While I’m not a big fan of receiving ad-only messages from newsletters I subscribe to, I do understand that the list operator does need to make money somehow. However, I hate “blind” e-mails that say absolutely nothing and expect you to click a link with no additional information.
I got this message today:
Subject: A NO-BRAINER deal… for you (highly recommended)
Hi Craig Rettig
There are some deals called “no-brainers…”
My definition of a “no-brainer” is:
“Do not think… Just order it.”I am happy to suggest this no-brainer deal
to you today:http://[URL REMOVED]
Enjoy!
[NAME REMOVED]
My response? Hit the Delete button.
There is no way I’m clicking on an obviously-cloaked link just because you’re saying that it’s cool. For all I know, your system could’ve been hacked, and the resulting site could be linking to pornography, spyware, viruses, or something even worse.
The real shame here is the sender was a fairly well-known and well-respected Internet marketer who really should know better.
If you want me to click an affiliate link, first tell me what it is, then tell me why it’s a good deal/product/whatever. If you can’t be bothered to write a few sentences explaining why it’s a “no-brainer”, then I can’t be bothered to click the link.