Don't be a dick
Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 11:38 PM When adversity strikes, sharp people see opportunity. Others struggle, often resorting to anger as they search for comfort.
That scenario unfolded Sunday when I received a mass email from a New Jersey real estate marketer. I have no idea how I got on the list (it was addressed "Dear Editor") but I get lots of spam so just deleted it. However, a few recipients soon "replied all" and asked to be taken off the list.
OK, I wouldn't have "replied all," but it's an understandable oversight.
That's when things went haywire. When you "reply all," everyone gets the response. People who don't grasp what's going on freak out, "replying all" to be removed from the list, only compounding the problem. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Within minutes, and after probably a half-dozen panicked replies/unsubscribe requests, a person from a Jersey web-design company chimed in, using an expletive in ALL CAPS admonishing anyone reading to stop replying to the email.
I understood his anger, but dropping an F-bomb attached to your business signature isn't too smart. Neither is adding the phrase "Actually knows what's going on" in signing off.
So, here's what umpteen people learned from this Sunday:
- The person who sent the original email isn't too sharp, given he's marketing generic Jersey real estate blindly to an email list that includes someone living on the West Coast. Not a marketer you want to do business with, I'm guessing.
- The people who "replied all" are like most of us. They innocently caused some chaos. Move on.
- The web designer is a dick. And none of the people on the list will do business with him, no matter how good his company's work is. Because the perception now is that he's not someone who is sympathetic to others in need or able to deal with surprises.
Here's the takeaway:
Lend a hand to someone in need. Most people genuinely do want to do the right thing so if they get themselves into trouble, spare them the embarrassment and public lecture. Whether you're in business or just a bystander, be polite in responding and offering help. It's not that hard. People notice little stuff like that, and will reward the effort with friendship, business, good word of mouth.
Call it karma, call it being a good person, call it smart business, call it whatever. But don't be that dick.
Marketing 
Reader Comments (3)
Pay it forward!
Also known as Wheaton's Law... coined by former Star Trek ensign turned geek icon Wil Wheaton: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wil_Wheaton#Wheaton.27s_Law
OK we'll give Wil Wheaton props. I was unaware he had all but trademarked the phrase. We'll know when it's really hit the mainstream when a presidential candidate drops it into a debate.