The Art of Spam Emails

I contemplated whether or not to write this article given that it doesn't necessarily have to do with fashion or any of the other things that I normally blog about. But after searching the internet and not finding a terrible amount of information, I wanted to be another person to add to the small pile of individuals receiving this email.

I'm new to the Blogger/Blogspot scene. I have been on Tumblr for years but recently started this blog to expand on my writing and focus directly on a smaller range of topics that interest me. Also, I hope that this blog will, in the future, stand as a sort of 'digital portfolio.' I notice that many blogs have sponsors and it's something that I hope to gain in the future as well.

Firstly, I joined Independent Fashion Bloggers within the past week and took some time to read a few articles from others in the community. I read a great article titled Stop Getting Low-Balled as a Blogger (You may have to be logged in to view it). I am thankful that I read this because the following night I received an email that definitely seemed sketchy.

Dear minipennyvintage.blogspot.com,

My name is Sarah from Article Writing Services. We have a client who would like to pay you for the opportunity to post some of their content on your website. All of the content is professionally produced and you can select from pieces relevant to your audience.

The result is you get some free, interesting content for your readers while getting paid. In return our client is asking for one link that they specify at the bottom of the content (no porn or gambling). Feel free to contact me with any concerns or clarifications you may have.

If you would like to see some examples of our content, please email me at [email protected] so we can begin.

Sincerely, 

Sarah Miller
Outreach Manager - Article Writing Services
[email protected]

So I waited a day or so with that IFB article creeping in the back of my mind. I decided to Google this Sarah Miller and came up with a few conclusions.

First of all, the website for Article Writing Services is not professional. In fact, the Google search turned up the same email sent to multiple other bloggers. The emails were all worded exactly the same which tipped me off that this was most likely a bot. The general conclusion of articles written by other bloggers is that this "Article Writing Service" will write an article for you and hide unrelated links inside the text. And with someone as OCD about the appearance of things as I am, that doesn't really float my boat.

My favorite article about this scam email come from a blogger by the name of Goofy Girl. Her response to the situation is quite funny and lighthearted. I recommend giving it a read.

So I guess what my point is that if you happen to stumble across my blog while looking for information on Sarah (or Jordan in some emails) from Article Writing Services, stay clear. Your blog, your time, and your words are worth far more than this "service" has to offer. There will be other advertisers who are legitimate and relevant to you and your blog.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend... and stay safe on the internet!