When good intentions...

don't work.

In addition to being a coach, I a design and build websites. I really love the creative work involved.

Recently in a teleconference the discussion turned to websites and a webpresence. One of the topics turned to the "Why" many in the group didn't have either a domain name or a website and the bottom line was upfront costs associated with the process.

So thinking like one who "market's his talents shamlessly" I crafted a solution.

Here is where the "good intention" ran into an obstacle. I made the offer of a "solution" via email from a Discussion Board. In most cases it was well received. However, there were those who thought that I had abused their email link.

At the request of the Board administrator I sent an apology to those who were offended rather than post to the board as I offered to do.

So my questions to this group are these:
(1) If I provide an email link on a Discussion Board am I not asking to be contacted by whomever would read the post?
(2) If I become a "member" of a discussion list and I email to that group would my action be considered spam?

Or, am I just being overly sensitive?

> don't work.

Hi Rob!

Ouch! I hate when that happens! When I am being of service, and other people see what I am doing as "undesirable."

> In most cases it was well
> received. However, there were those who
> thought that I had abused their email link.

> At the request of the Board administrator I
> sent an apology to those who were offended
> rather than post to the board as I offered
> to do.

***I am curious why the administrator asked you to email privately rather than make a public statement. Any insight there? Not that you asked, I am simply ever curious!

> So my questions to this group are these:
> (1) If I provide an email link on a
> Discussion Board am I not asking to be
> contacted by whomever would read the post?

***I receive email from many people who read my posts on boards, often times from people who do not openly participate. Being who I am, I do not get offended when the message comes out of a service oriented, Win/Win type place. Sounds like that is what you are doing. What I do not appreciate is when my name and email address is harvested from a board and I receive the ten bajillionth offer to make tons of money without working in the blink of an eye. That gets on my nerves!

I have made some excellent connections through people emailing me from "the boards" that I would never have made otherwise. In fact, just last week I hooked up with someone who I am negotiating a deal with right now...I have shared in ad swaps with people, shared knowledge freely, etc. all from emailing off the boards....

> (2) If I become a "member" of a
> discussion list and I email to that group
> would my action be considered spam?

***I think I answered this question above.

> Or, am I just being overly sensitive?

***I have had several episodes of *OUCH!* myself, and I am glad to say I have always recovered usually stronger. Sounds to me like this was written when the sting was still present....hope it is gone now!

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE JORDAN SCOTT