Don't [whatever]... Are you sure that's what you want?

by JohnMcCabe

Posted: 16 years ago 12 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

There seems to be a rash of subject lines, both here in the forum, and in my email box, that has me scratching my head...

Don't Read This Thread...

Don't Open This Email...

Don't Watch This Video...

I realize these are an attempt at using reverse psychology - "I will too do it" - but I'm wondering how many other people like me are out there.

People who see these subject lines and say to ourselves, "OK, no problem." and keep going right on past.

What do you think? Do these subject lines really stoke your curiosity or your rebellion? Or do you do like me and honor the request to be ignored?

Anyone have any test data they care to share?

SuzanneH 16 years ago

I skip those kind of ploys... Just can't be bothered if that's the best they've got! ;-)

Suzanne

P.S. I'm not necessarily knocking it. If it works for somebody, that's great. But it just doesn't draw me in...
- Thanks
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- BaddaBeing Banned 16 years ago
  
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  Steven Wagenheim 16 years ago
  
  John, those emails end up in my trash. I have no time for tricks.
  
  Tell me what's in the email so I can decide on whether or not I want to read
  it.
  
  I wish all marketers would do that.
  
  ** DISCLAIMER ** This is just my personal preference and I am in no way
  suggesting that you should or shouldn't use these subject lines. As with
  anything else, test them out and see what kind of response you get.
  
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  JohnMcCabe 16 years ago
  
  It reminds me of the bad old days when banner ads were a novelty.
  
  One of the best performers I had featured a gorgeous woman's eyes opened wide. The caption - "Wanna see what she's looking at? Click here..."
  
  Click-throughs back in those days were around 5% with a rotation of different women's eyes - various eye colors, skin colors and ethnic origins, all with the same message.
  
  Trouble was, the conversion sucked no matter what product you put behind it.
  
  That's why I wondered if tired tricks like the "don't open this" headline actually worked for anyone...
  
  Thanks for the input, folks.
  
  Anyone else?
  
  Thanks
  
  2 replies
  
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  lakshaybehl 16 years ago
  
  This is just too common. And like Steven, these emails actually end up in my Sp.m box.
  
  The problem with many internet marketers is that they will never bother themselves with some time for creative brainstorming to come up with fancy headlines... I recently did this headline and it got over 72% opening rate...
  
  Google's spanking, {!name}'s ready...
  
  And guess what, it is just a matter of playing around with stories. Mental projections of a "strong", "rich" or "powerful" or "rich" self work really well.
  
  Thanks
  
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  ibringjoy 16 years ago
  
  When I see an email that says, "Don't open" or something similar, I just say OK and move right on to others. I've never opened one of them yet.
  
  Kathryn
  
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  1 reply
  
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  testaccount1234567 16 years ago
  
  Yeah I would be interested to see the open rates of these things.
  
  I kind of got over it, I think the very first few would of been effective but now everyone does it I don't really pay attention.
  
  Some people have similar things in their sig too.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  Jean Morgan 16 years ago
  
  I abide by their rule and do exactly what they say.
  
  I totally ignore them and don't bother BUT is this because I am a marketer and see right through their pathetic tactic? Maybe this does work with the non IM markets? Someone else can test it because I am not about to insult my subscribers intelligence by testing it myself.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  Paul Buckley 16 years ago
  
  My time is too limited to be bothered opening emails that are obviously trying to trick me into opening them. If there's no hint in the subject about what's inside, I move on to the next one.
  
  Thanks
  
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Zach Booker 16 years ago

I find them tacky...if they "don't" want me to open their email than I wont
They probably worked when they first came out, but now I get at least 7 a week :|

Zach
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- BIG Mike Banned 16 years ago
  
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  Erum Munir 16 years ago
  
  I agree with Big Mike ... I usually open emails that are more descriptive or at least seem more descriptive of their content. Personally, I just hate sneaky subject lines. If by chance I do get tricked into opening something with such a subject line, the email goes straight to trash. I may add to their open rate statistics but that is all I do.
  
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  JohnMcCabe 16 years ago
  
  Then I guess the people who are using this tactic are in for some...
  
  BAD NEWS...
  
  Thanks
  
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