Comments on: Hello, I Have A New Post http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/ Former Photography Director Rob Haggart Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:14:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: A Designer http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-52605 A Designer Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:29:09 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-52605 I just have to say I hate Adbase emails. I've never had my work email published and would never sign up for a mailing list with it. It's strictly for internal use and for communicating with people we are currently working with. Somehow I've ended up in Adbase's mailing list and have been barraged by photographers and illustrators promoting their work (AND they're work is not even remotely applicable to our publication). It's *not* the same as old-fashioned postcard mailings--unsolicited emails annoy me to no end, and, really, it makes me resent those who send them. And though this may be a little off-topic from this post. I do need to add this: Better headlines might help getting read, but a little research into who you're sending your mailing to might prevent you from getting reported to spam blackhole lists. Just saying. I just have to say I hate Adbase emails. I’ve never had my work email published and would never sign up for a mailing list with it. It’s strictly for internal use and for communicating with people we are currently working with. Somehow I’ve ended up in Adbase’s mailing list and have been barraged by photographers and illustrators promoting their work (AND they’re work is not even remotely applicable to our publication). It’s *not* the same as old-fashioned postcard mailings–unsolicited emails annoy me to no end, and, really, it makes me resent those who send them.

And though this may be a little off-topic from this post. I do need to add this: Better headlines might help getting read, but a little research into who you’re sending your mailing to might prevent you from getting reported to spam blackhole lists. Just saying.

]]> By: canadada http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37757 canadada Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:22:14 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37757 ... amusant, you say "tell us about about you pictures" ... I always thought the maxim 'a picture tells a thousand words' applied ... NOW you're telling me to tell you ABOUT the picture - ??? ... geesh, allrighty then ... check out my OTHER blog site, if you care, there I use pics as a lead-in to my WORDS ... http://canadada.wordpress.com ... geesh. Just teasing. Sort of. I've just FOUND your blog and really like it. It's so, um, CLEAN ... will be back. … amusant, you say “tell us about about you pictures” … I always thought the maxim ‘a picture tells a thousand words’ applied … NOW you’re telling me to tell you ABOUT the picture – ??? … geesh, allrighty then … check out my OTHER blog site, if you care, there I use pics as a lead-in to my WORDS … http://canadada.wordpress.com … geesh.

Just teasing. Sort of.

I’ve just FOUND your blog and really like it. It’s so, um, CLEAN … will be back.

]]> By: Debra Frieden http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37539 Debra Frieden Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:41:08 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37539 @Corby Lightson, I never get the impression Rob is being "mean." I think he is offering you pearls. What he IS saying is he gets a huge amount of emails, and the most interesting sifts to the top. Much like trailers at the movie theatre. Could you imagine a movie trailer that said plainly, "MGM: New Work" I am not sure I would trust the film would be interesting with no specifics on what it was about, having no context. I think this is a helpful blog, offering insight on how to be certain your work pops out by giving it a better subject line. This will get your work out in front of more editors, directors, etc. @Corby Lightson, I never get the impression Rob is being “mean.” I think he is offering you pearls. What he IS saying is he gets a huge amount of emails, and the most interesting sifts to the top. Much like trailers at the movie theatre. Could you imagine a movie trailer that said plainly, “MGM: New Work” I am not sure I would trust the film would be interesting with no specifics on what it was about, having no context.

I think this is a helpful blog, offering insight on how to be certain your work pops out by giving it a better subject line. This will get your work out in front of more editors, directors, etc.

]]> By: Debra Frieden http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37538 Debra Frieden Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:30:20 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37538 @Steven Rood, This worked! I clicked on your web link! Maybe I should give it a go. @Steven Rood, This worked! I clicked on your web link! Maybe I should give it a go.

]]> By: Debra Frieden http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37537 Debra Frieden Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:28:57 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37537 @An Art Director, Thanks for the advice. @An Art Director, Thanks for the advice.

]]> By: Christine Blackburne http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37429 Christine Blackburne Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:04:44 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37429 @R. S. Reitz, Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. @R. S. Reitz,

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense.

]]> By: Rob Casey http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37403 Rob Casey Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:09:21 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37403 Great timing for this post. I read it a few days ago, right before sending off an eblast. I've heard the advice before, but maybe was stubborn to take it. This time, I added a relevant title to my email that ties to my work. This morning as the blast went out, my opens and click throughs were much higher than before, and those that did 'click through' were those I wanted to hear from. Great timing for this post. I read it a few days ago, right before sending off an eblast. I’ve heard the advice before, but maybe was stubborn to take it. This time, I added a relevant title to my email that ties to my work. This morning as the blast went out, my opens and click throughs were much higher than before, and those that did ‘click through’ were those I wanted to hear from.

]]> By: Sierra http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37386 Sierra Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:01:54 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37386 Absolutely elegant advice. Genius. Also, writing a subject line forces you to think. Too much digital communication is reactive rather than focussed. In terms of marketing, better advice couldn't be had. Heads up to the moaning and groaning above about the self-importance of Rob's request/advice: Everyone gets too much in their inbox. This is why, no matter what, I visit this blog. Absolutely elegant advice. Genius.

Also, writing a subject line forces you to think. Too much digital communication is reactive rather than focussed.

In terms of marketing, better advice couldn’t be had.

Heads up to the moaning and groaning above about the self-importance of Rob’s request/advice: Everyone gets too much in their inbox.

This is why, no matter what, I visit this blog.

]]> By: ct http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37380 ct Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:38:34 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37380 @Corby Lightson, Matthew Dorian, Your "comments" are baffling to me. Why do you read this blog anyway? What do you expect from it? I mean really, these comments are so off target that it seems the most likely thing happening here is that neither of you are actually who you say you are, but instead are the ENEMIES of who you say you are, and what you're really doing is attempting to derail poor Corby and Matthew's careers. That, or you're just stupid. @Corby Lightson, Matthew Dorian,
Your “comments” are baffling to me. Why do you read this blog anyway? What do you expect from it?

I mean really, these comments are so off target that it seems the most likely thing happening here is that neither of you are actually who you say you are, but instead are the ENEMIES of who you say you are, and what you’re really doing is attempting to derail poor Corby and Matthew’s careers.

That, or you’re just stupid.

]]> By: R. S. Reitz http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37376 R. S. Reitz Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:54:19 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37376 @Christine Blackburne, You mentioned hearing that you should put your name in emails. I'm not a marketing specialist, but I work as a software developer in a company that uses marketing heavily. I have more than a decade experience in designing and customizing user interfaces for software. I mention these things so that you understand where I'm coming from when I say that this idea sounds a little silly to me. As you mention, your name takes up most of the character limit, and I don't know of any modern email reader that doesn't already show the sender's name next to the subject line anyway. Adding it again is just redundant and doesn't provide any value. Make your subject line something descriptive which is actually relevant to your message. Respectfully, Randy @Christine Blackburne,

You mentioned hearing that you should put your name in emails. I’m not a marketing specialist, but I work as a software developer in a company that uses marketing heavily. I have more than a decade experience in designing and customizing user interfaces for software.

I mention these things so that you understand where I’m coming from when I say that this idea sounds a little silly to me. As you mention, your name takes up most of the character limit, and I don’t know of any modern email reader that doesn’t already show the sender’s name next to the subject line anyway. Adding it again is just redundant and doesn’t provide any value. Make your subject line something descriptive which is actually relevant to your message.

Respectfully,
Randy

]]> By: R. S. Reitz http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37374 R. S. Reitz Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:42:16 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37374 I've always found the "read my new post" type of emails mildly annoying at best. The whole point of rss is for the reader to subscribe through a reader application or service and let that notify them on their own schedule. The extra email is redundant and, frankly, a little spammy. If you're concerned that your readers may not use an rss reader, then the ideal thing to do would be to educate them by providing information on you page about what it is and where to get one. Randy I’ve always found the “read my new post” type of emails mildly annoying at best. The whole point of rss is for the reader to subscribe through a reader application or service and let that notify them on their own schedule. The extra email is redundant and, frankly, a little spammy.

If you’re concerned that your readers may not use an rss reader, then the ideal thing to do would be to educate them by providing information on you page about what it is and where to get one.

Randy

]]> By: JMG http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37347 JMG Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:01:59 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37347 ugh...desperate little voices crying out for attention. I have contacted Rob on several occasions with a CLEAR and CONCISE question. It took a few days, but this dude, whom I never met, has never hired me and owes me nothing, got back to me each time with CLEAR and CONCISE answers. I do not do "e-mail blasts." I believe it the visual form of telemarketing. Yeah, someone MIGHT bite, but you're still being annoying to everyone else. Photo editors know what's up. They will find you. I got my first ad campaign that way. Here's a tip. Use some creativity, come up with an IDEA and hit up a freelance writer. THEN hit the mag. This has worked for me 10 outta 10 times, and it will work for you. Sending out your generic "sports" shots and "fashion" shots wastes your time and theirs. Oh yeah, @ Bettina (although you're not who I though you were, how cool would that be) your shots are awesome. ugh…desperate little voices crying out for attention. I have contacted Rob on several occasions with a CLEAR and CONCISE question. It took a few days, but this dude, whom I never met, has never hired me and owes me nothing, got back to me each time with CLEAR and CONCISE answers.
I do not do “e-mail blasts.” I believe it the visual form of telemarketing. Yeah, someone MIGHT bite, but you’re still being annoying to everyone else. Photo editors know what’s up. They will find you. I got my first ad campaign that way.
Here’s a tip. Use some creativity, come up with an IDEA and hit up a freelance writer. THEN hit the mag. This has worked for me 10 outta 10 times, and it will work for you. Sending out your generic “sports” shots and “fashion” shots wastes your time and theirs.

Oh yeah, @ Bettina (although you’re not who I though you were, how cool would that be) your shots are awesome.

]]> By: Mike Shipman http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37337 Mike Shipman Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:52:25 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37337 I can understand the reluctance to write a coherent subject line in an email. After we've downloaded, edited, deleted, rotated, color corrected, spotted, cropped, sized, captioned, keyworded, backed-up, archived, uploaded, re-described, added more keywords, burned some DVDs, had a few drinks and/or cigarettes and maybe a Prozac or two, trying to think of a catchy but useful subject line when our brain is mush is like the last straw. You just want to scream. Push through the pain. I can understand the reluctance to write a coherent subject line in an email. After we’ve downloaded, edited, deleted, rotated, color corrected, spotted, cropped, sized, captioned, keyworded, backed-up, archived, uploaded, re-described, added more keywords, burned some DVDs, had a few drinks and/or cigarettes and maybe a Prozac or two, trying to think of a catchy but useful subject line when our brain is mush is like the last straw. You just want to scream.

Push through the pain.

]]> By: Jacob http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37330 Jacob Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:22:02 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37330 although I agree with your point here - it made me remember this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12642015@N06/2179115178/in/photostream/ although I agree with your point here – it made me remember this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12642015@N06/2179115178/in/photostream/

]]> By: tamara http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37317 tamara Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:53:08 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37317 You are enjoyable to read, you have a good sense of humor and you are a wonderful advise giver. Thank you again. You are enjoyable to read, you have a good sense of humor and you are a wonderful advise giver. Thank you again.

]]> By: Tamar Levine http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37313 Tamar Levine Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:23:15 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37313 Thank you so much for this posting, Rob. I could not have read this at a better time. It's always so difficult to figure out how to try and grab attention of someone who gets so many of the same kinds of emails every day, and I get so frustrated when most of my emails don't even get opened. I will put your suggestion to the test this week! Very best, Tamar Thank you so much for this posting, Rob. I could not have read this at a better time. It’s always so difficult to figure out how to try and grab attention of someone who gets so many of the same kinds of emails every day, and I get so frustrated when most of my emails don’t even get opened. I will put your suggestion to the test this week!

Very best,

Tamar

]]> By: the cinemascapist http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37308 the cinemascapist Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:36:23 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37308 @Anthony, thanks Anthony, but I'm not sure if you mean the concept of my work in progress mentioned above or what? My current work is not new. But thanks again anyway. @Anthony,

thanks Anthony, but I’m not sure if you mean the concept of my work in progress mentioned above or what? My current work is not new. But thanks again anyway.

]]> By: Honor Bound http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37306 Honor Bound Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:02:30 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37306 I am going to side with Rob on this one. I am a photographer and have so far sent out six email blasts. When I put the name of the magazine client in the subject line such as: Vanity Fair - XXXXXX Photographer - then the emails were opened and there was a noticeable increase in site visits. When I put something like - MY NAME - New work - well, it did not quite work as well as I had hoped. Hell, I get close to 400 spam emails at day through my gmail account. I can not imagine how difficult it is for an art director of photo editor who is on one of the Agency Access or Adbase mailing lists. Personally, I've about given up on email as a way to market. There are better ways and I just need to find one. (By the way, I am in my fifties, Mr. Corby and some of the freshest and most interesting work I've seen lately has been by shooters in their forties to sixties who are secure enough in their career and work to push through all the b.s. and concentrate on what is important. I suggest maybe you do the same before throwing your name onto a blog that is read worldwide. Postings on the net live forever...) I am going to side with Rob on this one. I am a photographer and have so far sent out six email blasts. When I put the name of the magazine client in the subject line such as: Vanity Fair – XXXXXX Photographer – then the emails were opened and there was a noticeable increase in site visits.

When I put something like – MY NAME – New work – well, it did not quite work as well as I had hoped.

Hell, I get close to 400 spam emails at day through my gmail account. I can not imagine how difficult it is for an art director of photo editor who is on one of the Agency Access or Adbase mailing lists.

Personally, I’ve about given up on email as a way to market.

There are better ways and I just need to find one.

(By the way, I am in my fifties, Mr. Corby and some of the freshest and most interesting work I’ve seen lately has been by shooters in their forties to sixties who are secure enough in their career and work to push through all the b.s. and concentrate on what is important. I suggest maybe you do the same before throwing your name onto a blog that is read worldwide. Postings on the net live forever…)

]]> By: Christine Blackburne http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37305 Christine Blackburne Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:57:41 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37305 @Corby Lightson, A photo editor's job isn't to just open emails all day. A great deal more photographers email a photo editor than there are job to be handed out. If someone in a non-creative field spent all his time interviewing possible employees for jobs that are not currently open instead of doing the job he was hired for, he'd be failing his company and he'd lose his job. Why do you think a photo editor or art director is any different? @Corby Lightson,

A photo editor’s job isn’t to just open emails all day. A great deal more photographers email a photo editor than there are job to be handed out. If someone in a non-creative field spent all his time interviewing possible employees for jobs that are not currently open instead of doing the job he was hired for, he’d be failing his company and he’d lose his job. Why do you think a photo editor or art director is any different?

]]> By: A Photo Director http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37302 A Photo Director Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:34:16 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37302 @Matthew Dorian, Gee, I hope you're not a photographer with an attitude like that. It can't be healthy. @Matthew Dorian,
Gee, I hope you’re not a photographer with an attitude like that. It can’t be healthy.

]]> By: A Photo Editor http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37287 A Photo Editor Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:17:15 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37287 @Matthew Dorian, You don't have to be a douche about it. You actually don't have a clue how many emails are sent. I certainly know plenty of people who don't open any of them. @Matthew Dorian,
You don’t have to be a douche about it. You actually don’t have a clue how many emails are sent. I certainly know plenty of people who don’t open any of them.

]]> By: Corby Lightson http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37285 Corby Lightson Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:08:25 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37285 Hello A Photo Editor, I have a news flash: You're just a plain mean old guy. You make it sound like it's a chore to look at new work. Well, you chose your job as an editor so do your job and look at new work with enthusiasm, without all the sarcastic crap. Who knows, you might after all find a gem, even if that photographer can't write the right words in the subject line in the email. Jeez, you must have been living in New York too long. Made you way too jaded for your young age -- you sound like you're 50. Hello A Photo Editor, I have a news flash: You’re just a plain mean old guy. You make it sound like it’s a chore to look at new work. Well, you chose your job as an editor so do your job and look at new work with enthusiasm, without all the sarcastic crap. Who knows, you might after all find a gem, even if that photographer can’t write the right words in the subject line in the email. Jeez, you must have been living in New York too long. Made you way too jaded for your young age — you sound like you’re 50.

]]> By: Vikram http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37284 Vikram Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:29:26 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37284 For photographer's in India ( and probably the world) , where there is a dearth of good and intelligent perspectives, your blog is different. For photographer’s in India ( and probably the world) , where there is a dearth of good and intelligent perspectives, your blog is different.

]]> By: An Art Director http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37283 An Art Director Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:20:36 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37283 @Matthew Dorian, who do you think does hire you? Be smart and listen to friendly advice. I only post to try and be constructive and help you out. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. @Matthew Dorian, who do you think does hire you? Be smart and listen to friendly advice. I only post to try and be constructive and help you out. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

]]> By: Anthony http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37282 Anthony Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:10:25 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37282 @le cinémasagiste, I'm very much digging your new work. @le cinémasagiste,

I’m very much digging your new work.

]]> By: Tyler Darden http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37280 Tyler Darden Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:45:48 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37280 Great advice! I tried this last week and my open rate for the emails improved from 17% to 22%. Hard to tell what will work, but this is a good start. And yes, I am an Illustrator and an Art Director. Don't shoot me, please. Great advice! I tried this last week and my open rate for the emails improved from 17% to 22%. Hard to tell what will work, but this is a good start.

And yes, I am an Illustrator and an Art Director. Don’t shoot me, please.

]]> By: Matthew Dorian http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37278 Matthew Dorian Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:41:00 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37278 Who am I? "Oh my god, I'm so busy, I'm the most important person in the world! I get so many fucking emails, you have no idea how many fucking emails I get! I can't possibly open all these fucking emails or hire anyone to do it for me because I'm so fucking important!" Oh, I must be an art director. Who am I?

“Oh my god, I’m so busy, I’m the most important person in the world! I get so many fucking emails, you have no idea how many fucking emails I get! I can’t possibly open all these fucking emails or hire anyone to do it for me because I’m so fucking important!”

Oh, I must be an art director.

]]> By: Javier Lovera http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37271 Javier Lovera Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:28:24 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37271 I second Max and the others. Guilty as charged. But hopefully a little smarter from now on. I second Max and the others. Guilty as charged. But hopefully a little smarter from now on.

]]> By: Max http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37270 Max Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:44:01 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37270 Great post, i'll never do it again. Thanks Rob Great post, i’ll never do it again.
Thanks Rob

]]> By: Tania http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/02/03/hello-i-have-a-new-post/#comment-37269 Tania Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:00:47 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=1887#comment-37269 This post is Right On Time, as I was just going through my Constant Contact reports. This post - and the subsequent comments- has been really helpful to me. :) This post is Right On Time, as I was just going through my Constant Contact reports. This post – and the subsequent comments- has been really helpful to me. :)

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