Hi there.
I know it’s tempting when you have a new product, to want as many people to use it as possible. Believe me, I’ve been there. The podcasting space is generally a warm and welcoming one, but if there’s one thing no-one likes, it’s spam, and that’s what you are doing right now. I’m politely asking you to stop.
It probably feels like you’ve found the master key to every podcaster’s door right now, because you figured out how to scrape a database of RSS feeds and read the email address. But my dude, that information is not for you. You’re violating the terms of service of the directory providing that information, and you’re using personal information without people’s consent. That is illegal in a number of jurisdictions, including the entire European Union.
I know you know this, but you’re a hustler. Again, I get it. I really do. Here are some ethical options for you:
- I run a site that evaluates tools and services for podcasters, which is one of several. I’d be happy to give your site an honest review, and if I don’t like it, I won’t publish the review, but I can send you a copy if you like.
- There are lots of podcast newsletters you can read, subscribe to, and pitch to. They’re run by good people, but like me, they’re busy. They might not be able to respond to every pitch request, but I’m sure they’ll try.
- Twitter is awash with people who do the same for their own communities, so follow some of the bigger names in podcasting: look at the hosting companies and who they follow.
- Look to the podcast journalists in your area, or the small handful that operate respected international publications.
- Submit press releases to news outlets.
- Run events and workshops that showcase your product and demonstrate value.
I’m asking you as nicely as I can to stop scraping podcasters’ email addresses and sending them unsolicited junk mail for your product. Shortcuts like this make your work look like a heist, not a legitimate proposition.
I’ve added your name to the list of companies I’ve sent this or similar messages to. If you’d like to discuss how to ethically market to podcasters, I’d be happy to talk to you and remove your name from the list.
I wish you luck, and hope you’ll do better. I know you can.
Take care,
Mark Steadman
Companies I’ve sent this to, who have yet to engage
- Kitcaster
- Wisdom app
- Throne
- CrowdUltra
- Shout!
- Vurbl
- Qwoted
- Podder
- Shuffle
- Telbee
- PodLab
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