A few months ago when I was searching for a new job, I applied to write development materials for a certain non-profit. I never got so much as a form letter rejection or email, but today I got a fundraising solicitation letter from them. I’m not a wealthy philanthropist, so I’m assuming they got my information off my cover letter, mistaking the words “I would be honored to join your staff and support your vital mission” for “I would be honored to donate $200 and support your vital mission.”
Yeah, right! I’m a writer, so I donate my talents (time permitting), not my money (what money?). That’s like a magazine sending me a letter saying “we regret that your query was not a fit for our publication, but as a consolation prize we’d like to offer you a two-year subscription to Sleazeballs Weekly for the low bargain price of $XX.” Some writers claim this has actually happened to them, so you never know…
Now that’s just rude!
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Oh yeah, that’s beyond bad – but a very interesting way to pad their mailing list.
I hate it when they don’t bother to respond to a query, and so many don’t respond. I mean, really, how much time does it take to send out a standard email that says, “no” – it could say, “hell no” for all I care, at least you can clean out your email box a little quicker.
Maybe you should send back the donations letter with editing marks thoughout instead of a check
Merry
Good idea, Merry, but I think that might be kind of bitter. Which I most certainly am NOT. (Ok, maybe just a little tiny bit…)
Yes, something similar happened to me with a Canadian publication. After they accepted & published my story (they don’t pay for submissions, ok I knew that when I submitted) they pushed for me to get a subscription which I didn’t take them up on. Then a year later I get a letter from them not only asking me to subscribe (again) but offered to sell me their last 2 remaining copies of the issue my story appeared in at $8 an issue.
That was just plain odd…..
You’ve heard of McDreamy, McSteamy and McNasty… now meet McTacky!
That IS rude! It’s bad form all the way around.
I keep getting newsletters and emails about things magazines who rejected me DID publish, as if I’m a new fan and reader. That’s not as bad because they’re not asking me for money, but I’m annoyed that they’re using my email to rub my rejection in face!
I generally sign up for those when I find them so I can keep on top of what they’re covering (and get on their good side), but after I’ve been rejected a few times, I’m like “forget that, stupid spam!”