Julie Barrett is a freelance writer and photographer based in Plano, TX.

Today's Advertising Fail

Fresh when it gets here from Julie Barrett
Saturday, March 5, 2011


"Mail for you!" Paul tossed crisp white envelope on the desk next to my computer. My name and address appeared to have been typewritten. No return address. The ubiquitous "North Texas" postmark. Mailed yesterday with full First Class postage. Hmm.

Inside was what appeared to be a newspaper clipping with a sticky note attached. Someone named "J" thought I'd be interested. The body text on the note was pre-printed. My name was scrawled in by someone whose handwriting didn't match that on the note.

So yes, they're offering a free book BECAUSE MY HUSBAND MIGHT DIE TOMORROW AND I'LL BE BROKE!!!! AUUUGGGGHHH!. All I have to do is call a toll-free number...

So what's so exciting about this book? A quick Amazon check showed it didn't exist. A quick search for the title brought up two web sites with alarmist names. The fine print on the web sites show they're offering insurance services.

Here's a tip for you: If I want insurance or financial planning services, I'm sure as hell not going to select them based on an anonymous scare snail mail. Sure, my financial world COULD be turned upside-down overnight, but that's not reason enough for me to take your bait.

Tags: Life

Filed under: Life            

 

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