I’ve noted before that once you get a radio show you start to get on mailing lists for public relations people, who then send you emails promoting the people they’re paid to promote. And about half the time they’re promoting something that is the exact opposite of what you’d be interested in talking about. Here’s a great example that I received last week. Notice how informal it is and how the guy just acts like he knows me when I’ve never heard of him and haven’t the slightest interest in reading his tales of joy and triumph.

Hi Ed,

I was a pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles organization and not a Christian at the time. I became a Christian after baseball and I’ve been “Pitching” for Christ ever since. What I have is Good News in the form of three books that need to be read to benefit Christians. The books encourage them to share the message God is building in their lives. I have to find a way to be interviewed to tell my story even though the books are already in print with the last one released in June. Since this type of book is not found in book stores motivated me to write them. Would you do me a big favor and watch the interview about my first book, ‘The Winning Pitch’? The TV interview and the two links below will help you see what I mean. The books are filled with short true stories of individuals coming to Christ for salvation along with lives that changed because of the Biblical principles I shared that conquered bitterness, addiction, poor self worth etc. After watching the video it is my hope that you would interview me, I also attached the press release that we sent to your office a short time ago about all three books – the last two being ‘In The Big Inning’ and ‘”HIS” Extra Innings’.

Well no, you didn’t, because I don’t have an office and you don’t have my address. And if the book is as badly written as this email, I have even less interest in reading it than I did before.

And then there’s this one, from a PR person about another sports-related book of preaching:

Hello,

I am contacting you regarding my client Ebony Humphrey. She is the wife of New Orleans Saints TE Tory Humphrey, and has authored the new book Inside the Locker Room: A Journey of Faith and the Power of Prayer.

Truly a woman of inspiration, Ebony is determined to show the world that wives of professional athletes can be women of virtue, and substance. She depends on her relationship with Christ to guide her life and give her the strength that’s needed to keep her marriage strong, and keep her children humble and happy.

Ebony is the survivor of a childhood filled with instability. At a young age she was forced to live with her grandmother due to her mother’s inability to care for her. Battling mental illness, her mother was in abusive relationships that often spilled over to Ebony and her siblings. After living with her grandmother for awhile she was removed by child protective services and placed into foster care. Ebony utilized her believe in God to get her through those hard times even at a young age.

Inspired by her struggles and triumphs she wrote her first in a series of books entitled Inside the Locker Room: A Journey of Faith and the Power of Prayer. She pulls from her childhood experiences and the topsy turvy world of professional athletes and encourages women to stand strong and steadfast in their spiritual walk with Christ.

Now prepared to share her story with others Ebony will speak at faith based conferences, to women’s groups, and overseas Christian organizations. Her goal is to touch the lives of those struggling with their past and the everyday trials of life. She will travel across the nation inspiring women to trust God, obtain financial literacy, and embrace the true love of Christ

Now the mother of 4, Ebony holds a BA in Psychology, from Central Michigan University, and continued her education at Michigan State University where she became a Registered Nurse.

I would like you to consider featuring Ebony Humphrey, and allow her to share her touching and inspiring story. If you would like to schedule an interview contact GIC Public Relations at 323-972-4081.

GIC PUBLIC RELATIONS
Amy Malone

My reply to her:

Seriously, do you not do ANY research at all before adding people to your mailing list? I run a blog network for atheists, for Darwin’s sake. What on earth makes you think I’d want to read this kind of nonsense? I feel bad for your clients that you’re this bad at targeting your promotion efforts. You might as well try to sell air conditioners in the Arctic circle.