"WTF" email subject, what are they thinking?

14 years ago

Some marketers have a different way of contacting their leads, maybe the wanna play the "Cool dude" role, so they appear to be just as the suscriber, and not as an authority, just a friend advicing you to buy stuff.

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MissTerraK

14 years ago

Originally Posted by ozduc

I received an email from a marketer who's list I am on (sorry, was on. I unsubscribed) and the subject line was "WTF?"
Now I don't know about you but receiving an email with the subject line "what the ****" from someone I don't know personally and they don't know me, I think is just plain rude. Geez even if this was from my best friend I would be pretty shocked and expect something really bad in the message.
Maybe he read something from one of the Guru's saying to treat you list as if they're your friends and that is how he talks to his friends. I don'tknow:confused:
Anyway I had purchased from him in the past but today he just lost a subscriber and he will not sell me anything in the future.

I'm with you all the way on this one!

I mean, heck, I don't even allow my friends to talk to me that way, so there's no way I would even consider being a customer/client of this person!

MissTerraK

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Troy_Phillips

14 years ago

Can't say I blame you for unsubing .

If I was on an internet marketing list and they sent me an email about white toed ferrets... I would do the same thing

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MissTerraK

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips

Can't say I blame you for unsubing .

If I was on an internet marketing list and they sent me an email about white toed ferrets... I would do the same thing

LOL Troy!

Is that what WTF means? And here I was thinking it meant "Want to Fight":p

MissTerraK

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Troy_Phillips

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MissTerraK

LOL Troy!

Is that what WTF means? And here I was thinking it meant "Want to Fight":p

MissTerraK

I am not disagreeing . The circle of friends I choose to associate with does not use that type of language in real life ... because I choose my friends ... hmmm... kind of like having a choice to stay on a list or not :-)

Being from the south , I never left home , when I was smaller, that my mom didn't remind me to "mind my raising "

That was a nice way of saying " don't you embarrass me boy " or " how you act away from me is a direct result of how I raised you "

Perception is everything in this business.

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MissTerraK

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips

I am not disagreeing . The circle of friends I choose to associate with does not use that type of language in real life ... because I choose my friends ... hmmm... kind of like having a choice to stay on a list or not :-)

Being from the south , I never left home , when I was smaller, that my mom didn't remind me to "mind my raising "

That was a nice way of saying " don't you embarrass me boy " or " how you act away from me is a direct result of how I raised you "

Perception is everything in this business.

I knew you weren't disagreeing, I do however enjoy your sense of humor!

I totally relate to you even though I'm a northern girl, for me it was my
Dad telling me to be a little lady of class, which also meant don't you embarrass me now, lil lady!

He also always added for me not to forget that he had friends that were ears and eyes for him everywhere! lol!

MissTerraK

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mikeb209 14 years ago

I got one of those too recently. I wasn't bothered because this is how I often talk. If you use a lot of swearing in your everday life you probably wouldn't be bothered. But if you're the type of person who doesn't then chances are you will be offended.

It's better to just keep it professional for your subscribers sake. I made a secular comment in a post recently at the same time I was trying to recruit affiliates for my product.

Someone said something like "You're trying to recruit affiliates and you're making comments like that? you can count me out!"

I don't want to lose affiliates or subscribers so I just keep it professional.
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- Marakatapolis 14 years ago
  
  I wouldn't do that in an email, however as a 20-something, it doesn't bother me at all. I curse like a drunk sailor on shore leave when with my friends, but I would never talk like that at work.
  
  Also, as someone who grew up on the internet, "wtf" has lost a TON of its bite and has almost become as casual as the question mark itself when I communicate online. I try to use proper language when communicating in a professional manner, but once in awhile a "internet lingo" might sneak in. But, that is why you proof read everything! Be professional in public work setting.
  
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Michael Oksa

14 years ago

Um... I will have to do some digging, but there was recently a multi-page thread on this exact topic.

If I find it, I'll post a link to it.

~Michael

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Michael Oksa

14 years ago

Here is the thread that covers this same topic (eventually)

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...rite-like.html

~Michael

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Adamonation92 14 years ago

i know i'm totally going against what everyone on this thread is agreeing with but i think what he did was a great move.

You see while he destroys one audience he pulls in another.

You were personally offended by that email, but someone like me (who has not problem with rude and obscene language) feels more comfortable around it. It's actually a great way to make some of your subscribers go to "cult status". (or as some people say, "drink your cool-aid".

Not only that but some marketers do things like this to TRY and piss people off. You would be surprised how many people listen to things they don't like just to get a reaction, see how wrong the person is, etc. and as long as your bringing the traffic, your bringing the traffic.

Someone who LOVES this method is Mike Dillard. If you've ever done anything in network marketing or mlm you know who i'm talking about. A while back he wrote a post about how the wealthy and successful don't shop at wall-mart because if you surround yourself by things that aren't high class you won't be yourself. And let me tell you, this created a TON of controversy with a LOT of people. He wrote this specifically to get a core group of people to really buy into him and his products. (it worked amazing).

And the people the hated the post..... (well he still has over 200k subs on his list) so for the ones who did opt out, they lost a lot of great value that he has since sent.

Hope this gave you some insight. Just dishing out some of my copywriting/list building techniques. -Matt
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TheKeys

14 years ago

I mean I understand them. It's just a different approach for you to click or open up the message. It's a tricky tactic that can work wonders.. or backfire.

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ozduc 14 years ago

Originally Posted by TheKeys

It's just a different approach for you to click or open up the message. It's a tricky tactic that can work wonders.. or backfire.

Well it worked, it got me to open the message, as that was the only way to get to the unsubscribe link.
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kcom

14 years ago

I have also unsubscribed because of swearing in the email. Completely unprofessional, whatever your selling count me out, as I can't hear your message through that filth.

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FriendlyRob

14 years ago

I guess I'm more easy going, I don't think I would have flinched.

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TheKeys 14 years ago

FriendlyRob, me either. But some people don't feel like that way. But I mean it's a win lose situation.
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- FriendlyRob 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by TheKeys
  
  FriendlyRob, me either. But some people don't feel like that way. But I mean it's a win lose situation.
  
  I couldn't agree more, I would never begin one of my messages with anything like that. But I've found that different marketers have different styles.
  
  We do tend to stick with the ones that we relate to better. I'm on a list of a guy who keeps calling me "dude", I'm good with that.
  
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esr 14 years ago

Originally Posted by FriendlyRob

I guess I'm more easy going, I don't think I would have flinched.

I agree with you Rob. I probably send at least 5 text messages a week to friends with the "WTF" in them. It wouldn't bug me.

However it definitely would have crossed my mind to wonder how much sh*t the marketer was going to get from some of his (ex) subscribers.

I worked in customer service for many years, and I still consider myself an expert as I use those skills every day online. When communicating with potential customers, you should always speak to them as though you were speaking to your grandmother when it comes to using profanity. You never know who you might offend.
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Michael Oksa

14 years ago

Those who unsubscribe will be called prudes or hypocrites by those who aren't bothered by it.

Those who stay subscribed will say it doesn't bother them.

Those who are bothered by other people bothered, well...

That's all we'll accomplish here. Trust me.

~M~

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ozduc 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

Those who unsubscribe will be called prudes or hypocrites by those who aren't bothered by it.

~M~

I am certainly not a prude as I have been known to let go at the mouth on occasions but there is NO WAY I would walk into a business meeting where I was trying to pitch an idea or sell a product to someone I had never met personally and the first thing out of my mouth was WTF. How well do you think that meeting would go?
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My220x

14 years ago

Well, he got you to open the message but it backfired lol and he probably lost a lot of subscribers however at least he tried it and now knows not to do it again.

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Shaun Lee

14 years ago

It's all about perception...

You're not going to please everybody. But it's almost always better to remove swearing from everything you do, unless you're Frank Kern. :p

-Shaun

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Brutus

14 years ago

I think some guys do the whole frank kern "rubber neck" effect too much. You have to remember the most important part of a subject line is the from line. Aftr a while, if your content is good, you dont need anything special in your subject line

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Chris Worner

14 years ago

Is referring to somebody as a "Silly clown" make you want to unsubscribe from a list?

Chris

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DogScout

14 years ago

No one offended by that should be on Frank Kern's list

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Troy_Phillips

14 years ago

Originally Posted by DogScout

No one offended by that should be on Frank Kern's list

Yup you got that one right ...

I am not very easily offended just looking at it from a little different direction .

I wouldn't have unsubed over it for the fact that with gmail... I don't think there is such a thing as a full inbox :-)

I am just saying ... Because of s-corp status , Next week I will have a quarterly board/ officers meeting .

Can't see myself opening the meeting with "wtf you bit#@^es been up to "
In this situation, I could get by with it ... CEO has it's privileges :-)

My online business is just that ... a business. My clients/ list members do have the choice of firing me . The writer of emails does not carry nearly the privileges :-)

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Steven Wagenheim

14 years ago

The Rich Jerk took obscene language and made it an art form.

I don't think he was hurting from it much.

It's not everybody's cup of tea, but it works in some markets.

Personally, if I saw the subject "wtf?" I'd think is was spam and wouldn't
bother opening it. I like subjects that give me some idea of what I'm going
to find in the message.

I guess I'm old school that way.

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Troy_Phillips

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

The Rich Jerk took obscene language and made it an art form.

I don't think he was hurting from it much.

It's not everybody's cup of tea, but it works in some markets.

Personally, if I saw the subject "wtf?" I'd think is was spam and wouldn't
bother opening it. I like subjects that give me some idea of what I'm going
to find in the message.

I guess I'm old school that way.

If one of your emails comes to me titled "wtf ... only 12 niche packages left" ... I swear I will open it .. and buy :-)

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Kay King 14 years ago

No one offended by that should be on Frank Kern's list

I know it's hard to believe - but not every marketer is on Frank's list.

It's not that I'm offended - I just think it's stupid. Someone who would consider that to be a reasonable or interesting subject line isn't someone I'm interested in listening to. My choice.

In my experience this type of subject comes from one of two marketing personas - the very young person trying to be "kewl" or the grownup...who never did and will do anything for attention.

It's clearly going for a "reaction" - and my own reaction is "delete". It may appeal to a certain target market - but be sure that's the market you are targeting. If it works for you, use it - just don't be surprised to see some opt outs when you do.

kay

edit: Come to think of it WTF might be an apt subject line if you sell penis enlargement products - but I wouldn't be your market there, either ;-)
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kenharthun

14 years ago

It's a matter of etiquette. Using such slang when addressing your list is really bad manners, if nothing else. I don't really know the people on my list, so I'm sensitive to how they perceive what I'm saying. Always, I'm polite and try not to say anything that could be misconstrued. I'm often casual, such as opening with "Hey Mary" or something like that, and I often close with "Cheers!" or "Talk later" but I never use profanity.

Yes, I know, WTF may or may not be profane anymore, but in my sailor's profanity repertoire, it means what most people think it does and that's not something you use in polite company.

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CDarklock

14 years ago

Originally Posted by ozduc

Geez even if this was from my best friend I would be pretty shocked and expect something really bad in the message.

WTF is your problem?

Well, someone had to say it.

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TimCastleman 14 years ago

I write how I talk.

If you don't like it the unsubscribe button is at the bottom of every email.

Thanks for your time and money.

Bye bye now.

Tim
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molsted 14 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

WTF is your problem?

Well, someone had to say it.

Hah- LOL
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Get Inspired Today

14 years ago

I'm with you on that one. I don't expect people to talk around me with that language. However, you may be surprised just how prevalent it is in certain areas, even in the business world. I know it surprised me.

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rhodescellar

14 years ago

Are you sure he wasn't just promoting the World Taekwondo Federation ; )

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CDarklock 14 years ago

Originally Posted by rhodescellar

Are you sure he wasn't just promoting the World Taekwondo Federation ; )

Now, see, THAT would be a good reason to unsubscribe. Promote a real martial art.
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- Tenzo 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by rhodescellar
  
  Are you sure he wasn't just promoting the World Taekwondo Federation ; )
  
  Originally Posted by CDarklock
  
  Now, see, THAT would be a good reason to unsubscribe. Promote a real martial art.
  
  Don't tell anyone about my Wing Tsun Federation niche!
  
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  CDarklock 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Tenzo
  
  Don't tell anyone about my Wing Tsun Federation niche!
  
  See, THAT'S a good niche.
  
  (Chi Sao FTW!)
  
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  larryburr 14 years ago
  
  The world is changing. What was improper in my day is common practice today. I know I can not change it, but I can choose not to accept it (delete button is good). In my book business language should be a step (or several) above street language. Isn't this a great country? We all have the freedom to associate with whom and what we want.
  
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success_89

14 years ago

i've seen a variety of email subjects, my personal opinion is its all about testing, and seeing what works.... would i use that on my list? i seriously doubt it, but there are a range of ways marketers try to capture their subscribers and motivate them to open the email.... some times you see subjects that seem like "hey open this if you want, your choice" or " HEY YOU MUST OPEN THIS NOW" etc...

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hommi_16

14 years ago

Don't feel too bad. I once got an e-mail from a marketer selling a new service he was offering and the subject line was "test dummy" !!!!!!!

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Dr Dan

14 years ago

I probably wouldnt put that in my emails, but its not really cussing is it? WTF and "what the F@*k!" are different. Just like some people feel heck is cussing. Its not like they called you a name or something. It is what it is....

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Banned 14 years ago

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Mario Brown 14 years ago

No big deal at all.

You reacted in the right way if you don't like that tone. You unsubscribed and that's it.

An important part of having fun at what you do is to attract the right customers.

If you are super conservative and talk and write as if you were an English grammar teacher while all your clients are 18 year old skateboarders you will have a hard time getting your message across.

You should look for a market that you can relate to in order to have a great time with you clients.

Now if you are in your mid twenties and you are a 'cool dude' and your clients are conservative and they fall from their chair if you use the word 'f_ck', then you might have a hard time selling to them and you might have to deal with more complaints than you would like to.

You should also look for clients that you can relate to, you will have a lot more fun and it's not going to be that much of a pain in the b_tt.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

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czilbersher 14 years ago

It's not even about etiquette or language so much as it is about one's perception of the sender. I don't really appreciate how Internet marketers are sometimes perceived as uneducated, high school drop-out ghetto trash cyber-nerds. Some are; most aren't. However, speaking to your colleagues and/or customers as if they were your neighbors in the trailer beside yours is simply low-rent and low-class. It has nothing to do with profanity and everything to do with perception. But that's just my boorish opinion.
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molsted

14 years ago

Originally Posted by ozduc

I received an email from a marketer who's list I am on (sorry, was on. I unsubscribed) and the subject line was "WTF?"
Now I don't know about you but receiving an email with the subject line "what the ****" from someone I don't know personally and they don't know me, I think is just plain rude. Geez even if this was from my best friend I would be pretty shocked and expect something really bad in the message.
Maybe he read something from one of the Guru's saying to treat you list as if they're your friends and that is how he talks to his friends. I don'tknow:confused:
Anyway I had purchased from him in the past but today he just lost a subscriber and he will not sell me anything in the future.

I really find it hard to understand why someone would take offense because someone wrote WTF in a subject line or said it in a video or whatever.

Maybe it's because I'm not American and have a much much higher level when it comes to what is acceptable in this field but I rather prefer that people write the way they speak rather to use some formal made up language....

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P.Sharma

14 years ago

this is known as the rich jerk tact. act rudely and you will get sales is what he popularised.

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simba 14 years ago

Anything to catch your attention. Anything!
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Emily Meeks

14 years ago

For the most part, I really don't care if you swear around me. I use swear words myself. However, I say "for the most part" because as Kay said, there are people who take it too far, and they just sound idiotic to me. ("OMG they said the F word... they're so hardcore")

I used to use harsher language in my older blog posts, but not so much in the newer ones (I actually swear less in general), but even then, I would never be so abrasive as to open a subject line with WTF. I think the long-term relationship with subscribers (who I would've otherwise lost) is far more worth it.

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ExRat 14 years ago

Hi,

Interesting, but I actually found the content of those IM emails, and what that said about their attitude towards their subscribers way more offensive than any swear words they could have used in the title - years ago, before I unsubscribed from all but one IM list.

The title is only trying to get the subscriber to open the email, it's the content that tries to get them to take actions which affect their business, livelihood, attitude, mood, motivation etc.

Most of the time, after reading the content, my comment was 'WTF!!??'
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AminMotin

14 years ago

It's a low tactic, as are the other silly headlines that read more like day-old spam than proper marketing. A paucity of ideas leads people to this type of tactic.

What's really sad is that they probably work. Which means it's our fault for opening the rotten things.

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trevor75

14 years ago

I agree its in poor taste, but lets face it. Its typical internet marketers tactic to garner a shocking surprise reaction that will make you open the mail. Just ignore it, its like spam, its just a fact of daily life online. Try not to let it bother you.

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"WTF" email subject, what are they thinking?

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