I didn’t hear a response from you, I wanted to ensure you received my e-mail and that my persistence is genuine.

I look forward to hearing from you, even if you’re not interested."

Keep looking forward, then, cos I ain't writing back.

Happy Endings at Chinese Restaurants...?

2009-02-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

I am not sure where they are going with this. Yes, my mind is well attuned to innuendo and double entendre, however I still fail to see why the headline (above), infers something filthy as suggested by its writer (below):

Get your mind out of the gutter…we’re talking about desserts, and more specifically the confectionary creations of Xxxxxx Xxxx who recently joined Xxxxxxxxx Restaurant after several years at Xxxxxx Patisserie in Manhattan.

Does my blog have a Hawaii theme?

2008-11-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

No - so tell me why should I or my readers care?

Hi,

Vacationers to Hawaii with a more sophisticated palette may want to check out the new menu at XXX Restaurant located at The XXX Hotel, which is using molecular gastronomy techniques in preparing its dishes.

This refers to the chemical powders that chefs use to create new tastes. It is also about how chefs use chemicals to help give dishes that WOW factor during presentation. Imagine ordering the Ocean Trout with leeks and getting a meal that looks like this. You can view photos of some of the house specialities here.

Chef du Cuisine XX also offers an award winning three-course Sunset Menu for $55 a person. Then there's also "XXX for Wine Wednesdays" where patrons enjoy 50 percent off all bottles of wine on the entire wine list, every Wednesday.

And since local cultural is a huge part of the Hawaiian experience, the restaurant also houses its own garden that harvests herbs and plants that are only found on the Hawaiian Islands!

We would love for you to share these new techniques and dishes with your readers!

Best,

I think having my own ideas is more fun, thank you

2008-11-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

MyName,

I'd like to share a fun post idea with you for your blog...

Sorry - No Interest Whatsoever

2008-11-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

They haven't even got my location right, duh!

Who is the contact for discussing advertising on your blog My Blog Name? We have received 32 requests this week for advertising on My Blog Name, and the page has been viewed 85 times.

Our website, xxx, is the largest online BlogAd marketplace with more than 50,000 blogs in more than 2,300 US cities and towns.

Here's a link to your blog on wikimetro: xxx
If you are agreeable to scheduling a time to talk on the phone about this, please tell me a good time by contacting me at this link (choose phone):

I'll cc my assistant to set up a time to talk, if there's interest.

God Bless Me - And My Hand Embroidered Badge?

2008-11-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

[Colours theirs not mine]

Hand Embroidered Badges

Manufacturer Hand Embroidered Badges

cat king embroidery

Respected Sir /Madam,

We would like to introduce you our company as a Manufacturer & Exporter of all kind of Hand Embroidered Badges and Uniform Accessories.

We have been supplying our products to the world market since 1930 and the customers are fully satisfied with the quality of our products.

You can have a glimpse over the items we generally manufacture at 24 hours online web site at XXXX

or can ask for the printed copy our 10 pages catalogue which shows the variety of the items in the range of your interest which might be helpful for you to select the items of your interest.

The usual range of our products consists on follows.

Hand Embroidered Bullion & Thread Cap and Blazer Badges, Family Crests, Coat of Arms, Wings, Pillows, Plaques, Banners, Flags, woven labels, Printed Flags, Machine Embroidered Badges, Epaulettes, Shoulders, Insignia Ranks, Feather Hackles, Beret Caps, Peak Caps, Cap cords, Sashes, Laces & Braids, Kilts, Fringes, Metal Buttons, Metal Badges, Metal Buckles, Belts Leather/ Canvas/ Plastic, Slings, Swords Knots, Pace Sticks, Leather & Cotton Gloves and Army Shoes Besides a lot of other items.

We hope to have early response from your side and quite hopeful to establish good business contact with your esteemed organization.

Should you required any further assistance regarding above subject, please don,t hesitate to contact us, we shall be grateful to serve you.

We remain,

God Bless You.

I am not in Singapore

2008-11-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

LAME. FAIL

Hi all

This is XXXX from XXXX (dont worry - I am not contacting you guys to redesign your blog ;-)

I have been reading a lot of food blogs from Singapore (I recently moved here) and stumbled upon your ones..

You guys might have heard of XXXX - its a Singapore startup initially commissioned by Singapore Tourism Board and Infocom Development Authority. It like a digital city guide which works on users mobile phone and also starting to work from 25000 CBD Hotel Rooms and Our Website - the benefit is that the user can access discount vouchers of premium Wine & Dine places in Singapore (below I have given the list of the active one's at the moment which is 100 and new ones are tying up every week).

Coming to the point, I wanted food bloggers in Singapore to kind of write up on this whole concept. I thought if I could create a competition where anybody who writes about DC2Go will automatically takes part in it and the prizes can be like Nokia phones for different category winners (like most talked about, most creative, etc). I was not sure about how can we run the competition and what to keep for the prizes (either mobile or ipods or you guys might like to see something else) so I thought the best thing would be to contact you guys directly and get your thoughts.

$195?! To Enter some Lame Blog Awards!

2008-10-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Y O U HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, RIGHT?
They aren't even announcing any prizes. If anyone takes part in this, I am going to laugh at them [btw 'Crap-eau' is my tongue-in-cheek name for these awards. It is not the official name, but it fittingly rhymes with the official name should you need a clue]...

Greetings!
Dust off your shelf and make room for a 'Crap-eau' Blog Award!

Be one of the first to enter the exclusive 'Crap-eau' Blog Award Contest, solely dedicated to honoring the creative and inspired art of blogging.

Entering is an easy 2 step process.

Step 1
Enter one or many of the 12 industry categories.
There is a fit for each and every blog, including:

• Arts & Design
• Technology
• Marketing & Advertising
• Hobbies
• Travel & Leisure
• Entertaining

• Health & Beauty
• Parenting
• Real Estate & Development
• Finance
• News
• Web Design & Development

Step 2
Select a blog award category from Best Industry to Best Opinion and enter to win.

Hundreds of deserving bloggers will be honored with a 'Crap-eau' Blog Award. And one blog will be named 2009 "Most Brilliant Blog"!

Who better to judge the most innovative, creative and informative blogs than the readers who are active in the blogosphere? That's right, those involved in the blogosphere will be the judges. No antiquated judging academy here!

A special discounted rate of $195 is available to bloggers who enter now !

But hurry this special early bird offer ends November 14, 2008.

To You We Tip our Crap-eau,
The Crap-eau Blog Awards Team

P.S. Crap-eau Blog Awards Call for Entries is now open ! 2 Steps is all it takes to enter now! Good Luck.

Johnny Testa - Seriously?

2008-10-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is the funniest pitch I have received in a while, not least because it was sent to me by none other than Johnny Testa. Yes, 'testa', as in 'reproductive system'.

Hi,

My name is Johnny Testa from xxxxxxx.com – a unit of XXX Interactive Media. As the world's largest men's web portal, xxxxxx.com attracts more than 7 million readers each month.

I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that xxxxxx.com recently published an article entitled “Manly Meals” that I think would be of particular interest to your readers. [You thought wrong, Mr Testa]

The article takes a look at some meals that are more or less designed for men, hence the name Manly Meals, although I’m sure even Grandma can take these meals down. I thought you might be interested in taking a look.

I took a look and they were dreadful recipes. In the interests of protecting my readers from hogswill, I will certainly not be sharing this information on my blog.

Who Are These People? This isn't real food.

2008-10-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Err... Why would I care. My blog has close to zero processed food posts and so, tell me, why would I be interested in this disgusting-looking bag of snack?

Good Morning, MyName,

It's official! Tiki Barber, Terry Bradshaw, Chris Daughtry, and Charlie Villanueva are among the Nation's favorite bald and beautiful celebrities, per the first phase of THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL™ SWEEPSTAKES. Thousands of online nominations were cast, but only these shiny-surfaced stars were among the top four selected!

Phase two of the Sweepstakes now puts these celebrities head-to-head to duke it out for Americans' votes and the right to be named the Nation's baldest, most beautiful entertainer. To participate, voters can visit the XXXXX™ Snacks Web site, now through November 6, 2008 and fill out an official entry, which also will qualify them for a chance to win not only delicious XXXX™ Snacks' products, but also a fun family getaway for four!

I've included the press release below for your review, but if you should have any additional questions or needs, including images and logos, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Don't worry - I won't hesitate NOT to contact you.

Google Page Rank Boaster: exchange for a "temporary" link

2008-10-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

exchange for a "temporary" link - gee thanks for your so kind offer.

Hello,

My name is xxxxx and I work for a company called xxxxxxxx Toys, a specialist manufacturer of xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx toys. We found your website and are interested in a three-way link exchange. If you place our link on your site, I will reciprocate a link back to your site (may be a subpage or homepage) with whatever link text you desire on our Google PageRank 4 directory,

Link exchange is usually an arduous process, so we have made a system that is quick. If you are interested in exchanging a link follow these instructions:

1 - Go to this URL:
2 - Place our link on your site as instructed on the above URL
3 - Once you have added the link fill in the form with your link details

Once these steps are completed your link will be live. There are no lengthy processes, just quick and easy links. You will be given 3 links in our directory: 1 on your own listing, 1 on your category listing and a temporary link on our PageRank 4 homepage.

If you have any issues, please email me at:

Yours sincerely

xxxxx xxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx Toys

Beating About the Bush?

2008-10-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Dear MyName & HisName

I'm going to forward your email to xxxxx & xxxxxxxx and ask them to send you a copy of my new Spanish cookbook xxxx xxx xxx.

I enjoy Your Blog Name and think you might like my book.

If you would like a copy and don't hear from x&x let me know and I'll get on to them!

Kind regards

xxxxx

Lies

2008-10-17T16:18:00.001-07:00

We are sending you this email because you requested to receive information about XXX Wonderful promotions, offers and health benefits. [bullshit] You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking xxx

Because we value your opinion, we would like to invite you to complete a short survey. In return, we are giving away a limited number of coupons for a free bottle of XXX Wonderful 100% Juice.

Thank you for participating,

XXX Wonderful

Very, very good try.

2008-10-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

I like this one a lot. I ain't falling for it, but I like it!

I’ve been following your “Eat Local Challenge” and love the photos that accompany them- particularly the xxx! Just looking at it is making me hungry for lunch! For eating local for the entire month of October, why not break your locavore diet with the most irresistible culinary treat possible- the tartufi bianchi! Continue your support of local dining, while indulging in one of the world’s most desirable delicacies at xxx’s “Festa di xxxi” from November 11-15. After dedicating an entire month to eating local from a California perspective, why not see how it would taste like to eat local in Piemonte!

PR@ Michael Bauer of the San Francisco Chronicle

2008-10-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

"Not a day goes by that we don't get outlandish pitches from various PR firms, hoping someone will write about their clients. I'm all for promoting good products, but some pitches stretch so far they fall off the cliff, crashing and burning."

[Read on to find out which PR@ made Michael Bauer flip today]

Huh - he wants me to call him?

2008-10-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

My blog clearly states where I am located - and it's on the opposite side of the country to NYC. Not sure why I would spend the cost of a phone call during my own free time, to call him and point this out to him.

Hey guys:

My name is XXXX and I work with multiple restaurants around NYC. My PR company represents XXX Bar & Restaurant, XXX Steak House, and XXX Grill to name a few. I was wondering if there was a number I could reach you at to discuss alternative services you or your blog may provide and upcoming events at some of our restaurants. My number is xxx. Feel free to give me a call so we can discuss where you are located and if you are interested in writing in your blog about our partners. Thank you and I look forward to talking to you.

Nice Try

2008-10-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Dear MyName,

For some of your readers, cutting taxes and slashing the deficit sound great. But, we think that many more will find it's a lot more fun to slice into a big orange pumpkin – particularly at this time of year.

That's why we, the interactive companion to XXXXX magazine, would like to invite you to vote in our straw poll for Halloween of pumpkin carving stencils of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, John McCain and Sarah Palin. And we'd like you to encourage all of your visitors to vote in our straw poll, too. The poll results will be announced October 29, 2008.

Why are we doing this? Well, we'd like to ensure that everyone enjoys great holidays without the hassle. And we wouldn't mind if you linked to our stencils, too.

I am a food blog, not a wedding business

2008-10-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

is pleased to offer you a complimentary, professional wedding business listing for FREE! As a listed business your profile is setup properly for maximum search engine exposure as well as a comprehensive spot on today\'s fastest growing and fastest moving wedding websites on google\'s search engines,

Easy Money

2008-10-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, came across your site and thought it would be more than fantastic for one of our clients. If interested in an advertising venture please feel free to contact me. Very easy money to be made.

xxxxx xxxxx | Junior Search Executive

STOP SHOUTING AT ME

2008-10-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

HELLO,
I AM CHRISTINA XXXXXXX FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND I WILL LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU CARRY COTTEN DRAWSTRING BAGS FOR SALE.AND IF YES,REPLY ME BACK WITH YOUR WEBSITE SO THAT I CAN SELECT THE ONE THAT I WILL LIKE TO ORDER,ALSO I AM SHIPPING THE COTTEN DRAWSTRING BAGS TO ONE OF MY COMPANY IN WEST AFRICA AND I WILL RECOMMEND A FREIGHT COMPANY FOR THE PICKED UP.THANK YOU AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON..

BEST REGARD
CHRISTINA XXXXXXX

Merry Meatballs

2008-10-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Holiday Season; show off your best festive meatball recipe by entering the XXX “Merry Meatballs” Holiday Recipe Contest sponsored by XXX. Each recipe must use home style, Italian style or sausage-flavored XXX Meatballs. Entries will be judged on creativity, suitability for holiday entertaining, and eye and taste.

Is this something you can tell your readers? I can also supply more information.

Better, Probably, to Ask Me, not Him.

2008-10-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hello "Name of my beloved, the one I write about, not the one who actually writes the blog",

After many long hours, pounds of chocolate and gallons of coffee – "ournewsite".com is live.

We wanted to let you know that we are aggregating "Your Blog Name". "ournewsite".com is part of the Network and we aggregate only the best of San Francisco. Your take on Food & Wine has contributed to "ournewsite".com rich local perspective. There are unique ways for you to promote your blog and engage San Franciscoites on critical, local issues.

Here are three ways that you can use "ournewsite".com:

You can build exposure for your blog. Using our NewsMinr Plugin you can summarize one of your blog posts, with a link back to your blog, and add it to the Articles + Opinions section – the most active articles are sent to the SanFranciscoIAM homepage.

You can record and post webcam commentary on local issues that you find crucial, relevant, exciting or infuriating.

You can create a Group around your blog or around specific issues.

Unbiased reviews in return for Payment? Hmm.

2008-10-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I'm the webmaster of XXX
I wanted to know if by any chance you would be interested in doing an unbiased review of our site on your blog "my blog name"
If you agree we will send you a payment for the review.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Thank you

If you want to receive more paid review proposals, just click the following link:

Ready-To-Eat Cheesecake Filling. Ewwww!

2008-09-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

One from the archives, Feb 2007. Insincere bullshit and I product I wouldn't dream of using!

Hi,

Let me first start off by saying that I’ve read a ton of blogs recently, and it’s really fun to get stories, info, and pieces of advice that are insightful, relevant and/or funny as those on your site.

My name is xxxxxxxx, and I’m work in marketing for Kraft Foods developing recipes ideas for a new product called PHILADELPHIA Ready-To-Eat Cheesecake Filling. I’m interested in getting as many recipe ideas and feedback as possible about this product, and I’d like to send you a free sample to get your thoughts / opinions / recipe ideas. If you like it, great, feel free to spread the word. If there are opportunities to make it better, I’d encourage you to let me know what those opportunities are.

A little more about the product I’m so fired up about…think about how cool it is to serve cheesecake for those special occasions. Philly Ready-To-Eat Cheesecake Filling let you have a great tasting dessert any night of the week. Do you love cheesecake but too busy to bake? Philly Ready-To-Eat Cheesecake Filling there’s no need to bake. You just spread it into a pie crust and you’ll have a delicious cheesecake dessert in minutes. Out of your fridge and onto the table in one easy step!

I’ve spoken with a lot of people who I think might enjoy this product, and I asked them whose opinion they respect either on-line, on TV, in print etc, and your blog came up in conversations with a large number of them. I not only asked about whose advice hey listen to regarding “food,” but also whose voice they would consider a good source about parenting, travel, music, all kinds of new products, and the general trials and tribulations of life J

Anyway, let me know if you’d be willing to try out a free sample and provide me with some feedback about what you think. If so, send me an address to send one to, and I’ll ship it out right away.

Thanks!

I actually 'lost it' and wrote back to this one:

1) Please don't pretend and act like you love my blog for its "pieces of advice that are insightful, relevant and/or funny" when this is clearly a blanket email you are sending to several people at once. I can see through your bullshit.

2 )Please don't pretend like you are trying to be personal with me when you can't even be bothered to address me by my name in your letter.

3)If you really had read my blog (clearly you haven't) you would know that :

I concentrate on local, seasonal and artisinal, non-processed products that are nothing like XXX.
I do not accept free samples/products for review
I do not advertise at all, let alone without being paid for it.
I do not allow other people to dictate my editorial
I do not consult or do work for free, especially not for corporate giants.

Frankly I am insulted that you think someone who clearly has high standards, should even contemplate such an unattractive one-sided proposition. There is absolutely nothing in this proposal for me save a tub of cake filling and there is everything in it for you. At least there would be if any bloggers are foolish enough to take you up on your cheap offer.

Daring Sea Scallops, huh? September 2008

2008-09-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

My Name,

With all the holidays that are coming up in the next couple months, why not learn some new dishes to ‘wow’ your friends, family, and visitors. MonkeySee.com, a new how-to video website has great videos from credible experts and chefs on delicious recipes which can easily teach you through step-by-step videos on how to create great meals!

Todd Gray is the Executive Chef at Equinox, a top rated restaurant in Washington DC and has a great video series on MonkeySee. He shows how to make ice cream, macaroni and cheese and for the daring and more experienced cooks you can try and make seared scallops.

Huh? My advertising or business development group ?

2008-09-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Dear My Name

I was researching some of the top food, drink and recipe blog sites, and came across My Blog Name. I'd like to speak to someone about some advertising solutions.

Can someone from your advertising or business development group reach out to me?

Sincerely,

Christmas gets a mention September 18th!

2008-09-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hi My Name,

I hope your week has been going well thus far. I want to share our fall letter with you which gives the update on our fantastic group of clients. If you would like any more info on any of the below, give me a holler!

All the best,

PR Person Name

As we move from summer salads and barbeques to orchard fruit and roasts, here at YC Media we are gearing up for the busy holiday season. But before we dive into the bows of holly, we wanted to take a moment to share our excitement about our terrific group of clients. We are pleased to represent a full spectrum of food and beverage clients, ranging from products to personalities to cookbooks, and think they are great additions to your holiday coverage and gift guide.

Desperate? Sent at 11.39pm September 25th

2008-09-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Chronicle Books!

I'm the marketing manager for food & drink publishing for Chronicle Books, and we are fans of My Blog Name. :)

This week we're kicking off our hot Fall season's cookbook releases, as well as highlighting some recent bestsellers, by offering a 25% discount and free shipping on all of our Food & Drink titles on ChronicleBooks.com for the week of Sep 23rd-30th. (Anyone can get the discount by using this promo code at checkout: FOODDRINK08).

We're also offering up a prize pack to five lucky winners who enter our giveaway contest by commenting on our Blog:

Pretty Pantry Gifts
Grill Every Day
Puff--plus some Dufour frozen puff pastry!
And a beautiful Chronicle Books tote bag, designed by Jason Munn

If you are open to sharing the news of this special offer or interested in hosting a co-sponsored giveaway during this promotion, feel free to post the offer link above, or we can send you some more information and review copies if you'd like to collaborate on some promotions in the future.

Thanks for your time, and very best wishes,